Disclaimers: Ninja Storm still doesn't belong to me, never will. I do this for fun and the amusement of the muses. 'Cannery Row' is written by John Steinbeck, yet something else I don't own that I wish I did.
Part 2: Surprises
"I wonder what's bothering him," Cam said to his father when he returned to the main room in Ninja Ops.
"I think it has something to do with Blake's behavior," Sensei replied.
"Whatever it is, I nearly got my head bitten off when I asked."
"You must remember, Cam, that both Hunter and Blake aren't used having other people around. And Hunter's personality suggests that he will resist letting people in as much as he can. All we can do is remind him that he can come to us with any troubles he may have."
"I have an idea," Cam said, getting up.
At the door to the bedroom that both Blake and Hunter shared, Cam paused before knocking. He wasn't sure what kind of reception he'd get, or how Hunter would react to his request. After all, the request was transparent and Hunter wasn't blind. Cam took a deep breath and knocked.
"It's open," Hunter called.
Cam slowly opened the door to see Hunter sitting on his bed with a book in his hands. Hunter laid the book on his lap, his eyes meeting Cam's.
"You busy?" Cam asked.
"Nope, just catching up on some reading," Hunter asked.
"Never figured you for a book worm," Cam quipped, smiling.
"Never said I was a book worm. I find reading relaxing, it takes my mind off of things."
"What book is that?"
"Cannery Row," Hunter answered, showing Cam the cover to the book.
"Not just a book, but literature. Hunter, you surprise me."
"I like reading John Steinbeck's books. There's just something cool about them. I've been wanting to see Monterey and Salinas since I read my first book by him."
"Monterey and Salinas aren't that far from here."
"But with Lothor hanging over our heads, I don't think a road trip is such a hot idea."
"I could use some help if you're up to it."
"Doing what? I'm not exactly a computer geek."
Cam narrowed his eyes, he hated that expression. It made knowing how to use a computer sound like a bad thing.
"Sorry, bro. Didn't mean any offense by it," Hunter quickly added when he saw the look Cam was giving him.
"Don't worry, it's not too computer intensive. I want to work on your bikes and thought you might want a little input on what's done."
Hunter shrugged, then replied, "Sure."
Hunter followed Cam to the computer with Cam sitting in his chair and Hunter standing behind him, leaning on the back.
"There's another chair in the closet," Cam said, knowing that he'd never get anything done with Hunter literally over his shoulder like that.
Hunter put his book on the desk by Cam's keyboard, just far enough away that it wouldn't get in Cam's way.
"I wonder what other surprises you have," Cam said softly to himself when he noticed Hunter's book.
