Chapter Nine

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Dustin sat on the steps outside his house, quietly staring out into nowhere as he waited for Hunter to finish packing and come out. He'd been in there helping him, but he needed some space. As much as he'd tried to convince himself it wouldn't be so bad with Hunter gone, he couldn't quite manage to believe it once he saw the bags packed and Hunter prepared to leave. Sure, he wouldn't be far away, but he'd still be gone.

The others would be arriving soon, they were all going to ride down together to the Academy, itself with Hunter. Dustin had never been to the Thunder Academy, but from what he'd heard it was pretty much like their own. Not that he was really thinking about the Academy, but his mind wandered to things he didn't even care about this morning.

It was pretty far away by car, so it would be a while, but he intended to enjoy every minute of it. Might be awkward at first, with the given company, but hopefully not for long. He tried to believe that everything would someday be normal between them all, but it was hard to do. It would be very noticeable with their missing friend on the ride, and the reason for that would be on everyone's mind, he knew that.

Dustin looked up as the door opened and Hunter came out, carrying his bags. "Need some help?" he asked.

Hunter shook his head. "No, I got it." He stumbled through the doorway and dropped his bags on the steps. "What are you doing out here?"

He shrugged. "Waiting for the others. They should be here soon."

"Yeah," he said.

"So, you got everything?" Dustin asked absently.

"Yeah. Not that I'll really need much," he replied. "I don't think I'll be doing much besides grading papers and teaching classes. Sensei sure never did."

"Yeah, but Sensei was a guinea pig," Dustin pointed out.

Hunter gave him a look, sitting down beside him on the steps. "You know what I mean. I want to do this right, I'm not taking any chances."

Dustin shook his head. "You'll be great, don't worry. You should let yourself have some fun. What about moto? You giving that up too?"

"Probably," he replied. "For a while anyway."

He paused. "Well, I'll definitely be able to kick your ass when you come back then." Hunter looked at him and Dustin grinned, elbowing him playfully.

"Whatever you say," Hunter said, shaking his head. He stood up. "They're coming. Let's go."

Dustin stood reluctantly, and grabbed one of Hunter's bags before the other boy could. Hunter started to protest but Dustin laughed. "Come on, just because you're gay doesn't mean you have to declare your masculinity all the time."

Hunter rolled his eyes. "That's a big word for you." He hefted his other bag onto his shoulder and started down the steps with a smirk.

Dustin started to retort but stopped when the car pulled into the driveway, three people stepping out. He headed down the steps, nodding to the others, as both his hands were full. "Hey guys."

Blake grinned. "Hey." He looked at his brother. "All set?"

Hunter nodded. He went to the car and tossed his bags in the trunk. "Who's driving?"

"Well, who knows the way?" asked Dustin.

"I'll drive," said Cam. "It's my car, and something tells me you four will have other things to keep you busy."

Blake looked over at Tori. "We just might."

She smiled. "Don't get any ideas, we're not alone."

"Why does that matter?" Dustin asked, frowning. Hunter smacked him lightly and Dustin laughed. "Come on, we'd better get going."

Cam started to open the door but Dustin stopped him, realizing something. "Dude, you're in the back."

He looked at Dustin. "Why?"

"Do the math," Hunter said, opening the door and getting in the driver's seat. Dustin circled around the front and claimed shotgun.

Cam looked at them all and nodded, opening the door to the back. "At least I'm not in the middle," he muttered. "But something tells me I should have stayed home."

--

The car ride was a long one, but it went smoothly. Things were a little uncomfortable at first, but they just decided silently to avoid certain subjects for the time being, and it seemed a wise choice. They talked the whole time about everything else that had happened, while they were rangers and before, and everything in the future. It was fun being together again, thought the absence of one was very noticed.

But they didn't let it ruin anything, and it was only mentioned once. Dustin shrugged and said he wouldn't fit in the five-passenger car anyway. They could all tell he wasn't as nonchalant as he acted, and after that no one brought it up again. Or anything that had to do with Hunter and Dustin's new relationship.

Hunter pulled the car over on a side road and turned off the ignition. "Let's go."

Dustin looked at him. "Where to?"

He unbuckled his seat belt and opened the door, getting out. "Dustin, do you drive into the Wind Academy?"

"Right," he noted, getting out of the car as the others did the same. Hunter went to the back and got his bags, hoisting one on his shoulder and carrying the other on his arm.

Tori looked around. "Where is it?"

"This way," Hunter said, starting to walk. Soon they felt themselves being transported, and before they knew it a large building came into view. Hunter looked up at it quietly. It had been a while, though not half as long as it seemed.

It didn't take long for him to find out where he should be and get unpacked, and soon it was time to say goodbye. They stood outside on the lawn silently, none of them really knowing where to start.

Finally Cam stepped forward, offering a hand. "Good luck, Hunter."

Hunter shook his hand firmly. "Thanks, Cam. For everything."

Cam nodded quietly, something in his eyes that Hunter couldn't read, then turned and went back to stand by Dustin.

Tori came up slowly, Blake at her side. "I guess we'll see you around." She gave a small smile.

Hunter nodded. "I'll bet."

She reached out a hand and squeezed his shoulder. "Bye."

"Bye," he said as she walked away.

Blake looked up at him. "We're all gonna miss you."

Hunter smirked wryly. "Not all of you."

"Don't even think about him," he said. "It doesn't matter anyway."

Hunter nodded. "Yeah, I guess." He put an arm around Blake's shoulders. "I'll be seeing you on TV, right?"

Blake grinned. "Just keep watching."

Hunter slapped Blake's shoulder and watched is younger brother as he went back to stand next to Tori, taking her hand quietly. Hunter smiled at them. Whatever Tori was doing to him and Dustin, he had to admire Blake for trying to work through it.

He paused a moment, then turned to Dustin, taking a breath. He could tell Dustin wasn't sure what to do, and he had to admit he felt the same way. Finally he went over to him. "I'll keep in touch," he said quietly. "Make sure you're doing okay."

Dustin nodded. "I'll be fine." He smiled. "You'll do great here."

"Thanks." He looked at him carefully. "You been thinking about that offer?"

"Yeah, I have," he said. Then he paused. "I don't know yet."

"Okay. I'll call you soon, all right?"

"Yeah."

Hunter put his arms around Dustin's shoulders awkwardly, hugging him quickly. Then he pulled back. "Bye."

"Bye," Dustin said.

He put a hand to Dustin's cheek and stroked it gently. "Take care."

Dustin smiled. "You too."

Hunter watched them as they turned and headed out, then went back to his room to start his new life.

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