Disclaimers: Still don't own 'em.
CamFan4ever: I'm not putting Hunter and Cam together in this fic…but don't worry. I've got some ideas for those two. I'll get it out as soon as I can.
Part 3: Stories and Secrets
"I wonder what other surprises you have," Cam said softly to himself when he noticed Hunter's book.
"What?" Hunter asked, setting the chair down next to Cam.
"Nothing," Cam quickly lied, "A little thinking aloud."
Cam pulled up the specs to the two cycles that the Thunders had previously stolen and modified. And although he had long since forgiven the two brothers for their earlier indiscretions, both felt obligated to keep apologizing periodically. The three Wind rangers, who had also forgiven them long ago, only repeated that everything was fine and that no more apologies were necessary.
"You know, we're still sorry 'bout that," Hunter said softly, pointing to the pair of bikes on the screen.
"Will you please stop apologizing for all that? It's over, ancient history. We understand what happened! We've moved past it…why can't you?"
Hunter didn't immediately answer, he simply looked down, seemingly interested in the wrestling match his hands were having. But Cam wouldn't stop staring at him, waiting for some type of response or explanation.
"Guess I'm afraid of getting kicked out again for screwing up."
"What?"
"Long story," Hunter simply answered, still looking down, and Cam knew that he wasn't going to tell it.
"Listen, Hunter, whatever happens, you're not getting kicked out of here. So don't worry about it. Just remember that you're not alone anymore. You have a circle of people who care about you and want to be your friends."
Cam placed a gentle hand on Hunter's shoulder, which made the blond look up, his eyes barely visible through his messy bangs.
"Thanks, bro."
"Just do me one favor?"
"What's
that?"
"Could you please stop using the word 'bro' with me?" Cam asked, and when he saw the familiar
apologetic look cross Hunter's face, he quickly added, "And so help me if any type of apology comes out of your mouth…"
Hunter went from apologetic to grin instantaneously. "Well, I can't promise anything since we've already established that it's a permanent part of my vocabulary. But I'll try."
"Thank you. Now if only I could get Dustin and Blake to stop…"
"You're on your own with those two."
"Figures," Cam muttered, "Anyway, speaking of Blake…what's up with you two today? I thought you were going to wring his neck if you had the chance."
"The thought had crossed my mind. You know that martial arts film festival tomorrow…"
"Yeah, you two have been talking about it for a few days now."
"I managed to get three tickets for it tomorrow. Since Kelly needed one of us at the shop this afternoon, I offered to get the tickets if Blake worked. So I met him there, showing him the tickets. And what does he do…grabs one and immediately asks Tori if she wants to go."
"Three tickets? And you're upset because he invited Tori? I'm not following."
"I didn't get the third for Tori."
"Then who?"
"You."
"Me?"
"Yeah. I don't know, I just thought you'd enjoy it. And it gets you out of here for a little while. Even the best computer people need breaks every once in a while."
Cam smiled slightly, repeating, "Best computer people?"
"Take a look around. Not just anyone could pull all this together," Hunter said, blindly pointing at the computer.
"Did you tell Blake that you had plans for that third ticket?" Cam asked.
"I didn't
even know I was going to do it until I was in line. It was a spontaneous thing."
"Spontaneous?
Why am I the only one that you use big words around?"
Hunter shrugged, "Then I feel like a human dictionary when I have to define stuff. Smaller words and fewer syllables tend to need less defining."
"I understand that."
"Anyway, he had done the whole 'snatch and ask' thing before I even had a chance to speak up. And then I'd look like the bad guy if I had said something. I mean, I like Tori and stuff, but his head's in clouds when it comes to her," Hunter replied, waving his hands in the air a bit to exaggerate his point. "And it's not like he's going to tell her that she's not invited anymore."
"Would you let him do that if he did?"
"Of course not," Hunter relented, sinking a bit into the chair. He picked up the book from the desk, and while staring at the cover, said, "I don't even know if I want to go tomorrow. It's not like I want to feel like I'm intruding on their date or something."
"I doubt he'll admit that it's a date."
"He won't even admit that she's his girlfriend."
"You think they're dating?"
"I don't know about Tori, but Blake doesn't get this weird over every girl that comes his way. Honestly, he's never been like this with a girl before. And he's definitely not interested in anyone else and he doesn't want to look for anyone else. Besides, I think those two are the only two who don't know that they're dating."
"You do have a point there. I do admit that I don't know Tori well enough to know what she's like when she's interested in someone."
"How did we get on the subject of my brother and Tori's relationship status, anyway?"
"I'm still
trying to figure out how we got off the subject of you and Blake."
"Probably my fault, I have a short attention span."
Cam eyed Hunter, "That's something I haven't noticed."
"Keeping myself focused is tiring work. I used to get in trouble for it at school."
"Why do I have a feeling that you have more stories and secrets than I can imagine?"
Hunter shrugged, "We all have our secrets, don't we?"
