Disclaimers: I don't own them, I'm not making any money off the story… I'm just trying to play well with others.

~~ I want just a day to make it all OK.  You, could you teach me how to cry. ~~

Just a Day- Reamonn

Chapter 5: Sometimes Words are Too Much

In the kitchen, they saw Cam sitting at the table with his own pint of ice cream in front of him.

"Break time?" Blake asked, heading for the freezer while Hunter got the spoons.

"Quitting time, actually.  Dad's kicked me off the computer for the night."

"'Bout time someone did that," Hunter mumbled.

"I heard that."

"So you've got good hearing.  Your point?"

Cam mock-glared, taking a bite of his ice cream.  Blake joined them at the table.  He sat down next to his brother, just before swatting him on the head with the spoon.  Hunter snatched the offending spoon from his brother and returned the favor. 

Over ice cream, the three boys talked about their latest battles against Lothor, to Hunter's school project and the picnic at Tori's that was interrupted by rain.  While Blake was off getting ready for bed, Hunter and Cam stayed behind in the kitchen.

"Your mood seems to have gotten better," Cam observed.

"There are many perks to having a baby brother," Hunter replied.  "Like kicking your butt when you're being a bit dumb."

Cam willed himself not to laugh, but a smile managed to escape.  "Is that what all that noise was?  I was beginning to wonder if I was going to have to separate you two for the night or something."

But Cam's smile faded when Hunter's pleasant disposition turned defensive.  And Cam mentally kicked himself for his last statement.  Although it was made in jest, it was something that neither brother would find the least bit amusing.

"Sorry, Hunter," Cam quickly added.  "I was kidding around.  You know I'd never separate the two of you.   I value my life too much to even seriously consider it."

Defensive melted into relieved, but still a bit guarded.  Hunter shrugged, "I know."

"So, what was going on in there?"

"Oh, you know.  Boys being boys."

Hunter smiled a bit, thinking about how he'd never tell anyone about the tickle fights that he and Blake still have.  Sometimes words just get to be too much, and so actions take their place.

"So, any plans for your Saturday?"

"Not riding, that's for sure," Hunter answered, then continued in response to the puzzled look that had crossed Cam's face.  "I took a look at the weather report.  It said downpours tomorrow.  Anyway, I need to work on that book, with how slow that's going.  I'd ask what your plans are, but I don't think I need to."

"Am I that predictable?"

Hunter merely gave Cam his 'you're stating the obvious again' look.  And Cam had seen it enough to know what it meant.

"And I'm assuming Blake has plans with Tori," Cam noted as he washed the three used spoons.

"Of course," Hunter replied with a dramatic roll of the eyes.  "He's almost as predictable as you."