Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Author's Notes: Wow! I wasn't expecting to get so many reviews on my first chapter with my first PR fanfic...thanx you guys, you're too awesome! ^-^ I just saw the ep Looming Thunder the other day, and there were so many Shane/Dustin hints in there that I was practically ready to fall out of my seat. I wanted to smack Shane for yelling at Dustin half the time! And there was one part when they were standing so close together, I was like 'so go ahead and kiss already!'...but of course we all know that would never happen...but hey, that's what writing fanfiction is for! ^-~ Anyway, I'm so glad you guys like this...so here's chapter II for you all...enjoy...
I know this chapter seems long, but here I'm gonna reply to some of the reviewers...just because some of them I couldn't help but reply too!
Prinzessin- I saw your review and it made me just smile throughout the whole day...and yes, of *course* Shane and Dustin have to be paired up, along with Hunter and Cam...we can't have it any other way, *can* we? (Well, as I've said before, there *are* so many ways one can pair up all the cute guys in PRNS...but we all know the main pairings! It's still fun to play around with the different possible pairings though *Mischievous look inserted here*) ^- ~ I *love* your fics...between you and Tsukino Akume, I decided to give writing PR fics a try. And can I add a request here for you to update Just a Day soon? Totally cute with Cam taking care of a sick Hunter...anyway, thanks for cheering me on!
Tsukino Akume- *Grins madly*, yes someone else to add to your dark little corner of Shane/Dustin slashiness... (I couldn't help myself! :P this was begging to be written) ^-~ of course I *do* have you to partly blame, as it was *your* fics who got me hooked on those two being paired up in the first place...*^- ^* But, it's all good...more Shane/Dustin in this just for you...
Weesta- Ah, yes, I know...Shane taking care of Dustin...a good role for him, don't you think? ^-~ And thanks on the vote of confidence, I wasn't too sure if I had everyone's character persona in the right place, as when I started writing this I'd only seen *some* of the PRNS eps...but fell in love with it after I saw just one ep. Don't know why, I guess because this season is kind of different from the others and it caught my eye-I'm glad it did! Slashiness abound! But now that I'm seeing more and more of the eps, I'm getting more and more into it! And don't worry, we'll find out what Kapri and Marah are up to in this chapter, plus as I told Tsukino, more Dustin and Shane goodness as well.
eXtreme eVolution- Thanks dude! Here's more of the story for you...and I hope you like this chapter as much as you liked the last one...
HyDrOmAtIc- Your first slash story? And you're liking it? ^-^ Good!-makes me know that I did something right along the way ^-~ and I hope you keep on reading! And even though I'm a big fan of slash, I agree with you on the Blake and Tori pairings...just watching those two interact throughout the series makes it a definite that they should be together!
Rating: PG13
Pairings: Tori/Blake, Hunter/Cam, and Dustin/Shane
Summary: When Tori somehow wins a cruise trip for five, she manages to convince Shane, Dustin, Hunter, Blake, and even Cam to come with her. But they didn't expect a horrible storm to ruin their plans...leaving them all shipwrecked. Stranded and separated, can they survive without their powers?
Shipwrecked
Author: Angel Spirit
Chapter II: Storm Front
The past week had been more then fun for the Rangers-and surprisingly, it really did feel like a vacation to them-Cyber Cam hadn't called in with any attacks in Blue Bay Harbor...even though Cam did check on his computerized self from time to time, all was clear...giving the Ranger's a little breathing room and time to relax and enjoy themselves.
However, Hunter was having a hard time getting Cam to do just that. They'd already docked once, and by the time that Hunter had managed to get Cam off the ship to go exploring, half the day had already gone by. He was getting a little aggravated with Cam, who seemed to be the only person he could actually 'hang out' with. Tori and Blake seemed to do everything together. And Hunter knew, that Blake didn't realize he was doing it-besides, Hunter had wanted his little brother and Tori to get together...right?
And then there were Shane and Dustin...who had finally come out of the bag, telling everyone about their relationship-well, actually it had been Shane who had told them all when he had gone to find the ship's doctor, as Dustin still hadn't been feeling well the next night after he had gotten sea sick- and then it turned out that the poor kid had the flu.
So Shane had spent most of the past few days taking care of a sick Dustin, who had forced him to go out and enjoy himself the day that they had docked. Even though Shane hadn't wanted to, he did, at least for a little while-and Hunter was able to enjoy some time with someone else other then Cam for once.
He just...didn't understand Cam as well as he thought that he had. He'd always had his eyes on Cam-the moment he met Cam, something between them just...sparked. Well, he knew that at least for him, something sparked. He wasn't sure about Cameron Wannatabe...but...
He sighed. It was just him at the moment, as they were getting ready to dock again, and Tori and Blake along with Cam, were topside. He had complained about a headache, and wanted to take the day to himself-which, the other's had of course, been fine with.
Hunter wasn't really expecting the knock on the door when it came, but when he opened it, he wasn't too surprised to find Shane looking a bit guilty on the other side of it.
"Dude...I think I really need to get off this boat this time-as much as I love taking care of Dustin, I want-"
"Some peace to yourself?" Shane chuckled lightly as Hunter finished his sentence, nodding.
"And some fresh air...I heard that you were staying..." The dark haired teen trailed off, and Hunter grinned, getting exactly what it was that Shane was trying to ask him.
"You want me to check on Dustin every so often? Yeah, I can do it...how is he feeling today anyway?" Shane grinned back and gave Hunter the thumbs up sign.
"He's so much better today then he was a the other morning...I think tomorrow he'll probably be moving around like the rest of us." Hunter grinned back.
"Sounds awesome...the mix of seasickness and the flu couldn't have been fun!" He exclaimed, and Shane smirked.
"Yeah, just as Dustin...look, I've got my cell phone, so if you two need anything don't be afraid to call me." Shane said as he indicated his phone that was attached to his belt, as Hunter nodded at him briefly wondering for a few seconds what it was that Shane was going to say before he had cut himself off.
"Sounds good man...have fun, okay?" Nodding at the other and giving Hunter a small wave before he disappeared completely, Shane headed out, as Hunter went and knocked on the door next to his, waiting for a few minutes before Dustin's voice came through telling him to enter.
"Hey man...feeling better? You look better." Dustin nodded at Hunter's question, sitting on top of one of the beds wearing a pair of black and yellow checked flannel pants and a black sleep shirt, with the remote in his hand as he flipped through the stations for what looked like to him, had to be the billionth time-Hunter already knew nothing good was on.
"Yeah, I feel better-a lot better then I have...though, I would've felt better if...if..." For a minute, Dustin looked like he was ready to cry, and Hunter raised an eyebrow wondering what was wrong as he went and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"If? Something bothering you Dustin?" All the child of Earth did, was sigh as he paused on a music video channel before tossing the remote aside, and looked at Hunter with sudden pain-filled eyes.
"Shane and I had a fight this morning-our first one since...we...you know, got together...it was pretty bad actually..." Dustin bit his lower lip, and Hunter inwardly cursed. So that was what all the shouting from earlier had been about...he, Tori, Blake, and Cam had thought that it had been from one of the other cabin's, as Cam had come over to their place to 'get away from the lovebirds' as he had said it.
"I'm sorry man...I'm sure he didn't mean whatever he said." Hunter said, trying to soothe his clearly agitated friend, who sighed and looked back down at the sheets as though there was something more amusing on them. Putting a hand on Dustin's shoulder, he squeezed it lightly, and when Dustin finally looked up he saw that Hunter wore a mischievous expression that he couldn't quite define it's meaning.
"Let's say you and I find a movie channel we can order for the day or something...sound good?" Dustin only shrugged, and Hunter sighed. He knew that Dustin probably wasn't going to be the best of company coming into this. Hell, the kid had been sick with the flu for the first part of the trip, and now he had a fight with Shane-his boyfriend...
It felt awkward, in a way, saying that Shane was Dustin's boyfriend. Oh sure, like everyone else he was perfectly fine with it. Hell, he liked Cam the same way that Dustin and Shane liked each other...just...in a few ways he was envious of the two for being able to actually get together and admit their feelings for one another. As though knowing that something was on Hunter's mind, Dustin sent him a sideways glance and cleared his throat.
"So...dude...is something wrong? You've been really quiet the past fifteen minutes...want to talk?" Was it just Hunter's imagination, or did Dustin have a pleading look in his eyes? Hunter only sighed, and reached for the remote control as he switched off the TV, and just looked at Dustin.
"Talk...is that what you want to do?" He wasn't sure why he was so nervous around Dustin suddenly. Maybe it was because he was afraid that if he actually just talked with Dustin, that then he'd let out his secret...and no one, not even Blake, knew his secret. Dustin shrugged.
"I mean, you just look like you want to talk...I can definitely tell something's bothering you now." He murmured, as Hunter sighed and finally decided to give up. He figured that if anyone would understand what he was feeling and going through, that it would be Dustin.
"You know-oh I don't know." He stammered, suddenly unable to find the right words to tell Dustin exactly what was going on. Dustin only smirked.
"Care if I give it a try at what's bothering you?" Hunter nodded, just wondering how close Dustin would get to his secret...if he got close at all.
