Maybe Someday
Chapter Eight:
"How long?" Hunter asked in a whisper, the both of them relaxed watching the sunrise.
Cam took a deep breath. He knew he'd been taking a chance when he kissed Hunter, but he couldn't help himself. He couldn't deny it anymore. "Since you took my father. I wasn't exactly happy with you at the time, but you didn't seem to like doing it any more than I liked you doing it. You were beautiful, and brooding. I don't know why I liked you, but that's when it started." He could see Hunter blushing and chuckled. He couldn't help it, it was really cute.
"That long? Why didn't you tell anyone before, about you being--" he stopped, unsure of the polite way to bring it up.
"Gay? Since I was pretty you I knew about it, but almost everyone else at the Academy was straight, and I was, well, scared," he admitted.
"But Dustin, Shane and Tori, they all are really cool people. They wouldn't judge you for that," Hunter said, snuggled deeper into Cam's arms. It was really comfortable there. He didn't feel scared, as he had the first time Cam had touched him, after that one nightmare.
"Tori knows about it now. The others don't. I suspect my father knows, he seems to know everything," he stopped, smiling as Hunter's hair tickled under his chin. "You don't have to do this, you know. Be with me. You're vulnerable right now, and I don't want to take advantage of that." His honor system smarted right now, but he couldn't just be Hunter's boyfriend if Hunter only wanted comforting.
"I was attracted to you," Hunter said, his voice barely audible. "I didn't want anyone to know either. Then the nightmares started and I couldn't keep up with everything, so I put that to the back of my mind."
Cam let out a breath in relief. He would still take things slow, but it was nice to know his feelings were reciprocated. "About that, I wonder how—never mind, it doesn't matter."
"The whole dream thing? It's alright, you can mention it. It's a part of me, what happened. Hopefully one of these days I'll heal. I guess it's because I trust you. Plus, we both, well, like each other, I guess, so that's a probable reason for the connection," Hunter knew he was babbling, but he was nervous, he couldn't help it.
"We'll just take it at face value. I really wish I could've done something though. It was like watching a movie and I couldn't stop anything," Cam said with helplessness clear in his voice.
"I know why that is, Cam. It's because I have to save myself from him. I have to face him, and I have to win. I think that's when it'll begin to get better," Hunter stopped talking and just let Cam's warm presence seep into him.
"I think there's a way for you to do that. You see, I found out where he is, Hunter. I found where he's living. And Tori knows him, Hunter," Cam felt obligated to tell him everything. He could do no less, Hunter being Jake's first victim.
Hunter paled again. "Tori knows him? How?"
"Her friend, Jenny was raped. He's staying at the same address. Jenny only talked to Tori after… and a few days later she committed suicide, and Tori was the one who found her. 215 Blue Harbor Lane. I think that that address will stick in my brain forever," Cam ended in a whisper, a lone tear making its way down his cheek. Hunter rubbed up and down his arm, and kissed the tear away. He needed to comfort the green ranger, because he cared so much about him. Cam liked him despite being damaged, and he could barely wrap his mind around it.
"We'll beat him, Cam. I know we will, because I won't let him hurt anyone else, ever again. He'll rot in hell for what he did," he said firmly, quietly, surely. He was healing, and part of that was due to Cam just listening to him. He put his arm around Cam's waist, and watched the sun rise.
____________________________________________________________
Tori felt rays of the sun slant over her body. A bittersweet feeling filled her, and she smiled even as tears pricked at her eyes. Jenny would've loved to meet Blake, and after finding out where Jake lived, she wanted to kill him.
The warm, solid form of Blake was pressed in behind her, and she felt lighter with the realization that the night before had really happened. She felt a few aches, but they felt nice, in her opinion. Tori felt a smile curve her lips while she replayed the night in her head. Blake sighed deeply, and blinked his eyes open, squinted when sunlight glared into his eyes.
"Morning," Tori said, and turned around, his arm tightening when she was turned all the way. She touched her fingertips to his cheeks and lips, and giggled when he nipped her. He leaned down to kiss her and then they just lay there, gazing at one another.
___________________________________________________________
Shane was sitting on the bench watching his friend Sergio mess up yet again. Hearing him curse in Spanish would have been funny under other circumstances, but the misery on his face took the impulse away. He got up and jogged over to his longtime friend.
"Need a hand? Or to relearn your stunts?" Shane asked jokingly, trying to keep the situation from being too awkward.
