Title: Lotus
Author: Sakura Sango
Rated: G
Disclaimer: I don't own it nor do I imply that I do. I am only borrowing the A:TLA characters and world for my fun, only to return them once I have had my fill of them. (Though they may be slightly more wrinkled/torn/disturbed/or whatever else then when I took them.) That means I don't make money off of them- or else I wouldn't write fanfics on free sites- I'd be sitting in a pool of money
Pairing: Both of these pairings can actually be one sided if you prefer. Aang/Zuko, Korra/Zuko
Summary: She couldn't help loving him as Aang had. Not even death could separate their intertwined souls, but Aang had never told him what was in his heart all those years ago…
A/N: This was an older prompt that Yo gave me. I found it again and decided to edit it and put it up here, if anyone actually wants to read it.
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The white lotus drifted slowly along the smooth water, tiny ripples carrying it far away from the girl. Deep inside her she could feel that she was hurting for two people; even if she could not understand or explain it to Tenzen. Instead she had brushed off the worried looks and questions after visiting the old Fire Temple.
The return trip home had been painful for her. Even now, as she pressed a hand against her fluttering heart, Korra was certain that an iron vice grip was holding her heart still, refusing to let it beat. The pain was too fresh for her to talk about, this hurt worse when Mako had turned his back to her, refusing to acknowledge her love. It was close, but too different.
It was double the pain than what it had been for Mako and her.
"Zuko," the name rolled off her tongue causing another piercing pain in her chest. Closing her eyes, she allowed her spirit to be free. Allowed her body and mouth to express just what she was feeling. Opening her mind and her senses she breathed deeply before allowing her lips to form the words that she knew were going to come.
"Zuko, I've always loved you." Her voice mingled with another's, the combination becoming a precious melody as they molded and complemented each other perfectly. Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew who it was that was talking with her. Whose part of her Avatar soul was whispering the confession.
"It was only convenience that I take another. But I always loved you." Her back slouched as she curled around the pain that etched in her. "If only I could have been around to tell you in person. If only I could have been brave enough to admit it. Admit how beautiful you were when you became the new Fire Lord. How much I adored you."
The lotus stilled in the lake as the water stilled. Its petals quivering as if hearing every word that was being whispered and waiting to hear more.
"And I wish I could have told you," Korra's voice disappeared as she mouthed the words without ever being able to utter them. Even now, after so many years, it was still impossible for the past Avatar to utter the words aloud. Instead Korra mouthed them again and again as tears filled her eyes. Hands clasped over clenched eyes as she tried to ignore the resounding pain of a newly broken heart. Her lips continuing their movement as she sobbed silently into her hands.
I love you.
The lotus spun in a circle as the waves allowed it to continue on its course down the lake.