Chapter Text
She sighs. A thick fog spouts from her lips, her breath like fire in the frigid southern air. She turns an envelope in her hands, the textured parchment is rough against her fingertips. She's perched on the edge of the tallest ice shelf in the south pole, watching the sunset, waiting for the stars to come out. His constellation would finally be visible tonight, and of all nights.
Her eyes wander down to the envelope, her fingers still absent mindedly skimming the front that bares her name in coal black ink. It's sealed with crimson wax, imprinted with the shape of two dragons intertwined and breathing fire. She closes her eyes, as if willing her heart to slow its furious rhythm. She dreams, for only a moment, of dropping the letter from the precipice she sits on and watching the water beneath consume it until there is nothing left but shreds of words she'll never read. But she could never do it.
She hooks her fingernail underneath the fire breathing dragons and pops the seal in one swift motion. The letter inside feels heavier in her hands and they shake as she unfolds it slowly in front of her.
Katara,
I hope that this letter finds you in good health and in higher spirits, though I'm not quite certain how to proceed beyond this pleasantry. Truthfully, I've been sitting at my desk for the last five hours, discarded at least a dozen drafts of this letter, and talked myself out of writing it at all a time or two.
If I were a decent man, or a better Fire Lord, I'd inquire as to the current condition of the relationship between the Northern and Southern Water tribes, as I've been told it's been rather hostile as of late. I would recount to you with much excitement the progress that Aang and I have made in the planning and establishing of Republic City, though I can't imagine he wouldn't have already told you himself. If I were so bold, I would extend an invitation to you to return to Calderra City to assist me with matters concerning your nation. But I am afraid I am neither a decent man, nor a proper Fire Lord. Because none of those things are at the forefront of my mind when it comes to you.
Katara, if I were a reckless man, I would spend my only correspondence with you rambling off the dates of every sleepless night I've endured since last I saw you. I would tell you of the countless times that Uncle caught me preparing to come after you, and the frustration that burned in me when he reminded me of my duties to my people. I would share with you the anger and stress that comes with the responsibility of carrying the traditions of my culture on my back while attempting to keep up with a changing world. I know you would understand. I often find myself standing at the edge of the city, late at night, watching ships come and go in the harbor. I must confess, that I wish every single one were carrying you back to me. I long to spend another evening with you beside the pond in the gardens, feeding the turtleducks. I'd give anything to have you stand up and speak against me in my own counsel meetings again. I dream of hopping over the palace walls and sneaking into that seedy tavern in the market district with you and drinking Fire whiskey until we pass out. And I want nothing more than to jump on the first ship to the South Pole tomorrow. But you and I both know why that can't happen.
Had I known, on the day of the comet, what would transpire afterward, I don't know that I wouldn't have selfishly declined the throne. Perhaps I would've begged Uncle to reconsider, or I might have pushed for elected leaders, or perhaps, I wouldn't have had the heart or mind to do anything differently. My feelings for you have been no secret. I may not have said as much, but I'd like to think I've told you with every action I've taken since you saved my life, maybe even before then. I'd like to think you've known since the second I leapt at that bolt of lightning. I've been in love with you, Katara, for longer than I can begin to explain. I've been in agony since the day you left.
I know that if this letter does find you, that I can't persuade you to come back. I can't conjure feelings in you that don't exist. I don't expect you to ever give me a rhyme or a reason to what you did. I just wanted you to know of my deepest feelings for you. I wanted you to know that I love you with every ounce of my strength. My duties bind me to another, but my heart belongs only to you. We've both made sacrifices for our people, and for the world.
Congratulations on your marriage, Master Katara. May Agni bless your union and guide you through every adventure in your beautiful life that is to follow. I leave you now with a hope that you will carry with you a piece of me, as I will always carry with me a piece of you.
Forever Yours,
Zuko
The freezing wind stings her cheeks, freshly painted with tears, as she clutches the letter close to her heart. Her labored sobs are lost in the howling wind on the desolate, frozen tundra around her. When she closes her eyes she sees Calderra City fading away into the early morning light, and she sees a shadow watching her from the edge of the volcano. She opens her eyes to gaze across the vast ocean, feeling him out there despite their distance. Her hand falls to cradle her slightly swollen stomach, the confession falling as no more than a whisper from her delicate mouth,
"A piece of you"