Day 3: Memories

Reunited Hearts

Katara gazed at the letter, worn and wrinkled from numerous nights of her folding and unfolding it. She couldn't bring herself to stop reading the words scrawled there in that distinctive handwriting. It was her lifeline to the one man who had her heart for eternity.

Things between her and the Fire Lord had been tumultuous at best. They had begun a secret relationship that was exhilarating and magical. Trysts near the fountain in Zuko's private garden; love making sessions by firelight in the wee hours of the morning…it was the fulfillment of her wildest dreams.

She had originally gone to the Fire Nation as an advocate and diplomat for her nation. What she found there was her soul mate.

But reality set in when Aang, seemingly out of nowhere, had professed his love for her. Yes, they had kissed that day during the party celebrating the end of the war, but his duties as Avatar had consumed his life. He never gave another hint of his feelings until he came to visit her in the Fire Nation two years later and told her how he truly felt about her.

She briefly contemplated lying to him and saying she just didn't see him that way, but she decided to be honest. She told him about her feelings for Zuko and he accepted her rejection with maturity. She then faced her future with unfailing optimism. She and Zuko would live out their days in the Fire Nation, start a family, and live happily together.

Only one of those events actually happened. Katara cradled her rounded belly, tears staining her cheeks, as she thought about how differently her life had turned out.

After Zuko had left for a post-war restoration visit to the surrounding nations, she had discovered she was pregnant. She felt Zuko couldn't be both the Fire Lord and father to her child so she left to return home. She continued to teach the now growing Southern Water Tribe about waterbending and the healing arts. When she began to show, her role changed to private healing sessions and house calls, but she refused to stop doing what she loved.

Now, six months into her pregnancy, she still couldn't bring herself to tell Zuko about his child. She didn't want to taint his reputation and ruin his future reign. That was why she had left in the first place. Her dad and brother were upset with her for keeping such a secret but still insisted on helping her. Sokka had even begged her to tell Zuko but she refused.

Their romance, though wonderful, had been nothing but a fleeting memory. All she had left was a letter that was written during a different time. A time when she still had hope in love.

She heard the door of her private hut creak open and closed. It jarred her from her reminiscing and she swiped her eyes hastily.

"Sokka, please. I'm tired and don't want to argue about this anymore. I'm not telling him."

"Not telling who?"

Katara froze, her back facing the door, and turned her head to the side. Trembling fingers gripped the letter more tightly. That voice…she could recognize it anywhere.

"Zuko?"

"Katara, why did you leave? I just got back from my trip and I was told you returned home. What happened? Weren't you happy?"

He sounded lost and she felt a sob rise in her chest. She hesitated, not wanting him to see her.

"Please, talk to me. I'll do whatever it takes. Just let me fix this." His voice was so choked with emotion that she cringed. How could she ignore him?

She released a breath as she slowly turned toward him. Her bump, though not as big as it would get, was clearly visible. This was it…he was definitely going to know now.

His red rimmed eyes looked relieved and scared at the same time. His gaze instantly settled on her midsection and his lips parted in surprise.

"Katara…" he trailed off and she nodded.

"I'm sorry I left. I just didn't know how to explain…this," she looked down and released a shuddering breath

Zuko approached her, his throat working. It appeared he had figured out the truth. When he was close enough, he placed his hand on the swell of her abdomen. The warmth and gentleness in his touch triggered images of their most intimate moments together.

"This is our child, isn't it?"

She silently placed her hand on top of his and began to weep. He pulled her close, wrapping her up firmly.

"There's nothing to explain. I know you're scared but you don't have to be. I want you to come back with me. We can make this work."

"I can't. I can't go with you. The Fire Nation wouldn't accept this."

"I don't care what they think!"

"No, it's just too much trouble."

Suddenly, a third voice chimed in.

"Katara, you need to go with him."

Startled, they both looked up and saw Hakoda standing in her doorway.

"Dad?" she said, shocked surprise in her tone.

"Zuko is trying to take care of his responsibilities so let him. There's more opportunity in the Fire Nation for you three to thrive and make real changes in the world. Your union might just be the thing that helps push us forward. Plus, he is the Fire Lord and he wouldn't allow anything to happen to you and the baby. Right?"

Hakoda gave Zuko a pointed stare. Her father had phrased it as more of a threat than a question. Zuko nodded vehemently.

"Of course!" He turned back to Katara.

"Give me a chance to do this the right way. Give us a chance. I know we can create happier memories together. "

After a brief pause, Katara slowly nodded, her tears subsiding. This was the best option for them and she knew it. She could try to fight it as much as she wanted, but it was clear what she needed to do. Her father gave a quick nod.

"Sokka and I will start packing your things."

Katara cast him a brief smile as he disappeared through the door, just as quietly as he'd appeared.

She then carefully folded the letter clutched in her hand and started to slip it into her tunic when Zuko caught her hand in his. He examined the piece of parchment and then met her gaze.

"You kept it," he whispered and she nodded.

"Of course. I love you, " came her simple reply.

His eyes watered as he embraced her again and she felt safer than she had in a long time.

"I'm glad. Because I love you, too."

Katara snuggled more deeply into his arms, cherishing the familiarity of his scent and his body heat.

Only moments ago, she had tried to convince herself that solitude was the best path. But now, with the embodiment of her fondest memories standing beside her, she knew better.

No matter how many times she was given the choice, she would always choose him.