a/n Hello again! Thank you so much for all the awesome feedback on the previous chapter! You guys rock! Sorry for not posting Sunday night, time just got away from me. As promised, this chapter is a bit more eventful than the last one. ^_^

As a quick note, the underlined bit is a flashback/dream

Disclaimer: If I owned them, I'd probably be more reliable at posting…and make Zutara canon.

~Chapter 6~

-Zuko-

He stared up at the wooden slats of the bunk above him. He'd always been an "early to bed early to rise" kind of guy, but for some reason he was having trouble falling asleep. Sure, he was tired, really tired in fact, but his mind kept swimming with thoughts. Of course, all of his thoughts could be traced back to Katara.

His heart seemed to clench as he recalled the way her face lit up when she smiled. What is wrong with me? He asked himself. It was ridiculous. He couldn't like her. He was completely crushed when Mai broke up with him on the phone last week so liking Katara would just be a rebound thing. Wouldn't it? All he knew for sure, he wasn't that kind of guy. He didn't do flings or sideline girls, probably why he never had a girlfriend until Mai. He sighed. He didn't really want to think about Mai right now. He just wanted to escape his thoughts and fall into a quiet sleep. But when he closed his eyes, all he could picture were Katara's endless blue eyes.

Eventually, he fell asleep, but visions of her plagued him. He dreamed they were just walking. Well that they were walking, talking, and holding hands. They used to do that as children. Walk and swing their joined hands between them. Then he dreamed they were kids again in her backyard in her little treehouse. Their legs dangled over the edge as they talked…

"Okay, your turn," Katara said, "Truth or dare?"
"Dare," he answered automatically.
"You're no fun," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her remark. She waited, maybe hoping he'd change his mind, but he wouldn't. "Fine. Hmmm…" she tapped her chin thoughtfully, before grinning, "Kiss me." Without a second thought, he leaned over and pecked his mouth to hers. It lasted only a second before he pulled back.
"So uhm…" he said, feeling his ears start to get pink, "Truth or dare?"

His eyes slowly opened. Through the window near his head, he could see small rays of light through the curtain. The sun was just starting to rise. He still felt a little tired, but knew going back to sleep would be impossible. He quietly crawled out of bed and dressed. He glanced over to see Sokka curled up in his bunk snoring softly. From where he stood, he couldn't see Jet because of the blankets draped over the bottom bunk. It wasn't until he stood at the foot of Jet's bed, just as he was about to open the door, that he saw a mass in the blankets that appeared to be a human. Zuko rolled his eyes slightly as he opened the door.

The air was crisp even though it was July. He liked it. He walked off the small wooden porch. Down towards the lake, he could see Ty and Uncle doing Tai Chi. Hmm…should he join them? What the hell, he decided and started walking down the dirt lane.

He'd done Tai Chi before. Uncle had introduced him to it a few summers ago, the first time Zuko was at the camp. That was the year after his cousin died and the year he got his scar. Of course, he hadn't gotten his scar yet, that didn't happen until after his 13th birthday at the end of August. After his accident, Tai Chi hadn't appealed to him. The Northern Shaolin Kung Fu style was more his speed. He'd used it to help channel the anger he felt about his father. He'd thrown himself into learning the art form. It wasn't too surprising when Azula wanted to learn too, in fact he encourage it. He always wanted her to be able to defend herself.

Uncle and Ty both had their eyes closed when he approached.
"Hello Nephew," Uncle said without opening his eyes. Ty's eyes on the other hand sprung open and she beamed.
"Hi Zuko!" she said, "Care to join us?" Zuko nodded.
"Do you remember the basics Nephew?" Uncle asked. "Remember to start with your breathing."
"Yes Uncle," Zuko replied and narrowed his stance to the width of his shoulders. He closed his eyes and moved his arms slowly as he breathed in and out through his nose, clearing his mind. He focused on his breathing and relaxing his body. When he felt ready, he opened his eyes and started following Uncle and Ty's moves.

