Chapter Sixteen

--

Dustin had never been happier than he was in that moment. It was like nothing could go wrong. And he had to admit, the obvious joy on Hunter's face was a nice treat. He hadn't really thought Hunter would even miss him, let alone that much. It was a pleasant surprise.

Dustin pulled away slowly from the kiss. "So, what do you want to do now?" He smiled.

"Not much we can do here," Hunter said. He paused. "Is there somewhere we could go, to be alone?"

"My room," Dustin answered. "It's got a lock, and no one's around right now anyway."

He nodded. "Let's go."

They left the main building and walked across the lawn to the teacher's housing. Dustin stole glances at Hunter the whole time, almost not believing he was even there. It seemed too good to be true.They entered the building together and Dustin led Hunter down the hall to his room. "Here it is. Not much, but it'll do for what we have in mind."

Hunter entered the room, and Dustin watched as he looked around. "You alone in here?"

He nodded, closing the door. "Yup, just me." He took the key from the desk by the door and locked it, tossing the key back. "What do you think?"

Hunter didn't look at him. "I don't know what to think."

Even Dustin could tell he wasn't talking about the room, and he smiled and walked over to him. "Then how about, for a little while anyway, you don't? Let something else occupy your mind."

Hunter leaned forward, kissing Dustin's lips gently, then pulled back for a moment. "I can manage that."

Dustin put a hand on Hunter's shoulder and their lips met again, this time longer, deeper as they opened their mouths and let the other in. He felt Hunter's arms around his waist, pulling him close, and obligingly stepped toward him, pressing his hips to Hunter's.

Hunter kept one hand around Dustin as with the other he tried to remove the teacher's robe Dustin still wore. Dustin unfastened it and slipped it off, tossing it aside. The thinner fabric of the simple cotton pants and shirt he wore under it provided more contact, but still not enough. Dustin wrapped his arms around Hunter, savoring the moment. He had been waiting for so long . . . now it was all worth it.

They broke the kiss for air and Dustin looked into Hunter's clear eyes, watching them shine with excitement. Dustin smiled and pulled Hunter's jacket from his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. He continued by reaching under Hunter's shirt and sliding it up. Hunter slipped it off quickly and then pulled Dustin in again, covering his mouth with his own.

Dustin responded and ran his hands over Hunter's bare back, relishing the contact. Their time together had been so brief last time, he was determined to make up for it. He took a step towards the bed without breaking the kiss, and Hunter seemed to understand. He went toward it and they broke apart, reluctantly. Dustin sat on the bed and Hunter leaned over, kissing his lips, then traveling down to his neck. Dustin grabbed Hunter's shoulder and pulled him down beside him, and he willingly relented.

Dustin took off his shirt and Hunter pushed him back to lie on the bed, leaning over him and barely touching him with his bare chest. Dustin's breath quickened and he put a hand on Hunter's shoulder, squeezing it as their bodies met and Hunter's hand traveled down Dustin's stomach, slowly traveling lower.

Dustin grasped Hunter's shoulder and pulled him down on top of him, claiming his mouth and feeling himself respond to the contact their bodies made. He pulled him closer, wanting more contact but none being enough. Hunter moved his hips against Dustin's, bracing his hands on the bed and opening his mouth further, deepening the kiss even more. Dustin moaned and moved his hands to the back of Hunter's jeans, grasping him firmly and pulling him forward.

Hunter pulled back and looked Dustin in the eye, both knowing and feeling what the other wanted. Hunter rolled off Dustin and sat off the side of the bed, quickly taking off his shoes. Dustin sat up and did the same, continuing and letting out a breath as he pulled his restricting pants off. He came up behind Hunter and kissed his neck, biting it gently and reaching his hands around his chest, rubbing it. He felt Hunter's breath quicken as he hurried to finish undressing.

Hunter lifted himself off the bed and tossed his pants off, throwing them aside, then turned and faced Dustin, pushing him back on the bed and lying across him. Dustin wrapped his arms around him and pulled him closer, his leg going around one of Hunter's. He rubbed Hunter's back, digging his fingers into him as his desire grew. "Hunter," he gasped, his voice sounding strange to himself as it broke their long silence.

