First of all, apologies for the huge gap between chapters. I won't make excuses because they'll only be ones that you've heard before, but I hope not to have such a huge gap next time. Because I was anxious to give you something, this chapter might be a tad shorter.

Wow. Just wow. I'm so happy with the response so far and we're only one chapter in! It makes me so excited to write more for you so I suppose I should really get cracking! Not much Zaxspiration currently on the actual show (curse you BBC!) so reading tons to get me ready to write. If you have any recommendations on what to read (or even if you just want a good old Casualty chat tbh, I'm pretty sad and lonely) then PM me!

I have also recently made a tumblr which is basically just about Casualty and Zax and whatnot (maybe some Doctor Who too, I'm British!) so come along! It's just AraliaeShade and I'd love to make some new friends who have the same interests as me! (Starting to sound desperate now, huh? I promise I am not that sad…much).

The reviews I got really made my day so thank you to each one of you. If you left a review, and you aren't a guest, (sorry I didn't reply to guests!) you may want to read the end bit in bold as I have replied to each of you personally. If not then enjoy this new chapter!

Araliae xx

Chapter 2 – The Team Unites

Zoe awoke to the sound of running water, rushing through her ears like a waterfall. Her eyes didn't open and yet her senses told her it was too early so she snuggled down, trying to drift off once more. She focused on the water to calm her but instead began to think about where it was coming from, what was making the noise.

"Is it too late now to say sorry?" A pitchy voice sung through the bathroom door and suddenly Zoe was completely awake. Max.

"Cause I'm, missing more than just your body" Max sung louder, and Zoe was sure he was singing Justin Beiber to annoy her even though he would have no idea that it would annoy her. However much his songs might be catchy to others, Zoe couldn't stand them and, sighing, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and threw off the covers. She tried, and failed, to block out the noise, covering her ears with her hands as he continued.

"Yeah I know, I know, that I let you down, is it too late to say sorry now?" Max was still getting impossibly louder to the point where Zoe couldn't stand it any longer.

"Max?" She shouted, secretly enjoying the way his name rolled off her tongue so easily. The singing continued.

"Max?!" She was almost screeching now. Max went quiet and a few moments later the shower ceased.

"Be out in a minute." He called back and Zoe smiled to herself at the peace and quiet and took the time to check her phone and reply to her "Good luck at camp!" texts. About ten minutes later Max emerged, towel wrapped around his waist, hair wet and messy.

"Good morning!" He smiled, that lopsided grin slowly worming its way into Zoe's heart, which, invariably, had begun to beat a little faster. Zoe simply glared at him though, feigning annoyance. Max's grin fell a little. "What?" He asked.

"Bieber? Really?" Max placed a hand over his hand, pretending to be hurt.

"Who doesn't like a bit of Bieber?" though he was trying incredibly not to smirk, Zoe could see the laughter in his eyes.

"Whatever, I'm going to have my shower," Zoe rolled her eyes and sulked her way into the bathroom, secretly smiling to herself once inside.

Little did she know Max was allowing himself a satisfied smile of his own on the other side of the door.

Later on, once everyone had dressed and gotten ready, each camp helper was stood in a line I'm front of Connie Beauchamp, ready to start their team building activities.

"Today we are going to split into two groups as I want the group leaders to do some different exercises to the normal helpers. Therefore I want all group leaders to stick with me and the rest of you go with my colleague, Serena Campbell. We will meet up for lunch and at the end of the day. For now say your goodbyes."

Waves and greetings were exchanged whilst the helpers split into their groups. Left with Connie was Zoe, Max, Noel, Big Mac, Dixie, Ian, Ethan, Cal, Charlie and Tess. Everyone was exchanging nervous glances with each other, all a little afraid of Connie. To their surprise, she smiled at them.

"No need to be scared, I won't bite. First off today, we're going to be doing a climbing exercise in your pairs so follow me to the trees!" Connie beckoned for everyone to follow her.

Zoe sighed and wiped her brow; the walk was much longer than he had expected. Suddenly, she heard a pair of feet fall into step with hers and she glanced upwards. Max. She mustered a smile, though inwardly felt embarrassed for how hot she was getting.

"Not up to the walk, Hanna?" Not even a 'Miss' this time, Zoe thought to herself. Though she knew he was teasing, she couldn't stop herself from becoming defensive.