"Do you remember how I acted after...after the whole Marah ordeal?" The other teen asked, and Hunter nodded again, not quite understanding what it was that Dustin was getting at.
"I wasn't acting the way I was...because...because I still had a thing for Marah. I...I was only using the thing for Marah as a cover-up for who I really liked. And I didn't want to tell any of you who I really liked, because I was...well, I was afraid. I know that not everyone is as nice about understanding-well, I guess I can just call it sexual preferences-as some people, but...I was...afraid to loose the people I cared about if I told them and they didn't-like me for what I was...you know?" Again, Hunter nodded, feeling like he didn't know how to word exactly what he was thinking, and instead, allowed Dustin to continue on as he looked at Hunter shyly.
"You know, the first person who realized that I was using Marah as a cover up, was Shane himself? I'm not sure how, but for awhile I was scared that he had figured it out because he knew how I felt about him, that he'd figured it all out and that our friendship was history. A reason why I never told Shane how I felt about him, was because I valued his friendship too much. I didn't want to tell him and have him not feel the same way about me...it would just be to awkward, you know?" He sighed, and Hunter, going into 'brotherly protective/comfort' mode as Blake put it sometimes, scooted up along the bed until he was right next to Dustin and gave him a sideways hug, allowing Dustin to lay his head on his shoulder.
"I think I know what you're getting at. You're trying to tell me that maybe I've got feelings for someone, and I don't want to admit it because I'm too scared, and that's why I faked my headache today was so that way I could get away from that someone?" Dustin smirked again.
"Well, I didn't really say that..." Hunter smacked him playfully alongside the head as Dustin laughed and sat up.
"You know what Hunter?" Hunter only looked at Dustin to continue what he was saying.
"I can see how Blake idolizes you as a big brother. There are so many times when I've been jealous of the bond that you two have...and you're not even blood related. Yet, you act like he is...you take care of him when he's down or sick and make him feel better, you two both look after each other and can joke about this and that...I wish...makes me kind of wish that I could have that with my siblings." The Crimson Ranger blinked. It was the first time really, since meeting him, that Dustin had ever mentioned any family to him.
"You've got siblings?" Hunter asked, and Dustin grimaced.
"Yeah...I've got sibs alright. Two older sisters, one older brother, and one younger brother...so I'm the second to youngest. And I hate it sometimes, I really do. I'm so...different from them. None of them are interested in what I'm interested in-it's almost as though I live on a completely different planet."
"That sucks." Hunter commented, and Dustin sighed and shook his head.
"You have no idea Hunter, none at all. My family is...well...my family's rich-really rich. We're probably the wealthiest family in Blue Bay Harbor. You know the big mansion-like house that everyone always stops to look at whenever they're driving by, the one with the fancy entrance gates and all that?" Yeah, Hunter knew exactly which house Dustin was talking about, and as he did so, Hunter's eyes opened wide.
"Don't tell me you live there!" Hunter exclaimed, fully understanding what Dustin was trying to tell him...who suddenly looked away, his cheeks flushing red with embarrassment.
"Yeah-I live there. Well, I live there when I'm not on the track, Storm Chargers, Ninja Ops, or being a Power Ranger anyway." He sighed, and leaned his head back onto Hunter's shoulder.
"I really don't want to talk about my family anymore...gives me a headache, and I'm just starting to feel better." Dustin murmured, as Hunter chuckled and rubbed the brunette's back a little bit.
"So why don't we go ahead and see which movie channel is good to order? Remember, this trip is on Tori." Hunter said with a grin as Dustin chuckled.
"Sound good to me...anything with Lord of the Rings on?" With luck, Hunter actually found a station that had Lord of the Rings just starting, so they got comfortable and watched that, as well as the Ghostbusters one that was on afterward...and that, was how Hunter spent the rest of the day with Dustin. Sure, he hadn't quite told Dustin his secret-but, he had the feeling that Dustin had already pretty much figured it out. And a part of him was quite relieved in honest truth. Now he had a confidant...someone to talk to who'd completely understand his position. And who knew...maybe Dustin could help him figure out a way to get Cam.
~***~
When Shane had left with Tori, Blake, and Cam, the trio instantly knew that something was wrong...however, they didn't quite press matters, only because they knew that it would probably annoy Shane. So as much as they didn't ask questions, a part of Shane wanted them to just so he could get off his chest what was really bothering him. Although, all the fun activities that they had done that day, did help keep his mind off of the still getting well Dustin he had left back on the ship.
He'd never been snorkeling before...the only one out of the four of them who had ever been was Tori, but even she had admitted that it had been a long time-so after a half a day's worth of a beginner's class, they were able to go out and explore on their own.
"I wish Dustin were here...he'd have loved this." Tori commented quietly as she and him were putting away their snorkeling gear. Shane only sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair. It was obvious now that Tori wanted to talk to him before Blake and Cam decided to come in from the water.
"I wish...that he was too. If he hadn't been such an arrogant brat this morning." He hadn't meant to say it the way he had...and a part of him knew that it was his fault who had started the fight. Dustin had wanted him to have a good time, and not take care of him, as after all this was a vacation. But Shane had wanted to stay with Dustin and take care of him- but Dustin had told him that he didn't need to be babied, and besides...he was feeling better-and not throwing up anymore. But still...Shane had liked taking care of Dustin.
So before he knew it, he was telling Tori all of this as they walked a little ways on the beach while they waited for their other friends. Tori only grinned.
"It was a fight that was bound to happen sooner or later Shane-Dustin's probably just feeling smothered at the moment...do you remember why he got the job at Storm Chargers?" Shane smiled, remembering the day that Kelly had offered Dustin a job-one of the reasons being was because he had hung out there so much when it had first opened.
"Yeah...it was because he said he wanted his own cash to spend and not his families." Tori nodded.
"Yes...Dustin hates being babied or being pressured-Shane, you know that as much as I do. And while I'm sure he knows that you want to take care of him, I think you...might just need to give him some space...or something, I don't know." Shane shook his head.
"How can I give him space when I want to spend every waking moment with him Tori? I love him! It's just so hard because there are times when I think that he doesn't like me back." He murmured softly and Tori put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.
"You know as well as I do that Dustin loves you back the same way-it's probably just harder for him to do it. I know I've known Dustin and his family longer then you have Shane, and trust me when I say that it's probably just hard for him to open up. His family was never really big on emotions. You're going to have to teach him how." Shane nodded and smiled at Tori.
"Thanks Tori-I needed this." She grinned at him and gave him a wink as they turned back to head back to where they had agreed to meet, should they get separated.
"I know you did. I knew something was really bothering you for most of the day-so that was you and Dustin who were arguing so loudly this morning, eh?" She giggled as Shane lowered his head in embarrassment.
"You guys heard us? How loud were we?" Again Tori giggled, her smile lighting up her eyes.
"Let's just say, that I think you two might have to apologize to the other few people who are also in our hall." He groaned.
"That loud, huh?" Tori shrugged as Shane grimaced.
"Well, I know we heard it pretty good-though we pretended not too, if that makes a difference...so, Dustin's alone today then?" Shane shook his head.
"Nah, I asked Hunter to look in on him from time to time...but...I kind of want to go back to the ship now and talk to Dustin-maybe see if he wants to get up and walk around for a bit." Tori nodded and pushed him toward the direction of the docks where their cruise ship had docked for the day.
"Go on...I'm sure he's probably talked with Hunter and is ready to make up." She gave him a sly wink as Shane laughed.
"Tori, you're bad." All she did was wave at him as she continued on down the beach where Blake and Cam were just getting out of the water. Shane watched her leave for a few minutes, before sighing and continued on his way back to the ship. Tori was right, he knew she was. And tonight, if Dustin wanted too, he'd show him the time of his life.
~***~
Hunter had woken up from falling asleep next to Dustin when he heard footsteps approaching from outside the door. Deciding that it probably wouldn't be the best idea for him to be caught sleeping so close to Dustin- who had fallen asleep as well-in case if it were Shane coming back early, he quickly rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and stretched as he stood up, glad that they'd left the TV on a decent sound so that it wouldn't seem as though they had both fallen asleep-which, they had...
Sure enough, as Hunter sat on the edge of the other bed in the room in Indian Style position, Shane entered the room, smiling a little as he noticed that Dustin was asleep.
"How is he?" Hunter grinned and gave Shane the thumbs up sign as Shane had given him earlier when he had asked he same question.
"He's good...he was able to keep down all his lunch by the way, so I'm thinking he's probably quite close to being back to normal as normal can get." Shane nodded and grinned back at Hunter.
"Thanks for looking after him Hunter, I appreciate it." Hunter only shrugged as he stood and bumped fists with Shane as he headed for the door.
"No problem. Are the other's back yet?" He asked, and Shane shook his head.
"Nah, they're not-I decided to come back because I think Dustin and I need to-well...talk." A low groan was heard as the two teens looked over to see Dustin waking up, looking in Shane's direction as he brought a hand up to rub his temples.
"Don't say that we have to talk...I hate that..." He moaned, as Shane smirked and Hunter showed himself out of the room as Shane came and sat right next to Dustin on the bed.
"Yes, we do have to talk...seriously now. NO arguing, okay?" He asked, emphasizing the no arguing part as Dustin sighed and nodded, turning off the TV. He didn't even remember what he was watching anyway.
