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

A/N: In this story, you'll figure out that I'm a Vermonter.  If anyone wants to know what Magic Hat beer is, here's a link to their site (ya gotta be 21+ to enter):  www.magichat.net  And while I realize that it's unlikely that Magic Hat would be available in California…it's the best US beer I know.

And I realize I'm being quite mean here…things can only go so well for so long.  *evil laugh*

Chapter 7: Love Bites

"So, do you still want to do something?  Or just call it an early night?" Cam asked in a vain attempt to lighten the air.

"Well, I know Alex is having a party.  Want to drop in for a little while?  It's not a raging party, there won't be that many people."

"Sure, dad keeps telling me I should broaden my social horizons."

Hunter navigated while Cam drove to Alex's house.  They had to park down the street since there were so many cars.

"I thought you said there wouldn't be many people," Cam said as they passed the line of cars.

"Maybe Alex isn't the only one with a party.  He told me it wasn't a big thing.  But then again, this is Alex."

Hunter rang the doorbell with Cam standing a step behind off to the side.  The door opened, revealing Alex in a black silk shirt.

"Hunter, Cam!  Glad you could make it!  Come on in!" Alex exclaimed, stepping aside so the pair could enter the house.  "Hunter, you know the scene, so make yourself comfortable.  Cam, since I'm the host, I'll play tour guide."

Hunter didn't see much of Cam for a few hours.  Hunter mingled, talking to the people that he knew.  Although he kept an eye out for Cam, he knew he'd never see him unless Alex brought him back.  Alex's house was that big and there were that many people.

"Hey," Cam said, taking a seat next to Hunter.

"What's that?" Hunter asked, motioning toward the bottle in Cam's hand.

"Alex has good taste in beer.  It's not the cheap stuff," Cam answered, holding his bottle up so Hunter could read the label.

"Fat Angel," Hunter read, "Gotta love Magic Hat."

"What'cha got?"

"Blind Faith."

"I tried that one already.  I think it's better than this, but I like mine too," Cam replied, snuggling against Hunter.

"And how many have you tried?" Hunter asked, knowing that Cam was already drunk.

"I'm on number three.  I also tried #9."

"Too bad your friend isn't good at Asshole," a shorter brunette said.  "Not sure if we've met, so here goes.  I'm Brandon."

"Hunter.  Looks like you met Cam already."

"Yeah, he and Alex crashed our game of Asshole.  You know Alex and his drinking games."

"Yeah, and he usually gets the better end of the deal.  Looks like Cam kept losing," Hunter noted.  "So Cam, how many shots did you do?"

"Quite a few, I didn't count 'em all," Cam answered, playing with Hunter's fingers.

"And speaking of Alex, I better find him…" Brandon said, leaving Hunter and Cam to themselves.

Cam looked up at Hunter, who in turn met his gaze.  Cam's hand traveled up from Hunter's fingers to his hair, playing with it lightly.

"Your hair's always messy," Cam announced, like it was something new to Hunter.  "I like it."

"Thanks Cam, and I know.  It does what it wants, I have no say over it," Hunter replied, shifting uncomfortably under Cam's physical attention.  "You're drunk."

"Yup.  Feels good, too.  Dad would freak, though."

Before Hunter could reply, Cam was crawling into his lap.  "What the…"

"Sshh, Hunter.  You're thinking too much again.  I'm going to kiss you…"

"Now I know you're really drunk," Hunter said, trying to get Cam off of him.  "Cam…stop it…"

Cam glared, then stood up.  "Fine."

Hunter sighed, standing up to follow his drunken friend.  And when he found Cam, he was making out with Alex in the hallway.  Hunter could only stare.  And that's when he found out how much Cam could hurt him.