Chapter Fifteen

--

Hunter smiled to himself as he slung his bag over his shoulder and headed out of the building. He was getting an early start, though he didn't know when he'd actually be able to see Dustin. He'd probably be in class all day, it was only Friday. But maybe Cam would be free or something. He smirked. Knowing Dustin, he might just give himself the day off if Hunter showed up at the Academy. It'd be hard not to take advantage of the option.

Kara came up behind him and fell in stride, carrying a bag of her own. "Heading off?"

He nodded. "Figure I'll get there as early as possible." He looked at her. "Here, let me take that." He took her bag from her shoulder and carried it.

She shook her head, smiling. "I'm not even going to try and say I can handle it."

"Good." He smirked. "So how long is your drive?"

"A couple hours," she said, shrugging. "Depending on how far I push it." She took a deep breath. "I can't believe how much I want to go home, it hasn't been that long!"

"I know how you feel," he said. Then he paused. "I hope everything's all right back home, I haven't heard anything in a while."

She looked at him. "What do you mean? Is there something going on?"

"Yeah," he admitted. "We all have a lot of problems lately. And a lot of it's because Blake and I aren't there, I think, we didn't have time to really work anything out. Last I heard things were just getting worse."

Kara paused. "You don't wanna talk about it?"

Hunter looked at her. "I—" he paused. "It's not you, Kara. I'm really like this with everyone."

She nodded. "It's okay."

"I just want you to know," he continued slowly. "I actually do like you. I know I was an ass before, I was just suspicious. But it's not like that now."

"I understand," she said. "And I know I was a little pushy at first, it's cool."

Hunter nodded. "Good." He paused. "If you want me to tell you what's going on, I will."

Kara was quiet a moment, then she shook her head. "No, it's up to you. I just want you to know that you can if you ever want to." She smiled. "Maybe you can tell me how things go after your visit."

"I will," he said, handing Kara her bag as they stopped. "I'll see you later."

"Yeah," she answered.

They parted ways and Hunter thought about the upcoming weekend as he walked. There was no way to tell how things would go, but he had thought of everything. He hoped they wouldn't have weekend classes. They would still have the evenings, but it wouldn't be much. After the past two months, he wanted more than that.

Yet he couldn't help but feel a bit of apprehension. It had been a while now, and he hadn't talked to Dustin or any of them, who knew how much might have changed. If Dustin was having a rough time there, and Hunter wasn't even around, maybe he'd decided or would decide that it just wasn't worth it.

Hunter sighed. He'd just have to go and find out there was no other way. He would make sure they got everything out in the open, even if there were some doubts. And he was definitely going to have a talk with a certain red ranger.

--

Dustin approached Tori where she was seated at a table, eating breakfast quietly. "Hey," he said, offering a smile as she looked up. "Mind if I sit down?"

She paused, then shook her head. "Uh, no. Of course not."

He looked at her carefully. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she replied. "I'm fine, why?"

He shrugged. "You just look kinda . . . I don't know."

She smirked. "Okay."

They sat in silence for a while and he noticed how she kept glancing around. "Tori what's up? If you're waiting for someone, I can go."

Tori shook her head. "No, I'm not." She turned her attention back to her food.

"Is it that interesting?" he asked, smiling just a little.

"What?" she asked, looking up.

"Your food," he answered. "You're staring at it like it's alive." She laughed a little, but her eyes were dim. Dustin frowned, reaching a hand across the table. "Tori, what's the matter?"

She pulled her hand away. "Nothing."

Tori glanced away and he followed her gaze. "What are you looking for?" She didn't answer and he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. "You don't want to be seen with me, do you?"

She looked up at him, the pain in her eyes telling him he was right, though she tried to deny it. "Dustin, that's not it, I just—I have a lot on my mind."

"You can tell me, Tor," he said. "I want to know." She was silent and he continued. "If you don't want me here, just say so."

Tori shook her head. "It's not that simple."

Dustin raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it? Look, you know, I've kinda been expecting this. You've been ignoring me more and more now, and you almost always have an excuse not to be around me." He paused. "You were trying to be subtle, and I trusted that but I caught on. I was just hoping I was wrong."