"I am perfectly capable of walking a few miles, you know, Walker. It's just that I'm wearing black and black absorbs heat." Zoe retorted, proud of herself for her cover. Max was having none of it.

"Sure. Whatever you say, smarty." Max smirked, glad to get the better of her. Zoe flushed even more but bit her tongue, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. They walked in silence for a while but it wasn't awkward in the slightest. Both parties felt rather enlightened by the other's presence.

After about another half an hours walk, Connie indicated that they had arrived. Zoe gulped. Among the trees, wooden planks were suspended on ropes, slowly ascending higher and higher to the point where you couldn't even see where they ended. She took a deep breath, trying to conceal her fear of heights from the others around her. She was so focused on her own breathing that she missed the safety briefing and was in total shock when everyone begun getting their equipment. She stayed stuck to the same position, not knowing how to move anymore.

Max was one of the first to be all set up. He was ecstatic. Anything with heights had always been a challenge, an adventure to him. But then he saw Zoe. Pity overtook his features as he pieced together what was wrong. A fear of heights. Since Zoe had been such a strong personality so far, Max would never have predicted it but there she was, frozen in place, seemingly paralysed. After a few moments, he made his way over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes shot up to meet his in a terrified gaze and, in that moment, she looked so small and fragile that Max thought she might break if he held her.

"Zoe?" It was the first time he'd ever used her real name and it startled her, so much so that she snapped out of her trance. She shook her head slightly and made her way over to the equipment before realising she had no idea what she was doing.

"Could you..?" Zoe began but had no idea how to ask for help. She always had been stubborn. Max smiled, however, and showed her exactly what to do, helping her to prepare.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Max asked cautiously, not wanting to coddle her but also concerned. Zoe simply faked a bright smile. Connie clipped everyone onto the wire above the course.

"This is a Pairs course so you will have to work together to complete it," Max caught Zoe's eye and she gave him the smallest genuine smile, "Not a competition though, so take your time everybody and good luck!"

Progress was slow at first, until everyone spread out. Zoe and Max were at the back as Zoe had taken a while to get her equipment and Max was being extremely patient and kind. Once they had gotten to a narrow beam instead of real obstacles, Zoe stopped.

"I'm sorry, I'm slowing you down, you can go on ahead," Zoe looked down, embarrassed. Max sighed gently with a soft, pitying smile.

"Hey," Max said firmly, putting a finger under Zoe's chin to guide her deep chocolate eyes to his crystal ones, "You are not slowing me down and, even if you were, I wouldn't care. I'm enjoying doing this with you, Miss Hanna." Zoe flushed slightly at his last sentence, getting more and more flustered as she stared deeper into his eyes. They were intoxicating. Realising what she was doing, she regained controlled and stepped backwards, forgetting that they were on a beam high in the treetops. She shrieked as her foot didn't make contact with wood and she slipped backwards. Max's eyes widen and he reacted instinctively, grabbing Zoe's waist and pulling her into himself as close as possible. Still in shock, Zoe simply reached out her arms and clung on to him, burying her face in his chest. Her breathing was rapid and she was shaking. Max whispered soothing words into her ear.

"Shhh, it's alright. It's all going to be alright…" For the first time in a very long while, Zoe really believed that it would be.

ZaxCasualtyHolby – Wow. Thank you so so much. You have no idea how excited I was to read your review as I have been reading your work for quite some time now and it was part of what inspired me to write fanfiction all together. I am such a huge fan so your comment means a lot! Xx

CasualtyFan26 – So glad you enjoyed it! Amazed that my writing could bring anyone a shred of happiness. I'm glad you liked the length too, 2000 words seems about right if I update often enough. Thanks again xx

read-a-holic17 – Glad to hear it! Hope you love this just as much xx

Tanith Panic – Such great advice, some that I will definitely take on board. I think I am too much of a people pleaser and always worry about what others think rather than writing for myself which I should be doing. Great to hear I'm doing alright anyway, so thank you! Xx

I got a few guest reviews as well that were just lovely so thank you very much for those too! You are all such wonderful people so thank you for your kind words!

Also, who else was emotionally broken over Zax in the last ep? We must live in hope, however hard it is!

Araliae xx