Can anyone tell me how to post an image in your bio?
People have joined my dark little corner! *Cheers and waves her Shane/Dustin banner* Kudos to Prinzessin and Angel Spirit (And eventually Weesta... *Pokes*) for their recent posts! I'm not alone in the world after all! ^_^V
Weesta: *Cheers* Someone noticed! Yes, it occurred to me that Hunter's more than just Blake's big bro; he's the closest thing to a guardian he's got at the moment. Thus the evil suffer-with-it punishment. Shane's mom's fun to write; almost as fun as Dustin's mom was. *Grins* Hey, Cam isn't *totally* heartless, and I can see Sensei making innuendos just because it'd throw people. If I were Dustin, I'd be paranoid about Hunter, too. Glad you liked how they realized the Hunter/Camness. ^_^ The elemental spirits will be coming more into play as the series continues, so you'll get more explanations as time goes by. Glad you liked the dedication, too. I kept listening to Stories, by Trapt, and there's this one part that I couldn't get out of my head. 'Do you remember lying on the beach so late at night? Do you remember running through the sprinklers that night? Do you remember all the songs that I have wrote for you?' Somehow I ended up picturing the sprinkler scene. I was quite pleased with it myself. More Cam/Hunter things in Soul of the Samurai. As for Blake's reaction to walking in on them, I'd have done the exact same thing with any of my sibs. *Shudders* The Power Sensor just makes sense. Honestly, can anyone really picture Eric not swearing because he chooses to? The Power *has* to have a hand in it.
Megazord Master: Thank *you*. ^_~ E-cafes are fun, but the gamers can get pretty irritating. I say this because I'm friends with gamers. I know just how bad they can get.
melly, CamFan4Ever, Ravyn Jayne: I'm glad you guys all like this, but keep in mind it *is* a Shane/Dustin story, so Hunter/Cam is more of a backdrop. I'm not as comfortable with writing them, because I don't think I write either one very well. However, I *am* working on a Cam-centric story, which will feature Hunter/Cam with the other couples in the background. And eventually there'll be a Blake story with plenty of Blake/Tori (That'll be a trip... x.x), so everyone will get their fair amount of attention sometime. I pretty much started this because no one was writing Shane/Dustin, and I thought they deserved to be promoted. If I get inspired, I'll write a Hunter/Cam get-together fic, but I haven't really thought about it much.
Dagmar: That's an interesting thought. So does this mean you and Hunter think a like when it comes to punishments? o.O
Dingo: Who cares if people think you're nuts? That means you're not normal, which is *always* a good thing. Having known both sides, I gladly embrace my insanity. I'm glad I cheered you up and made you laugh. There may be more snippets of Hunter/Cam in passing, but this is going to remain a Shane/Dustin story. You'll probably like Soul of the Samurai once I get it together, though.
SilverRider: *Blinks* If you blew everyone to hell and back, how would they kiss and make up?
cmar: *Laughs* Can you read my mind or what? The humor is taking a backdrop to the angst again. (Of course it's Ninja Storm, so there'll *always* be humor...) Thanks for the compliments on the hangover scene, and I'm glad you liked Shane and Dustin's talk. I have my reasons for not making them more physical yet, but it actually has nothing to do with the rating.
Nikytti: *Grins* Apparently Dagmar is the real person to talk to about evil hangover lessons, but I appreciate the thought. I'm glad you liked the parent issues and the ending lines. I don't mean to make you stay up late. Don't get in trouble because of me! o.o
Angel Spirit: I converted you! I'm so happy! Obsessions are very nice, particularly when they involve boys and kissing. Preferably each other. I'm glad you liked the sprinklers. You're the first person to say Shane's dad is evil, though. Most people hate Dustin's grandmother. As for getting away with being drunk, they can hope. Even if they're wrong. I've got ideas for Hunter after punishing Blake, but I probably won't be able to work it into this story, so you'll have to see later.
Kryptonite: There is an explanation for why Dustin said that. I just wasn't able to get to it. I never knew so many people would like Sensei teasing Cam. I'll have to keep that in mind. ^_^
irish-pride03: I'm an exception? Hurray! I feel special now. ^_^ Thanks for all your compliments. And you have a banner too! *Waves hers*
101 reviews? When did that happen? Wow, thanks guys. I'm so happy everyone likes this. ^_^ I hope you all like the next installment.
Enjoy! ^_^
Lunch Break Bonding
"Shane?"
He glanced up from the computer. "Yeah?"
He could hear laughter beyond the doorway, and Dustin scowled.
Shane raised an eyebrow. "You okay?"
