a/n Wow. I have been horrendously inattentive to this story. I'm so sorry. I've gotten swept up in the day to day business of life and work, friendships and projects. I've been dealing with personal drama and family problems. I'm slated to start a new job soon, but I hope to dedicate more of my time to this story because I have definitely not abandoned it. Thank you for being patient and re-joining me for the rest of this story!

Disclaimer: Hiatuses suck, but now I'm back.

~Chapter 12~

-Katara-

Slowly the number of children in the main lodge began to build. Each staffer wore nametags and the kids were decorating their own name stickers. Sokka had set up some other easy crafts for them to do while the rest of the campers showed up. Zuko, Mai, and Ty were greeting them as they arrived and directing them up towards the lodge, while Iroh worked with the parents to check in the kids.

Katara was mainly keeping an eye on Toph who was flocked with other kids because of Bandit. A few times Katara had to redirect their attention back to the crafts; she didn't want to overwhelm Toph, besides, Bandit was working. Her attention was suddenly grabbed by a boy.

"Hi," he said with a toothy grin. His hair was cut so short he was nearly bald, making his brown eyes seem larger.
"Hey…" she smiled back and read his nametag, "Aang. How's it going?"
"Good," he replied, turning back to the table to get something, "I made mask." He proudly held it up to his face. Its grin was almost as big as the boy's behind it.
"Nice!" she praised.
"I made a mask too!" a girl squealed across the table. Her nametag read Meng.
"Good job Meng," Katara smiled, but Meng's attention was already on Aang.
"Aang," she called to get his attention, "can you pass me the glue?" With only a quick glance in Meng's direction, he handed her the glue.
"So what else are you in charge of here?" Aang asked her.
"Uh…" she stuttered for a moment, unprepared for his question, "I'm going to be working by the docks and stuff."
"Cool!" he smiled, sincerely enthusiastic, "I like the water, but I like nature in general. I don't even eat meat!"
"Wow, that's quite impressive. My brother loves meat."
"Who said meat?" Sokka asked, looking up from a girl he was helping. Aang and Katara laughed.
"Aang was just telling me that he's a vegetarian," she replied.
"Oh," Sokka frowned before smiling, "More for me then!" And he went back to work.

Toph seemed to be doing fine, so Katara looked around. A quiet boy sat at the end of the table, concentrating intently on decorating his mask.
"Do you need some help?" she asked him. He looked up and shook his head once before returning to his work.
"He doesn't talk much," a girl with short brown hair said near Katara's elbow. "His name is Lon and I'm Bea."
"Ah, I see," Katara replied, "Are you two friends?"
"Yeah," Bea said still working on her craft, "He's like my best friend."
"That's cool. It's great to have a best friend."
"Who's your best friend?" Bea asked.
"Uh…I don't know." Did she still have a best friend? She thought about her friends at school and such, but she didn't know if she'd call them 'best friends.' The last person she had ever labeled as her best friend was Zuko. Things with him were tense already. They were interacting as minimally as possible now. She wondered if they could ever be friends again.
"Well that's okay," Bea said, pulling Katara from her thoughts.
"Can I have a name sticker?" a little boy asked.
"Sure," she smiled and handed him a sticker. "What's your name?"
"Everyone calls me Duke and this is my friend Pippin," he nodded with his head towards a tall boy.
"Well it's nice to meet you both," she replied.

Soon it seemed all the children had arrived and been signed in. There were 14 girls and 16 boys. The main lodge was at a dull roar of excited campers when Iroh approached the craft tables. She and Sokka had to shush the crowd a few times before they all stopped talking.
"Welcome everyone," Iroh smiled. "As it says on my nametag, my name is Iroh and I am the camp director. Before I continue, I wanted to teach you all something. You can think of it sort of like a game." The campers listened intently, "The Unagi is a powerful fish-like spirit that protects the camp and its inhibitors. The next time you hear someone yell 'Unagi' you say 'sploosh!' and I or any other member of the staff need you to quiet down for an important announcement. Do you want to try it?" The campers nodded. "Okay…Unagi!"
"SPLOOSH!" they yelled back in unison. Iroh laughed a deep laugh.
"Very good," he praised. "Now I'm sure you've already met our awesome staffers, but let me introduce them real quick. We have Katara and Ty," They each stood up in turn, "Suki in the kitchen," her head popped up and she waved, "And also Mai." Mai forced a smile. Katara hadn't seen her or Zuko come in. "Then we have Sokka, Jet, and my nephew Zuko. They are here to teach you fun things and make sure you have a great time. I want each and every one of you to have fun over these next two weeks, but also to remain safe. Now, if you are all done crafting, how about a tour of the camp?"