The sun felt good on his back as he moved. The motions seemed so natural. Each stance flowed to the next. Everything felt peaceful. That was until he heard a mocking chuckle. His head snapped to the source of the sound. Jet.

-Katara-

Someone was gently poking her.
"Mhmm…" she groaned in complaint as she tried to burrow farther into her blankets. The nudging continued, "Go away Sokka."
"My hands aren't that mannish," a voice replied that was decidedly not Sokka. Katara rolled over and pried open her eyelids to see a dressed Suki standing next to her.
"Sorry," Katara mumbled as her eyes tried to adjust to the sunlight that was pouring in.
"It's okay," Suki replied, smiling softly, "Iroh sent me to fetch you, practically shooed me out of the kitchen. Breakfast is going to start soon in the main lodge." Katara's stomach growled in response. The two girls laughed.
"Okay," Katara said as she climbed out of bed. "Ty's already gone?" she asked, looking towards the empty bunk.
"Yep, she must have left really early. When I woke up there was a… commotion outside."
"A commotion? What happened?" Katara asked as she rifled through her duffel bag.
"I'm not entirely sure. By the time, I got outside all I could see was Iroh talking to Zuko and Jet. According to Ty, the two of them had been arguing after Jet interrupted their morning Tai Chi." Katara looked over her shoulder at Suki who was now sitting at the foot of her own bed.
"What was the argument about?" she asked before pulling on a t-shirt.
"Jet claims he wanted to join them, but Zuko says Jet was mocking him." Katara frowned. She wasn't sure what to make of the news. From what little she knew of Jet, she could tell he liked to push Zuko's buttons a bit, but it didn't seem malice or anything. Also, why would Jet make fun of him in front of both Ty and Iroh? It didn't make any sense.

When she turned back around, finished dressing, Suki was reading what appeared to be a comic book.
"What's that?" Katara asked. Suki jolted a little in surprise.
"Nothing," Suki quickly said before stashing the comic under her pillow, "Just something I like to read now and then. Ready to go?"
"Sure," Katara replied, not pushing the matter.

She smelled the aroma of pancakes as soon as she opened the doors to the main lodge.
"Ah Miss Katara," Iroh greeted from the kitchen, "wonderful timing! I just finished with the latest batch of pancakes." Katara smiled at the friendly old man. She glanced to see everyone else already seated at the table.
"They smell delicious," She replied as she headed towards the counter.
"I may have flipped these pancakes, but the credit itself must go to Miss Suki and her wonderful recipe," he informed her as he laid down a steaming plate of pancakes.
"Well they smell great Suki," Katara praised.
"Thanks," Suki said with a smile. Also on the bar were all sorts of things to put on the pancakes from strawberries to a can of whipped cream to traditional syrup.

Orange juice in hand and plate filled, she took up the empty seat next to Jet.
"Good morning," he said with a grin.
"Morning," she replied, but didn't share his enthusiasm. She looked across the table to where Zuko sat hunched over his almost empty plate.
"I hope you had a good lie in 'Tara," Sokka said, his mouth half full of bacon, "because when the campers get here we have to be up by 6." She scrunched her nose up in mock disgust. He let out a laugh before descending on his plate once more.

-Zuko-

Jet was a dick he decided as he picked at his breakfast. It tore at him that he had to endure three weeks with the ass, but there was nothing to be done. Uncle seemed to think their differences could be solved over a nice hot cup of tea. If only things were that simple. He knew Jet's type. They were pompous, snarky, but clever and smart enough to get what they wanted. They were bullies in disguise. Zuko had to deal with them before in school his freshmen year. Pricks.