"Good. Now come here." As Dustin leaned forward, Shane kissed him lightly on the lips, and Dustin managed a small grin before he returned the kiss.
"I think I'm going to like this talk." Shane chuckled as he continued the kiss a little more, and Dustin moaned.
"This is just the first part of the talk." The Red Ranger declared softly, as he continued to kiss Dustin, who gladly kissed him back, thinking that maybe all arguments couldn't be that bad-especially if they ended up like this!
~***~
Tori, Cam, and Blake met up with Hunter, Shane, and surprisingly Dustin later on that evening for dinner.
"Hey dude, all better?" Blake asked as he put a hand on Dustin's shoulder, who nodded, wearing a small smile as he did so and reached out to grab Shane's hand, who eagerly took it-but not before giving Tori a quick wink. Tori grinned back at him.
"Yeah, so much...I'm starving...so how's the food on this ship anyway?" The other's laughed as they managed to find a table for all of them to fit, and then went to get some food. Though, as they were in the line for the buffet table that ways offered that night, Hunter could've sworn that he saw someone who looked exactly like Kapri. So he nudged Cam who was standing next to him and pointed out the girl with long blond hair who was a little ways before them.
"Dude...is it just my own eyes playing tricks on me, or does that actually look like Kapri?" Cam squinted, and bit his lower lip as though he wasn't sure how to answer, before sighing.
"You know, I thought I saw her and Marah earlier this week? But I wasn't sure...I mean, they're my cousins-I should be able to know if I'm actually seeing them or not." He murmured in exasperation, and joined Hunter on their way back to the table, plates full.
"Okay...time for a 'meeting'." Cam claimed softly as he emphasized the meeting part, and the other's groaned.
"What's wrong Cam?" Tori asked, lowering her voice and glad that the music had suddenly turned on-that way, no one would be able to hear their conversation or eavesdrop either.
"Hunter and I think that we just saw Marah and Kapri on this ship." Tori's eyes widened as she allowed them to take a quick scan of the room, before taking a quick swallow of her Iced Tea so that she wouldn't choke on her bread as Cam told her this.
"You know what...I...I think I saw them earlier this week too! I just wasn't sure-I mean, I thought it was my eyes playing tricks on me!" She whispered frantically as Blake looked at her and then at Cam, and sighed.
"I guess this would be the time to say that I also think I saw them but wasn't sure? It's so much harder to tell them apart from regular civilians when they aren't alienized...know what I mean?" The other's nodded.
"So the only one's who haven't seen them, are Dustin and Shane then?" Cam asked, just to make sure and he was positive that they'd both agree, but only Shane nodded his head to tell Cam that he was right-for his part anyway. Dustin however, was shaking his.
"No dude, you're wrong. I think I was the first one to think that I saw them." Hunter nodded again then, remembering that Dustin had said something on the plane last weekend about seeing Marah.
"You said you thought you saw Marah getting up on the plane...it could've very well been her." Hunter mused aloud, as he took a bit of the sandwich he had, as Cam sighed and took off his glasses, rubbing his eyes.
"I knew this vacation was going too quiet and peaceful for us. Let's just continue to keep an eye out-I'll go and inform Cyber Cam after dinner back at Ops, and see if he can manage to trace down Marah and Kapri-just to confirm our suspicions. If the two are on this boat, we're in trouble...we don't have any idea what they have planned." Everyone else agreed, and went back to eating-though, their table was probably one of the quieter ones there that night...and, they were the first to leave as well.
~***~
While Cam was contacting Cyber Cam, the other's were waiting to hear the news as they just lounged around Blake's, Hunter's, and Tori's room. Blake and Tori were on one bed, as Hunter and Cam were on the other, Dustin and Shane were sitting against the wall.
"Well, it's official. It has been Marah and Kapri on this ship who we've been seeing...though why my cousins would be on a cruise line, is beyond me." Cam murmured as he closed off the lap top he had been working on and sat back, musing a bit.
"So what do we do now?" Tori asked softly, as Cam shook his head.
"We're going to have to scout them out. I know it's harder finding them when they're civilianized, but...it's better then the alternative, which is having them attack us first. We don't need the rest of the people on this cruise with us to find out that we're Power Rangers." The others agreed with him as Hunter stretched and yawned.
"I'm ready for bed-what about the rest of you?" He murmured, as Cam only shook his head.
"We've got to be careful. I don't think we should all be sleeping at the same time, now that we know that our enemies are onboard this ship. I think two of us should stay up and then we'll rotate watch every few hours." Everyone groaned...and Cam knew that while he also wasn't eager to do night watches, he also knew that if they didn't watch their backs, the chances of his cousins sneaking up on them and doing something would probably happen. Sure, Marah and Kapri acted like complete idiots sometimes...but that didn't mean that it was their true nature. Cam was sure that Blake and Hunter had also seen the two sisters at their worst as well.
"So who's taking first watch tonight?" He asked, and another chorus of groans rang out, before everyone shouted out "not me!"
~***~
As it were, Shane and Dustin got the first watch. Much to Shane's horror and Dustin's amusement as he hadn't quite felt like going to bed because he'd spent most of his afternoon sleeping and then later lounging around with Shane.
"Tonight was so how I didn't want it to go." Shane murmured as he yawned, finding it difficult to stay awake. Cam had suggested that they take a 'tour' of the ship, as they were first watch and would probably not look conspicuous as to why they'd be up and moving at that time of night. So they were basically moving through the different levels of the ship, until they got to the top...and when they got to the top deck, they decided to stay there.
Until Shane noticed a storm moving in, and he pointed out the dark clouds to Dustin.
"Man oh man...those things look ugly." Dustin commented as a strong wind picked up and they decided to go back in. However, just as they were going to go back in, the door leading into the stairwell opened to reveal no other then Marah and Kapri themselves. All four teens looked at each other in shock for a moment, but Dustin and Shane were the first ones to recover.
"What in the hell are you doing on this ship? Do you realize you've just ruined our vacation?" Shane snarled, maneuvering into a defensive position as Dustin did the same.
"What are you talking about? You've just ruined our vacation!" Marah snapped back, as Kapri nodded and the two stood on defense as well. Dustin snorted.
"Yeah, right-so you two are on vacation? Since when did Lothor decide that?" Kapri smirked.
"Since he decided that we deserved a holiday." But her smirk faltered when lightning flashed from above. Dustin and Shane looked at each other, wondering just how sincere the two girls in front of them were being. They still stood there, glaring at one another, neither one making the first move.
"So what are you two doing up here at this time of night anyway?" Shane asked, trying to figure out if they really were telling the truth. Marah sighed.
"Kapri was feeling a little seasick, so I thought some fresh air would help her." Kapri nodded, and the two boys only rolled their eyes.
"You really think you can fool us that easily Marah? Give me a break." Dustin snapped, and Marah actually looked hurt.
"Well, I fooled you once-didn't I?" She snapped back, thinking that Dustin would act as he always did when their incredibly short relationship was brought up-she was surprised when all he did was step back so he was stepping backward into Shane, and Shane put an arm around his waist as Dustin shook his head.
"Yeah...once Marah. But you know, you actually helped me?" Marah stared at him as she and Kapri noticed exactly what was going on between the two Rangers in front of them-and Marah felt anger growing inside her. A part of her still really liked Dustin. She'd always liked him, liked him when she first met him-out of all the male Rangers, she thought that Dustin was the cutest. But now it looked like Dustin was with-Shane? Of all people, why Shane? Why the Red Ranger?
"Don't tell me you two are actually together?" Kapri gasped, looking like she was ready to be sick-be it from seasickness or just the fact that she thought that two males being together was disgusting. She now felt for her sister-she knew how hard Marah had fallen for Dustin...and that Marah was still in love with Dustin.
"Got a problem with that?" Shane asked coldly, protectively moving Dustin so that he was now behind him. Marah felt her rage continue to grow as she watched the two Rangers in front of her interact with each other. It was obvious now to her, that she had lost the one thing that she had hoped to one day get back-she knew that the day her father would be defeated, that she and her sister wouldn't be taken down with him. At least, she wasn't planning on it. But now, the one thing that Marah had focused on getting through her father's whole 'we're evil so let's destroy the world' bit, was suddenly gone.
"You...little...brat." She hissed at the Red Ranger, pointing her finger at him as they circled one another, Shane still standing protectively in front of Dustin, now in fighting stance.
While this was going on, Dustin decided to raise the alarm. He hadn't known that Marah would react this way-but then again, he should've. He signaled for Tori, as it took her a couple of seconds, and Dustin knew that she, like Hunter, Blake, and Cam, were probably asleep.
"Go for Tori." Her sleepy voice murmured, as Dustin quickly and quietly explained what was going on up above deck. When Tori spoke next, her voice sounded more awake and alert then it had at first.
"I'll wake up the others, we'll come and meet you." Dustin nodded, telling her to hurry as he finished his communication in time to see Marah blast Shane with an energy blast-sending him into the pool that had started to slosh around as Dustin realized that the storm around the ship was getting worse. Lightning streaked the sky more often, and the clouds grew darker and angrier. "Called your little friends?" Kapri asked with a smirk as she sent an electric streak toward Dustin, who managed to dodge it last second and went flying into a railway in the process, groaning as he did so. The ship was rocking fiercely with the winds that had suddenly turned fierce and raging- and he found that he was liking this trip less and less. Why he had ever agreed to go on such a trip, was beyond him.
