Blake stared into the glowing embers of the fire. Hunter's words hung
in the air.
"Wait- what do you mean you didn't know when you'll be back? You can't leave- we're a team," Dustin said.
"He's right you know." Cam put in.
" I know guys, but you have to understand- Sensei Omino, the academy- that's all we've ever known- it's our family." Hunter replied.
"But we're your family too bro," Shane added putting a hand on Hunter's shoulder.
"I know man, but we just need to get back- figure things out."
They all nodded again. Hunter stood up from his seat. "Well, I'm gonna head home. I'll see you guys in the morning."
Similar responses came from the group. "Blake, you coming?"
"Na man. I think I'll stay here for awhile. I'll meet you at home alright?"
"Alright man," Hunter said clasping hands with him. He watched as they walked away into the darkness, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
'Why the hell is everything so difficult! Just when I think everything's great it all gets fucked!'
The academy that had trained him and molded him into man he was today was restored to all it's glory- he should have been the happiest guy in the world. But a certain streak of blue kept him from sharing that joy. She had entered his life like the waves she road so beautifully- she rose above him and consumed him.
"God damn it!" he cried in frustration kicking a rock into the woods, followed by a voice that he had grown to know so well.
"Ever considered taking up soccer?" she asked emerging from the forest. He looked at her- the pale moonlight accentuating her skin. She edged closer to him, finally wrapping her arms slowly around his neck, resting her head between his neck and shoulder. His arms went around her tiny frame, pulling her tighter into him. They would have been happy to stay like that forever, but they both knew they would have to be parted eventually.
"Tori- you know I don't want to leave you, but I have to. I have to go back and set everything back in order." His words hurt, but she understood.
"I know," she whispered- her warm breath on his neck sent shivers down his spine. "How long are you going to be gone?"
"I'm not sure- could be a few days, or weeks-" he trailed off as he felt her tremble. She tightened her grip on him, not wanting to let go. "Hey," he said pulling away slightly, looking in her eyes. "I promise I'll come back- nothing could keep me away." His lips met hers in a long passionate kiss. Soon his hands were roaming through her blonde locks as hers were exploring his back.
"Did you mean what you said?" she said finally gasping for air.
"About what?"
"About how we'd spend more mornings together?" she shot him a devilish smile.
"Of course I meant it. I loved waking up to you." Returning her gesture with one of his own. Without thinking about what Sensei would have to say about using their powers in public, they both streaked back to Tori's apartment. As soon as the door was shut, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Blake pushed her up against the wall, her legs wrapping around his waist. Still held in a fit of passion, he walked over to her couch. Lowering himself and Tori down, he unzipped her ninja uniform, revealing a sky blue lace bra. Her hands found their way to his zipper and she violently pulled it down.
"Ah-" Blake let out a small cry of pain. His chest was still bandaged from his torture at the hands of Lothor. Tori stopped, kissing his neck and working her mouth down to the injured area. His pain slowly subsided as she laid the slow sweet kisses on his chest. She finished the task of undoing his shirt, exposing a white cloth bandage. He placed his hands on her head and brought her back to his awaiting lips.
"Where's- your- room," he asked between kisses. She rose from the couch, his hands wrapped around hers. She led him down the short hall to her awaiting abode. The door surprisingly was shut.
"What the hell?" she asked.
"What?" he asked kissing her neck.
"I know I left this open when I left." She gasped when she opened the door.
Candles filled her once dark blue room. Their soft glow made it seem like something out of a dream. "Did you-" she stuttered as they entered.
"No." he answered in equal surprise. Looking around, she found a trail of white rose pedals leading over to a note propped up on her desk.
'Hey guys- we figured you should have at least one romantic night after all the stuff you've gone through. We just hope that this is enough of a thank you for all that you have given to us. We love you guys.
