those amber eyes (slow updates)

The Plan

Iroh's POV
Later that night, I stood by the railings of the ship to tell Y/N what I had discussed with Nadena; if we'd be returning to Shu Jing in five days time, it would be in my best interest to decide on what our first move would be in finding the culprits.

I was quite content with Y/N's company, she was interesting and challenged me.

Surely enough, Y/N arrived and chuckled when she saw me,

"Why am I not surprised to see you here?"

I sent her a soft smile, still holding my hands behind my back and maintaining perfect posture as she leaned onto the railings and inhaled the salty breeze of the ocean.

"I met with Nadena, she's a master healer from the Water Tribe, she's also in charge of all the healers that are on board this ship; she thinks that if all goes well, we can set sail for Shu Jing in five days time."

"That's good, right?"

I nodded,

"I've decided it would be in our best interest to speak to the chief of police about how to go about finding these criminals."

"Oh, you mean in the United Republic?"

I nodded.

She nodded back before taking a moment to think and then asking,

"So... Iroh, why the United Forces? Why not the Fire Nation army?"

"My mother thought it would be fitting for the son of the Fire Lord to fight for the United Republic seeing that in the past, our nation has brought terrible things to the world... so we try to do everything we can to help keep the balance."

She nodded slowly,

"That's pretty neat..."

We stood in silence for a few minutes, it wasn't awkward, it was rather comfortable, both of us under the mutual understanding that there wasn't much to be said between us.

After a while she yawned before turning to me,

"I'm gonna get to bed, but you know, Iroh, despite being super stiff and extremely socially awkward, you're pretty cool."

I opened my mouth to respond but all I could manage was a small wave.

Was that a compliment or...?

Super stiff?

Socially awkward?

She wasn't completely wrong... I wasn't always the best and dealing with social situations but I don't see how I come across as stiff...

Well, she did say I was pretty cool...

I breathed in the salty air one last time before retreating to my quarters and preparing myself to go to sleep.

As I looked in the mirror I caught myself smiling,

She thinks I'm pretty cool.

Outside of family friends, I don't really get a chance to befriend many people my age, I spend most of my time working.

My role as the general of the United Forces seems to have become my entire identity, I didn't have the time to pleasure myself with leisurely activities and didn't have any close friends.

Not that I minded, I loved my job and it's all that really mattered to me.

But sometimes, it seemed that it was rather lonely not having anyone, and that maybe I wouldn't mind having someone to call my friend.

Y/N's POV
I flopped backwards onto my bed and sighed.

I guess I'm going to Republic City.

I'd never actually been to the United Republic, I wondered what it'd be like- I had heard that it was very modern, they supposedly had a lot of vehicles and taller buildings, Avatar Aang's son Tenzin apparently lives on Air Temple Island which is there, too.  

Besides that, I was so excited to see Tunuk for my check up- he hadn't left my mind once since I left the ship's infirmary.

I wondered if he had a girlfriend. That'd be extremely awkward if he did.

Perhaps I could ask him if he'd be okay with me visiting him in the South Pole once I complete my mission with General Iroh.

Is that too full on?

But what other choice would I have? The general called them from the Water Tribe, it isn't like I'll have much time to get to know him before he returns, anyway.

I twiddled with my thumbs.

Maybe, General Iroh and I might need assistance from the South Pole, the same way we're getting help from the chief of police in Republic City.

No, that's just wishful thinking...

I rolled over onto my side.

Besides, there are much more important things that should be ruling my mind right now, like the whereabouts of my brother.

I know that thinking about it will only worsen my worry, but sometimes I can't really help it.

I should've been there, I should've been protecting him; I can't lose him, too.

I rolled onto my back and closed my eyes, feeling tears escape them and roll down both sides of my face and onto the pillow behind me.

I'm going to find you, Tojan, just wait for me- please.