After a while of not paying attention to the conversation, he was surprised when he heard Katara's musical laugh. He glanced up to see her smiling at none other than Jet. Zuko gritted his teeth. Before anything else could be said, Uncle came out of the kitchen.
"How is everything?" he asked. There was a chorus of 'really good.' "Excellent. So the plan for today is to start everyone on training. Most of you have worked here either before or at a similar position. You will soon find many similarities between this job and previous ones, except I allow and appreciate any input from anyone. I have some guidelines for the summer, when different stations will be open, how long the sessions should be, etc.; however, I trust my staff's judgement entirely." His eyes seemed to flicker to Jet's, "I hope my trust isn't amiss." Uncle paused, looking around the table. "Good," he said satisfied. "Now, Miss Suki and I will handle breakfast clean up since it's just the seven of us we didn't make too much of a mess.

Miss Ty and Sokka, I have some packets of materials for you. They're ideas I had for things for the campers to make. After breakfast, you two can go over them. Test-drive the creations if you want then tell me which ones you like the best. Miss Katara and Jet will be with…" Shit. "Zuko and go over the basic care of the canoes, our organizational system, and other stuff. Then Katara can start her lifeguard training. One of you can come fetch me to administer the final test. Lunch will be at 1pm. Questions?" Why did you pair me with Jet? Was that necessary? And you threw Katara into it too, why? Zuko wanted to ask, but he wouldn't say them out loud. "Okay, have a nice day." With that, Uncle smiled and headed back for the kitchens. They would all need to change before heading down to the docks. They needed their bathing suits and a towel.

After breakfast, Katara went to slip on her suit and he and Jet headed back to their cabin, neither uttering a word. In fact, they stoically ignored each other.

Zuko was the first to finish and quickly ducked out of the cabin. A minute later Jet emerged and they waited in silence for Katara. Thankfully, she appeared soon before he might be forced to talk to Jet. She had slipped her clothes back on over her swimsuit.
"Ready?" she asked.
"Yep," Jet answered cheerily. Zuko just nodded. The three headed down towards the lake.

It felt like a long walk to the docks for Zuko. Jet and Katara were chatting pleasantly and by the way Katara kept trying to pull him into the conversation, he could tell she knew something about his and Jet's morning confrontation. It was commendable how she tried to find common ground for the two of them, but Zuko didn't feel too much like small talk (at least, not with Jet).

When at last they reached the docks, he cleared his throat.
"So," he said, walking up to the locked shed, "The combination is 1761," he explained as he turned the tumbles, "in here is where we keep stuff for swimming like life jackets, kick boards, noodles, etc. and oars for the boats. There is also a first-aid kit on the wall and a landline phone." He stepped aside to let them walk in, not wanting to be crowded in. "The canoes themselves are also locked up, but the code is the same. Just make sure that you scramble the numbers afterwards." He started walking towards the canoe shed and undid the lock. It wasn't so much a shed, as a pole barn with a fence around it. Inside, eight canoes rested in racks.
"How are we supposed to get them down?" Jet asked.
"They're pretty light, so just teamwork," Zuko replied. Honestly, it wasn't rocket science. "Just undo the bungee cords and lift them out. After you're done using a canoe, wipe down the hull with a cloth from over there."
"Cool, thanks dude," Jet grinned and patted Zuko on the arm. Zuko rolled his eyes as he walked out of the canoe shed.

Now it was time for the swimming part. He walked over to the docks and set his towel down before kicking off his shoes.
"I got this," Jet said, passing Zuko and stripping to his trunks. "So first and foremost, Katara, you need to be able to swim. Do you know how to swim?" Katara laughed and Jet smirked. "It's funny because yesterday, 'Tara was telling me about how she used to be a swim team." Jet explained to him, but Zuko already knew that. He had overheard them, but he wasn't going to say anything. He also wasn't going to say how he hated hearing her little nickname come out of Jet's mouth. "Anyways, you have to swim 300 yards without stopping then tread water for 2 minutes. You also have to swim out 20 yards, dive 7-10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object, and then swim back on your back all in a minute."
"It's actually a minute forty," Katara replied.
"Oh?" Jet said.
"I remember watching people do this."
"Ah sweet. So-"
"You also need to know the proper way to rescue someone." Zuko interjected.
"Right," Jet said, "I was getting to that. You need to hold them securely when they're on their backs as you swim to shore. How about I swim out a little ways and you can try to rescue me."
"Okay," she replied and reached for the hem of her shirt. Zuko gulped and looked the other way.

