Zuko had been plagued with these dreams for as long as he could remember. He thought that trying to catch the Avatar would help, and when that didn’t he decided to join them. Even then, these dreams never faded. They were always the same, always family related. Mainly his father. Tonight wasn’t any different, the fire had died down, everyone seemed to be in bed, asleep. That's when he shot up.

Gasping for air, holding his chest. Zuko's hand gently touched his face. After he slowly took a look, tears. The same dream, ending at the same time. He started to wonder why he even slept at all anymore. Everything was the same, it wasn’t going to change. Perhaps he deserved it for everything he has done. Even so, this is a cruel fate. Even by his standards. To relive the same nightmare over and over. It just wasn’t fair.

Zuko never talked about his issues, he never talked about much in general. At least around you he didn’t. He didn’t want to say the wrong things, or make a fool of himself. Yet deep down, something inside of him knew that you could help him. So, as he tried to collect himself. His gaze fell on your sleeping form, he could almost feel himself reaching out, to ask for help. But he didn’t. He just turned his head to the side. " This is stupid, " Zuko murmured to himself. Like he was trying to convince only himself about how he felt.

His nightmares caused enough issues as is, he didn’t need you plaguing his mind too. Zuko simply wouldn’t know how to cope. He got up. Trying to be as quiet as he could. Lucky for him, team Avatar would stop at nice places to rest. So just a bit north there was a small cliff, that over hung on some water. He liked it there in the day, why would the night be any different? Zuko sat himself down, staring at the moonlight that reflected on the sea. Just trying to breathe. Just trying to forget. He wants to be helped, he wants to be free. But he just.. can’t find it in himself to ask for help.

Poor Zuko, poor lonely, sad, Zuko.