Disclaimers: Ninja Storm belongs to Saban or BVE or both…or to someone who ISN'T me

Chapter 4:  A Little Closer

"You do realize I was sleeping?" Blake asked as he stumbled into the kitchen.

"Sorry, bro," Hunter smiled.

"Yeah, right," Blake replied, his gaze going between Hunter and Cam and back.

"There are still some pancakes left," Hunter offered, pointing to the griddle.

"You're forgiven," Blake chuckled, then helped himself to the stack on the griddle.

"Offer him food and he'll forgive anything."

"You, yes," Blake said to Hunter.  "The rest of the world, no."

"Including Tori?" Hunter teased.

Blake glared up from his breakfast.  "Including Tori."

"I feel all warm and fuzzy inside."

"Did he not get enough stuffed animals as a kid?" Cam asked, immediately realizing that probably wasn't something he should be asking.

"Oh, yeah, right.  Two brothers at a ninja academy with their teddy bears.  Wouldn't that have been a cute picture?" Blake answered.

Hunter's smile faded when he heard the question, and it was replaced by a distant sadness.  This was one nerve he didn't want to hit. 

"I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to…" Cam began, but was waved off by Hunter.

"Don't worry about it, bro.  It just, you know, makes me think about them."

Cam was about to reply when Hunter's morpher went off.

"Hunter…" he said.

"Is Cam with you?" the slightly irritated voice of the guinea pig came over.

"I'm here, dad."

"Cam, I need you to return immediately.  There is a problem with the computer system, I'm afraid."

"I'm on my way."

Cam had leaned in so he could hear what his father was saying, while Hunter was also hunched forward to listen.  And while the conversation over the morpher had since ended, neither were too quick to move.  Their faces were only inches apart…

"Damn, bro.  Strong coffee."

Hunter and Cam jumped apart, with Cam heading straight into the living room.  Hunter glanced at his brother, who only wore a knowing smile.  Hunter returned with a glare, then carefully made his way into the living room.

"Needless to say, I'll clean up," Blake called, with Hunter only waving back.

"You ok?" Hunter asked as Cam tied his sneakers.

"Yeah, fine," Cam answered, a bit distantly.

"I'm sure whatever it is, you'll have it fixed in no time."

"Sometimes I wonder if you all have too much faith in me."

"Well, if you need a hand…"

"You'll be among the last I call."

Cam stood from the couch, noticing a look of hurt gloss over Hunter's face.

"You also don't strike me as computer literate, either," Cam added with a slight smile.  "Anyway, you need to stay off that ankle.  And that means no Rangering, either.  Let the others handle whatever Lothor throws at us.  If he does."

"You honestly expect me to just sit back while the others battle an alien?"

"Yes, it's what's best for both you and the team."

"Don't I get a say in this?"

"No," Blake answered before Cam could. 

The younger brother stood behind the couch, leaning against the back. 

"Cam and I both don't want you Rangering.  It's only for a few days, until that ankle gets better."

"Fine," Hunter relented with obvious unhappiness.

"Don't worry, bro.  I'll keep you company."

Hunter glanced from Blake to Cam and back.  He did want Cam to stay, but he couldn't.  But the thought of spending some quality time with his brother made him feel better.