How do you even begin to apologize for betraying someone who loved you so much?

You sit there, heart pounding and tears gathering in your eyes, but you won't cry. You're a man now, not the boy you were when you first set out in search of your destiny.

While he sleeps, you try to tailor your apology just so. Let him know how ashamed you are, that he meant the world to you and you were wrong, not just for this but for the past three years. Three years of him giving you his unwavering support and you rebuffed him, just because he wasn't Father.

Just like Father did to you because you weren't Azula.

I am not Father, you think with fierce determination. Suddenly you hear a yawn, he's waking up now.

"Uncle." He isn't even looking at you. "I'm sorry..." And the tears spill over and you don't even care, you can't say it enough now, I'm so sorry, I was a horrible person, I hurt you, please forgive me, I don't deserve your forgiveness, I'm sorry, I'm so-

Your rambling is cut off by a fierce hug, his arms are warm and forgiving and he's crying too but you can tell he's smiling. As the weight lifts from your chest, you sink into his embrace and let your tears flow.

"Welcome home, Zuko," he whispers, and this time hearing it feels right.