~Cam, Shane, Dustin, and Hunter'
Smiling as she finished reading it aloud, she turned to Blake who pulled her into a warm embrace. Their chests pressed against one another, slowly rising and falling in tune to their heartbeats. His fingers traced her shoulder, lowering her bra strap further down her arm. She let out small murmurs of pleasure as his lips followed his hand down her neck. She reached down, unbuttoning his pant, letting them fall to the floor. She let out a small laugh as she heard the thud on the floor. Her laughter brought him back to attention as he stared up in her eyes, kissing her mouth once more- his tongue flowing around hers as he unbuttoned her pants. Standing now in their underwear, Blake suddenly realized he was missing something.
"Shit," he murmured.
"What?" Tori asked exasperated.
"I- uh- oh shit, why now?"
Tori suddenly realized what the problem was. "Blake, it's alright- really." She said lying through her teeth, pulling him to her again. Something however reached her before the rest of his body did.
"Fuck -" he said slightly embarrassed. Tori let out a small giggle, but kissed him sweetly on the lips.
"Where's your bathroom?" he asked.
"Uh- the next door over to the left," she said a bit taken aback.
He walked out leaving Tori standing in her bra and panties feeling a slight chill. She crawled into her bed and huddled under her blue covers. She heard the shower turn on and wondered what he was doing.
A very frustrated Blake entered the bathroom, saw the shower and turned on the water as hot as it would go. As he was about to step in, he caught a glimpse of a small corner of paper sticking out of the corner of the mirror.
'Hey bro- I found a little something on your nightstand- thought you might want it. Check Tori's desk drawer.
~Hunter'
Tori lay there, waiting for Blake to return. Moments after she heard her shower turn on, it went off again. Blake walked in and immediately went to her desk, pulling something from the top drawer.
"Blake- what are you-" her voice left her as he jumped on top of her. Tori laughed in surprise as he held up the package he retrieved. "Let's just say Hunter knows his little brother all too well."
"Good thing!" she cried pulling him to her, her mouth devouring his. They made quick work of their remaining clothes, tossing them on the floor. Blake withdrew a foil package and opened it revealing the prize to his quest. Tori brought him to her again, caressing his face. He lowered himself on to her warm, inviting body. They made a love that night that would have made all the hearts of all the lovers in the world green with envy. It may have been due to the setting of the soft yellow lights, or the fact that they may not have a chance like this for a long time. Whatever the reason, they were happy to have this time together before facing the morning.
Tori woke up just as the sun dawned. Blake was lying on his back snoring softly, his arm resting on her back. Her head was on his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat. She carefully removed herself from the warmth of his body. She propped herself up on her shoulder and gazed at the sleeping figure. He was so beautiful- his body, his mind, his eyes were so perfect. Her hand slowly reached to his face, tracing her finger along his jaw line. He stirred a little, finally opening his eyes.
"Morning gorgeous," he said leaning over to meet her lips. She let out a soft moan as they pulled away. He placed his hand on her cheek, his fingers entwined in her hair. "What time is it?"
"Around seven," she replied softly- she remembered that Hunter wanted to head out early. She saw the disappointment in his face. He pulled her in for another passionate kiss. Tori forced herself to let go. Avoiding his gaze, she said the words she desperately didn't want to say.
"I think it's time to go-" she said trying to hold back tears. Blake knew her heart was breaking, his was too.
"I know-" he trailed off. They lay there in Tori's bed silently sobbing inside.
Breaking the silence, Blake spoke first. "Tor- can I take a shower first?"
She looked at him strangely- 'How the hell do you always manage to "ruin the moment"?'
"Yea, go ahead." She said forcing a smile. He kissed her again and pulled the covers off, revealing his naked body. Tori watched as he got up and strode towards the door. He turned as he reached the frame.
"You coming?"
Tori's face lit up as she flew from her bed, chasing him into the bathroom.
