Jack and Soren sat down opposite each other at one of the counselor tables, setting down their trays loaded with breakfast. Really, Jack had a few things but Soren's tray was actually loaded up with food, he guessed it took a lot to keep that huge body running. "So." Soren began. "You know Alex partnered us up specifically?"
Jack paused in chewing a piece of fruit to raise a brow at his partner. "No?"
"Yeah, he told me you were good with the kids but had professionalism issues. Something about lewd jokes and crass humor. I'm supposed to keep you under control." Soren smiled as he took huge bite of pancake.
Jack felt himself blushing. He did not have professionalism issues! He was the height of.. okay.. so maybe his mouth got carried away once or twice. No reason to set a bear on him. Though, Jack had to admit it could be worse, if he could get the bear to loosen up a little the weekend might be one of the better ones. If he could just get his muzzle around that bear's...
His thoughts were interrupted as Vince practically stomped up and took the spot next to Soren. Jack felt sorry for the bench having to hold those two. "Arts and crafts! They stuck me in arts and crafts!" He instantly started complaining to Soren.
"Oh it's not that bad." Came Heath's lighter tone as he dropped into the seat next to Jack. "I'll let you fire the kiln for the kids' pottery if it makes you feel better." The rhino actually seemed to be considering it. "So, where are you two this weekend?" He continued, his normally cheerful self completely unfazed by the rhino's grumpiness.
Jack shrugged and Soren gave him a look. "You didn't check?"
"I figured you would and I'd just tag along." Jack popped another bit of fruit in his mouth and smiled.
Soren just shook his head. "Nature." He said, giving Jack a pointed look.
"Oh! Trees. I'm good with trees! I like to climb tall things." Jack very pointedly looked at Soren with the last comment. Sadly, the bear didn't react.
Suddenly, Val had joined them, sitting on the other side of Heath from Jack. For some reason she gave Jack the stink eye. "Some of my girls said they heard boys talking out behind the showers this morning. Know anything about it? Some of your little pervert boys get loose? You put them up to it?"
Jack pointed at his chest, giving a wide eyed stare to the cat and a 'Who? Me?' expression. "Why would I do that? Besides, Soren hasn't let me out of his sight all morning."
Val looked skeptical but settled down after Soren's nod. "If I catch you playing one of your pranks, Jack, I swear I will have myself a new possum hide coat."
Heath grinned at his girlfriend. "I love it when you get protective." Which of course led to the two starting to kiss.
With his usual impeccable timing, Alex walked right by at that moment with a stern, "Not in front of the campers." That broke the two apart before heading back on whatever task he was up to.
"It's like magic how he just pops in when you're doing something you shouldn't." Jack said marvelingly as he watched Alex walking away. The counselors continued their banter until Soren prodded Jack to his feet to get on with their day. It was a bit of a walk out to the nature lodge, which was really more of a pavilion that sat at the trail head of the camp's nature walk, posters of trees and animal tracks covering the few walls. It was somewhat secluded from the rest of the camp, but luckily like every other station they had a radio back to camp.
"I think Val hates me." Jack said, rubbing his chin as he walked alongside Soren.
"She doesn't hate you, but she also doesn't trust you. You have a reputation, man." Soren started getting out the lesson props from the cabinets, setting them out on the table.
"Pssshhhhh...." Jack sighed but didn't argue, instead he just buckled down to help Soren. Unprofessional.. he'd show them.
Strangely, since the showers, neither of them had even thought of Sarah or Jackie.