I told you I hadn't forgotten Blake; he gets his turn to speak now! Thank you to the wonderful RebelPaisley for beta-ing (and for letting me know you don't have 'tea towels' or 'rotas' in the States... I learn something new every day!).

For those interested, the 'borrowed' line from the last chapter was Kelly's "wouldn't call me drunk if I was sober" - adapted from the amazing writer that is Terry Pratchett (Men at Arms). I've sneaked a Firefly line into this chapter as I just couldn't resist. Remember, it's not plagiarism if you acknowledge your sources... Just be glad I'm not using "proper" references (college habits are hard to break!).

H'okies, no more chatter from me. Here's chapter 7. Enjoy!

~the real vampire~

7. Blake

It's such a tired game
Will it ever stop?
How will all this play out?
Out of sight, out of mind
By now we should know
How to communicate instead of coming to blows

~Jack Johnson

I'm eating breakfast when the apartment door opens and Hunter stumbles in, blond hair dishevelled, clothing rumpled, and dark bags under his eyes. I can smell the aroma of stale alcohol immediately.

"What the hell happened to you?" I ask, feeling a grin spread across my face.

He glares at me. "Our darling boss happened, that's what."

I stare at him in amazement. "You and Kelly? Wow bro, that's…" Unexpected? Out of the blue? More than a little weird? "… Just wow."

Hunter looks confused for a moment, then I see his eyes widen the tiniest bit as he gets my meaning. His scowl deepens.

"No." Then again, more annoyed, "No. Blake… no."

He sinks down into the chair opposite mine and rests his head on the table. It's my turn to look confused.

"So what then?"

"Her boyfriend broke up with her," he says into the table, voice muffled. "She decided to drown her sorrows in whiskey and I, for some completely unknown, totally idiotic reason, thought it would be a good idea to join her. Whiskey, Blake, whiskey. I don't drink whiskey." There's a faint hint of horror in his voice.

I can't help myself.

"Clearly you drank enough of it last night," I point out to him and he raises his head to give me an evil look.

"Just wait until you're hung over, then we'll see who's laughing."

I stick my tongue out at him and say tartly, "First off, I don't drink. And secondly… shouldn't you be telling me not to get drunk, like ever? You're meant to be the responsible one! Huh, some role model you are. If in ten years I've turned into an alcoholic grouch I can point a finger at you and say 'look who I had to follow'. What hope do I have?" I put a hand over my heart. "Oh woe is me."

Hunter responds by throwing the nearest object to hand. The hand towel doesn't even come close to hitting me, and flops harmlessly onto the floor. I burst out laughing and Hunter drops his head back on the table with a loud thud.

"Beware the wrath of the mighty Crimson Ranger and his Hand Towel of Doom," I say, enjoying this way too much. It's not often I can get one over on my older brother so I'm going to make the most of it.

Hunter knows it too. "Why aren't you at school? Go be all awkward and tongue-tied around Tori instead."

"Nice try, bro. I'll have you know I am the picture of cool around chicks. It's the mysterious newcomer thang I got going on."

"Ugh, on that disturbing note I'm going to bed." He pushes himself unsteadily to his feet and is halfway across the room before he turns and adds, "I'll let Tori know you called her a chick. You know how much she loves that."

I wince. "Bro, that's low. Even for you."

He snorts and drops face down onto his mattress. "That'll teach you to pick on the sick then, won't it?" he mumbles into his pillow.

I'm just about to answer back, wondering how far I can push Hunter this morning, when my morpher lets out a couple of beeps. Tori. My brother groans and claps his hands over his ears at the shrill noise.

"I'm off. See you later," I say in a louder-than-necessary voice and slam the door as I leave the apartment. I'm rewarded by a curse from Hunter that I can hear from the corridor and laugh. I'm still grinning when I reach Tori's van.

"You're looking pleased with yourself," Shane remarks from the front seat as I climb into the back. His turn for riding shotgun today. Tori got fed up with us bickering so she makes us take turns. 'Cos she's clever like that.

"Just in a good mood," I say brightly, buckling my seatbelt with a smile for Tori.

