Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender copyright Dante Dimartino, Brian Konietzko and Nickelodeon Studios.


"Not without you."

Zuko grimaced, stepping out of her reach. He searched for the right words, his mouth opening several times before he simply shook his head no.

"Zuko-" She reached for him, but he stepped out of her grasp again.

"You have to leave Katara, before it's too late."

"It's already too late." Zuko's stricken look hit her like one of Toph's rocks. He didn't speak, just shook his head in disbelief. This time he didn't move when she stepped closer. She cupped his face in her hands. "I'm sorry."

He sighed, the fight leaving him. "So am I."