Note to self-next time Tori begs you to go on a vacation with her-say no! He thought, as he dodged another one of Kapri's attacks. He looked over his shoulder to see Shane getting himself out of the water from the pool, but he fell back in again as the boat swayed once more.
"Shane!" Dustin hollered, going over to help him, and was almost at the pools edge when suddenly the rain decided to rear it's ugly head and a torrent of water fell from the sky like a gigantic waterfall. Dustin could hardly see his hands in front of his face. The ships alarm sounded suddenly, and around them people began to panic.
"We'll finish this later Yellow Ranger!" Marah shouted as she grabbed her sister and they suddenly disappeared. Dustin cursed inwardly at the fact that they were able to do that so quickly-and that they weren't going to be in the trouble that Dustin knew he and his friends probably were in now. Speaking of friends...
"Shane!" This time since he didn't have Marah and Kapri to distract him, he saw Shane climbing back out of the pool, looking wet and miserable as he almost lost his grip again, but Dustin managed to make it over to him in enough time to help him back up.
By the time that he had gotten his boyfriend out of the sloshing pool, which now probably had half the water contents as the ship rocked dangerously side to side, the two boys had a difficult time making their way across the top deck. The wind was so bad that they couldn't hear the announcement that was being said over the intercom, and they didn't know what was going on until they bumped into Hunter and Cam who had gone looking for them.
"Dude, what's going on?!?" Shane asked, realizing just how wet he really was-but when he looked over at Dustin, he realized that his boyfriend wasn't that much drier then he was...so he wouldn't have to explain why he was soaked to the bone.
"The ship's taking in water! The captain's making everyone evacuate, the storm's gotten so bad though, that they're making everyone go to the dining hall and from there they're going to escort people out to the life boats!" Hunter shouted, as he grabbed a hold of Dustin's shoulder and gently steered the brunette in the right direction. Dustin had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach as he was wishing more and more that he was anywhere but on this ship at the moment.
"Where's Tori and Blake?" He asked, as Cam nodded his head in the direction of an overhang where the two were waiting for their friends.
"Are you two okay?" Tori asked immediately as soon as the four arrived, and Dustin nodded.
"Yeah, we're just a little wet, that's all!" He joked, as Tori grinned a little in relief as Hunter and Cam herded them all into the dining hall. Before they got there though, a huge wave managed to come over the side- knocking Dustin and Blake down, and the ship tipped backward enough so that the two went barreling down the ship's deck, much to Shane's, Tori's, and Hunter's horror.
"We've got to help them!" Tori cried out, as Hunter nodded. The situation with the ship wasn't looking so good-he wondered if they'd be able to evacuate everyone in time before it went down, and looked over his shoulder to see that the process had already been started.
"You and Cam go to be evacuated Tori! Shane and I will get Dustin and Blake!" Though Tori wanted to help, she realized that Hunter meant business, and Cam took her by the arm and started to guide her toward where he knew they could get life vests.
By the time Hunter and Shane had managed to find the two, they only saw Blake at first, hanging onto the rail and looking absolutely terrified. When he saw Hunter, he cried out in relief.
"HUNTER! HELP!" The two Rangers dashed to his side to see that he was only hanging onto the railing with one hand, and just barely, his grip was starting to slip. Shane looked over and cursed, feeling a bit panicked as he saw that it was an unconscious Dustin that Blake was holding tightly onto.
"He hit his head against the railing before he and I started to go over!" Blake explained as the ship pitched again, and as Blake lost his grip, Hunter grabbed a hold of him, determined not to let his brother go. Shane sighed with relief as he saw that Blake didn't let go of Dustin in the process of this, and saw that the Navy Thunder Ranger had an immensely strong grip on the brunette...it didn't look like he was going to be letting go of Dustin anytime soon.
"HELP ME PULL HIM UP!" Hunter hollered, his voice being carried over by the wind as Shane nodded and grabbed a hold of Hunter to make sure that he was balanced and wouldn't fall over.
"Is it just me, or does this remind you too much of Titanic?" Blake sputtered as they managed to pull him back up, and Hunter hugged his brother in relief, as Shane brought up his unconscious boyfriend the rest of the way on his own.
"Dustin? Dustin, come on dude..." He murmured, lightly fingering the bump that had started to form on his boyfriend's forehead along with a deep cut right above his left eyebrow. He kept on trying to wake him, but Dustin only groaned. The four teenagers were making their way back up toward where the dining hall was, when a brilliant streak of lightning-too bright to be just one flash alone, hit the deck. As Hunter knocked Blake out of the way and rolled with him so they weren't hit, they felt a searing heat the next minute they stood, and knew that they were in more trouble then what they bargained for.
"Shit." Hunter muttered, as Shane suddenly looked pale as a ghost, still holding onto Dustin as he looked at the flames that the lightning had created. They were blocking their path-they were stuck.
"Tori and Cam are on the other side with the other passengers...at least they'll be okay!" Blake shouted, and Shane only nodded his head, wishing that his younger sister hadn't dragged him off to see Titanic as many times as she had when she had fallen in love with the movie when it had come out into the theatre's...and Shane had been the one most available to go with her most of the time, as she hated to go to the movie's by herself.
"So what are we going to do now?" He hollered, and the two Thunder brother's only shrugged.
"There's not much we can do." Hunter replied quietly, but the wind carried his words, so Shane heard him anyway and made a tighter hold on Dustin, who groaned softly again.
"Maybe we can get Cyber Cam to teleport us outta here?" Blake suggested, and his older brother's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Awesome thinking bro!" However, when Hunter tried to reach Cyber Cam, all he got was static, and he frowned as he looked at it with a puzzled expression.
"I don't remember breaking mine at all during this trip...Blake, Shane, what about you guys?" He asked, realizing that the flames were growing and so the three of them had been moving away from the flames...but they were starting to run out of room.
"No go bro...we're toast. Literally." Blake moaned quietly as he just stared at the flames with widened eyes. Another flash of lightning distracted the boys, long enough for another enormous wave to wash over them. Hunter and Blake thought they heard Shane scream something out to them, as they were knocked off their feet by the pounding water. Again Blake managed to grab a hold of the railing, and again he managed to catch someone, but this time it wasn't Dustin, this time it was Hunter. Hunter gripped his arm painfully tight, and was looking down at the water fearfully. If the situation wasn't so serious, Blake would've laughed in amusement...rarely did he get a chance to see Hunter look as petrified as he did now.
"Blake, bro, whatever you do, don't let go!" He hollered up, and Blake nodded as he continued to grip the railing he had managed to grab as tightly as he could. He looked around the top deck for his friends, but he could no longer see Dustin or Shane...and the sinking pit of his stomach that he had felt earlier continued to grow.
"Dude...Hunter, I think that Shane and Dustin have gone overboard, I'm not seeing them!" Blake called down to him, as Hunter only cursed. Blake tried to pull them up, but found that he didn't have the energy-and he was starting to loose his grip-again.
"Bro...I'm sorry...I can't hang on that much longer!" He shouted, feeling panicked as he lost his grip even more.
"Blake! Don't let go!" Hunter yelled back, and though Blake was determined, his fingers were slipping even more. It seemed as though the more he upped his determination to stay in contact with the rail that was keeping them on board the ship and away from the pounding waves below them, the more his fingers were willing to stay curled around the bar. He finally shot one last fearful look down at Hunter.
"Hunter...Hunter, I'm slipping to much...Hunter, whatever happens, I love you!" Looking back up at Blake, Hunter nodded fearfully.
"I love you too bro, and I'm not going to let go of you!" He managed to get this out as Blake finally had to let go of the railing-too tired to hold onto it anymore. He had been keeping both himself and the weight of another person up from the water, but now it looked as though his efforts hadn't been enough, as he and Hunter went plunging down into the water. He briefly thought that he heard someone frantically scream out his name, but then didn't have time to think about it as Hunter still clung fiercely to his arm. Blake realized with horror that this was really happening to them.
'I love you Tori-and I'm sorry I never got a chance to say that to you. And Hunter, I'm so sorry...if I had only managed to hang on...' He thought, and that was the last thing he remembered thinking as his body hit the water shortly after Hunter's did.
TBC
AN2- Ah...brotherly love...gotta love it...I know I do! (ESP with them playing the Thunder Strangers eps, and focusing a lot on Hunter and Blake...*drools*...oh yes, I'm in heaven...I just think it's neat that they've got brothers on the same PR team...I don't think they've ever done that before from what I can remember...) Anyway, Some cornyness in this chapter? Yes. Fun to write? Definitely! ^-~ Add a bit of Dustin angst and romance with everyone else, along with Marah and Kapri causing problems, and...well, you get what I just wrote I suppose! ;P And let me tell you, if you guys really liked this chapter, you'll like the next chapter even more...esp all you Shane/Dustin fans out there...and...oops-I think I've said too much already! So lemme know what you guys think...and review! Please? (Gives audience of readers puppy dog eyes)
Author's Notes: Wow! I wasn't expecting to get so many reviews on my first chapter with my first PR fanfic...thanx you guys, you're too awesome! ^-^ I just saw the ep Looming Thunder the other day, and there were so many Shane/Dustin hints in there that I was practically ready to fall out of my seat. I wanted to smack Shane for yelling at Dustin half the time! And there was one part when they were standing so close together, I was like 'so go ahead and kiss already!'...but of course we all know that would never happen...but hey, that's what writing fanfiction is for! ^-~ Anyway, I'm so glad you guys like this...so here's chapter II for you all...enjoy...