Dustin and Shane waited outside of Storm Chargers for Cam. They had talked to Hunter around 7- well more like Hunter had woken them up and told them to meet him there. Cam arrived a few minutes later and was followed shortly by Blake and Tori. His arm was around her shoulder while hers was around his waist- they both looked like they were miserable. The others wondered is they had found their "surprise."
"Hey guys," Dustin said. "So-uh- how'd your night go?"
Tori and Blake looked at each other and smiled. "It was so sweet you guys," Tori said. "Thank you."
"Yea guys- thanks." Blake said extending his hand out, grasping each of their hands. "Where's Hunter?"
"Right here bro," Hunter said tossing him his navy backpack. He took his arm away from Tori to catch it. There was a long awkward silence before Hunter broke the ice.
"Well----I guess we should get going." He glanced around seeing the pain in everyone's eyes, and they all saw the same in his.
"Hey- good luck man," Cam said extending a hand that Hunter clasped firmly.
"Yea- don't be gone too long- I need some actual competition out there on the track," Dustin said grabbing his hand.
"Hey- let us know when you get settled, alright?" Shane said. The two leaders extended their arms meeting in a firm hug. Hunter nodded and then looked over to his little brother.
He held Tori as close to his body as possible. Her eyes began to water as she clung to him. They didn't want this to end, but they knew it had to. Pulling away, Tori saw that Blake also had tears forming. "I promise- I'll come back." he said pulling her into a slow, gentle kiss. They held each other once more, finally releasing.
"I love you Tori."
"I love you too Blake." Her forehead resting on his. He backed away slowly, making his way over to say his goodbyes to the others. Hunter approached Tori, grabbing her in a tight hug. "Be safe Hunter," she said.
"I will Tor- thank you."
"For what?"
"For making Blake open up again. I just hope that someday I meet someone as kind and caring as you to help me."
Tori gave him another hug. "You will Hunter- you will."
The time came. The thunder brothers stood side by side looking at the wind ninjas and the samurai. Shane, Dustin, Cam, and Tori waved goodbye as Blake and Hunter streaked away in flashes of navy and crimson.
"Wait- what do you mean you didn't know when you'll be back? You can't leave- we're a team," Dustin said.
"He's right you know." Cam put in.
" I know guys, but you have to understand- Sensei Omino, the academy- that's all we've ever known- it's our family." Hunter replied.
"But we're your family too bro," Shane added putting a hand on Hunter's shoulder.
"I know man, but we just need to get back- figure things out."
They all nodded again. Hunter stood up from his seat. "Well, I'm gonna head home. I'll see you guys in the morning."
Similar responses came from the group. "Blake, you coming?"
"Na man. I think I'll stay here for awhile. I'll meet you at home alright?"
"Alright man," Hunter said clasping hands with him. He watched as they walked away into the darkness, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
'Why the hell is everything so difficult! Just when I think everything's great it all gets fucked!'
The academy that had trained him and molded him into man he was today was restored to all it's glory- he should have been the happiest guy in the world. But a certain streak of blue kept him from sharing that joy. She had entered his life like the waves she road so beautifully- she rose above him and consumed him.
"God damn it!" he cried in frustration kicking a rock into the woods, followed by a voice that he had grown to know so well.
"Ever considered taking up soccer?" she asked emerging from the forest. He looked at her- the pale moonlight accentuating her skin. She edged closer to him, finally wrapping her arms slowly around his neck, resting her head between his neck and shoulder. His arms went around her tiny frame, pulling her tighter into him. They would have been happy to stay like that forever, but they both knew they would have to be parted eventually.
"Tori- you know I don't want to leave you, but I have to. I have to go back and set everything back in order." His words hurt, but she understood.
"I know," she whispered- her warm breath on his neck sent shivers down his spine. "How long are you going to be gone?"
"I'm not sure- could be a few days, or weeks-" he trailed off as he felt her tremble. She tightened her grip on him, not wanting to let go. "Hey," he said pulling away slightly, looking in her eyes. "I promise I'll come back- nothing could keep me away." His lips met hers in a long passionate kiss. Soon his hands were roaming through her blonde locks as hers were exploring his back.
