Kuvira Week

I Love You

I love you.

The words swirled around in Kuvira's head as she stared out the small cell window. Those were the last words she'd ever spoken to Baatar. The last words he'd ever hear from her. Now, he was gone. And it was all her fault.

"You okay?"

The metalbender turned to see Korra standing there.

"I guess," she said.

Lin unlocked the cell door, letting Korra in to talk with Kuvira.

"What's wrong?" the Waterbender asked.

"I just... I was so stupid," Kuvira said, crying. "I should have listened to him. I should have gone back to Zaofu with him. We could have gotten married, like we wanted to. We could have had a future together. And I ruined it all, because I was greedy. I had what I wanted. I had my Empire united. I didn't need Republic City. Granted Raiko is a shitty leader, Republic City didn't need me. They have you, Asami, Lin, Tenzin. I should have just stayed away. But, I didn't. And now, he's gone. I love you. Those are the last words he'll ever hear me say to him."

I love you. Those words once brought joy to Kuvira's heart, but now they just brought pain and heartache for her. She felt so stupid. Giving up the one thing that brought her true happiness like that. Her thoughts were interrupted when Korra spoke.

"He'll cherish those words forever," she said. "Baatar loves you. He may never be able to forgive you, but he will always love you."

"He's... he's alive?" Kuvira whispered, her heart leaping a bit.

Korra nodded.

"He's back in Zaofu," she said. "Recovering. He was injured pretty bad."

"Physical injuries can't possibly compare to the emotional injuries I gave him," Kuvira said, looking away. "Still, I just... I wish that I could see him again. Know he's okay. Even if he will never be mine again, I just need to know he's fine."

"I'm sure when he's ready, he'll come," Korra told her, squeezing her hand gently. "You know Baatar better than anyone else. He can't stay away from you."

Kuvira smiled.

"You're right," she said. "He will. I'll look forward to that, too. No matter how long it takes."