I know this chapter seems long, but here I'm gonna reply to some of the reviewers...just because some of them I couldn't help but reply too!
Prinzessin- I saw your review and it made me just smile throughout the whole day...and yes, of *course* Shane and Dustin have to be paired up, along with Hunter and Cam...we can't have it any other way, *can* we? (Well, as I've said before, there *are* so many ways one can pair up all the cute guys in PRNS...but we all know the main pairings! It's still fun to play around with the different possible pairings though *Mischievous look inserted here*) ^- ~ I *love* your fics...between you and Tsukino Akume, I decided to give writing PR fics a try. And can I add a request here for you to update Just a Day soon? Totally cute with Cam taking care of a sick Hunter...anyway, thanks for cheering me on!
Tsukino Akume- *Grins madly*, yes someone else to add to your dark little corner of Shane/Dustin slashiness... (I couldn't help myself! :P this was begging to be written) ^-~ of course I *do* have you to partly blame, as it was *your* fics who got me hooked on those two being paired up in the first place...*^- ^* But, it's all good...more Shane/Dustin in this just for you...
Weesta- Ah, yes, I know...Shane taking care of Dustin...a good role for him, don't you think? ^-~ And thanks on the vote of confidence, I wasn't too sure if I had everyone's character persona in the right place, as when I started writing this I'd only seen *some* of the PRNS eps...but fell in love with it after I saw just one ep. Don't know why, I guess because this season is kind of different from the others and it caught my eye-I'm glad it did! Slashiness abound! But now that I'm seeing more and more of the eps, I'm getting more and more into it! And don't worry, we'll find out what Kapri and Marah are up to in this chapter, plus as I told Tsukino, more Dustin and Shane goodness as well.
eXtreme eVolution- Thanks dude! Here's more of the story for you...and I hope you like this chapter as much as you liked the last one...
HyDrOmAtIc- Your first slash story? And you're liking it? ^-^ Good!-makes me know that I did something right along the way ^-~ and I hope you keep on reading! And even though I'm a big fan of slash, I agree with you on the Blake and Tori pairings...just watching those two interact throughout the series makes it a definite that they should be together!
Rating: PG13
Pairings: Tori/Blake, Hunter/Cam, and Dustin/Shane
Summary: When Tori somehow wins a cruise trip for five, she manages to convince Shane, Dustin, Hunter, Blake, and even Cam to come with her. But they didn't expect a horrible storm to ruin their plans...leaving them all shipwrecked. Stranded and separated, can they survive without their powers?
Shipwrecked
Author: Angel Spirit
Chapter II: Storm Front
The past week had been more then fun for the Rangers-and surprisingly, it really did feel like a vacation to them-Cyber Cam hadn't called in with any attacks in Blue Bay Harbor...even though Cam did check on his computerized self from time to time, all was clear...giving the Ranger's a little breathing room and time to relax and enjoy themselves.
However, Hunter was having a hard time getting Cam to do just that. They'd already docked once, and by the time that Hunter had managed to get Cam off the ship to go exploring, half the day had already gone by. He was getting a little aggravated with Cam, who seemed to be the only person he could actually 'hang out' with. Tori and Blake seemed to do everything together. And Hunter knew, that Blake didn't realize he was doing it-besides, Hunter had wanted his little brother and Tori to get together...right?
And then there were Shane and Dustin...who had finally come out of the bag, telling everyone about their relationship-well, actually it had been Shane who had told them all when he had gone to find the ship's doctor, as Dustin still hadn't been feeling well the next night after he had gotten sea sick- and then it turned out that the poor kid had the flu.
So Shane had spent most of the past few days taking care of a sick Dustin, who had forced him to go out and enjoy himself the day that they had docked. Even though Shane hadn't wanted to, he did, at least for a little while-and Hunter was able to enjoy some time with someone else other then Cam for once.
He just...didn't understand Cam as well as he thought that he had. He'd always had his eyes on Cam-the moment he met Cam, something between them just...sparked. Well, he knew that at least for him, something sparked. He wasn't sure about Cameron Wannatabe...but...
He sighed. It was just him at the moment, as they were getting ready to dock again, and Tori and Blake along with Cam, were topside. He had complained about a headache, and wanted to take the day to himself-which, the other's had of course, been fine with.
Hunter wasn't really expecting the knock on the door when it came, but when he opened it, he wasn't too surprised to find Shane looking a bit guilty on the other side of it.
"Dude...I think I really need to get off this boat this time-as much as I love taking care of Dustin, I want-"
"Some peace to yourself?" Shane chuckled lightly as Hunter finished his sentence, nodding.
"And some fresh air...I heard that you were staying..." The dark haired teen trailed off, and Hunter grinned, getting exactly what it was that Shane was trying to ask him.
"You want me to check on Dustin every so often? Yeah, I can do it...how is he feeling today anyway?" Shane grinned back and gave Hunter the thumbs up sign.
"He's so much better today then he was a the other morning...I think tomorrow he'll probably be moving around like the rest of us." Hunter grinned back.
"Sounds awesome...the mix of seasickness and the flu couldn't have been fun!" He exclaimed, and Shane smirked.
"Yeah, just as Dustin...look, I've got my cell phone, so if you two need anything don't be afraid to call me." Shane said as he indicated his phone that was attached to his belt, as Hunter nodded at him briefly wondering for a few seconds what it was that Shane was going to say before he had cut himself off.
"Sounds good man...have fun, okay?" Nodding at the other and giving Hunter a small wave before he disappeared completely, Shane headed out, as Hunter went and knocked on the door next to his, waiting for a few minutes before Dustin's voice came through telling him to enter.
"Hey man...feeling better? You look better." Dustin nodded at Hunter's question, sitting on top of one of the beds wearing a pair of black and yellow checked flannel pants and a black sleep shirt, with the remote in his hand as he flipped through the stations for what looked like to him, had to be the billionth time-Hunter already knew nothing good was on.
"Yeah, I feel better-a lot better then I have...though, I would've felt better if...if..." For a minute, Dustin looked like he was ready to cry, and Hunter raised an eyebrow wondering what was wrong as he went and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"If? Something bothering you Dustin?" All the child of Earth did, was sigh as he paused on a music video channel before tossing the remote aside, and looked at Hunter with sudden pain-filled eyes.
"Shane and I had a fight this morning-our first one since...we...you know, got together...it was pretty bad actually..." Dustin bit his lower lip, and Hunter inwardly cursed. So that was what all the shouting from earlier had been about...he, Tori, Blake, and Cam had thought that it had been from one of the other cabin's, as Cam had come over to their place to 'get away from the lovebirds' as he had said it.
"I'm sorry man...I'm sure he didn't mean whatever he said." Hunter said, trying to soothe his clearly agitated friend, who sighed and looked back down at the sheets as though there was something more amusing on them. Putting a hand on Dustin's shoulder, he squeezed it lightly, and when Dustin finally looked up he saw that Hunter wore a mischievous expression that he couldn't quite define it's meaning.
"Let's say you and I find a movie channel we can order for the day or something...sound good?" Dustin only shrugged, and Hunter sighed. He knew that Dustin probably wasn't going to be the best of company coming into this. Hell, the kid had been sick with the flu for the first part of the trip, and now he had a fight with Shane-his boyfriend...
It felt awkward, in a way, saying that Shane was Dustin's boyfriend. Oh sure, like everyone else he was perfectly fine with it. Hell, he liked Cam the same way that Dustin and Shane liked each other...just...in a few ways he was envious of the two for being able to actually get together and admit their feelings for one another. As though knowing that something was on Hunter's mind, Dustin sent him a sideways glance and cleared his throat.
"So...dude...is something wrong? You've been really quiet the past fifteen minutes...want to talk?" Was it just Hunter's imagination, or did Dustin have a pleading look in his eyes? Hunter only sighed, and reached for the remote control as he switched off the TV, and just looked at Dustin.
"Talk...is that what you want to do?" He wasn't sure why he was so nervous around Dustin suddenly. Maybe it was because he was afraid that if he actually just talked with Dustin, that then he'd let out his secret...and no one, not even Blake, knew his secret. Dustin shrugged.
"I mean, you just look like you want to talk...I can definitely tell something's bothering you now." He murmured, as Hunter sighed and finally decided to give up. He figured that if anyone would understand what he was feeling and going through, that it would be Dustin.
"You know-oh I don't know." He stammered, suddenly unable to find the right words to tell Dustin exactly what was going on. Dustin only smirked.
"Care if I give it a try at what's bothering you?" Hunter nodded, just wondering how close Dustin would get to his secret...if he got close at all.