-Zuko-

He really had missed working at camp. He kept busy, interacting with campers and helping them settle in. Some of the boys were definite goofballs, but he enjoyed their lightheartedness. In part, he envied the campers. They were so young and hopeful, seemingly without a care in the world. Even Toph had a smile on her face and Bandit's tail was a blur whenever Toph let her greet someone. She was such a sweet dog.

They were all back in the main lodge after a lengthy tour of the camp and a bit of unpacking. Mai already looked bored, but that didn't surprise him. She was trying to be more open, yet it didn't seem to come naturally to her. People can only change so much. He glanced over to Katara. She was smiling and listening to a boy as he animatedly chatted on. She even laughed a genuine laugh that reached her eyes. Her eye caught his and he quickly looked away, trying to busy himself. He could feel his ears turn red. She already formed a bad opinion of him from the phone incident and now he was caught staring.

He wasn't sure how he could begin to mend things with her. Was it even possible? What little flame of hope he had left was barely flickering anymore and he only had himself to blame.

The sun moved across the sky until it settled behind the tall trees. It was campfire time.

Zuko led a cabin of campers down to the amphitheater before he joined the other staff members around the fire. Katara stood silently next to her brother. Zuko was just about to open his mouth and say something when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He knew without looking that it was Mai.
"Who knew walking around with a pack of kids could be so exhausting," she said him quietly in his ear. He sighed and turned.
"I like the campers," he stated plainly, "They're fun." Unlike you, he thought. She shrugged, which annoyed him. It was weird. Her shrugs and boorish tone never bothered him before, but maybe he knew deep down that he could never love Mai like he once had, even if it would stop the turmoil he felt.
"At least I'm only responsible for the blind girl." Zuko's jaw clenched. Now he wasn't annoyed; he was pissed. He couldn't make a scene and he couldn't raise his voice because he was in front of all the campers in the amphitheater, but he surely wanted to.
"I know it must be a difficult change to think about someone besides yourself," he replied coolly, "Excuse me." He moved away from Mai to stand by Ty.
"Hey Zuko," she smiled.
"Hi," he managed with a weak smile, still irritated with Mai. Why did she even approach him just then? She wasn't joining the other staffers. She just moved to sit with her arms crossed near Toph.

"Good evening campers!" Sokka said dramatically like an announcer. "Are we ready for some campfire fun?" The kids cheered in reply. "I can't hear you!" The campers cheered louder. "That's more like it! I will be leading tonight's campfire, so what I say goes. If Sokka says…clap your hands." The staffers clapped their hands to encourage the campers to participate. "Perfect! Sokka says…hoot like an owl." Suddenly the darkening sky was filled with a chorus of hooting. "Now, stomp your feet." Only one person moved.
"Aww man!" the boy cried and everyone else laughed.
"Good job everyone. Now, I think every good campfire should have a few songs and like any worthwhile summer camp, we have our own camp song. We would like to teach it to all of you. Sound good? On my right, your left, Katara has the lyrics written out on these giant sign things, if you'd like to sing along, go for it. Ready guys?" he asked his fellow staffers. They nodded, "It goes like this:

Camp, Camp, Camp Kyoshi
Set on the great Lake Unagi
Camp, Camp, Camp Kyoshi
Set back in the tall trees

At Camp, Camp, Camp Kyoshi
There are so many things to see"

By the end of the song, all of the campers were singing along. There was a big 'hooray!' and cheering at the end. The campfire was a success. Sokka told some jokes and the staffers performed a few skits. Of course, they had to sing a few repeat-after-me songs and ones involving a lot of movement. The kids were so excited and readily joined in, laughing as they did some of the ridiculous actions.

"Now, no campfire would be complete without a story," Sokka announced. "This is the tale of the great protector of this camp, the Unagi. The Unagi is a giant eel like spirit. It has smooth dark grey-brown skin and a large dorsal fin. With its bright green eyes and sharp teeth, it used to be feared. It was said that the Unagi would eat anything that dared enter its waters." A few of the campers were huddling closer. "One day, a young boy came to swim in the lake even though he had been warned not to. The Unagi sensed the boy approaching and was prepared to attack; however, as the Unagi swam closer he could hear the boy was singing.