Hunter looked at him closely for a moment, then straightened a little, taking Dustin's shoulder and turning him over, kissing the back of his neck. Hunter pulled his boxers off, then his own, and Dustin gasped when he felt him lie over him. Fingers touched his entrance and he clutched the sheets in his fists as they entered, his breaths shaking anxiously. Hunter leaned over him and kissed his neck, then his lips as Dustin turned his head. The pressure relieved and Hunter paused. "You ready?"

"Yeah," Dustin gasped. So ready, he thought to himself.

Hunter lifted himself up, then slowly pressed himself down onto Dustin. He entered slowly, painfully so, and Dustin groaned, dying for more. His erection was hard and pressed against the mattress, and Hunter reached for it as he went in further, rubbing it in time as he began slow thrusts in and out.

Dustin's breath caught and he could hardly breath as Hunter continued, every moment so perfect but wanting for so much more. Finally Hunter quickened his thrusts, a steady rhythm with his hand and breathing, and Dustin responded, matching him like they were made for each other, their bodies moving with one another.

Hunter groaned, and the sound only heightened Dustin's response, he pushed into Hunter's hand and back onto his cock quicker and quicker, his breaths getting shallower as were Hunter's own. He moaned as he felt it building, his whole body moving with Hunter. He felt his breaths on the back of his neck, and then Hunter's lips, kissing then biting him. His breaths were shaky and he moved quickly, in and out, deeper and deeper, filling Dustin like he'd never felt before.

There was no sense of time for either of them, it felt like an eternity and a moment all at once. Hunter thrust and grabbed Dustin's cock tightly, moving it in and out of his hand and drawing him nearer as he was. Dustin cried out a little as Hunter moved faster, growing and growing until finally he released inside of him.

He gasped and remained inside Dustin as he continued to rub him, moving a thumb over his head. Dustin moved faster, thrusting into Hunter's hand until it became to great and he stiffened, letting out another cry as he came, a moment of complete bliss. He closed his eyes as Hunter pulled out of him slowly, and finally let out his breath shakily.

Dustin rolled over and looked at Hunter, smiling up at him. Hunter leaned down and kissed him, then lied back next to him, taking a deep breath. Dustin leaned his head on Hunter's shoulder and trailed a hand across his chest. Nothing was ever so perfect.

--

Shane approached Tori after their class ended. "There's something you'll want to know," he said. Tori looked concerned and he quickly added, "There's nothing wrong." Nothing except everything, he added to himself silently.

"What is it?" Tori asked.

He paused. "Hunter's here."

Tori was quiet a moment, and he could almost see the thoughts running through her mind. "Here?" she asked. "Right now?"

He nodded. "That's why I had Dustin take the day off."

"Oh." She took a deep breath and looked up at him. "Why does that make me so nervous?"

Shane shook his head. "Same reason it does me. He's not at all happy with either of us."

--

Cam smiled as he entered the office again, sitting down at the computer. Having Hunter back was the best thing that could happen right now. If only he could stay . . .

But that wasn't for purely selfless reasons, he admitted. He wanted Hunter there. He'd always had an . . . attraction to him, and it had slowly grown into something more over the time they spent together. Nothing could come of it, though, he'd accepted that. He hadn't even known Hunter was gay until he got together with Dustin, and then it was too late.

Not that they could have had anything anyway. Cam knew Hunter could never feel the same way he did, there wasn't a chance that he had anything other than friendship and maybe even brotherly feelings for Cam. Strong maybe, but not the same.

He sighed quietly, for a moment letting himself think about what could be. Or what he wished could be. But that didn't matter. He was there for Hunter no matter what, the only thing he cared about was his happiness. Hunter and Dustin were both his friends, nothing more would ever be, and he wouldn't ruin any of that by admitting to something that was best kept hidden. There was enough going on, they didn't need any more complications, and he was content helping them in any way he could.

I wonder if Dustin knows how lucky he is, Cam thought to himself. Then he sighed deeply. I really hope he does.

--

Dustin and Hunter lied together later that day, a thin blanket draped over them as they held each other, neither saying anything, just thinking and living in the moments together. Hunter brushed his hand through Dustin's hair gently, his arm around Dustin's shoulders. He was so happy. He thought briefly about just quitting his work, finding a replacement and another job and moving back to be with Dustin. He needed him more than the Academy did. And nothing could be better than spending every day and night with him, even just knowing he was close by.