"Do you remember how I acted after...after the whole Marah ordeal?" The other teen asked, and Hunter nodded again, not quite understanding what it was that Dustin was getting at.
"I wasn't acting the way I was...because...because I still had a thing for Marah. I...I was only using the thing for Marah as a cover-up for who I really liked. And I didn't want to tell any of you who I really liked, because I was...well, I was afraid. I know that not everyone is as nice about understanding-well, I guess I can just call it sexual preferences-as some people, but...I was...afraid to loose the people I cared about if I told them and they didn't-like me for what I was...you know?" Again, Hunter nodded, feeling like he didn't know how to word exactly what he was thinking, and instead, allowed Dustin to continue on as he looked at Hunter shyly.
"You know, the first person who realized that I was using Marah as a cover up, was Shane himself? I'm not sure how, but for awhile I was scared that he had figured it out because he knew how I felt about him, that he'd figured it all out and that our friendship was history. A reason why I never told Shane how I felt about him, was because I valued his friendship too much. I didn't want to tell him and have him not feel the same way about me...it would just be to awkward, you know?" He sighed, and Hunter, going into 'brotherly protective/comfort' mode as Blake put it sometimes, scooted up along the bed until he was right next to Dustin and gave him a sideways hug, allowing Dustin to lay his head on his shoulder.
"I think I know what you're getting at. You're trying to tell me that maybe I've got feelings for someone, and I don't want to admit it because I'm too scared, and that's why I faked my headache today was so that way I could get away from that someone?" Dustin smirked again.
"Well, I didn't really say that..." Hunter smacked him playfully alongside the head as Dustin laughed and sat up.
"You know what Hunter?" Hunter only looked at Dustin to continue what he was saying.
"I can see how Blake idolizes you as a big brother. There are so many times when I've been jealous of the bond that you two have...and you're not even blood related. Yet, you act like he is...you take care of him when he's down or sick and make him feel better, you two both look after each other and can joke about this and that...I wish...makes me kind of wish that I could have that with my siblings." The Crimson Ranger blinked. It was the first time really, since meeting him, that Dustin had ever mentioned any family to him.
"You've got siblings?" Hunter asked, and Dustin grimaced.
"Yeah...I've got sibs alright. Two older sisters, one older brother, and one younger brother...so I'm the second to youngest. And I hate it sometimes, I really do. I'm so...different from them. None of them are interested in what I'm interested in-it's almost as though I live on a completely different planet."
"That sucks." Hunter commented, and Dustin sighed and shook his head.
"You have no idea Hunter, none at all. My family is...well...my family's rich-really rich. We're probably the wealthiest family in Blue Bay Harbor. You know the big mansion-like house that everyone always stops to look at whenever they're driving by, the one with the fancy entrance gates and all that?" Yeah, Hunter knew exactly which house Dustin was talking about, and as he did so, Hunter's eyes opened wide.
"Don't tell me you live there!" Hunter exclaimed, fully understanding what Dustin was trying to tell him...who suddenly looked away, his cheeks flushing red with embarrassment.
"Yeah-I live there. Well, I live there when I'm not on the track, Storm Chargers, Ninja Ops, or being a Power Ranger anyway." He sighed, and leaned his head back onto Hunter's shoulder.
"I really don't want to talk about my family anymore...gives me a headache, and I'm just starting to feel better." Dustin murmured, as Hunter chuckled and rubbed the brunette's back a little bit.
"So why don't we go ahead and see which movie channel is good to order? Remember, this trip is on Tori." Hunter said with a grin as Dustin chuckled.
"Sound good to me...anything with Lord of the Rings on?" With luck, Hunter actually found a station that had Lord of the Rings just starting, so they got comfortable and watched that, as well as the Ghostbusters one that was on afterward...and that, was how Hunter spent the rest of the day with Dustin. Sure, he hadn't quite told Dustin his secret-but, he had the feeling that Dustin had already pretty much figured it out. And a part of him was quite relieved in honest truth. Now he had a confidant...someone to talk to who'd completely understand his position. And who knew...maybe Dustin could help him figure out a way to get Cam.
~***~
When Shane had left with Tori, Blake, and Cam, the trio instantly knew that something was wrong...however, they didn't quite press matters, only because they knew that it would probably annoy Shane. So as much as they didn't ask questions, a part of Shane wanted them to just so he could get off his chest what was really bothering him. Although, all the fun activities that they had done that day, did help keep his mind off of the still getting well Dustin he had left back on the ship.
He'd never been snorkeling before...the only one out of the four of them who had ever been was Tori, but even she had admitted that it had been a long time-so after a half a day's worth of a beginner's class, they were able to go out and explore on their own.
"I wish Dustin were here...he'd have loved this." Tori commented quietly as she and him were putting away their snorkeling gear. Shane only sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair. It was obvious now that Tori wanted to talk to him before Blake and Cam decided to come in from the water.
"I wish...that he was too. If he hadn't been such an arrogant brat this morning." He hadn't meant to say it the way he had...and a part of him knew that it was his fault who had started the fight. Dustin had wanted him to have a good time, and not take care of him, as after all this was a vacation. But Shane had wanted to stay with Dustin and take care of him- but Dustin had told him that he didn't need to be babied, and besides...he was feeling better-and not throwing up anymore. But still...Shane had liked taking care of Dustin.
So before he knew it, he was telling Tori all of this as they walked a little ways on the beach while they waited for their other friends. Tori only grinned.
"It was a fight that was bound to happen sooner or later Shane-Dustin's probably just feeling smothered at the moment...do you remember why he got the job at Storm Chargers?" Shane smiled, remembering the day that Kelly had offered Dustin a job-one of the reasons being was because he had hung out there so much when it had first opened.
"Yeah...it was because he said he wanted his own cash to spend and not his families." Tori nodded.
"Yes...Dustin hates being babied or being pressured-Shane, you know that as much as I do. And while I'm sure he knows that you want to take care of him, I think you...might just need to give him some space...or something, I don't know." Shane shook his head.
"How can I give him space when I want to spend every waking moment with him Tori? I love him! It's just so hard because there are times when I think that he doesn't like me back." He murmured softly and Tori put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.
"You know as well as I do that Dustin loves you back the same way-it's probably just harder for him to do it. I know I've known Dustin and his family longer then you have Shane, and trust me when I say that it's probably just hard for him to open up. His family was never really big on emotions. You're going to have to teach him how." Shane nodded and smiled at Tori.
"Thanks Tori-I needed this." She grinned at him and gave him a wink as they turned back to head back to where they had agreed to meet, should they get separated.
"I know you did. I knew something was really bothering you for most of the day-so that was you and Dustin who were arguing so loudly this morning, eh?" She giggled as Shane lowered his head in embarrassment.
"You guys heard us? How loud were we?" Again Tori giggled, her smile lighting up her eyes.
"Let's just say, that I think you two might have to apologize to the other few people who are also in our hall." He groaned.
"That loud, huh?" Tori shrugged as Shane grimaced.
"Well, I know we heard it pretty good-though we pretended not too, if that makes a difference...so, Dustin's alone today then?" Shane shook his head.
"Nah, I asked Hunter to look in on him from time to time...but...I kind of want to go back to the ship now and talk to Dustin-maybe see if he wants to get up and walk around for a bit." Tori nodded and pushed him toward the direction of the docks where their cruise ship had docked for the day.
"Go on...I'm sure he's probably talked with Hunter and is ready to make up." She gave him a sly wink as Shane laughed.
"Tori, you're bad." All she did was wave at him as she continued on down the beach where Blake and Cam were just getting out of the water. Shane watched her leave for a few minutes, before sighing and continued on his way back to the ship. Tori was right, he knew she was. And tonight, if Dustin wanted too, he'd show him the time of his life.
~***~
Hunter had woken up from falling asleep next to Dustin when he heard footsteps approaching from outside the door. Deciding that it probably wouldn't be the best idea for him to be caught sleeping so close to Dustin- who had fallen asleep as well-in case if it were Shane coming back early, he quickly rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and stretched as he stood up, glad that they'd left the TV on a decent sound so that it wouldn't seem as though they had both fallen asleep-which, they had...
Sure enough, as Hunter sat on the edge of the other bed in the room in Indian Style position, Shane entered the room, smiling a little as he noticed that Dustin was asleep.
"How is he?" Hunter grinned and gave Shane the thumbs up sign as Shane had given him earlier when he had asked he same question.
"He's good...he was able to keep down all his lunch by the way, so I'm thinking he's probably quite close to being back to normal as normal can get." Shane nodded and grinned back at Hunter.
"Thanks for looking after him Hunter, I appreciate it." Hunter only shrugged as he stood and bumped fists with Shane as he headed for the door.
"No problem. Are the other's back yet?" He asked, and Shane shook his head.
"Nah, they're not-I decided to come back because I think Dustin and I need to-well...talk." A low groan was heard as the two teens looked over to see Dustin waking up, looking in Shane's direction as he brought a hand up to rub his temples.
"Don't say that we have to talk...I hate that..." He moaned, as Shane smirked and Hunter showed himself out of the room as Shane came and sat right next to Dustin on the bed.
"Yes, we do have to talk...seriously now. NO arguing, okay?" He asked, emphasizing the no arguing part as Dustin sighed and nodded, turning off the TV. He didn't even remember what he was watching anyway.
