To Lose or to Gain: Iroh's Child (AtlA Fanfic)

Exasperation

"I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Azulon looked his eldest in the eye, watching how Iroh's features twisted in amusement at something he knew and the Fire Lord did not. At times Iroh proved exasperating, and today proved to be one of those days. More specifically, Iroh arrived back from his trip bringing Zuko home with him, tucking the boy safely into bed before approaching the Fire Lord to report in regarding the boy's progress. "And?"

"I need a few more months but trust me. You do trust me, right?"

Azulon trusted Iroh in so many ways, including trusting Iroh to lead the army in the Earth Kingdom, yet he also trusted the crown prince's mischievous streak to arise at some of the most inopportune times. More importantly, the look on Iroh's face was that look, the look which indicated he was definitely up to something. "I'm not so sure I want my grandson learning to prank the palace staff."

Iroh's facial features twisted into a circle, a laugh bursting from his lungs. "Did you, dear father, attempt to make a joke?" Iroh cleared his throat, his smile as always attempting to infect Azulon's own facial features; the Fire Lord already felt the corner of his mouth twist up, but felt glad Iroh found himself focused on some purpose. "Don't worry. I'm not planning anything mischievous, but for you to see I need to start in on Zuko's lessons in Firebending. He is definitely ready. Please do not spy on the lessons. I wish it to be a surprise."

"Exasperating indeed." Azulon motioned indicating Iroh could take his leave. "Have a good night. There are other things to discuss in the morning when both you and Zuko are rested, but not within earshot of Zuko."

"Oh?" The smile fell from Iroh's face, not at all what Azulon intended. "Shouldn't we..."

"No, no." Azulon let out a sound of exasperation. "I want you to rest and have a clear mind. It's not anything that needs immediate attention anyways."

Iroh bowed. "Goodnight father."

At that point Azulon found himself lost in thoughts, his mouth twisting into a pout. "I am a bit disappointed I didn't get to see Zuko when he arrived back at the palace, but I honestly missed that child. There is something about him..."

His voice slowed to a mummer, his words only to himself, yet the month or two Zuko was away proved exasperating like so many other things. In fact, his ears missed the laughter of a young child in the halls, something he'd not heard since Lu Ten was that age. There was something innocent about children that some – including his youngest son Ozai – didn't actually understand, but then, perhaps his own father did not.

"Perhaps I should heed my own advice and also get a good night's rest," Azulon let out a sigh, wondering how exasperated he would become, particularly waiting for the surprise Iroh planned. Sometimes this was a good thing, like a new, delicious tea his son came up with, but other times... Lu Ten was in fact the same way, full of so many surprises. Regardless, no matter how exasperated some of the surprises that the royal courts might find unprincely made him, Azulon took delight in said actions.

Thankfully, soon after the sun greeted him in the morning he found himself greeted by Zuko and Iroh who joined him for breakfast. Azulon cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the small child. "So, how was your trip."

"It was good." Zuko obviously pondered what else he should say, yet ended up saying nothing.

"Did you enjoy your swordsmanship lessons? Where are the blades you forged?"

Zuko looked at Iroh, then cleared his throat. "It was decided I should have Lu Tens."

Despite his knowledge of Piandao every student graduate forge their own sword, it also made sense that Zuko should be given Lu Ten's blades; As such, Azulon didn't question the answer any further. "I see."