"Yeah, thanks man," Sergio said and held a hand out. Shane couldn't help notice that his friend had an awesome body, and that hair all around his shoulders… He grabbed the hand and pulled his friend up.
Down boy Shane thought to himself. "No problem. What's been going on? I've never seen your moves this bad before, except for that one--"
"Let's not bring that one up again," Sergio said with a half smile, his Spanish accent showing more than usual. "My girlfriend broke up with me today. Let's just say she couldn't accept me the way I am, so when I, well, I'll leave it at that." He walked over to where his shirt was and wiped his drenched forehead with it.
"I'm sorry man, that must suck," Shane said. And he's straight, so stay down he told himself. "Anything I can do to help?"
"Nah, not really. I'm probably better off without her. Actually, I'm definitely better off without her. Besides, she could be a major bitch, and I would've broken up with her before long," he looked pensive. "Sergie, don't do this, don't do that," he imitated, "She was too controlling. It just doesn't feel too good right now."
Shane nodded sympathetically. Even though he'd never had a real girlfriend, although he missed Skyla with all of his heart, he could empathize. "I get it. Listen, why don't you wait until you're feeling better to skate?"
Sergio smirked, and replied, "I kind of get that now, but listen, I have to go. Talk to you soon!" Sergio jogged away, and Shane had to stifle the urge to check out his ass. What is with me today? Besides, I'm with Jay. Gotta keep my head on straight. Or not he snickered, and then jumped when the ground rumbled beneath his feet.
He heard and felt another explosion and after a brief look around, he jogged over to a deserted part of the park, tapping his communicator in order to get in touch with Cam.
____________________________________________________________
Cam and Hunter jumped up from their perch, running towards Ninja Ops and when Cam finally got to his computer, his fingers flew over the keys as he sought to find our where the disturbance was coming from. He located it at the warehouse district on sixth, the same place where the Kelzacks had attacked.
The monster looked like a different version of Zurgane, which was freaky in and of itself. He heard Shane's voice over the com link. *Hey, what's going on here?* came his voice through the speakers.
Cam shook his head and replied, "Another attack, the same place as before. Looks like Zurgane's little brother is in town." Hunter snickered behind him, but the sound didn't match the sober look on his face.
"Let's book it," Cam said, his eyes sparkling up at Hunter. He stole a quick kiss, and then they whipped into their ranger uniforms.
Thunder Storm
Samurai Storm
RANGER FORM, HA!
Within seconds, the crimson and green rangers stood there, and then ran out of Ops, streaking their way to sixth, where they met up with the others.
The monster, Toradron, was big and bulky, looking startlingly familiar. He breathed fire out, and large canisters blew up, shocking the rangers. The Kelzacks arrived, and they made quick work of them, until Tori had been surrounded by too many for her to fight. At that point, Blake broke in, agilely fighting his way through to her.
They faced off with the monster, his fiery projectiles forcing them back every few minutes. They surrounded him, and attacked him with ninja swords in gold mode. The monster fell back and sputtered some sparks at them.
Finally they joined their weapons and fired at him, at which point he blew up, destroyed. The rangers high-fived each other, and pumped fists in victory.
"Well, that was certainly fun. I was wondering when another one of them would show up," said Dustin as his face mask shifted so that his visor disappeared. He squinted but looked happy with the victory. "Now, I need to make it back to the track. I have some major work to do." His morph shattered and he streaked back to a deserted area of the track.
_____________________________________________________________
Tori and Blake walked along the shore, holding hands and taking their time. The weather was beautiful, as it was apt to be at that time of year.
"I know who hurt Jenny," she blurted out, and felt Blake stiffen and then squeeze her hand. "It was the same person who hurt Hunter. Jake hurt them both."
"How do you know that, Tor?" he asked, hoping beyond hope that she was wrong but suspecting that she wasn't.
"The same address. He's renting a house on Blue Harbor Lane. It was the same address that Jenny had told me about. It was so weird. I felt so awful when I'd heard. I wish she were still here. She was so funny, so supportive of me in every way. I loved her, I really did," Tori felt first one tear and then another wind their way down her cheeks.
Blake stopped and took her into his arms. "I'm here for you Tor, and I love you so much it hurts. Please don't cry. We'll get the bastard." He rubbed her back soothingly.
Tori's brain had stopped computing with the "I love you" part. She pulled back a little and looked him in the eye. "You love me? Really?" Her eyes were brighter than they had been, and she took comfort in the words. A half-smile graced his face, and he nodded, dipping his head down and kissing her softly.
