Sorry it has been so long since I've updated. I hope this will make up for it. Just to warn you, it is very sad and contains a character death.

I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender.

Die in Your Arms

Katara looked lovingly down at her husband. The passage of time had not dulled the fire that burned in his molten gold eyes.

"You and I are alone?" he asked quietly. His deep resonating voice still sent shivers of delight through her aging body.

She nodded, unable to speak past the lump forming in her throat.

Zuko watched her emotions play out in her eyes. The blue of the ocean and sky were nothing compared to her eyes, which now shone brightly with unshed tears.

"We knew this time would come eventually," he tried to reassure her by squeezing her hand, but was saddened that his strength was leaving him as he was leaving her.

"I know my love," she choked out as she reassuringly squeezed his hand.

"You know, when we were first married there were several things I promised myself," he began, his lips dry and cracked turned up ever so slightly into his trademark smirk.

"Hush, save your strength," Katara cooed softly to the love of her life.

"No," he said in defiance, before continuing on, "One of the things I promised myself was that I would die in your arms. No matter the circumstances, I would die happy in the comfort of your embrace."

Katara sniffled and tried in vain to hold back the tears that were spilling down her lined cheeks.

"Please Katara, one last moment to hold me over until we meet again?" his eyes pleading with her for her acquiescence.

She nodded as she gently climbed onto the bed beside him. She felt him try to pull her nearer and wrapped her arms around him as she nestled her head against his chest.

Zuko sighed contentedly as he felt her once strong and supple body, now aged and softening, so close to his. His mind drifted back to times when they were younger. Before they were friends, then after they traveled together. The moment he realized he loved her. His proposal of marriage. The day she gave birth to their first son. The joy they felt at the birth of all of their grandchildren.

He idly ran his wrinkled hand over her silver hair, and remembered a time when his skin was smooth and unlined, and her hair was a dark chestnut that felt softer than the finest silks. He tenderly placed a kiss on her head and drifted off into darkness.

Katara heard his last breath leave his body and heard his heart slowly stop beating. She sobbed quietly into his chest.

After a time that seemed like eternity she pulled away from the body of her dead husband and softly placed a kiss on each of his closed eyes, sealing the silent promise she made that she would not be too much longer in this world.

If you like it, love it, or hate it, let me know!

C.A.