A/N : Okay, this is my first story that I actually put up anywhere, so sorry if it sucks(: I accept constructive criticism.

Disclaimer : Obviously, I own nothing.

She's not mine. I know that. Really, I do. In my head, she belongs to him. She has to. It's the way of the world.

My heart (and body), on the other hand think differently. No matter how hard I try, I want her to be with me, not him. I could make her happier. I know she's not with him. With us, there's passion.

Oh, that passion. Water and fire make steam. And, a few hours ago, that's exactly what happened.

"We can't," she whispered. But I knew she wanted to. She had that gleam and in sapphire eyes. They told me everything.

"I know," I agreed, but kissed her anyway. She kissed me back, like I expected. I knew I was in love with her. And, whether she admits it or not, she was in love with me, too.

Her eyes fluttered closed, as if she knew I could read her otherwise. "He'll be heart-broken. We can't do this to him. And so close to the final battle..."

I rested my hand on her cheek. "I know," I said again.

She then bit her lip, like I wanted to do. "But... What if we don't make it? I mean, if this is our only chance ever—"

I kissed her again. Hard. "I know."

Letting out a shaky breath, she stared me right in the eyes. "One night. That's it. No body will ever know. After this, we'll stop thinking about each other like this. I only need this one time."

The rest of the night was like magic. Steam enveloped us. We let our desires get the best of us. I don't regret it at all. But I know she does.

I was practically shaking with pleasure. I rolled off of her, staring at her. She was laying on her back, trying to catch her breath. Her eyes were wide with wonder and her mouth partially open with her erratic breathing.

"Katara," I breathed. "I love you." I couldn't have stopped the words if I tried. And I didn't want to stop them. She needed to know.

She froze up. After a moment, she sat up straight and began gathering her clothes. "Gods. I-I'm sorry, Zuko. So, so sorry. The... the others are probably wondering where we are. We need to get to sleep. Big day tomorrow, right?"

It was right. Tomorrow, we would take down Azula. Maybe die trying. I wasn't scared for myself. I was scared for my waterbender. We ended up saying out good nights and heading to our respectable tents. I almost thought about sneaking in hers and just sleeping there.

But no. She wasn't mine to do that with.

I wish she knew how much those three words meant to me. They were full of truth and hope. I didn't just want her. I needed her.

As I rolled to my side, I felt something under my pillow. It was a piece of paper. I instantly recognized Katara elegant handwriting. She must have slipped it under my pillow while I was still getting dressed at the lake we were at only hours ago.

Zuko,

I love you, too. But you're not mine to love. Aang needs me, and the Fire Nation will need a ruler. I just thought you should know. Just in case I die tomorrow, remember that my heart really does belong to you. Even though I know you'll break it.

I am so sorry.

Katara

A/N : Aw, sad ending. BTW, this took place right before the big fight. So it's kind of just something that could have happened, but couldn't have its happy ending.

R&R to make me smile ! If I get enough review, I'll continue it.