the tides on the cliffs, a beyond forever drabble compilation
Katara stands behind him as he stares at his son. The little boy is sleeping peacefully in his cradle, breathing evenly. He is the picture of perfect health and yet his father's eyes are red rimmed with sadness. She is hesitant, but she decides to settle her hand against his back anyway. He recoils as if she has burned him, but turns around to face her anyway.
"You can't keep doing this, Zuko."
The Fire Lord shakes his head. "She'd be alive. Zora would have a mother and I'd have a wife and we'd have a Fire Lady."
"So what?" She challenges ardently, "you'd go back in time and change it just to have her back?"
When he looks into her eyes, she knows instantly that their conversation is derailed. "I'd do everything all over again if it meant I could have her back. Even if for an extra year, or just a month, or a day. I needed more time than what we had." They both know that they are talking about an entirely different situation, but they continue.
"And your children?"
"I love them, Zora and Lu Zin both," he starts, "but at least I'd have her. I'd rather have no children if I could have her."
Katara stares blankly at him and then looks down at her feet, trying to hide the look on her face. "I'm sorry," her voice is barely above a whisper and tears shine in her eyes, "I'm so sorry for your loss."
notes: it would make a lot of sense if you've read 'beyond forever,' but i suppose it isn't mandatory. sorry this took so long. also, this will most likely be the last piece of fiction on this account, as i have moved.