Dustin nodded, flushing slightly. "Uh, Kelly's been calling you for like, fifteen minutes dude. Everyone's been trying to get your attention."
"That's why we finally sent Dustin!" he heard Tori call from somewhere on the other side of the door. "We knew you'd hear *him*."
Dustin's scowl darkened. "Funny, Tor." he muttered, slipping inside and closing the door behind him. He shot it another glare as someone wolf-whistled.
Shane tried not to smile. "So, what's up?"
Dustin blinked, looking confused. After a moment the memory returned, and he held up a small paper sack. "Lunch, man! Kelly sent me out for you, so I picked up a couple deli sandwiches."
Shane brightened. "Awesome!" He caught the sandwich Dustin tossed him, grinning when he saw the contents. "You even got the funky olive stuff! Thanks!"
"No prob." Dustin returned cheerfully as he extracted his own sandwich and sat down on the edge of desk. Shane made a face at him for eating so close to the computer, but let it go.
They ate in silence, each pondering their own thoughts. Things had changed between them since 'The Roommate Situation' began. They'd only lived together for a roughly two weeks now, but they were learning things about each other they hadn't known even in all their years of friendship. They'd known the important personality traits and likes or dislikes, as all friends do. But the new living situation was teaching them about the subtle nuances of each other, things they might not have learned otherwise.
Shane was not a morning person. It was best to stay out of his way until he found the coffee pot and sat for roughly an hour or so. He was a complete slob when it came to his bedroom, although he was fairly good about remembering to clean up anywhere else. Dustin had always known that he collected any and all types of music, but he'd never realized all the years of grabbing the first thing he saw Shane didn't already have had increased the collection to the point where CD racks took up nearly an entire wall of his room. He liked to play songs that fit his mood for the day once he was awake, never choosing the same song twice in a week. He loved to cook and was actually quite talented at it, but hated the cleanup. He couldn't sleep without a window open, and more than once he'd seriously considered buying himself a hammock to sleep in, complaining that the mattress bothered his back.
Dustin was more of a night owl than an early riser, but once woken his energetic personality kicked in almost immediately. He was oddly enough a bit of a neat freak when it came to household chores, yet could barely color coordinate his clothes for the day beyond the obligatory yellow. Classical music was his secret passion, and his greatest treasure was his saxophone, given to him by his grandfather. He'd actually begun to work out plans for liberating the prized possession from his mother's house. He was dangerous around electronics, particularly in the kitchen. If there was a way to break it, he would find one. Another secret pleasure the fantasy novels he read alongside his beloved comics, and the poetry collections that occasionally snuck in. He loathed the idea of being considered a snobby rich boy, and went to great lengths to give off his goofy, absentminded, scruffy-looking personality. He had quite the green thumb and was starting a garden on the patio. Mud and grease found him whether he was looking for it or not, and he could never come home clean.
Things weren't perfect yet. They clashed often over chores, or a hungry Dustin venturing into the kitchen and damaging the appliances. They argued their points fiercely in any argument, and had gone to bed angry more than once. Bad days at work left them irritable at the lack of space in a small apartment, which led to more fighting. More than once they'd taken their frustrations out on each other, to the point of nearly destroying the living room when one particular fight turned physical.
And yet there were times when they truly enjoyed living together. Dustin's sincere delight and gratitude every time Shane made him something to eat. Dustin coated in dirt, proudly displaying his newest seedling. The fact that Shane couldn't stop himself from singing in the shower loud enough to be heard down the hall no matter how much Dustin teased him. Helping one another with moves they'd learned in training that day. The night they'd rented movies, only to fall asleep on the couch and wake up snuggled together the next morning.
It was a relationship experience with ups and downs, as any had. Things hadn't fully progressed to the next level yet, but there were times when it seemed to simmer beneath the surface, electrifying the air between them. They knew their relationship would be irreversibly changed when it finally happened, and they'd never admit that it scared them. Such subjects were avoided all together by mutual unspoken agreement.
"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Dustin asked suddenly, stuffing his deli wrapper in the paper sack.
Shane glanced at him and added his own garbage, eyebrow quirking as he smirked. "You."
Dustin blushed slightly, but grinned back. He seemed to hesitate, then in a rather bold move, slipped into Shane's lap. He wrapped his arms around his neck with a playful smile. "That's funny. I was thinking about you."
"Really?" Shane murmured, pulling him close for a kiss.
They lingered, neither really pulling away as they exchanged a series of gentle, probing kisses. The tender moment was shattered by a keening wail from somewhere beyond the other side of the door.