The Unagi lives in these waters
And it is like no other
It is strong, brave, and true
It would never hurt you

In reality it is really kind
It probably wouldn't mind
If I sung this song
Like I've been all along
If I dipped in my toes
Then up to my nose

The Unagi lives in these waters
And it is like no other
Yeah it'll always protect me
The one, the great Unagi

As the Unagi listened to the words, he realized the boy was not out to harm him. For centuries, the Unagi had to guard its waters against preying humans, but perhaps little humans weren't all bad. The Unagi made a promise that day to live up to the young boy's song and protect the children that braved its waters. That young boy was named Lieu Ten," Sokka said slowly and dramatically, "He was Iroh's son." A few of the campers oohed and aahed and Zuko could see their eyes widen in the fire light.

-Katara-

Soon the campfire was over and the staffers led their sleepy campers to bed. As she gathered her charges, she glanced over at Zuko. He looked tired, bone tired. She could tell in the way he moved, the effort he needed to take one step. Suddenly his head turned, as if he could feel her gaze, and their eyes locked.

She knew she should turn away, but she couldn't. She read such sadness in his eyes that it took her breath away. His tortured look made her want to, at the very least, pull him in for a hug. She wanted desperately to erase that expression from his face. The dying fire only worsened his features, casting strange shadows across his face and making it appear gaunt.

Her foot took a half step in his direction when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"You okay?" Suki asked her, eyebrows bunched in concern.
"Yeah," Katara replied. Her reply was so unconvincing, even she could tell. "Really, I'm fine. Let's get these sleepyheads to bed, huh?" Suki studied Katara's face for a moment longer before nodding.

They got all the girls tucked into the two cabins. Katara didn't like that she had to interact with Mai so much in that cabin, but she forced a smile and said goodnight to them all.

She was lost in her thoughts as she wandered back to her cabin and didn't hear her name being called. Then she felt a hand grab her wrist and she stopped and turned sharply.
"Hey," Jet smiled, squashing her fight instincts that had kicked in.
"Hi," she replied, trying to return his smile.
"Everything alright?"
"Yeah, just thinking," she shrugged.
"About me?" he asked. No, she thought, but before she could say anything, he continued, "Because I've been thinking about you." Her eyes widened and she caught his gaze flicker to her lips. Was it just two nights ago that his lips had ghosted over hers?
"Jet, I still need time…" There was so much drama still, too much tension among the staffers. Also, she just couldn't make sense of her own emotions. "I still don't know…" His lips brushed her cheek as she finished.
"I know." He said softly, "When you know, let me know?" She nodded and he smiled. "Goodnight, Katara."
"Goodnight, Jet."

Even though Jet was the last one to tell her goodnight, her thoughts were of Zuko as she fell asleep. She worried about him. He messed up really bad by taking Jet's phone, but was that still what was bothering him? He seemed okay earlier, but the last time she saw him he looked worn out, worn down. She wondered if she should talk to him in the morning.

She didn't talk to Zuko in the morning. In fact, they hardly talked the entire day. The campers kept her so busy she never found the time to talk to him. The campers were a lot of work, but even more fun. She loved to watch them interact. Most had only known each other for 24 hours, yet they acted as if they'd been friends for life. If only things were still that simple, she thought wistfully as she scrubbed the underside of a canoe. It was hard work, but she didn't mind. She could use this time to think.

Both Zuko and Jet seemed to get along with the kids in very different ways. Over the course of the day, she had noticed that she could almost always hear Jet talking. He seemed to win the campers over with his stories and charm. Zuko on the other hand was more often quiet, yet with a smile on his face.

Zuko had always been a somewhat serious boy, but he had a kind heart and fierce loyalty. He took Jet's phone to protect her and she desperately wanted to believe his actions were sincere, but what he failed to realize was that she didn't need protecting anymore. She was practically an adult and could make her own decisions. Truthfully, she didn't know what to think of Jet. He had confidence; she'd give him that. He was nice enough. It was all too confusing, so she decided to focus on the task at hand, doubling her efforts at cleaning the canoe.

-Zuko-

Zuko had to give him credit. Jet was one of the best bullshitters he had ever met. It seemed as if Jet was trying to outdo him at every turn with the campers. Jet acted as if it was a competition about who was more popular. Zuko may have been competitive with Azula growing up and was still a driven individual, but he wasn't childish. Honestly, what was the point? What did Jet think he'd really gain? Jet was a showboating ass and Zuko wouldn't bite.

