[He takes a moment to let this all settle in, looking down at the floor again. There was no getting around it. Even if they were getting along and trusted each other, still had the same hearts and cores... things have changed too much. He couldn't just... pull this Katara up to the same level as the one who was waiting for him, on Appa's back, on their way to the Earth King. She's not his Sweetie.

So he'll speak quietly and slowly once more.]

I see, Katara. I... I think you're right. No matter how much I try to accept what we are in this place... I've always thought of that at least in the back of my mind. That... that you're the one I call Sweetie, still, that... it could be the same here. But I'm... I'm not gonna let that get in the way anymore. I have to see you, the you in front of me first. Anything else would be wrong. S-so...

[He takes a moment to wipe at his nose and closes his eyes.]

I have to end that. I'm going to try my best. And I'm... it'll be like... like b-breaking up with you. But I think you'd understand... I'm only doing it for the you who's here. I can't do anything for that Katara while I'm here. [And then he looks up at her, trying a fain smile that clashes with the tears streaming down his face.] But... but I can do what I can to... to make things right with the Katara who's right here. For you.