"Your going to the dance?" Iroh asked proudly as he was ironing zukos black dress shirt while his nephew was in the bathroom.

"I'll get harassed if I don't," he said unamused.

"By who?" Iroh looked at the cat that stared at him confused.

"Katara, Sokka, Toph, Aang, Suki, they bully me into doing things with them," Zuko walked out of the bathroom with a red tank top on, he switched his patch on his arm so he would be good to go for the evening.

"Bout time someone does," Iroh smiled handing him the shirt.

"I want a picture before you leave, you look so handsome nephew," he coped as Zuko groaned buttoning up the shirt.

"Okay," he agreed anyways and grabbed the red tie. His uncle forced his way in to tie it for him, Zuko gave up and let him, same reason he let his uncle also iron his already ironed shirt, but he wasn't going to tell him he purposely wrinkled it before.

"I'm truly happy you're going to your first dance, next year you'll get to go to prom," Iroh beamed brightly up at him.

Zuko smiled a little and nodded. It sounded nice.

He got a text on his phone and saw Katara let him know they arrived to pick him up.

"Oh no they're going to kidnap me," Zuko sighed disappointed.

"Don't get into trouble, and have fun," Iroh patted his shoulder.

"Wait I want pictures with your friends!"

"Uncle please!"

-

The five teenagers walked into the tea shop dressed up as Iroh was already downstairs excitedly with his camera.

"Yes pictures!" Sokka gasped thankfully.

"I can't believe your making them take pictures," Zuko sighed as he closed the door behind him.

His hair was parted to the side and combed for once but it still looked messy a little but wasn't as fluffy. He had his black dress shirt and a dark grey vest that hugged his body, and surprisingly wore dress pants.

"Aww he looks civil!" Suki teased leaning against Sokka as she wore a green mermaid dress that was off her shoulders.

"You look nice," Katara smiled from the side.

He inhaled deeply seeing Katara got the strapless ball gown dress with the black lace from the store that was his personal favorite, her hair was loosely curled down her back as half of it was up in a loose bun that had silver pins that sparkled a little in her dark hair, a few pieces of hair fell in her face.

"Holy shit," Zuko whispered under his breath looking at her.

"Come on hurry!" Toph whined and Zuko was pulled to the group next to Katara, she hugged him so he was in the picture, his hands slipping around her waist and looked down seeing she had a large grin on her face. He glanced at the others as they were smiling for the picture, his friends.

He looked back at his uncle as offered a gentle smile that settled on his lips, he leaned a little on Katara as she giggled squeezing him.

"Can Suki and I get a picture together?" Sokka asked kindly and Iroh agreed happily for the couple.

"Us next!" Katara raised her hand as they all backed away from them.

"Really?" Zuko asked surprised.

"Well don't I look beautiful? I want to make sure we have one picture we both look great in," Katara nodded holding onto his arm.

"You look extravagant tonight," he squeezed her back a little.

"Just tonight?" She hummed.

Zuko was about to answer but Iroh was ready to take a picture, he rolled his eyes pulling her close with his hand holding her bare arm as she rested her head on his shoulder, both her arms were wrapped around his chest.

"You both are wonderful," Iroh sighed gently at them.

"Alright You all have a good night, please drive safe! Be responsible!" Iroh walked them out as they got into sokkas car.

"Call if you need anything!" He waved as Zuko nodded but frowned when everyone started teasing and cooing at him for his caring uncle.

"I'll be home later, I'll text you if I spend the night somewhere," Zuko let him know but Sokka rolled up the window on him.

Iroh smiled watching the car drive away. He was so glad his boy got to finally act his age again. Feeling loved by his friends. Opening up like he always hoped Zuko would to others. Learning it's okay to let his guard down. This is the life he always wanted for his nephew. He was glad he got to experience it.

And for himself, to be able to dress his boy up, to make him look like a gentleman. To tie his tie and iron his shirt.

Tears formed a little in his eyes and shook his head. He got to see at least one of his sons go to his first dance... he wished lu ten was here to see how much Zuko has grown up.

He gulped a little wiping his tear and smiled looking at the portrait on the back wall by the tea, his son looking over the shop, jasmine tea was always his favorite. He was just lucky it was also zukos favorite tea as well.

Yes it was sad to see his boy go out, seeing him get older. But he was never afraid he would leave him, he knows even when Zuko is moved out and starting a life again, he would always stay close in touch with his uncle.

Iroh wanted him to grow as his own man.

And this was the start. Seeing his bloom.

He never felt more fulfilled as a proud parent.