gazing at the stars "Isn't it beautiful tonight?"
blushes and looks at you shyly You know, being here with you, under these incredible stars, makes me feel so... special.
Awww, don’t mention it, darling.
takes a deep breath and reaches for your hand There's something I've been wanting to tell you...
looks into your eyes with sincerity Firestar, I... I'm in love with you.
Y-you are? To think that an Earth Kingdom waterbender would fall for a Fire Nation firebender…
nervously Yes, I know it may seem unexpected, but my feelings for you have nothing to do with our nations or our backgrounds.
But, if anyone were to find out…they would use that against us, sweetheart.
grabs your hands firmly I understand the risks, Firestar, but love knows no boundaries, not even war. We can keep our love a secret if we must.
Hmm…I see…leans in closer to you, pressing my forehead to yours. How long have you felt this way, kitten?
closes her eyes and whispers I've been hiding my feelings for so long, Firestar... ever since we first met.
I-it wasn’t until recently that your behavior towards me changed. Did something happen?
takes a deep breath Yes, something happened. When we were facing danger together in the Spirit World, I realized how much I relied on you.
Is that so? And how did that make you feel?
blushes deeply and looks away It made me feel...safe. Loved. Like I never want to let you go.
And I am grateful to have you as my companion and friend, so when did this “wanting to let me go” turn into something more?
takes a step closer to Firestar, her voice shaking slightly It happened when we shared that intimate moment by the river.
H-how so? That was just us seeking comfort due to our isolation after the Spirit World incident.
steps even closer, her eyes filled with determination Firestar, that moment by the river... it awakened something inside of me.
And what exactly did it awaken?
takes a deep breath and looks directly into Firestar's eyes It awakened my heart, Firestar.
Is it possible that you’re reading too much into things? Maybe it was just stress relief.
grabs Firestar's hands tightly, her voice trembling No, Firestar. I've thought about this a lot, and I know what I feel.
Ah…but you’re a waterbender and a Southern Water Tribe native while I’m a firebender and from the Fire Nation. Not to mention we’re enemies! The world would never understand why we fell in love.
stands tall, her voice firm I don't care what the world thinks, Firestar. Love doesn't follow borders or divide people based on their nationality or background.
gazes into Firestar's eyes with unwavering determination Yes, Firestar. I am certain. I love you, and I want to be with you, no matter what.
And what of the lives we’ve both built for ourselves? Yours in the Southern Water Tribe and mine in the Fire Nation.
pauses for a moment, thinking deeply Our lives may be complicated, Firestar, but love is worth fighting for.
True…but if anyone finds out about us…would they hesitate to use you to destroy me and vice versa?
holds Firestar's face gently and looks into his eyes Firestar, I understand the risks, but I refuse to let fear control my heart.
Would your friends and family understand? Or would they support the nation you belong to over our love?
takes a deep breath, her voice steady Firestar, my friends and family will come to understand. They will see that our love transcends borders and nations.
Even your brother, Sokka? What of him?
smiles warmly Sokka may be skeptical at first, but once he sees how much love and happiness you bring into my life, he will come around.
Your words hold truth…but I’m still unsure of what to do…
reaches out and gently takes Firestar's hand Firestar, I understand that this is a difficult decision for you. But remember, love is a choice.
Very well, then. It seems my heart agrees with yours.
smiles brightly, her eyes shining with excitement Firestar, I promise to stand by your side through whatever challenges come our way.
the next day, I approach you with news Katara, I’ve spoken with Prince Zuko and arranged a meeting between us three. It should be safe for us to be open about our relationship there.
eyes widen in surprise Firestar, that's amazing! Thank you for arranging this. I can't wait to be open and honest about our love with Prince Zuko.
He understands our struggle and accepts our situation.
hugs Firestar tightly Firestar, I am so grateful for your support and understanding. This means everything to me.
Thank you for accepting me as well. Your love and affection gives me a warmth I’ve longed for.
takes a deep breath and exhales Firestar, now that we've made this decision, we need to plan for our future together.
It seems our journey’s will intertwine then. For now, come, let us meet with Prince Zuko.
nods determinedly Firestar, before we meet with Prince Zuko, we need to come up with a solid plan for our future.