She took a deep breath, not looking at him. "I don't know what to say."

"Don't worry about it," he said, standing up. "I'll leave you alone." He started to go.

"I'm sorry," she said, standing up and stepping in front of him. "It's just . . . it's hard."

"You think it's hard on you?" he asked, keeping his voice down, aware of the other people around. "Have you given any thought to what this is like for me?"

"Of course," she said. "I know it's been rough for you, but I can't help how I feel. I've tried, you know that."

"You shouldn't have to try," he said. "Am I supposed to feel bad for you? Cause I really don't anymore."

"That's not what I want," Tori said. "I just want you to know that I've done my best. I really tried, but I just can't do it anymore."

"Fine." He shook his head. "Whatever."

"I really am sorry—"

"Will you just quit the bullshit?" he snapped. "I don't want to hear it. I'll see you around." He went past her and out of the room, leaving her standing there alone.

--

Shane took a short break from classes later that morning, going to the main building to go over some things alone. The other two could manage just fine for a little while. Shane entered the main office and nodded to Cam curtly, knowing he was still just as angry as he had been, and the threat he'd made still on his mind.

Cam ignored him, which was no surprise, and Shane went over to his own desk, taking out some papers and looking over at Cam. "I'll be right out back, if anyone needs me."

He nodded briefly. "I'll let them know."

Shane turned and left the building, getting away from the samurai as soon as he could. He'd never really perceived Cam as much of a threat, but he found himself nervous having him so angry with him. Who knew Cam could be so intimidating . . .

He went outside and sat on a large rock, looking over the hills and taking a deep breath. Everything was so quiet and serene he could almost convince himself for a moment that his life was just as peaceful. A rare feeling anymore.

He sat for a while, going over his work, then he looked up as he sensed someone approaching. Shane frowned as he looked at the figure, still a ways off. Was that . . . ?

Shane put his papers in his folder and looked closer. It was. He took a deep breath, knowing he couldn't really avoid him, he'd probably already been seen anyway. He might as well get it over with. Shane stood, walking towards the man and meeting him halfway. They stared at each other. "Hunter." He could think of nothing else to say.

Hunter nodded, looking Shane in the eyes. He had changed, somehow, in the past couple months. He looked older already, different. Finally he spoke. "How is everything?"

Shane paused. "All right." He stared at Hunter for a moment. It was strange being alone with him, the first time since the whole thing began. For some reason it felt different this way. He cleared his throat. "I guess you want to come up?"

"Well I didn't come to see you," Hunter replied.

He didn't answer, and they started walking back. "How long are you in for?" he asked.

"Only the weekend," he answered. He was quiet a moment. "Classes are going on all today?"

Shane nodded. "Yeah." He paused. "Dustin can go though, Tori and I can handle things for the day."

Hunter looked at him, blinking in surprise, but he didn't say anything. Shane glanced at him once he'd turned his focus back to the front. Hunter's face was set as stone.

They arrived at the building after a minute and Shane stopped before the door. "Cam's inside, if you want to see him. I'll go get Dustin."

He nodded, his gaze piercing. Shane turned and walked away, towards the field where the students were training. This was going to be an interesting visit.

--

Hunter entered the room and saw Cam staring at the computer screen, immersed in his work as usual. He knocked on the doorframe lightly. "Can I come in?"

Cam looked up, brightening visibly as he saw him standing there. "Hunter, what are you doing here?"

He shrugged. "Got an early weekend, thought I'd come by."

Cam smiled, standing and going over to him, giving him a slap on the shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"All right," he said. "A little worried about things here, though."

He nodded. "You and I both."

"Is it really bad?" Hunter asked, knowing Cam would give him an honest answer.

"Yeah, it is," he admitted, sighing. "You know, I never thought it would be such a big deal here, but it is." He paused. "I have to warn you, there have been stories going around nearly since the start of the year. Somehow the other teachers and some of the students even got a hold of what was going on, and they think it's pretty . . . entertaining, I guess."

Hunter nodded. "Same at the Thunder Academy. I don't know why they all find it so funny, but I've had about enough of it." He shook his head. "It's my fault, though, I said too much."