He had enough on his mind without entering some kind of pissing contest with Jet. He tried to focus on his campers, making sure that they were having fun and being safe. Camp had always been a haven for Zuko and he wasn't about to have Jet ruin that. He tried not to let Jet get to him. He hoped Katara would see pass the façade and realize on her own what a prick Jet was. If not…
"Something bothering you?" Sokka asked, interrupting Zuko's thoughts.
"No," Zuko replied immediately, "Why?"
"Well, you've been washing that same pot for the last 10 minutes…" Suki had the evening off, so Zuko and Sokka were on kitchen duty. "Look man," Sokka continued, "I don't want to pry-"
"Then don't," Zuko said flatly. Sokka shrugged and went back to cleaning.
"Are you sure?" Sokka asked just moments later, "Because you seem really wound up about something. I know when 'Tara gets like that she-"
"Well, I'm not her," Zuko snapped and then sighed warily, "I'm sorry Sokka. I know you were just trying to help."
"You guys are more similar than you think," Sokka said and with that, the kitchen fell silent.

Sokka and Zuko remained quiet as they finished their work. Afterwards, Zuko went to the only place where he thought he could find some peace, the dock. But someone was already there when he arrived.

-Katara-

She wanted to break something or throw her phone into the damn lake. All she could do was stare at the text from Gran Gran. Apparently, there had been an accident on her father's boat and he had failed to check in. He wasn't missing… yet, but something was wrong. Gran Gran had tried to reassure Katara that he would turn up soon; he always had.

When he had left, she was so angry with him. He had sent her up to Camp Kyoshi to distract her from his absence. He, once more, chose the navy over his family. The rejection cut her deep even though she knew it was irrational. She had still never forgiven him, but now she felt guilty for every bad thought she had ever had towards him and the hurtful words she threw at him right before he left.

The words bounced around in her head, echoing as she played them over and over.
"You lied to me because you are a coward. You can't stand to be home with us and surrounded by reminders of her so you get on your boat and sail away. Well Dad, that's a pretty shitty thing for you to do to us."
"I know and I'm sorry Katara… I really think working at the summer camp will be good for you."
"Why?" she spat, "So we don't have to hang around here and be constantly reminded of her and you? Whatever. It doesn't matter," she said. "Have a nice life."

She felt empty. There was nothing she could do except wait for news. Once again, she was useless. She was powerless when her mother was dying and now…

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted her thoughts and she looked over her shoulder to see Zuko. She just stared at him, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. She realized she hadn't said anything, but the words wouldn't come. She opened her mouth to speak and a sob escaped instead.
"Hey?" he said softly, rushing to her side and lowering himself to kneel beside her. "What's wrong?" She clasped her hand over her mouth and shook her head. He tentatively opened his arms and she rushed into them. "Shhh," he soothed, stroking her hair while she sobbed silently into his shirt.

He held her, rocking gently, until her heaving dissipated. She leaned out of his arms and sniffed loudly. God, I must look like an idiot she thought. She took a few shaky breaths before attempting to speak again.
"Sorry," she rasped before clearing her throat. "I probably got snot and tears all over your shirt."
"I don't care," he replied dismissively. "Shirts can be washed."
"Yeah…" she wiped her eyes roughly with the back of her hand. "Ugh. I probably look terrible, worse than the Unagi."
"I don't think so," he said softly, "I think you're beautiful." She knitted her eyebrows together, unsure at first what to make of his comment.
"Are you…? Are you trying to make a move on me?" she asked, anger flaring up inside.
"What! Of course not! I would never! I didn't mean to… offend you. You're just being irrational. Calm down." He winced after he said the last words. Everyone on Earth knows better than to tell a girl to calm down.
"Is this some sort of game to you?" She yelled. She knew that her accusation was unfounded, but she didn't care. "Do you think swooping in and being a shoulder to cry on will cause me to suddenly fall for you? Do you think that I am that pathetic? Do you-" His stone cold face made her pause.
"I would never take advantage of you like that," he said, his jaw tight, "But I see you've chosen to believe the worst in me. I thought we knew each other better than that. Whatever happens from here on, I hope you find happiness." He stood and started to walk away.

a/n I hope that was a semblance of wait worthy. Did you recognize some of the campers from the original series? Do you think Zuko was really trying to lay the moves down on Katara? Lemme know your thoughts in a review. Thanks for reading (and waiting)!