Dustin stares at me blearily. "Dude, it's Monday morning and we're off to school… How the hell are you in a good mood?"

I shrug and grin in reply. "Kelly got Hunter drunk last night," I announce gleefully.

Shane frowns for a moment and then his face lights up in younger-brother-understanding. "You made the most of it I trust?"

I give him a 'duh' look. "Of course."

He grins.

"Wait, Kelly and Hunter?" I only catch a glimpse of Tori's face in the rear-view mirror but she has an… odd expression. It's gone in an instant.

Shane and Dustin make gagging noises and I pull a face. "Nah. Definitely not. Hunter was fairly adamant about that."

"Thank god for that," Shane breathes and then turns to gives me a wicked look. "Although…" I recognise the tone in his voice.

"Dude, if you say Hunter needs to get laid I swear I will punch you in the back of the head. I do not, I repeat, do not need that mental image."

Shane cackles, "Bro, did you see Leanne? There is no way those two dated and didn't... you know." He waggles his eyebrows suggestively and then ducks forward as I try to take a swipe at him.

At that point Tori joins in, saying sweetly, "But Shane, Porter's engaged. He's definitely slept with Sarah. Maybe even in your house."

Shane turns green and glares at the petite blonde. "Thanks Tor. Way to make me throw up."

"Any time," she says, catching my eye in the mirror and giving me a wink.

I can feel myself relaxing, letting their laughter wash over me. This all feels so right, so comfortable, so familiar. It feels like home.

The feeling lasts right up until we pull into the school and go our separate ways, with the usual promise to meet up again at lunch.

XxX

The final class before lunch is math, with Shane. I find myself clock-watching, counting away the minutes until I'm free of Mr. Li and his linear equations. Shane's scribbling away busily next to me and I sigh, but quietly. Shane's good at math. He needs to be; he wants to go to college. I don't. I know what I want to do; ride professionally for a factory team. But Hunter insists I… what's the phrase he uses? Oh, yeah… cultivate other options.

Sometimes my brother sounds so much like Cam it's scary. If those two ever decided to team up and take over the world we'd be in trouble. Cam would be the brains for sure, the one with the ideas, because my bro is not that smart – I've never met anyone as smart as our tech – but Hunter would understand his plans, and make them work. Hunter has a stubborn streak at the best of times, never mind when he's actually decided to do something.

Luckily for us, that would involve them having a conversation, with real words and everything, and I don't see that happening any time soon. World is safe for now.

From them, at least.

The bell cuts through my daydream, making me jump.

Shane laughs at me. "You were miles away. On the track again?"

I feel my cheeks heat a little. "Not this time." I'm becoming known for daydreaming. "Dude, do you think we'd survive if Cam ever went evil and tried to take over the world?"

Shane blinks at me, and then groans as he packs away his stuff. "You've been spending way too much time with Dustin."

I take that as a compliment.

I'm still amazed at how easily I've come to fit in, how quickly everything's become natural. Sometimes I'm scared I'm going to wake up to find this all a dream and that I'm still on Lothor's ship, or at the Thunder Academy, or, worse, before the Thunder Academy.

I focus back on Shane who's talking about some new dvd he's bought, but before I can reveal I haven't heard a word he's said, we arrive at the cafeteria to see Dustin waving at us from where he's saved us a table. Shane raises an arm in acknowledgement before heading off to grab some lunch.

I join Dustin, pulling a sandwich from my bag. I don't buy food at school. Hunter says why bother when we have bread and stuff already. I know it's really because we can't afford to. I've never pushed Hunter on this. He gave me enough grief about 'wasting' money on those film festival tickets that I know things are going to be tight this month. Again. Probably didn't help that I bought Tori one too.

At least he seems to have warmed up to Tori now.

It's nice to see him getting along with someone. Ok, so I'm surprised it's her; I'd have pegged Dustin to be the first but I'll take what I can get. Hunter's always sort of avoided women after Leanne. Though don't ask me what happened there. Neither of them speak about it. Or each other. It's not any of my business anyways.

Speaking of Tori, the blonde chooses this moment to arrive, smiling that smile, the one that always makes my stomach fluttery. She slides into the chair next to me. "How was math?"