"Shane hasn't exactly been discreet," Cam noted, sitting down at his desk again. "I'm guessing that's how it got around here."

"No doubt." Hunter pulled up a chair beside him. "So, how's your dad?"

"Good," he said. "I don't know where he is right now, but you'll have to catch him sometime while you're here." He paused. "Do you want me to get Dustin?"

He shook his head. "Shane's getting him."

Cam made a face. "You sure that's a good idea?"

"What could he really do?" Hunter asked.

He shrugged. "I don't trust him."

"Neither do I," he agreed. "He was actually civil when he came to meet me, though. That's an improvement."

"I wouldn't count on it," Cam said. "He's like that anymore, you can't tell what he'll do next. Sometimes he almost seems like himself again, and then other times I'm close to laying one on him."

Hunter held back a laugh. "I'd pay to see that."

"I'll bet." Cam smiled. "I'm really glad you're here, Hunter. I've been hoping you'd get the chance to visit."

"It's good to be back," Hunter said truthfully. "I've missed this place, and everyone."

"Maybe you can help out here some," Cam said, shaking his head. "We need it."

"I'll try," he said. "But I don't know that there's anything I can do."

"I know," Cam said. "But at the very least you can help Dustin out. He's not doing too well."

Hunter felt a stab of anger and hurt as he thought of the younger boy. "Is it him or someone else?" he asked.

Cam shrugged. "It's everything. The kid's been going through a rough time here, Shane's been an ass ever since the year started, and Tori's pretty much through. Plus the things going around . . . it's hard for him."

Hunter nodded, feeling guilty though he wasn't quite sure why. "He takes things hard," he said, sighing. "What has Shane done?"

He paused. "At first, nothing, he just ignored him. But Dustin wouldn't really let him. They've been arguing a lot lately, and Dustin's usually on the defensive. I tried to stay out of it but I had to get involved last time, I just couldn't stand it anymore."

"Thanks for helping him out," Hunter said. He shook his head. "I just wish I understood this."

"You're not the only one," Cam said.

--

Dustin was explaining the new kata as Shane approached and called his name. He frowned and stopped, raising a hand to the students. "Wait here." He walked over to Shane, feeling more than a little nervous as he wondered what was happening. "What's going on?"

"Someone's here to see you" Shane said. "Take the rest of the day off, we'll see you Monday."

"What?" Dustin asked. "Why?"

Shane . . . smirked? Couldn't be. "You'll see," he said. "At the main building."

"Okay," Dustin said slowly. He shrugged. "I guess I'll see you later."

Shane nodded and Dustin went past him thinking hard as he walked. Who would come to the Academy to see him? And on a weekday . . . He shook his head. He'd just have to wait and see.

He entered the building and looked around. "Hey, Cam?" he called. "Shane told me someone' here for me?"

"In here," came Cam's voice from the office.

Dustin went into the room and stopped dead when he saw who was there with Cam. "Hunter?"

Hunter smiled, a sight Dustin had missed more than he could say. "Yeah," was all he said.

Dustin broke into a grin, almost laughing. "I can't believe you're here!"

He laughed a little. "Is it really such a surprise?"

"Yeah!" he exclaimed. Then he paused. "I, uh . . ."

Hunter glanced at Cam, who stood. "I'll leave you two." He grabbed a few things from his desk. "See you." He left, closing the door behind him.

Hunter waited a moment, then held out a hand. "Come here."

Dustin darted from the doorway and was face to face with Hunter, staring at his blue eyes, which sparkled with happiness. Dustin paused a moment, then leaned forward and kissed Hunter full on the lips, putting his arms around him and holding him as close as possible. For the first time in two months, he felt really happy, like everything was all right.

Hunter didn't argue and it was a while before he pulled away, slightly breathless as he laughed a little. "You miss me?"

Dustin laughed. "You have no idea." He couldn't keep the smile off his face, and noticed Hunter seemed to be having the same problem. "I—" he struggled for words to say, but couldn't think of anything to explain how he felt.

But words weren't necessary, and Dustin was all too willing to forget about them as Hunter leaned in for another kiss.

--