Zuko stood on the edge of the crossroads. The Fire Nation's capitol sprawled behind him, a symbol of his past, his life, everything he desired but couldn't keep. Before him, the world waited, yet promised nothing. Everything he had seen and everywhere he had been in the last few years had brought him to the place he was now. He could go one way and stay in the kingdom he had grown up in and always known. He could go the other way and face the uncertain, possibly the "destiny" his uncle always talked about.

One step in either direction would take him there.

He was about to make his decision when he heard a voice. The only thing in the world that could stop him now, the one thing he had hoped would get to him before he made a choice.

"Zuko," his father said.

He sounded so familiar now, the way he did when Zuko was young and happy, and the world was full of possibility. Just like the way he used to, when Zuko's mother was still alive, and they were still a family. He sounded the way a father should have sounded like.

"Father?" Zuko turned to face him, still unsure of what he was hearing.

The Firelord looked softer and less fierce, and his face was more open than it ever had been. He seemed to be fighting tears.

"My son, of course it is your father."

Son. The word reverberated in his heart. "Why are you here?"

"Don't leave, Zuko," his father begged, as tears dripped from his eyes. "Please. Not again."

Zuko turned away defiantly. "You sent me away last time. I wasn't allowed to return."

"And I grieved over you everyday! Son, if could do one thing over, I would bring you back to me. What I did to you was cruel and horrible, and I only wish I could have stopped myself. I will do whatever it takes for you to forgive me. I love you."

"What?" Zuko murmured, wiping tears off his cheeks.

Ozai walked up to him, and looked him into his son's sad eyes. "I love you. I always have."

Now Zuko couldn't keep himself from crying. Those were the words he had never heard his father say, though he desperately wanted to. Needed to. He looked up to face his father and…

Darkness.

Zuko panicked. Where was he? Just a moment ago he had been standing in the bright sunshine.

After a moment, realization flooded through him. He was in the courtyard of the Western Air Temple, where he and the rest of the Avatar's friends slept every night. It was a dream. Just a dream…

He rolled over and covered his face, so no one would have to hear his sobs.

Too corny? Too emotional? Please let me know!