I pull a disgusted face. "Same as usual."

"In other words he slept through most of it." Shane returns with his tray full of food and throws me a chocolate bar. Something else that has become normal.

I'm not sure how or why this started – maybe it's pity, maybe it's because he's seen my poor excuse for a lunch and is worried, or maybe it's his way of showing friendship; I don't know – but I don't tell Hunter. And I don't try to buy Shane anything in return because he practically threw it back at me the last time I did.

"So I got that 'Real Steel' movie I was telling you guys about," Shane says to the table.

"Oh dude, yes!" Dustin grins enthusiastically. "Can we watch it tonight? Please, please, please?" He blinks large brown eyes at Shane and I can see our leader give in, as he often does. Who can resist Dustin in pleading mode? Not even Cam.

If he ever uses his powers for evil, then we'll definitely be in a world of trouble.

"Sure we can-oh." The red guy's face falls. "We can't use my house tonight. Dad's got a work thing on. Tori?"

She shakes her head. "Mom's got some girlfriends over this evening. You boys really don't want to be around."

Dustin huffs, "And we can't use my house either. I'm still on a friend ban from the last time."

I shift guiltily. "Hey, I didn't know putting mentos in coke would really explode so… violently."

"Or loudly," Shane adds. "Has your Gran forgiven us yet?"

"Gran's fine; it's my mom you have to watch out for. There's still a stain on the kitchen ceiling." Dustin looks at me and his face suddenly lights up. Uh oh. "Dude! Why don't we just watch it round yours? Hunter won't mind right? Not if we bring snacks." Pause. "And no mentos."

No, no, no.

All three of them are looking at me expectantly, waiting for me to say yes, like a friend should – would – but I can't. Hunter's banned visitors. Even our teammates. Especially our teammates. I don't know why but I can't budge him on this. Dustin and his puppy-dog eyes wouldn't even budge him on this. Plus we don't actually own a tv. Or dvd player. Or a phone; I had to use Storm Chargers phone to call Leanne.

But the thought of admitting that to my friends makes my stomach clench. Guess some of my brother's stupid pride has rubbed off on me.

"We can't. I'm sorry," I say in a quiet voice. "Hunter doesn't like having people over."

"Not even us?" Dustin looks hurt.

"I don't think it's anything personal," I assure him hurriedly. "He just doesn't like his space being invaded."

"You mean he just doesn't like us." Shane doesn't sound angry, more tired.

Tori gives him a Look. "Shane…" There's warning in her voice.

Our leader sighs. "I've said I'll apologise and I will. But he did start it."

My heart sinks at his words. "What's this?"

What's my brother done now?

Tori and Shane exchange glances. "Nothing," he says. "Don't worry about it."

Now I really am worried.

But Dustin pulls the conversation back on-topic. "Couldn't you just ask him? For us?" he wheedles.

I smile. "Alright, alright, I'll ask again. But no promises. It won't be tonight though." And by tomorrow hopefully they'll have forgotten about it and found somewhere else to watch the film.

That seems to be good enough for Dustin and talk drifts away onto other, safer, things. The rest of lunch passes without incident, and after the guys head off to their Physics class I corner Tori.

"What did Hunter do?"

She frowns at me. "Does it matter?"

"Well, yeah, it kinda does. He's my brother, Tori. If he's upset people, upset you guys, I need to know."

"You're not his minder you know. You don't have to clean up his messes all the time." When I don't reply she throws her hands up in defeat. "Fine. Shane asked Hunter about Leanne. Hunter obviously didn't want to answer and was fairly rude in the process. Hunter was wound up by Leanne and took it out on Shane; Shane was wound up by Hunter. Words were exchanged. They both said things they didn't mean. I'm working on them. Now, can we drop it?"

I'm taken back by how… how well she seems to have got my brother's character. It all sounds very Hunter.

"You're working on them?"

She nods. "You might know Hunter best, but I know Shane. Just… let me fix this ok?" She's got that Look in her eyes again and I almost feel sorry for my brother.

Almost.

"Ok Tori," I say gently. "But… if Hunter does anything… mean, you let me know right?"