But he knew that didn't matter, what he wanted was outweighed by what he had promised. He had obligations, responsibilities, he couldn't just back out of them. As much as he wanted to.

Hunter pulled Dustin closer to him and closed his eyes, wishing it could last forever. Dustin shifted and Hunter placed a kiss on his head. "I wish I could stay here," he whispered.

Dustin sighed softly. "Me too." He leaned his head on Hunter's shoulder. "I missed you so much." His voice was quiet and not too steady.

Hunter felt his breath catch in his throat at the loneliness in his voice. "Dustin, are you okay?"

"Of course," he answered. "It's just—it's just been a long couple months, I guess. And thinking of you leaving in only two days . . ."

Hunter sat up a little, all obligations fleeing his mind as he looked at Dustin's face. "I can stay if you really want me too. I'll find another teacher to take my place, one of the others can do it."

Dustin shook his head. "I can't make you do that, it wouldn't be fair."

"It would be worth it," Hunter said.

"No." Dustin turned to lie on his side, putting an arm around Hunter's stomach. "I'll be fine, really." He didn't sound convincing.

He nodded and stroked Dustin's bare back softly. "I'd do anything if I could just make you happy."

"You do," Dustin said quietly. "I've never been happier than when I'm with you. None of this shit is your fault."

"I still hate it," Hunter said.

"Me too," he agreed. "I just wish . . ." he trailed off. "Never mind, it doesn't really matter."

Hunter felt a hot tear fall onto his stomach and reached to brush a finger across Dustin's wet cheek. "I love you, Dustin."

--

Shane left his room after lunch break, prepared for more classes. The students were already gathered in the other building and Tori was starting the first class. He closed the door behind him and paused as he saw a familiar couple coming down the hall. "Shit."

He watched them a moment, then turned and stepped back inside his room before they noticed him, feeling like a coward but not ready for another meeting with either of them.

They sure looked happy together. Shane felt something akin to jealousy hit him and shook his head, leaning against the door and trying to clear his mind. He had other things to think about, this wasn't important right now.

He tried to get all the thoughts of the couple out of his mind and concentrate on the class he had coming up, but it was hard. He didn't know what to think anymore, part of him was almost glad to see them together again, another part was repulsed, and yet another was envious. He tried to ignore the last feeling most of all.

Shane waited a few minutes, and then opened the door again, leaving and going down the hall. Eventually he would talk to them, he had no doubt that Hunter would demand it. For now he would just avoid them and let them be alone. Alone, together. He almost liked seeing them so happy, even with each other. It had been so long since any of them had been at all happy.

He left the building and headed towards class, glancing at the retreating forms of Hunter and Dustin. They walked close beside each other, but to anyone else it probably wouldn't be obvious. Shane paused for a moment, still watching them, and imagining things differently . . .

--

Hunter and Dustin walked together that evening through the nearly deserted streets, dreading the end of the day but looking to another, and another after that. Dustin reached over and clasped Hunter's hand quickly, and let go before anyone could come. But to his surprise Hunter squeezed his hand, not letting him drop it. "I don't mind if you don't," he said.

Dustin smiled. "I don't right now, that's for sure. Nothing could bother me."

"Nothing?" he asked.

"Well, you know," he said. He paused. "I'm sorry I let it all get to me earlier."

"You mean you're sorry you couldn't hide it," Hunter corrected.

"I guess so," he admitted.

"I understand," Hunter said quietly. "It's fine."

"Thanks," Dustin said. He sighed deeply. "Right now, even that isn't bothering me."

"Good," Hunter said. "You need to relax, you have too much on your mind."

"I'm fine." He gripped Hunter's hand. "Hunter, do you mind people knowing?"

Hunter didn't answer right away and Dustin looked at him, concerned. But he shook his head slightly. "I want to be truthful, Dustin, you deserve it. And the truth is, of course I don't really like people knowing. I mean, just look how everyone's acting."

He nodded. "Yeah."

"But," he continued. "It's worth the stares and the remarks and everything, to have you. And it's not right to be ashamed of that. That doesn't mean I'm not sometimes, but I shouldn't be." He lifted Dustin's hand and kissed it, a gesture that took Dustin by surprise. "It takes a while, after years of pretending."

