Zuko drops to his knees before the swiftly flowing river, the top half of Katara's body still cradled in his trembling arms. The tears have stopped flowing, and he's relieved. Sure, the first few heart-wrenching sobs had been a necessary release — totally called for and perfectly timed. But now? What good would his saltwater tear droplets do him now? Only exacerbate the pain, that's all; remind him of the way his beloved waterbender used to literally lift the pain off of his face with one sweep of her soft fingertips across his damp cheek. She loved doing that — showing him that which was hardest for him to see or even acknowledge on his own: his vulnerability. Katara had loved that about Zuko. He's absolutely certain no one else would. Not the way she did, anyway.
No. Crying isn't an option anymore
Bowing his head, he gazes down at her peaceful face — so peaceful, it's almost unfair, considering the torment plaguing him in both body and mind. It's almost as if she's sleeping, just waiting for another day, head resting on his arm and slightly turned to face the crook of his elbow.
Zuko leans down, planting a small half-kiss on her ice-cold forehead. He knows it's just wishful thinking. A new day will never come for Katara. They will never again wake up to a pink-and-gold sunrise, welcoming another twenty-four glorious hours they'll get to spend in each other's arms. Never again will the warm light of a crimson sunset envelop their kiss on the bench by the pond after feeding the turtleducks.
Never again. It's all over.
But still… why, why does he have to feel this pain alone? Why does he have to feel this pain at all? Couldn't her blood have stained someone else's fingers as they tried desperately to apply the required pressure to her terminal wound? Couldn't her heart have stopped beating under someone else's palm as they begged and pleaded with everything in them for her not to leave? Wasn't she strong enough to cheat death?
No, Zuko answers his own question. She wasn't. Not this time. And there is no one to blame. This is no one's fault. His angel was only human, after all, and her time has come.
"I'm so sorry," he whispers, face pressed against her heart. His voice cracks on the last word, and the tears are threatening to overcome him once more. This time, though, he has no choice. This time, he must let them come.
