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

『an awkward date [2]

"I almost fainted when my dad came back with the first edition of that book!" Li exclaims as he recites the tenth story of the night. You just nod your head and let out a hum; meanwhile, your eyes keep a constant surveillance of the area. 

'Something feels off.'

The moment you two arrived at the dumpling shop, you felt as if you were being watched. Your face no longer sported a hood, gracing the public's eyes. You might have washed up a bit and went to the nearest beauty parlor for a fresh face of make-up, but you were still recognizable as the girl who knows too much.

It's hard to pay attention to what Li says and even more difficult to match his enthusiasm. When he pays for the meal, you realize that you had zoned out the majority of the time and instantly feel a wave of guilt. He doesn't notice your lack of presence though and tugs you to the next event: a light show.

"I came here so many times with my grandfather," Li breaks your concentration. His attachment to his family renders a long lost feeling within you; you yearned for such a childhood, one with the happiness of a family. 

"It doesn't matter if it's the same content each year?" you ask.

Li smiles at your first question of the night. "No, it was still breathtaking as always. Plus, my experiences with my grandfather were always different each year."

You nod your head while you engage in some serious thinking. A comforting silence blankets you two as you watch the show. Mesmerized by the exuberant lights, you focus on that and shrug off the gnawing sensation of being watched. It isn't until you feel a hand snake into yours that you're taken out of your comfort.

Eyes wide, you gaze up at Li, who dons a bright pink blush. Your heart doesn't react to him, but there is a sense of happiness that's derived from the touch. A smile makes way onto your lips as you relish the moment.

[_____]

"That was beautiful!" you gush as you skip over to the fountain. Li follows closely as a grin paints his face.

"Yeah, I'm glad I got a new memory of the show."

"I wish the others were there to watch it," you lowly admit. You picture those three enjoying the array of festive snacks, all while basking in the beauty of the light show. The thought brings an even wider smile to your face.

"Did you say something?"

"N-No!" You continue walking until you two are directly in front of the stone fountain. "Ahhhh, this was fun!"

"Yeah, I'm glad I went with you," Li says as he scratches the back of his head.

"Time flies when you're in good company."

"Aw, thanks," he laughs. "So um, you didn't talk much about your family."

"Ah, well, there isn't much to talk about. I don't really have one. Crazy mom, nonexistent dad, and an extended family who hates me."

"What about your brothers?"

"Hm? I don't have... OH!" you gasp, remembering the little lie you told. "Same circumstances, we just all decided to leave and discover the world."

You notice a light bulb brighten on top of his head, and suddenly your hands become hostages in his grasp. "Y-You should remain here!" Li shouts determinedly. 

"Huh?"

"I have a library, and you can collect to your heart's content! Our kids will be smart like you--"

"Our kids?"

"Yeah, and we can pass down the library to them," Li continues with rich enthusiasm. He appears so wrapped up in his own delusions that he doesn't consider your opinion on the matter.

But a home you actually can belong to... It sounds nice, sure. You can picture yourself living that sort of life, but you didn't go on this adventure to be domesticated right off the bat. You want to experience what this world had to offer.

"EXCUSE ME!" a familiar voice bellows out. You both glance up to see three figures standing on the rim of the giant fountain. The dim lighting illuminates their faces somewhat, but it's enough for you to see through their disguises.

Iroh is dressed as some long lost samurai with fake scarring and a straw in his mouth; Haru is dressed as some sage that gives crappy advice as seen by his obnoxiously flowing beard and the crystal ball in his hand; Tonraq is a platypus bear (you don't even want to THINK how much that bear suit cost the group); finally, Hammy sits snuggly on Tonraq's fur-covered shoulder dressed as a king. You spot all of them holding bags of festival snacks and goodies, a clear indication that they've been enjoying your date activities as well. 

"Are...Are you kidding me?" you mutter under your breath.

Yeah, why did you ever expect a normal date?