"I know," Dustin said. He looked around. "You know, I really didn't think it would be this hard, being away from you."

"Me neither," he agreed. "Two months never felt like much before." He paused. "It won't be as long next time. I'll be here for Thanksgiving, and a few weeks during Christmas. You visiting family or anything?"

Dustin shrugged. "Probably not, maybe for a day at the most." He smiled. "Not if I have the choice of them or you."

"It shouldn't have been so long this time," Hunter said. "I've tried to call you, but I could never catch you."

"I know," he said. "Same thing happened to me. It's okay, not like I ever visited you."

"Thanksgiving's only a month away," he noted. "I guess that's not too bad."

"It's fine, really," Dustin assured him. He felt bad about getting upset earlier, knowing it was still on Hunter's mind. He'd really tried not to, but being so happy, and thinking of Hunter leaving again . . . he just couldn't help it. His act failed for a little. Dustin changed the subject. "So how're things at the academy, anyway?"

"Good," Hunter replied. "Classes are going well, and the other teachers and I get along, all right."

Dustin sensed the hesitation. "Really?"

"Well, there are some problems," he admitted. "But nothing serious."

"There is someone you get along with, though, right?" he asked, suddenly concerned. He wouldn't have been able to make it if it weren't for Cam, and Marah. If Hunter had nobody . . .

"Actually," Hunter said. "There is this other teacher, her name is Kara. We get along pretty well."

"Yeah?" Dustin knew he sounded surprised, but didn't bother trying to hide it.

"Yeah," Hunter replied, amused. "What, you didn't think I could make friends?"

Dustin shrugged. "You never seemed too interested in it."

"Can say I really was this time either," he said. "She . . . I don't know, she kinda kept after me."

Dustin smirked. "She likes you."

Hunter rolled his eyes. "I don't think so. She knows about us."

"You told her?" Dustin felt a quick, almost threatened feeling. Hunter never told anyone things like that, now he told some girl he hardly knew?

"She found out," Hunter amended. He looked at Dustin carefully. "What's the matter? I didn't tell her." He paused when Dustin was silent. "You're not jealous, are you?"

He felt himself blush a little as he realized how stupid it was. "Sorry," he said, looking away.

Hunter actually laughed. "It's okay." He shook his head. "Dustin, I don't even . . . well, you know, like girls."

Dustin looked up in surprised. "Really? I didn't know you were . . ."

"Gay," he finished. "Completely. Not that you have any competition anyway." His tone grew serious. "Don't ever worry about that."

He nodded. "I won't. I'm sorry, I was just surprised that she knew something like that."

"Accident, believe me," he said. "Maybe you can meet her sometime, I know she'd like that."

"Really?" Dustin asked. "I suppose she's heard a lot about me?"

Hunter smirked. "She's heard enough."

"I'd like to meet her," he said. "I could thank her for being there for you. Someone should be."

Hunter shook his head. "I don't need anyone."

"We all need someone," he answered. Then he smiled. "I'm glad you at least have her to talk to."

"Me too," he admitted. "But I always have you."

"You bet," Dustin said with a smile. He paused. "Hunter, how long did you, feel this way, before you told me?"

Hunter paused. "I honestly don't even know. Why?"

He shrugged. "I was just wondering."

"It was a while," he said. "I knew since . . . well, probably not too long after Blake and I joined the team. I'm surprised he didn't notice, actually, he's pretty good at that. I prayed you wouldn't."

"You think it might have been better, though?" Dustin asked. "I've thought about it before. If we were all still rangers, we'd have no choice but to get along, really. One near-death fight and we might've solved everything."

Hunter smiled softly at him and Dustin knew he didn't agree. "It wouldn't have been that easy," he said. "And it might have gotten one of us killed."

He paused, quiet at the thought. "I can't even imagine."

Hunter let go of Dustin's hand and put an arm around his shoulders. "Me neither." He looked at his watch. "It's getting late, do you want to head back?"

Dustin leaned his head against Hunter's shoulder, wishing the night would never end. "Let's just stay out a little longer." He looked up at Hunter.

Hunter smiled. "Okay."

--