"Good. Now come here." As Dustin leaned forward, Shane kissed him lightly on the lips, and Dustin managed a small grin before he returned the kiss.
"I think I'm going to like this talk." Shane chuckled as he continued the kiss a little more, and Dustin moaned.
"This is just the first part of the talk." The Red Ranger declared softly, as he continued to kiss Dustin, who gladly kissed him back, thinking that maybe all arguments couldn't be that bad-especially if they ended up like this!
~***~
Tori, Cam, and Blake met up with Hunter, Shane, and surprisingly Dustin later on that evening for dinner.
"Hey dude, all better?" Blake asked as he put a hand on Dustin's shoulder, who nodded, wearing a small smile as he did so and reached out to grab Shane's hand, who eagerly took it-but not before giving Tori a quick wink. Tori grinned back at him.
"Yeah, so much...I'm starving...so how's the food on this ship anyway?" The other's laughed as they managed to find a table for all of them to fit, and then went to get some food. Though, as they were in the line for the buffet table that ways offered that night, Hunter could've sworn that he saw someone who looked exactly like Kapri. So he nudged Cam who was standing next to him and pointed out the girl with long blond hair who was a little ways before them.
"Dude...is it just my own eyes playing tricks on me, or does that actually look like Kapri?" Cam squinted, and bit his lower lip as though he wasn't sure how to answer, before sighing.
"You know, I thought I saw her and Marah earlier this week? But I wasn't sure...I mean, they're my cousins-I should be able to know if I'm actually seeing them or not." He murmured in exasperation, and joined Hunter on their way back to the table, plates full.
"Okay...time for a 'meeting'." Cam claimed softly as he emphasized the meeting part, and the other's groaned.
"What's wrong Cam?" Tori asked, lowering her voice and glad that the music had suddenly turned on-that way, no one would be able to hear their conversation or eavesdrop either.
"Hunter and I think that we just saw Marah and Kapri on this ship." Tori's eyes widened as she allowed them to take a quick scan of the room, before taking a quick swallow of her Iced Tea so that she wouldn't choke on her bread as Cam told her this.
"You know what...I...I think I saw them earlier this week too! I just wasn't sure-I mean, I thought it was my eyes playing tricks on me!" She whispered frantically as Blake looked at her and then at Cam, and sighed.
"I guess this would be the time to say that I also think I saw them but wasn't sure? It's so much harder to tell them apart from regular civilians when they aren't alienized...know what I mean?" The other's nodded.
"So the only one's who haven't seen them, are Dustin and Shane then?" Cam asked, just to make sure and he was positive that they'd both agree, but only Shane nodded his head to tell Cam that he was right-for his part anyway. Dustin however, was shaking his.
"No dude, you're wrong. I think I was the first one to think that I saw them." Hunter nodded again then, remembering that Dustin had said something on the plane last weekend about seeing Marah.
"You said you thought you saw Marah getting up on the plane...it could've very well been her." Hunter mused aloud, as he took a bit of the sandwich he had, as Cam sighed and took off his glasses, rubbing his eyes.
"I knew this vacation was going too quiet and peaceful for us. Let's just continue to keep an eye out-I'll go and inform Cyber Cam after dinner back at Ops, and see if he can manage to trace down Marah and Kapri-just to confirm our suspicions. If the two are on this boat, we're in trouble...we don't have any idea what they have planned." Everyone else agreed, and went back to eating-though, their table was probably one of the quieter ones there that night...and, they were the first to leave as well.
~***~
While Cam was contacting Cyber Cam, the other's were waiting to hear the news as they just lounged around Blake's, Hunter's, and Tori's room. Blake and Tori were on one bed, as Hunter and Cam were on the other, Dustin and Shane were sitting against the wall.
"Well, it's official. It has been Marah and Kapri on this ship who we've been seeing...though why my cousins would be on a cruise line, is beyond me." Cam murmured as he closed off the lap top he had been working on and sat back, musing a bit.
"So what do we do now?" Tori asked softly, as Cam shook his head.
"We're going to have to scout them out. I know it's harder finding them when they're civilianized, but...it's better then the alternative, which is having them attack us first. We don't need the rest of the people on this cruise with us to find out that we're Power Rangers." The others agreed with him as Hunter stretched and yawned.
"I'm ready for bed-what about the rest of you?" He murmured, as Cam only shook his head.
"We've got to be careful. I don't think we should all be sleeping at the same time, now that we know that our enemies are onboard this ship. I think two of us should stay up and then we'll rotate watch every few hours." Everyone groaned...and Cam knew that while he also wasn't eager to do night watches, he also knew that if they didn't watch their backs, the chances of his cousins sneaking up on them and doing something would probably happen. Sure, Marah and Kapri acted like complete idiots sometimes...but that didn't mean that it was their true nature. Cam was sure that Blake and Hunter had also seen the two sisters at their worst as well.
"So who's taking first watch tonight?" He asked, and another chorus of groans rang out, before everyone shouted out "not me!"
~***~
As it were, Shane and Dustin got the first watch. Much to Shane's horror and Dustin's amusement as he hadn't quite felt like going to bed because he'd spent most of his afternoon sleeping and then later lounging around with Shane.
"Tonight was so how I didn't want it to go." Shane murmured as he yawned, finding it difficult to stay awake. Cam had suggested that they take a 'tour' of the ship, as they were first watch and would probably not look conspicuous as to why they'd be up and moving at that time of night. So they were basically moving through the different levels of the ship, until they got to the top...and when they got to the top deck, they decided to stay there.
Until Shane noticed a storm moving in, and he pointed out the dark clouds to Dustin.
"Man oh man...those things look ugly." Dustin commented as a strong wind picked up and they decided to go back in. However, just as they were going to go back in, the door leading into the stairwell opened to reveal no other then Marah and Kapri themselves. All four teens looked at each other in shock for a moment, but Dustin and Shane were the first ones to recover.
"What in the hell are you doing on this ship? Do you realize you've just ruined our vacation?" Shane snarled, maneuvering into a defensive position as Dustin did the same.
"What are you talking about? You've just ruined our vacation!" Marah snapped back, as Kapri nodded and the two stood on defense as well. Dustin snorted.
"Yeah, right-so you two are on vacation? Since when did Lothor decide that?" Kapri smirked.
"Since he decided that we deserved a holiday." But her smirk faltered when lightning flashed from above. Dustin and Shane looked at each other, wondering just how sincere the two girls in front of them were being. They still stood there, glaring at one another, neither one making the first move.
"So what are you two doing up here at this time of night anyway?" Shane asked, trying to figure out if they really were telling the truth. Marah sighed.
"Kapri was feeling a little seasick, so I thought some fresh air would help her." Kapri nodded, and the two boys only rolled their eyes.
"You really think you can fool us that easily Marah? Give me a break." Dustin snapped, and Marah actually looked hurt.
"Well, I fooled you once-didn't I?" She snapped back, thinking that Dustin would act as he always did when their incredibly short relationship was brought up-she was surprised when all he did was step back so he was stepping backward into Shane, and Shane put an arm around his waist as Dustin shook his head.
"Yeah...once Marah. But you know, you actually helped me?" Marah stared at him as she and Kapri noticed exactly what was going on between the two Rangers in front of them-and Marah felt anger growing inside her. A part of her still really liked Dustin. She'd always liked him, liked him when she first met him-out of all the male Rangers, she thought that Dustin was the cutest. But now it looked like Dustin was with-Shane? Of all people, why Shane? Why the Red Ranger?
"Don't tell me you two are actually together?" Kapri gasped, looking like she was ready to be sick-be it from seasickness or just the fact that she thought that two males being together was disgusting. She now felt for her sister-she knew how hard Marah had fallen for Dustin...and that Marah was still in love with Dustin.
"Got a problem with that?" Shane asked coldly, protectively moving Dustin so that he was now behind him. Marah felt her rage continue to grow as she watched the two Rangers in front of her interact with each other. It was obvious now to her, that she had lost the one thing that she had hoped to one day get back-she knew that the day her father would be defeated, that she and her sister wouldn't be taken down with him. At least, she wasn't planning on it. But now, the one thing that Marah had focused on getting through her father's whole 'we're evil so let's destroy the world' bit, was suddenly gone.
"You...little...brat." She hissed at the Red Ranger, pointing her finger at him as they circled one another, Shane still standing protectively in front of Dustin, now in fighting stance.
While this was going on, Dustin decided to raise the alarm. He hadn't known that Marah would react this way-but then again, he should've. He signaled for Tori, as it took her a couple of seconds, and Dustin knew that she, like Hunter, Blake, and Cam, were probably asleep.
"Go for Tori." Her sleepy voice murmured, as Dustin quickly and quietly explained what was going on up above deck. When Tori spoke next, her voice sounded more awake and alert then it had at first.
"I'll wake up the others, we'll come and meet you." Dustin nodded, telling her to hurry as he finished his communication in time to see Marah blast Shane with an energy blast-sending him into the pool that had started to slosh around as Dustin realized that the storm around the ship was getting worse. Lightning streaked the sky more often, and the clouds grew darker and angrier. "Called your little friends?" Kapri asked with a smirk as she sent an electric streak toward Dustin, who managed to dodge it last second and went flying into a railway in the process, groaning as he did so. The ship was rocking fiercely with the winds that had suddenly turned fierce and raging- and he found that he was liking this trip less and less. Why he had ever agreed to go on such a trip, was beyond him.