"Did you mean what you said?" she said finally gasping for air.
"About what?"
"About how we'd spend more mornings together?" she shot him a devilish smile.
"Of course I meant it. I loved waking up to you." Returning her gesture with one of his own. Without thinking about what Sensei would have to say about using their powers in public, they both streaked back to Tori's apartment. As soon as the door was shut, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Blake pushed her up against the wall, her legs wrapping around his waist. Still held in a fit of passion, he walked over to her couch. Lowering himself and Tori down, he unzipped her ninja uniform, revealing a sky blue lace bra. Her hands found their way to his zipper and she violently pulled it down.
"Ah-" Blake let out a small cry of pain. His chest was still bandaged from his torture at the hands of Lothor. Tori stopped, kissing his neck and working her mouth down to the injured area. His pain slowly subsided as she laid the slow sweet kisses on his chest. She finished the task of undoing his shirt, exposing a white cloth bandage. He placed his hands on her head and brought her back to his awaiting lips.
"Where's- your- room," he asked between kisses. She rose from the couch, his hands wrapped around hers. She led him down the short hall to her awaiting abode. The door surprisingly was shut.
"What the hell?" she asked.
"What?" he asked kissing her neck.
"I know I left this open when I left." She gasped when she opened the door.
Candles filled her once dark blue room. Their soft glow made it seem like something out of a dream. "Did you-" she stuttered as they entered.
"No." he answered in equal surprise. Looking around, she found a trail of white rose pedals leading over to a note propped up on her desk.
'Hey guys- we figured you should have at least one romantic night after all the stuff you've gone through. We just hope that this is enough of a thank you for all that you have given to us. We love you guys.
~Cam, Shane, Dustin, and Hunter'
Smiling as she finished reading it aloud, she turned to Blake who pulled her into a warm embrace. Their chests pressed against one another, slowly rising and falling in tune to their heartbeats. His fingers traced her shoulder, lowering her bra strap further down her arm. She let out small murmurs of pleasure as his lips followed his hand down her neck. She reached down, unbuttoning his pant, letting them fall to the floor. She let out a small laugh as she heard the thud on the floor. Her laughter brought him back to attention as he stared up in her eyes, kissing her mouth once more- his tongue flowing around hers as he unbuttoned her pants. Standing now in their underwear, Blake suddenly realized he was missing something.
"Shit," he murmured.
"What?" Tori asked exasperated.
"I- uh- oh shit, why now?"
Tori suddenly realized what the problem was. "Blake, it's alright- really." She said lying through her teeth, pulling him to her again. Something however reached her before the rest of his body did.
"Fuck -" he said slightly embarrassed. Tori let out a small giggle, but kissed him sweetly on the lips.
"Where's your bathroom?" he asked.
"Uh- the next door over to the left," she said a bit taken aback.
He walked out leaving Tori standing in her bra and panties feeling a slight chill. She crawled into her bed and huddled under her blue covers. She heard the shower turn on and wondered what he was doing.
A very frustrated Blake entered the bathroom, saw the shower and turned on the water as hot as it would go. As he was about to step in, he caught a glimpse of a small corner of paper sticking out of the corner of the mirror.
'Hey bro- I found a little something on your nightstand- thought you might want it. Check Tori's desk drawer.
~Hunter'
Tori lay there, waiting for Blake to return. Moments after she heard her shower turn on, it went off again. Blake walked in and immediately went to her desk, pulling something from the top drawer.
"Blake- what are you-" her voice left her as he jumped on top of her. Tori laughed in surprise as he held up the package he retrieved. "Let's just say Hunter knows his little brother all too well."