He heard a splash and turned to see Jet swimming out in the water.
"Are you going to get in Zuko?" Katara asked him, forcing him to look at her. She was wearing a blue two-piece. The top resembled a sports bra (he only knew because Azula would often leave her stuff in the washer) and the bottoms looked more like short-shorts. Strictly speaking, it wasn't that revealing, but it still made Zuko's heart race.
"Uh…yeah," he said, "I guess so." Before he could say anything else or even take off his shirt, she shoved him into the water.

-Katara-

She waited until he came up to the surface before she started laughing. His surprised splutter quickly transformed into a laugh as well. Success, she thought. She had been trying to think of a way to get him to relax. Of course, there was another voice laughing too. Jet's. Zuko must have realized it the same time she did and his smile faded. She knew Jet wasn't his favorite person, but she hoped they could at least all get along a little.

A moment later, she dove off the docks and into the water. She sighed. It wasn't very hot outside, but the water felt so good.
"So, rescuing?" she asked as she swam out towards Jet.
"Right, easy," he replied with a small grin, "Just grab me under the arms and start swimming with me on my back. If I'm unconscious this works the best and if I'm conscious I can try to help you swim. There's also the wrist tow where you pull me along by my wrist."
"Okay," she said, slightly nervous. She couldn't help but notice how toned he was earlier and in just moments she'll have her arms wrapped around him. A part of her wished it was Zuko, but she quickly shut down that voice. She needed to focus. She swam over to where Jet was.
"Ready?" he asked. She nodded and his body went limp, turning facedown. She slung her arm around him, turning him over, before gripping him tighter and kicking for shore.

It was tricky, but not too difficult. As soon as she could stand, Jet sprang back to life.
"Nicely done!" he congratulated her.
"Thanks!" she replied, grinning. She looked passed him to see Zuko standing on the dock. He started walking towards them. His wet t-shirt clung to his skin in all the right places. Damn.
"Yeah," he added, "Good work. Since you have so much experience, I'm guessing you'll have no problems with the test. That's probably why Uncle thought you could get it all done today." She smiled shyly at him.
"Thank you," she said softly. Jet cleared his throat.
"Yeah Zuko," he said, "How about you go fetch your uncle while I go over some of the finer details?" She saw Zuko's jaw tighten but he just grunted in response and started trudging up the path.

Jet didn't even wait until Zuko was gone to resume conversation.
"So," he said, smiling, "can you identify the behaviors of a swimmer, distressed swimmer, and an active and passive victim?"
"You have to try harder Jet," she said tersely. His smile deflated.
"Sorry? What?" he asked innocently. She gestured her head to where Zuko was walking away. "Oh. Him."
"Just promise me you'll try harder."
"Katara the guy is weird. You know that right?"
"Jet! You've known him for five seconds!" He held up his hands defensively.
"Okay, okay I'm sorry." He said. Her lips flattened. "I'm serious Katara. I'll try harder."
"Promise?" she asked.
"Yes, I promise." Satisfied she nodded once before answering his earlier question. For some reason, she didn't feel like making a pinkie promise with Jet. Deep down, she knew he'd probably break it. She hoped he wouldn't, but the doubt nagged at her.

-Zuko-

Yep. Jet was a dick. Zuko wasn't some errand boy. The only reason he did what Jet asked was that he didn't want to cause a scene, not in front of Katara.