Dustin pulled away abruptly, missing Shane's protest as he looked in the direction of the sound. "What was that?"
"Nothing." Shane answered firmly, leaning forward again.
But Dustin was already getting up. "It didn't sound good." Dustin continued, looking worried as he remained oblivious to Shane's disappointment.
Shane sighed. "I guess we'd better check it out." he muttered bitterly.
Dustin gave him an odd look, but headed for the door anyway. "Come on."
"I'm cursed." Shane sighed as he followed.
People have joined my dark little corner! *Cheers and waves her Shane/Dustin banner* Kudos to Prinzessin and Angel Spirit (And eventually Weesta... *Pokes*) for their recent posts! I'm not alone in the world after all! ^_^V
Weesta: *Cheers* Someone noticed! Yes, it occurred to me that Hunter's more than just Blake's big bro; he's the closest thing to a guardian he's got at the moment. Thus the evil suffer-with-it punishment. Shane's mom's fun to write; almost as fun as Dustin's mom was. *Grins* Hey, Cam isn't *totally* heartless, and I can see Sensei making innuendos just because it'd throw people. If I were Dustin, I'd be paranoid about Hunter, too. Glad you liked how they realized the Hunter/Camness. ^_^ The elemental spirits will be coming more into play as the series continues, so you'll get more explanations as time goes by. Glad you liked the dedication, too. I kept listening to Stories, by Trapt, and there's this one part that I couldn't get out of my head. 'Do you remember lying on the beach so late at night? Do you remember running through the sprinklers that night? Do you remember all the songs that I have wrote for you?' Somehow I ended up picturing the sprinkler scene. I was quite pleased with it myself. More Cam/Hunter things in Soul of the Samurai. As for Blake's reaction to walking in on them, I'd have done the exact same thing with any of my sibs. *Shudders* The Power Sensor just makes sense. Honestly, can anyone really picture Eric not swearing because he chooses to? The Power *has* to have a hand in it.
Megazord Master: Thank *you*. ^_~ E-cafes are fun, but the gamers can get pretty irritating. I say this because I'm friends with gamers. I know just how bad they can get.
melly, CamFan4Ever, Ravyn Jayne: I'm glad you guys all like this, but keep in mind it *is* a Shane/Dustin story, so Hunter/Cam is more of a backdrop. I'm not as comfortable with writing them, because I don't think I write either one very well. However, I *am* working on a Cam-centric story, which will feature Hunter/Cam with the other couples in the background. And eventually there'll be a Blake story with plenty of Blake/Tori (That'll be a trip... x.x), so everyone will get their fair amount of attention sometime. I pretty much started this because no one was writing Shane/Dustin, and I thought they deserved to be promoted. If I get inspired, I'll write a Hunter/Cam get-together fic, but I haven't really thought about it much.
Dagmar: That's an interesting thought. So does this mean you and Hunter think a like when it comes to punishments? o.O
Dingo: Who cares if people think you're nuts? That means you're not normal, which is *always* a good thing. Having known both sides, I gladly embrace my insanity. I'm glad I cheered you up and made you laugh. There may be more snippets of Hunter/Cam in passing, but this is going to remain a Shane/Dustin story. You'll probably like Soul of the Samurai once I get it together, though.
SilverRider: *Blinks* If you blew everyone to hell and back, how would they kiss and make up?
cmar: *Laughs* Can you read my mind or what? The humor is taking a backdrop to the angst again. (Of course it's Ninja Storm, so there'll *always* be humor...) Thanks for the compliments on the hangover scene, and I'm glad you liked Shane and Dustin's talk. I have my reasons for not making them more physical yet, but it actually has nothing to do with the rating.
Nikytti: *Grins* Apparently Dagmar is the real person to talk to about evil hangover lessons, but I appreciate the thought. I'm glad you liked the parent issues and the ending lines. I don't mean to make you stay up late. Don't get in trouble because of me! o.o
Angel Spirit: I converted you! I'm so happy! Obsessions are very nice, particularly when they involve boys and kissing. Preferably each other. I'm glad you liked the sprinklers. You're the first person to say Shane's dad is evil, though. Most people hate Dustin's grandmother. As for getting away with being drunk, they can hope. Even if they're wrong. I've got ideas for Hunter after punishing Blake, but I probably won't be able to work it into this story, so you'll have to see later.