"Good thing!" she cried pulling him to her, her mouth devouring his. They made quick work of their remaining clothes, tossing them on the floor. Blake withdrew a foil package and opened it revealing the prize to his quest. Tori brought him to her again, caressing his face. He lowered himself on to her warm, inviting body. They made a love that night that would have made all the hearts of all the lovers in the world green with envy. It may have been due to the setting of the soft yellow lights, or the fact that they may not have a chance like this for a long time. Whatever the reason, they were happy to have this time together before facing the morning.
Tori woke up just as the sun dawned. Blake was lying on his back snoring softly, his arm resting on her back. Her head was on his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat. She carefully removed herself from the warmth of his body. She propped herself up on her shoulder and gazed at the sleeping figure. He was so beautiful- his body, his mind, his eyes were so perfect. Her hand slowly reached to his face, tracing her finger along his jaw line. He stirred a little, finally opening his eyes.
"Morning gorgeous," he said leaning over to meet her lips. She let out a soft moan as they pulled away. He placed his hand on her cheek, his fingers entwined in her hair. "What time is it?"
"Around seven," she replied softly- she remembered that Hunter wanted to head out early. She saw the disappointment in his face. He pulled her in for another passionate kiss. Tori forced herself to let go. Avoiding his gaze, she said the words she desperately didn't want to say.
"I think it's time to go-" she said trying to hold back tears. Blake knew her heart was breaking, his was too.
"I know-" he trailed off. They lay there in Tori's bed silently sobbing inside.
Breaking the silence, Blake spoke first. "Tor- can I take a shower first?"
She looked at him strangely- 'How the hell do you always manage to "ruin the moment"?'
"Yea, go ahead." She said forcing a smile. He kissed her again and pulled the covers off, revealing his naked body. Tori watched as he got up and strode towards the door. He turned as he reached the frame.
"You coming?"
Tori's face lit up as she flew from her bed, chasing him into the bathroom.
Dustin and Shane waited outside of Storm Chargers for Cam. They had talked to Hunter around 7- well more like Hunter had woken them up and told them to meet him there. Cam arrived a few minutes later and was followed shortly by Blake and Tori. His arm was around her shoulder while hers was around his waist- they both looked like they were miserable. The others wondered is they had found their "surprise."
"Hey guys," Dustin said. "So-uh- how'd your night go?"
Tori and Blake looked at each other and smiled. "It was so sweet you guys," Tori said. "Thank you."
"Yea guys- thanks." Blake said extending his hand out, grasping each of their hands. "Where's Hunter?"
"Right here bro," Hunter said tossing him his navy backpack. He took his arm away from Tori to catch it. There was a long awkward silence before Hunter broke the ice.
"Well----I guess we should get going." He glanced around seeing the pain in everyone's eyes, and they all saw the same in his.
"Hey- good luck man," Cam said extending a hand that Hunter clasped firmly.
"Yea- don't be gone too long- I need some actual competition out there on the track," Dustin said grabbing his hand.
"Hey- let us know when you get settled, alright?" Shane said. The two leaders extended their arms meeting in a firm hug. Hunter nodded and then looked over to his little brother.
He held Tori as close to his body as possible. Her eyes began to water as she clung to him. They didn't want this to end, but they knew it had to. Pulling away, Tori saw that Blake also had tears forming. "I promise- I'll come back." he said pulling her into a slow, gentle kiss. They held each other once more, finally releasing.
"I love you Tori."
"I love you too Blake." Her forehead resting on his. He backed away slowly, making his way over to say his goodbyes to the others. Hunter approached Tori, grabbing her in a tight hug. "Be safe Hunter," she said.
"I will Tor- thank you."
"For what?"
"For making Blake open up again. I just hope that someday I meet someone as kind and caring as you to help me."
Tori gave him another hug. "You will Hunter- you will."
The time came. The thunder brothers stood side by side looking at the wind ninjas and the samurai. Shane, Dustin, Cam, and Tori waved goodbye as Blake and Hunter streaked away in flashes of navy and crimson.