She laughs, flicking her hair off her shoulder. "So you can defend my honour?" I flush and her face instantly softens. "Sorry. I will, I promise." She pauses before asking, carefully, "When did Hunter start shutting people out?"

I'm confused. "What do you mean?"

Tori looks awkward. "You know, building his walls. Keeping everything to himself."

Walls?

"Nope, I'm still lost. What walls?"

She raises an eyebrow, surprised. "You haven't noticed?"

Noticed what? This is getting surreal.

"Tori, Hunter doesn't have walls and ok, I know he's not, like, the most social of people but he's not deliberately keeping people out. He just-" Has trust issues. "- takes his time to warm up to people. But he will, honest."

She doesn't look convinced, but then the moment passes and she's smiling again. "Ok Blake. Well, I have to run to class so… see you later?"

I nod and she hesitates before giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. Our eyes meet for a brief second and then she's looking away, blushing, and hurrying off down the busy corridor.

She kissed me.

I feel a stupid grin start spreading across my face.

Tori kissed me!

XxX

I stick my nose into Storm Chargers on the way home from school to pick up mine and Hunter's schedules for the next few weeks. Dustin is already manning the tills when I arrive and gives me a conspiratorial whisper as I approach.

"Dude, I think your brother broke Kelly."

Remembering the state Hunter was in this morning I have a sneaking suspicion that it was Kelly that did the breaking, and tell Dustin so. He laughs and I go out back to find Kelly slumped at her desk, nursing a very large cup of coffee, and a very large hangover to match.

I greet her with a bright grin. "Hey Kell, good night last night?"

She groans and glares at me. "You are far too damn cheerful. Ugh, my head is killing me. Where's that stupid brother of yours? I'd punch him for getting me that drunk but I actually think it was my fault."

"If it's any consolation," I tell her. "Hunter looked terrible this morning. What did you do to him?"

She shakes her head, then winces. "I have no idea. We were drinking beer and then… something else."

"Whiskey," I supply helpfully and she stares at me, a look of horror settling over her face.

"Whiskey? I don't drink whiskey."

I crack up. "That's just what Hunter said this morning. Sounds like you both had an awesome time," I get out in between my laughs.

"Well hopefully he can remember more than me, and can explain a few things. Like why the hell did I wake up with my head on the toilet seat and a blanket draped over me? I'm going to assume that was your brother." If it's possible her face pales further. "God, I hope it was your brother."

I give her a cheeky grin. "Well at least you were dressed." I freeze suddenly – maybe Hunter was lying – and it's my turn to look horrified. "Please please please tell me you were wearing clothes."

It's Kelly's turn to laugh. "Yes Blake, I was fully clothed thank you and no, I'm like ninety-nine-point-nine percent sure I did not take advantage of your brother." She pulls a strand of red hair out of her eyes and sighs, "Right, you didn't come all this way to torment me; what was it you wanted?"

"Our work schedules."

She flicks through a stack of papers on her desk and thrusts two at me. "There you are. Now go and let me die in peace."

I go.

XxX

I'm still happy when I get home to find Hunter already making dinner. He looks about a hundred percent better than he did this morning; eyes alert, hair tamed, skin no longer a sickly shade of green. He smiles absently at me as I dump my schoolbag on the kitchen table.

"Hey, so Josh asked me to open the bar this evening. I'm going to have to leave early. Food'll be ready in ten but you can just reheat it when you're hungry."

It looks like some kind of stew, thrown together from whatever we had left in the fridge. Waste not, want not. Knowing Hunter, it'll probably taste great. Though to be honest, anything not cooked in the microwave is a rare treat.

He glances over at me. "You're cheerful for a Monday afternoon."

I realise I've got a smile on my face again and shrug. "Had a good day."

My mood sours slightly as I remember the conversation with Tori at lunch. I'm half-tempted to mention I know about his fight with Shane, but catch myself. I don't want to argue with Hunter tonight. Besides, Tori's already on it. Tori – who kissed me – is going to fix it.

If anyone can fix this it'll be her.

So I keep quiet about it, instead asking my brother what time he'll be back.

"Late" is his reply, warning me not to wait up for him. Not a chance; I like my sleep.