He was still grumbling as he walked into the main lodge.
"Ah Zuko!" Uncle smiled, looking up from a cluttered table that Ty and Sokka were at, "Done already?"
"Uh-huh," Zuko replied.
"Very good, well I will just get my sign off clip board and we can head down." Zuko nodded as his uncle went into the office.
"Look Zuko!" Ty squealed, holding up a basket.
"Nice," he replied trying to smile.
"Yeah?" Sokka said, "Well look at this!"
"A lanyard?" Zuko asked with a slight chuckle.
"You can't beat the classics!" Sokka insisted, "I also have sock puppets, paper plate dreamcatchers, rain sticks, and other stuff like marker tie-dye!" Zuko was actually surprised.
"That's actually pretty sweet dude," he said. Sokka smiled.
"Oh yes," Uncle said reappearing, "Sokka has apparently been doing some research prior to coming back to camp. He has a lot of great ideas."
"Well you have some too in your packet thing," Sokka added quickly.
"Thank you Sokka," Uncle smiled before turning to Zuko, "Ready?" Zuko nodded.
"See you guys later," he said with a wave as he and Uncle left.

Zuko knew it wouldn't be a quiet walk back. As soon as they were outside Uncle started talking.
"So, things are still tense between you and Jet then." He stated, "I saw you scowling as you entered." He explained.
"Yeah, I guess so," Zuko replied, sighing. "I mean the guy is kind of an as-… arrogant jerk."
"Some people might have said the same thing about you once upon a time," Uncle countered.
"Uncle!"
"You know it's true Nephew. However, you have overcome that with true humility." Yeah…humility… Zuko couldn't help himself. He instantly started thinking of ways to humiliate Jet. Obviously, Uncle caught on, "I'm not giving you permission to embarrass the young man, not at all. I think Jet's lessons will come with time. One of these days, life will teach him a lesson and he will learn the error in his ways. Until then, we must assume that he is trying to improve himself and if he gets too far out of line, I will deal with him. But we must try to see the light in everyone. If you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark that is all you will ever see. Do you understand Zuko?"
"Yes Uncle," he replied. As annoying as it could be sometimes, Uncle was very wise.
"Good," Uncle smiled, "Now tell me, did you laugh when she pushed you into the water?" Yes, Uncle was wise and perceptive.

The rest of the day wasn't nearly as eventful, which was probably a good thing. Katara passed her lifeguard test with flying (or rather swimming) colors and both lunch and dinner went smoothly. He could slowly feel the staffers becoming a family. Zuko was a veteran to the whole summer camp process. He knew the better everyone got along, the better the camp program would be. The black sheep in the family was definitely Jet. Actually… no, the black sheep in the family was probably himself. He knew he was the quietest and he heard Jet call him weird. It wasn't like he cared about the ass-hat's opinion, but it still stung slightly.

Zuko took a deep breath, clearing away the remark. After dinner, there was a free period before a meet up in the main lodge for a discussion of skits and songs. During that time, Zuko had decided to take a hike. He knew the camp like the back of his hand; he wasn't going to get lost.

In the end, he settled for a green clearing. He had lied down near the middle of the field, amidst the grass. It was calming in a way he hadn't expected. It'd been two years since he last worked at the camp, so it'd been two years since he'd been in a place like this. It was a place where he was the only person surrounded by nature. He breathed deeply again, closing his eyes.

An awful warning alarm shattered the silence.
"Shit!" he hollered in surprise as he sprung up. It was the alarm on his phone. He had set it to go off 10 minutes before they were supposed to meet in the main lodge. He hastily turned off the alarm and pocketed his phone. It'd be a sprint, but he could still make it back in time. He hadn't originally anticipated going this far out, but the run gave him a challenge and he loved a good challenge.

a/n What did you think? I've never written anything like this before, but I hope you are enjoying it. These characters are a lot of fun to work with in the "real world" and I really like writing this fic. Lemme know what you thought in a review please and thanks for reading!

Did anyone catch the LoK quote? ;)