_____________________________________________________________
Shane walked down by the Harbor, sensing when someone came up behind him and turning before they could touch him. "Oh, it's you. Hey Jay, what's up?" he asked, nervous and flustered as he was.
Jay smirked at him. "I'm just fine. It's a beautiful day, and now I'm seeing a beautiful guy." He chuckled when Shane looked down and blushed. It was getting easier and easier to get past his blockades, and he couldn't wait until Shane was totally at ease with him. He felt himself hardening at the mere thought of it.
"So, what kind of things do you like to do?" Jay asked, leaning back against the wooden fence that was attached to the docks.
"I skateboard, read, hang with my friends. The usual stuff," Shane replied, relaxing in Jay's presence.
Jake frowned. It was too vague, but maybe he could maneuver him later on. "Do you want to go out later on tonight?" he asked. "We could meet up by my place." He felt adrenaline rush into his system. It would be tonight, that he was sure about.
Shane shrugged, not knowing what Jay had planned for him. "Sure, sounds good. Where do you live?"
"215 Blue Harbor Lane," Jay replied with a bright smile, and with a peck on Shane's cheek, he said, "I have to take care of a few errands. I'll see you tonight, around 8 or so. See ya!"
Shane shook his head. It baffled him, but he felt butterflies start up in his stomach again. He couldn't wait for the night to arrive. He was sure he would have fun with whatever Jay had planned.
Shane didn't see Sergio further down the docks, but Sergio had seen the exchange and felt a pang of jealousy. At least now he knew that Shane liked guys and that would give him a fighting chance.
____________________________________________________________
Hunter was back at his house, contemplating the recent arrangement with Cam. He felt excited and truly happy for the first time since the whole ordeal had started. He was comfortable with his decision to be with the green ranger, and now all he had to do was break it to his brother.
Blake slammed the door shut, and stalked into the kitchen, banging cabinets and clanging dishes. He was hungry and he was angry. He wanted so badly to pummel Jake, but didn't have much of an outlet. First his brother, and then Tori's friend… it made him want to scream at the injustice of it all.
Hunter walked into the kitchen and frowned at his brother. "What's the matter?" he asked, and got out the coffee beans and grinder. It would always serve to calm him, and hopefully it would work for his angry sibling.
"Tori knows Jake, and you know Jake and you were both hurt by him," Blake choked out, tears thickening his voice. "It's not fair."
Hunter nodded. "No, it's not fair, but that's the way it is. Cam just told me this morning about Jenny. We will beat him, bro. You can't doubt that. I can't give up this battle, because it's the only way I'll make it through this. By beating him, and by having you and having…" he trailed off, blushing slightly and looking down.
Blake looked at him curiously. "Having what? Or who?" he asked, leaning against the counter, the anger quieting down.
Hunter sighed heavily. "Now or never. Having Cam. He and I are, kinda, well, together?" He cringed and then looked up at his brother, who looked vaguely amused.
"Did you think I'd have something against you? Cam can be annoying, but otherwise he's a cool person. And perfect for you Mr. Dark and Brooding," he kidded, trying to ease his brother's fears.
Hunter felt his breath rush out in relief. "Okay, that's a good thing. Thanks for taking it so well." His shoulders slumped and he leaned his head back, then he went and poured the coffee grounds into the filter and slid it into place. He turned it on, and waited for the wonderful smell to permeate the house. The two brothers stayed quite for the next while.
_____________________________________________________________
At 7:30, Shane picked a tight red shirt and some loose jeans for his date with Jay. He was so nervous, but happy about it all. He started out of the house and slowly made his way to Blue Harbor Lane. He looked at the numbers on the mailboxes until he found 215, and by that time it was 10 minutes to 8.
Jay opened the door when he knocked and his eyes heated as he took in the red ranger. "You look good. Come on in, I just have a few more things to do. After the door closed, things started to go horribly wrong. His guard was down and he was thrust into the wall with a hand curling around his neck.
"You move, and you won't be able to breathe, I can promise you that," Jake hissed into his ear. His other hand stroked and fondled the red ranger, who was responding despite the fear. He felt the fingers digging into his neck, almost, but not quite cutting off his airway.
"I'm gonna fuck you, and then I'm gonna do it again, and you're going to beg me for it, just like Jenny and just like Hunter," he whispered silkily. Shane felt afraid, the fact that this was the Jake freaking him out, and he stilled, letting his training take over. He unobtrusively moved his foot inside and behind Jay's. He brought his arm up against the wall, and aimed his elbow.