Hunter wolfs down his dinner while I settle down at the table to do my homework. My brother sees the despairing look I give one of my books and grins. "Math?"

I nod. "It sucks."

"Hey, keep at it ok?" he says, eyes suddenly serious. "You've only got a year left."

"One year 'til freedom."

He snorts, but I see a flash of something pass over his face. It's gone so quickly I can't tell what it is.

Walls…

I watch my brother as he swallows the last mouthful of stew and grabs his keys, ruffling my hair as he heads for the door. "Enjoy math."

I stick my tongue out at him and he smiles back before leaving me alone in the apartment.

No walls there. Just Hunter.

I still have no idea what Tori was talking about.

XxX

I've just completed the last of my homework when there's a knock at the door. I'm confused for a second – we never get visitors – and then figure it must be the landlord so jump up to open it.

To find Shane, Tori and Dustin standing outside.

My mind freezes; a thudding, dull panic hammering in my chest. Why are they here? How did they find us? And, Hunter is going to kill me. Before I can think to stop them, they walk straight past me into the apartment.

"Wh… what's going on?" I stutter, confused.

Tori flashes me her stunning smile. "Well, we figured Hunter couldn't kick us out if we just turned up. So… movie night?" She holds up a bag of toffee popcorn with a flirtatious wink, knowing it's my favourite.

"Speaking of Mr. Dark-and-Broody, where is he?" Shane asks, obviously not having heard an explosion from my older brother at the invasion of our home.

"He's out," I mutter lamely, deliberately vague, but before I can get the nth degree from either of them to Hunter's whereabouts everyone's attention is drawn by Dustin's exclamation.

"Dude, where's your tv?"

Shane and Tori finally take in their surroundings; the lack of tv, the single moth-eaten couch, the tiny kitchenette with its broken cupboards and rusty taps, the peeling paint, damp walls and dirty carpet. We've tried to clean it up, but there's only so much bleach and soapy water can do. It needs time and money spent on it, and we have neither. Hunter's fixed the worst of the damage, repaired what he could. It isn't great, but it's all we have.

In that moment though, seeing the looks on their faces, I understand why Hunter hadn't wanted anyone to visit us.

This isn't normal.

Normal people do not live like this.

This isn't Tori's lovely little house near the beach with her loving parents. This isn't Dustin's messy but homely one-story which he shares with his sisters, mother and grandmother. This certainly isn't Shane's big mansion where he can escape his quarrelling parents in a myriad of rooms. This is not a home.

I feel something inside me snap and the words tumble out before I can stop them, angry and bitter, "So it's not a palace, but you know what? This is all three hundred dollars a month gets you. Shall I give you the grand tour? My room." I gesture to the open door that leads to the only bedroom. "Hunter's room." My waving arm indicates the pathetic mattress in the corner of the living room where Hunter sleeps. "Bathroom and kitchen. I'm sorry about the tv. Unfortunately we've had more important things to spend our money on recently. Like food, and rent, and bills, and all those things that you guys don't have to worry about because you have parents who do all that for you."

"Blake-" Tori's voice is gentle; the touch on my arm reassuring, comforting.

"Don't you dare pity me," I choke out. "I don't want your pity. This is fine; we are fine."

Hunter was right.

An uncomfortable silence falls, which is only broken by the sudden beeping of Shane's morpher.

"Go for Shane", the red ranger answers it; his voice calmer than I thought it would be.

"We have an alien attack. Downtown." Cam's voice cracks from the communicator.

"We're on it," Shane responds, answering for all of us. He looks at me. "You better call Hunter."

My stomach rolls. "No." I see the anger flash in Shane's dark eyes and feel my own rise up again. "I can't. Hunter's at work. He can't run out on this job or he'll lose it. We can't afford to lose it."

I hate how pathetic those last words sound.

Then Shane surprises me. The anger I'd seen behind his eyes vanishes, replaced by concern. "Ok then. We'll manage without him. Are you good for this?"

I know what he's asking; have I calmed down?

I nod yes, pulling my mind back into the game. "Let's do it."

