Dedicated to AbbyWatson4

His worst nightmare had come true:

His dad didn't love him.

I risked everything to travel to Mexico just to meet my dad, to finally feel what it felt like to have a loving father and all I did was mess everything up.

The guilt and sorrow seemed to consume his mind, draining all energy from his body as he sat on the cold bus stop bench just outside Mexico City. They had driven far away from the Diazes' old home, trying to put as much distance between them and Mike's men. The once warm, inviting spirit of the city was replaced by the crisp, cool breeze.

Maybe I'm just not meant to have a father. Maybe I'm just not good enough.

"Robby's filling the car up with gas and then, it'll be time to go," stated Johnny, shaking Miguel out of his thoughts.

Miguel nodded feebly as he focused his gaze on a lone street cart in the distance. Silence fell over the air for several seconds before Johnny sat down on the bench next to Miguel, sighing.

"Look, Miguel, what happened isn't your fault," said Johnny, sympathetically.

"Yes, it is." snapped Miguel, tears welling in his eyes.

"I came all the way to Mexico to meet my father, ignoring all the warnings my mom gave me, telling myself that he'd changed and was a good man, just so I could learn that he hadn't changed at all."

"You think that if I'd known where my dad was when I was your age, I wouldn't have done the same thing?" questioned Johnny.

Miguel met Johnny's eyes and saw that he was crying too.

I've never seen him cry before.

"And I ruined your chances at winning the tournament too," added Miguel, apologetically.

"I don't care about the stupid tournament! I care about you!" shouted Johnny.

Miguel looked at Johnny, confused.

"But the tournament's what you've been working towards since you made that bet with Cobra Kai, without it you won't be able to be a sensei anymore," reasoned Miguel.

How can he not care about the tournament?

"Of course I wanted to win, who doesn't! But winning wouldn't have meant anything if I lost you."

For only the second time since Miguel had met him, Johnny looked insecure.

"I know I said a lot of stupid things during the night of the prom when I was drunk. I'd just gotten into this fight with Kreese and Silver and I was being an idiot," started Johnny.

Miguel sat silent, listening intently to Johnny's every word.

"Of course, I love Robby, he's my son, but I care about you too, Miguel. You're the one who inspired me to start Eagle Fang or karate in general and the one who's been there from the beginning, but you're more than just my student, you're like a second son to me. You and your mom, you guys are the best things to happen to me. And I know it's too late to say this, but I love you too," admitted Johnny.

His words rang in Miguel's head, filling his chest with warmth.

"I love you too," smiled Miguel, tears streaming down his face.

"Come here," smiled Johnny back, pulling Miguel into a tight hug.

Everything around them seemed to disappear as Miguel rested his head on Johnny's shoulder, his arms wrapped around him.

"Okay, enough with this mushy gushy stuff. Let's teach Silver that we're not someone to be messed with," stated Johnny, giving Miguel a quick pat on the shoulder before getting up.

My dad does love me.

Author's Note:

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