He quickly kicked Jake in the back of his foot while at the same time elbowing him in the gut. Jake got the wind knocked out of him, and still tried to reach for Shane as he opened the door and fled.
Shane could feel tears streaming down his cheeks. He needed to get to Ninja Ops, quickly. He looked around, and finding the area deserted, much as it had been the night Jenny was raped, he streaked as fast as he could towards his destination.
"Cam, I need your help," he gasped as he rushed through the entrance. He saw Cam whirl around from the console and he replied, "With what?"
"I was just almost raped. And it was Jake, only I didn't know it until it was almost too late," the words were pouring out of him.
Cam paled and said, "Okay, hang on, let me get the rest of the guys." While Shane closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face, he opened the com link and before they knew it, Blake, Tori, Hunter and Dustin were there.
"Jake almost raped Shane," Cam said, his voice as emotionless as he could get it. He was shocked and scared, but he needed to think clearly.
"Let's go pay little Jake a visit," Blake suggested. "And then we can call the police. Those marks on your throat, Shane, make it clear what almost happened."
They all practically ran to the address, and Hunter took a deep breath before knocking. Jake opened the door with rage suffusing his every feature and distorting the handsomeness of his features. He looked as ugly on the outside at this point, as he was on the inside.
"Hello, Jake," Hunter said, his glare at full power. "How unpleasant it is to see you again." He pushed his way into the house and the rest of the rangers followed him.
Hunter pushed him into the chair, and found some rope nearby, not questioning what he'd use it for, but knowing, remembering.
"You know, I've been getting my memories back, and I don't like what's there. Did you have a good time raping me? Because you're never going to do that to anyone again. If anything, you'll be someone's bitch," his voice was hard and made the others flinch. Tori came up behind him and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I blame you for my friend Jenny's death," she said quietly. "She killed herself because of what you did. I hope you remember this, and her, forever."
Jake looked mutinous but grinned and leered. "I remember her every night. I jack off thinking about her pain. I'm the one with the power. No copper is going to arrest me. Where's your proof?"
Shane brought the edge of his shirt down and bluish, yellowish bruises marred his skin. "Proof enough here. You tried to rape me, just like you did my friend. Well, you won't have that power anymore. Come on guys, let's get out of here."
Hunter left him tied up, and Shane went to his phone and dialed 911. He was shaking and he told the operator exactly what happened. "I need help, please. It hurts. I need help," he said with a whisper, and after being assured that a police officer was on his way, he hung up. "You guys, go. You can't be here when they get here."
Hunter and the rest of the rangers looked at him, and then nodded, and after leaving through the back door, they streaked away. Shane rocked back and forth on the floor by the phone, and try as he might, relived the violation Jay, Jake, had put him through.
When the police arrived, they took in his condition and got him to stand up. The haunted look in his eyes convinced them of what had happened.
"But how did he come to be tied up?" the female officer asked. Shane was shaking, but replied, "I wasn't expecting him to hurt me. I've been trained in the martial arts, so I hit him, found the rope, tied him up, and called you guys."
"His little buddies came around here too," Jake sneered, and Shane donned a confused look. "He's nuts. I didn't have the time to leave and come back with friends." He pulled his shirt down and the officer winced at the bruising.
The officer, looked around the room, went through the foyer to the living room and gasped at the sight of the dead puppy. She called for her partner and they took in the spiral notebooks, one of which was open. She read about Jake's plans to rape Shane, and got out her handcuffs.
"You're under arrest for attempted rape and animal abuse," she said and Shane sighed with relief.
_____________________________________________________________
From the next block, Cam and Hunter strolled down the docks. "It's really over, isn't it?" Hunter asked quietly. "He's been beaten, caught. He was also arrogant enough to keep journals, which works in our favor."
Cam nodded, and took Hunter's hand, threading their fingers together. "It's over. Now he'll pay for what he did. Plus, karmic payback will be a true justice." He felt peaceful, glad that Jake had been caught. He'd played with the wrong boys and girls when it came to attacking people.
"Come on, Hunter. Let's go home." Cam said, and he led them there slowly, savoring the feel of their hands clasped together and their arms brushing. It was a new beginning, a new love that was blossoming as slowly as a rose.
I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, and I will be writing an epilogue. Please review and tell me what you thought! This was a very important fic for me, and now that it's done, I've healed just a little bit more from my own abuse. This happens more often than people assume, incest does, and never think that it can't happen to you. Be careful, and watch your back. Blessings on you and I'll get the epi as soon as possible. Blessed be, Chero