XxX

Afterwards, after the alien is gone and the adrenaline is slowly beginning to fade, I turn to the others. They've all got that light in their eyes, the one they get after they demorph. I'm sure I have it too. It's like, the remains of the power, shining, letting everyone know they've been touched by it. I honestly don't know how people miss it; miss how different we all are. But I guess people only ever really see what they expect to see. And no one would expect the saviours of the world to be four sports-mad high school students and a shop mechanic.

Tori looks at me, grinning, clearly still on a high from the battle, but her smile falters and I know she's remembering how I snapped at her before.

"I'm sorry," I say to her quietly and she reaches out to squeeze my hand, letting me know it's ok. In a louder voice, so Shane and Dustin know I'm talking to them too, I continue, "Look can we… Is there any way we can not mention this to Hunter?"

"Which bit?" Shane asks, running a hand over his short hair. "The alien? Or us coming to your apartment?"

"Uh, both," I whisper, eyes suddenly really interested in the floor.

I jump at the arm slung around my shoulders. Dustin. "Sure bro. That's not a problem because…" He glances at the other two. "Because it's not." Even Shane's nodding.

I relax.

This will all be fine.

Hunter's not in when I get back and he's fast asleep by the time I get up for school. I'm relieved; the longer I can avoid him for the less chance there is of him asking how last night went, so I won't have to lie to him. He can tell when I'm lying.

After our pre-lunch math class (or nap, if you listen to Shane) the taller guy takes me aside, concern etched across his face.

"Look, about yesterday," he begins, shifting uncomfortably. "If there's anything I can do anything to help out, I will. I didn't want to say in front of the others but if you and Hunter are ever in trouble, money-wise or no, you know I'll help. You just have to ask."

I feel my face heat in embarrassment. "It's not as bad as it looks," I try to reassure him; reassure myself. "Last night… I guess I was just upset. I'm sorry. Truth is we probably could afford a better apartment but Hunter says why bother when we hardly spend any time there." The lie is ugly; awkward and obvious. Shane knows it too but doesn't call me on it. I suppose he knows what pride is like, with his dad and brother and all.

He just nods. "Ok, but the offer's always open."

I grab his arm as he goes to move off. "Shane-"

"I know, I know, don't tell Hunter. I get it, I do. Why do you think I made the offer to you and not him?" He quirks a grin. "Even if we did manage to have a conversation long enough for me to get the chance to ask him, he'd bite my head off as soon as 'help' was out of my mouth. I can be stupid, but I'm not suicidal." I think I must still look worried though because he says seriously, "I promise, not a word to Hunter. Now, let's get lunch. I'm starving."

XxX

Hunter catches up with me just as I'm walking down the stairs into Ops that afternoon. "So… anything interesting happen last night?"

From the look he gives me I know he knows… about the alien or the others visiting I'm not quite sure. I shouldn't even try to lie to him but I do, in the vain hope that I'm wrong.

"… No?" My tone is halfway between hopeful and fearful.

"No?" My brother stops just outside the main room and blocks my way with an outstretched arm. He turns to face me, one eyebrow raised. "So another of Lothor's aliens being defeated downtown by the Power Rangers isn't interesting? Oh, you didn't hear about it? It made all the papers. I find it very interesting. Strange I wasn't invited to the party. I'm a little hurt, bro."

Uh oh, sarcasm. I am in so much trouble.

He gives me a level stare, waiting for me to explain. He doesn't seem too angry, yet, but he definitely isn't happy. He's got that "I'll-wait-for-you-to-speak-and-then-get-mad-at-you" look on his face.

I shuffle my feet, staring intently at the worn stone floor. "You were at work," I mumble. "I figured if you ran out on the bar they'd fire you for sure and it's your job." I don't mention how much we need the money; Hunter knows what I mean.

"Yeah, it's a job," Hunter says calmly. "But that's all it is: a job. I can always get another one. I can't get another brother. Your life is more important than money, you know." There's friendly affection under the seriousness of his words. And he's still not visibly angry. I'm relieved. He runs a hand through his hair and I realise he was worried.

Because it's not like I can't take care of myself or anything.

"It was fine, honest," I hear myself say. "Shane was cool with it, but if things had got really out of hand we'd have beeped you."

