The Unpredictable Fire Adventurers [General Iroh II x Reader] [Legend of Korra]

『despite our best efforts

[4 Years Later]

As you scribble down a flurry of talking points for the next peace meeting, your eyes wander around your desk. Many years have passed since the disbandment of your traveling group, and it has since been a rollarcoaster of events.

Your gaze lands at the scattered photo frames around you. One frame holds a picture of you and Iroh before he left for his enlistment. His hair is combed in the same manner as his father and he stands at attention. The second photo is that of the group, albeit a bit older and was taken at the reunion a year ago. It has been difficult to get everyone at the same place at once, but when the stars aligned, the moment had to be commemorated.

The next two photos bring a mixture of emotions, happiness yet pain. One is of Tonraq's wedding and the other is of Haku's wedding. In both photos, you and Iroh are present, but what's not present? A ring on your finger.

You'd think that at 21 years old, you'd at least be engaged in your five year year relationship. But alas, the sounds of peacemaking calls for Iroh's complete attention.

With a heavy sigh, you recline in your chair. Although you are happy he found his true calling, you find yourself deserted. Some solace can be derived from his family, who already treat you as part of their clan. Every night you have dinner with Iroh's family, and you are treated as the second daughter. When need be, you have tea time with Zuko or Aang, whoever finds themselves in your office in need of your acumen.

Most of the time, you draft up proposals or carefully scripted letters to help with the expansion of Republic City. The city's structures have mostly been implemented from your designs, garnering the respect of many powerful figures and leaving you with little free time to explore outside the palace. It makes you miss your journey with the group as you enjoyed the freedom and detachment from responsibilities. 

But now, you sit in your office devoid of any gusto, holding the world in your hands.

Yet a small lingering hope resides in your heart. You pull on one of the drawers to grab a particular envelope. You read its contents once more to bring your heart at ease.

'I'll be returning in a week to see you, and I hope you react well to my news,' Iroh writes.

A burst of emotions flood your heart as you feel that one of your dreams might finally come true.

[_]

The much anticipated dinner arrives, and you appear in the great hall dressed in your formal wear. There you find Zuko and his wife seated, along with Fire Lord Izumi and her husband. Iroh's sister comes up from behind and acquires the other end of the table.

"Come on, you know that's where Iroh will sit," Izumi chastises, forcing the small girl to grumble and sit beside her.

"Have you seen Iroh yet?" Azusa asks from afar. You seat yourself in the chair beside Zuko.

"Yes, he just got home and is taking a shower," you say giddily.

"You should act surprised when he proposes," Iroh's grandmother suggests. "Don't want to hurt his ego if you already guessed why he's returned."

"Okay!" you nod your head.

"It's about time that boy finally settles down in his personal life," Izumi adds. "This is an exciting night for us all."

"Aang wanted to attend the occasion, but he appears to be having some health issues at the moment," Zuko states with concern. "I think I might visit him soon."

"Wow, is it public news that I'm getting engaged tonight?" you mumble. "But I hope he feels better, Zuko."

"Hush! None of that now!" Zuko's wife quiets the engagement talk. "It's bad luck to tempt fate."