Note to self-next time Tori begs you to go on a vacation with her-say no! He thought, as he dodged another one of Kapri's attacks. He looked over his shoulder to see Shane getting himself out of the water from the pool, but he fell back in again as the boat swayed once more.
"Shane!" Dustin hollered, going over to help him, and was almost at the pools edge when suddenly the rain decided to rear it's ugly head and a torrent of water fell from the sky like a gigantic waterfall. Dustin could hardly see his hands in front of his face. The ships alarm sounded suddenly, and around them people began to panic.
"We'll finish this later Yellow Ranger!" Marah shouted as she grabbed her sister and they suddenly disappeared. Dustin cursed inwardly at the fact that they were able to do that so quickly-and that they weren't going to be in the trouble that Dustin knew he and his friends probably were in now. Speaking of friends...
"Shane!" This time since he didn't have Marah and Kapri to distract him, he saw Shane climbing back out of the pool, looking wet and miserable as he almost lost his grip again, but Dustin managed to make it over to him in enough time to help him back up.
By the time that he had gotten his boyfriend out of the sloshing pool, which now probably had half the water contents as the ship rocked dangerously side to side, the two boys had a difficult time making their way across the top deck. The wind was so bad that they couldn't hear the announcement that was being said over the intercom, and they didn't know what was going on until they bumped into Hunter and Cam who had gone looking for them.
"Dude, what's going on?!?" Shane asked, realizing just how wet he really was-but when he looked over at Dustin, he realized that his boyfriend wasn't that much drier then he was...so he wouldn't have to explain why he was soaked to the bone.
"The ship's taking in water! The captain's making everyone evacuate, the storm's gotten so bad though, that they're making everyone go to the dining hall and from there they're going to escort people out to the life boats!" Hunter shouted, as he grabbed a hold of Dustin's shoulder and gently steered the brunette in the right direction. Dustin had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach as he was wishing more and more that he was anywhere but on this ship at the moment.
"Where's Tori and Blake?" He asked, as Cam nodded his head in the direction of an overhang where the two were waiting for their friends.
"Are you two okay?" Tori asked immediately as soon as the four arrived, and Dustin nodded.
"Yeah, we're just a little wet, that's all!" He joked, as Tori grinned a little in relief as Hunter and Cam herded them all into the dining hall. Before they got there though, a huge wave managed to come over the side- knocking Dustin and Blake down, and the ship tipped backward enough so that the two went barreling down the ship's deck, much to Shane's, Tori's, and Hunter's horror.
"We've got to help them!" Tori cried out, as Hunter nodded. The situation with the ship wasn't looking so good-he wondered if they'd be able to evacuate everyone in time before it went down, and looked over his shoulder to see that the process had already been started.
"You and Cam go to be evacuated Tori! Shane and I will get Dustin and Blake!" Though Tori wanted to help, she realized that Hunter meant business, and Cam took her by the arm and started to guide her toward where he knew they could get life vests.
By the time Hunter and Shane had managed to find the two, they only saw Blake at first, hanging onto the rail and looking absolutely terrified. When he saw Hunter, he cried out in relief.
"HUNTER! HELP!" The two Rangers dashed to his side to see that he was only hanging onto the railing with one hand, and just barely, his grip was starting to slip. Shane looked over and cursed, feeling a bit panicked as he saw that it was an unconscious Dustin that Blake was holding tightly onto.
"He hit his head against the railing before he and I started to go over!" Blake explained as the ship pitched again, and as Blake lost his grip, Hunter grabbed a hold of him, determined not to let his brother go. Shane sighed with relief as he saw that Blake didn't let go of Dustin in the process of this, and saw that the Navy Thunder Ranger had an immensely strong grip on the brunette...it didn't look like he was going to be letting go of Dustin anytime soon.
"HELP ME PULL HIM UP!" Hunter hollered, his voice being carried over by the wind as Shane nodded and grabbed a hold of Hunter to make sure that he was balanced and wouldn't fall over.
"Is it just me, or does this remind you too much of Titanic?" Blake sputtered as they managed to pull him back up, and Hunter hugged his brother in relief, as Shane brought up his unconscious boyfriend the rest of the way on his own.
"Dustin? Dustin, come on dude..." He murmured, lightly fingering the bump that had started to form on his boyfriend's forehead along with a deep cut right above his left eyebrow. He kept on trying to wake him, but Dustin only groaned. The four teenagers were making their way back up toward where the dining hall was, when a brilliant streak of lightning-too bright to be just one flash alone, hit the deck. As Hunter knocked Blake out of the way and rolled with him so they weren't hit, they felt a searing heat the next minute they stood, and knew that they were in more trouble then what they bargained for.
"Shit." Hunter muttered, as Shane suddenly looked pale as a ghost, still holding onto Dustin as he looked at the flames that the lightning had created. They were blocking their path-they were stuck.
"Tori and Cam are on the other side with the other passengers...at least they'll be okay!" Blake shouted, and Shane only nodded his head, wishing that his younger sister hadn't dragged him off to see Titanic as many times as she had when she had fallen in love with the movie when it had come out into the theatre's...and Shane had been the one most available to go with her most of the time, as she hated to go to the movie's by herself.
"So what are we going to do now?" He hollered, and the two Thunder brother's only shrugged.
"There's not much we can do." Hunter replied quietly, but the wind carried his words, so Shane heard him anyway and made a tighter hold on Dustin, who groaned softly again.
"Maybe we can get Cyber Cam to teleport us outta here?" Blake suggested, and his older brother's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Awesome thinking bro!" However, when Hunter tried to reach Cyber Cam, all he got was static, and he frowned as he looked at it with a puzzled expression.
"I don't remember breaking mine at all during this trip...Blake, Shane, what about you guys?" He asked, realizing that the flames were growing and so the three of them had been moving away from the flames...but they were starting to run out of room.
"No go bro...we're toast. Literally." Blake moaned quietly as he just stared at the flames with widened eyes. Another flash of lightning distracted the boys, long enough for another enormous wave to wash over them. Hunter and Blake thought they heard Shane scream something out to them, as they were knocked off their feet by the pounding water. Again Blake managed to grab a hold of the railing, and again he managed to catch someone, but this time it wasn't Dustin, this time it was Hunter. Hunter gripped his arm painfully tight, and was looking down at the water fearfully. If the situation wasn't so serious, Blake would've laughed in amusement...rarely did he get a chance to see Hunter look as petrified as he did now.
"Blake, bro, whatever you do, don't let go!" He hollered up, and Blake nodded as he continued to grip the railing he had managed to grab as tightly as he could. He looked around the top deck for his friends, but he could no longer see Dustin or Shane...and the sinking pit of his stomach that he had felt earlier continued to grow.
"Dude...Hunter, I think that Shane and Dustin have gone overboard, I'm not seeing them!" Blake called down to him, as Hunter only cursed. Blake tried to pull them up, but found that he didn't have the energy-and he was starting to loose his grip-again.
"Bro...I'm sorry...I can't hang on that much longer!" He shouted, feeling panicked as he lost his grip even more.
"Blake! Don't let go!" Hunter yelled back, and though Blake was determined, his fingers were slipping even more. It seemed as though the more he upped his determination to stay in contact with the rail that was keeping them on board the ship and away from the pounding waves below them, the more his fingers were willing to stay curled around the bar. He finally shot one last fearful look down at Hunter.
"Hunter...Hunter, I'm slipping to much...Hunter, whatever happens, I love you!" Looking back up at Blake, Hunter nodded fearfully.
"I love you too bro, and I'm not going to let go of you!" He managed to get this out as Blake finally had to let go of the railing-too tired to hold onto it anymore. He had been keeping both himself and the weight of another person up from the water, but now it looked as though his efforts hadn't been enough, as he and Hunter went plunging down into the water. He briefly thought that he heard someone frantically scream out his name, but then didn't have time to think about it as Hunter still clung fiercely to his arm. Blake realized with horror that this was really happening to them.
'I love you Tori-and I'm sorry I never got a chance to say that to you. And Hunter, I'm so sorry...if I had only managed to hang on...' He thought, and that was the last thing he remembered thinking as his body hit the water shortly after Hunter's did.
TBC
AN2- Ah...brotherly love...gotta love it...I know I do! (ESP with them playing the Thunder Strangers eps, and focusing a lot on Hunter and Blake...*drools*...oh yes, I'm in heaven...I just think it's neat that they've got brothers on the same PR team...I don't think they've ever done that before from what I can remember...) Anyway, Some cornyness in this chapter? Yes. Fun to write? Definitely! ^-~ Add a bit of Dustin angst and romance with everyone else, along with Marah and Kapri causing problems, and...well, you get what I just wrote I suppose! ;P And let me tell you, if you guys really liked this chapter, you'll like the next chapter even more...esp all you Shane/Dustin fans out there...and...oops-I think I've said too much already! So lemme know what you guys think...and review! Please? (Gives audience of readers puppy dog eyes)