"Shane?" Hunter's face has darkened. "You told Shane I was at work?"

"Well… yes? He asked me to beep you when he got the call. I, um, wouldn't. But he was cool with it, once I explained." Something is telling me to shut up, stop talking, but it's too late.

Hunter's looking at me, as if trying to work things out. "You were with Shane when you got the call? You never said you were going out-" He stops as if struck by a thought. "Toffee popcorn… Blake where were you last night?"

I say the first thing that comes to mind, "Around Shane's, for movie night."

"And that explains the bag of toffee popcorn on our couch how?"

Oops.

Tori must have left it there when we bailed to fight the alien.

"I… bought it home with me?" It's lame, and Hunter sees straight through it.

"Blake, what is pretty much the only house rule?" His voice is low, dangerous.

"… Don't leave dirty underwear in the bathroom?" I try to lighten the mood, deflect. Hunter glares at me and I cringe. Bad idea. "So they saw our place, big deal. They were cool with it." I ignore the memory of how they'd looked when they saw it. "I don't know what you were expecting but it's not like they're going to judge us just 'cos our apartment's crap. Why are you making this into a big thing?"

"Because you disobeyed me, Blake." Hunter's really angry now. I can hear it in the undercurrent of his voice. He's trying not to shout; we used to have the worst screaming matches when we were kids but now he tends to do scary-calm-anger instead.

Which is possibly worse.

I should be impressed I've managed to push him far enough to get this mad, but I'm getting annoyed too.

Hunter's still doing his not-quite-yelling, "You might not like it, but I'm your legal guardian now; I'm responsible for you. I'm in charge, so what I say goes."

"Why?" I snap back, letting my brother see just how angry I am. "Don't you care what I want? I want my friends to come and visit, like normal people do. I want to be normal." I've never really challenged Hunter on his decisions before. I've always followed, always gone along with him on everything, even if it came back to bite us in the ass. "I didn't want to go with Lothor, remember? But I never argued with you and went anyway. And you know how well that turned out. You were wrong on that, and you're wrong on this. Just admit it. It's only your stupid pride that's trying to keep them away." I know I'm pushing a lot more than I should, but I don't care. "Why don't I get a say in anything?"

"When you're eighteen you can do what you like." Hunter's voice is cold. "Until then, follow my rules." He turns to leave; argument over.

"You are not my father."

My loud, angry words echo into a sudden silence. I know as soon as they're out of my mouth I've gone too far. Hunter freezes and I feel my heart leap into my throat. Way too far. I brace myself, waiting for the explosion, the smart, stinging rebuke, for the thunder.

It doesn't come.

Instead I see Hunter's shoulders slump slightly, one hand resting on the stone wall as if for support, head bowed. His voice, when he finally speaks after a long painful moment, is strangely empty. "I know."

Before I can say anything – say sorry – he squares his shoulders and strides away into the main room of Ninja Ops, leaving me standing there, alone; guilt slowly snaking its way through me.

I didn't mean it.

Hunter's done so much for me. I know he's trying to make this work and I… was out of line. I took it too far. Like, the bit about the others… I'm glad that's been said. It needed to be said; I needed to say it. Though there was probably a time and place for it – never a good time – and this wasn't it. But the other bit… the last bit… I shouldn't have said that. Hunter's been a brother and father to me. And a mother too if I think about it. I was wrong. As soon as training's over I'll let him know, apologise, make it up to him somehow. If he'll listen.

Oh, yeah, training.

I'm feeling thoroughly miserable by the time I actually enter the room. Hunter's already started sparring with Shane (Sensei's orders, I'll bet), and Tori and Dustin are half-heartedly going through some moves together. They break off as soon as I appear and I can tell just by looking that they heard everything. They don't get a chance to speak though because suddenly Sensei's there, making me partner Dustin while Tori gets to train with Cam. I sneak a look at my brother, hoping he'll look at me, hoping he'll give me a look that says it's ok, that he knows I didn't mean it. But he doesn't. He's insanely focused on Shane, being the perfect sparring partner, and I know he's ignoring me.

The lump in my throat moves down, settling in my stomach, and I try to concentrate on Dustin but all I can think is I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.