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

Chapter 8:  How drunken Cam can hurt Hunter

Hunter slammed a fist against the wall just before storming off.  He made his way to the small deck in the back, where he sat on the floor and leaned against the railings.  His head was in his hands, although he was not crying. 

"Hunter?" he heard a familiar voice ask softly.  "I'm so sorry."

Hunter picked his head up to see Alex standing over him.  The other blond sat down, a hand on Hunter's shoulder.

"I didn't realize that you were together," Alex explained, with Hunter just shaking his head.

"We're not.  He's just drunk…"

"And?"

"Earlier tonight I told him that I really liked him.  I even thought about us dating.  But he shot me down, saying that there's nothing between us."

"That was just a denial kiss, then."

Hunter glanced at Alex, confused.  Alex continued, "I think Cam's denying that he wants you too.  He was just trying to prove it to himself."

"Either that or he just thinks you're hot," Hunter sadly smiled.

"Honestly, he surprised me when he kissed me.  I had no idea what was going on.  But Hunter, you've got to know that I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know, it's not you.  It's Cam."

"We should probably find him before he does something stupid with someone who isn't a friend."

Hunter followed Alex back inside, where they found Cam sitting alone on the couch, trying to open another bottle of beer.  Hunter swiftly took it from him and handed it to Alex.

"You've had enough," Hunter stated.  "The only thing you're drinking is water."

"You're just jealous," Cam spat, trying to get to Alex to get his beer back.

"Lightweights," Hunter sighed.  "C'mon, I'm taking you home."

"But…"

"Don't even bother.  I've got the keys, and so help me God I'll carry you if I have to."

"He will," Alex added.  "He's done it before."

Cam stood up, and Alex helped him to the car while Hunter got the doors.  When Cam was in the passenger seat, Hunter walked over to the driver's side.

"Sorry 'bout him.  Never knew he couldn't hold is alcohol," Hunter said to Alex, pointing to Cam.

"Not a problem.  I remember when you had to carry me.  Not one of my finer moments, I may add.  Listen, want to come by tomorrow?  No party, just a few guys hanging out.  Feel free to call it a poker night if you need to."

"Sounds good.  Just don't be surprised if I come alone."

"I won't be.  Good night, Hunter.  And I know you'll take care of him."

"Always."

Since Cam was drunk and pouting, Hunter thought that it would be best for Cam to stay the night with him and Blake.  It was a silent, but thankfully short, ride back to Hunter's apartment, where he made sure Cam got up the stairs all right, although Cam refused Hunter's help.  He steered Cam into his bedroom, pulled the comforter down, and got Cam's shoes off.  After putting a glass of water next to the bed, Hunter pulled the door shut and headed into the living room.

Hunter watched TV until Blake came home, where he listened to his little brother tell about his night with Tori and her family.  Then Hunter explained everything about his night, ranging from the talk on the boardwalk to Cam sleeping in his bed.

"And you're ok?" Blake asked just after he heard about Cam's make-out session with Alex.

"I admit, it hurt, bro.  But he was drunk, hell, he probably won't even remember it in the morning."

"But you will."

"Let's just say Cam's rubbing it in my face didn't help anything."

"C'mon, you're crashing in my room tonight."

"The couch is fine."

"For sitting, not for sleeping.  C'mon."

Hunter relented, knowing Blake's order wasn't something to be discussed. 

---

It was an early morning for both Thunder ninjas, since when one woke the other soon followed.  Hunter was up first, making toast when Blake followed a few minutes later.

"I'm going for the hot stuff," Blake mumbled, taking out the extra high test coffee.  "I have a feeling I'm not the only one who'll need it."

"And you know it isn't me."

It was early afternoon by the time that Cam stumbled out from Hunter's bedroom.  Hunter and Blake heard him come out, and turned around on the couch where they were watching TV.  Hunter smirked, Cam was in total disarray.  His shirt wasn't buttoned right, plus it was completely wrinkled.  And his hair was going every which way.

"Morning," Cam mumbled.

"Afternoon," Hunter replied curtly, turning his attention back to the TV.

"Want something to eat?" Blake asked, fielding Cam for Hunter, since he knew his brother wasn't up to dealing with the other man at the moment.

"No, thank you anyway."

Blake watched Cam slowly make his way into the bathroom, where he was for a little while.  And when he reappeared, he almost looked like Cam, except for the wrinkled shirt.

"I better get back to Ops.  Dad's probably freaking that I didn't come back last night."

"Your keys are on the table," Blake pointed out.

"Thanks…I'll see you guys later," Cam said, practically running out the door.

When they heard the door slam, the brothers turned to each other and said simultaneously, "He remembers."