Kryptonite: There is an explanation for why Dustin said that. I just wasn't able to get to it. I never knew so many people would like Sensei teasing Cam. I'll have to keep that in mind. ^_^
irish-pride03: I'm an exception? Hurray! I feel special now. ^_^ Thanks for all your compliments. And you have a banner too! *Waves hers*
101 reviews? When did that happen? Wow, thanks guys. I'm so happy everyone likes this. ^_^ I hope you all like the next installment.
Enjoy! ^_^
Lunch Break Bonding
"Shane?"
He glanced up from the computer. "Yeah?"
He could hear laughter beyond the doorway, and Dustin scowled.
Shane raised an eyebrow. "You okay?"
Dustin nodded, flushing slightly. "Uh, Kelly's been calling you for like, fifteen minutes dude. Everyone's been trying to get your attention."
"That's why we finally sent Dustin!" he heard Tori call from somewhere on the other side of the door. "We knew you'd hear *him*."
Dustin's scowl darkened. "Funny, Tor." he muttered, slipping inside and closing the door behind him. He shot it another glare as someone wolf-whistled.
Shane tried not to smile. "So, what's up?"
Dustin blinked, looking confused. After a moment the memory returned, and he held up a small paper sack. "Lunch, man! Kelly sent me out for you, so I picked up a couple deli sandwiches."
Shane brightened. "Awesome!" He caught the sandwich Dustin tossed him, grinning when he saw the contents. "You even got the funky olive stuff! Thanks!"
"No prob." Dustin returned cheerfully as he extracted his own sandwich and sat down on the edge of desk. Shane made a face at him for eating so close to the computer, but let it go.
They ate in silence, each pondering their own thoughts. Things had changed between them since 'The Roommate Situation' began. They'd only lived together for a roughly two weeks now, but they were learning things about each other they hadn't known even in all their years of friendship. They'd known the important personality traits and likes or dislikes, as all friends do. But the new living situation was teaching them about the subtle nuances of each other, things they might not have learned otherwise.
Shane was not a morning person. It was best to stay out of his way until he found the coffee pot and sat for roughly an hour or so. He was a complete slob when it came to his bedroom, although he was fairly good about remembering to clean up anywhere else. Dustin had always known that he collected any and all types of music, but he'd never realized all the years of grabbing the first thing he saw Shane didn't already have had increased the collection to the point where CD racks took up nearly an entire wall of his room. He liked to play songs that fit his mood for the day once he was awake, never choosing the same song twice in a week. He loved to cook and was actually quite talented at it, but hated the cleanup. He couldn't sleep without a window open, and more than once he'd seriously considered buying himself a hammock to sleep in, complaining that the mattress bothered his back.
Dustin was more of a night owl than an early riser, but once woken his energetic personality kicked in almost immediately. He was oddly enough a bit of a neat freak when it came to household chores, yet could barely color coordinate his clothes for the day beyond the obligatory yellow. Classical music was his secret passion, and his greatest treasure was his saxophone, given to him by his grandfather. He'd actually begun to work out plans for liberating the prized possession from his mother's house. He was dangerous around electronics, particularly in the kitchen. If there was a way to break it, he would find one. Another secret pleasure the fantasy novels he read alongside his beloved comics, and the poetry collections that occasionally snuck in. He loathed the idea of being considered a snobby rich boy, and went to great lengths to give off his goofy, absentminded, scruffy-looking personality. He had quite the green thumb and was starting a garden on the patio. Mud and grease found him whether he was looking for it or not, and he could never come home clean.
Things weren't perfect yet. They clashed often over chores, or a hungry Dustin venturing into the kitchen and damaging the appliances. They argued their points fiercely in any argument, and had gone to bed angry more than once. Bad days at work left them irritable at the lack of space in a small apartment, which led to more fighting. More than once they'd taken their frustrations out on each other, to the point of nearly destroying the living room when one particular fight turned physical.
And yet there were times when they truly enjoyed living together. Dustin's sincere delight and gratitude every time Shane made him something to eat. Dustin coated in dirt, proudly displaying his newest seedling. The fact that Shane couldn't stop himself from singing in the shower loud enough to be heard down the hall no matter how much Dustin teased him. Helping one another with moves they'd learned in training that day. The night they'd rented movies, only to fall asleep on the couch and wake up snuggled together the next morning.
It was a relationship experience with ups and downs, as any had. Things hadn't fully progressed to the next level yet, but there were times when it seemed to simmer beneath the surface, electrifying the air between them. They knew their relationship would be irreversibly changed when it finally happened, and they'd never admit that it scared them. Such subjects were avoided all together by mutual unspoken agreement.
"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Dustin asked suddenly, stuffing his deli wrapper in the paper sack.
Shane glanced at him and added his own garbage, eyebrow quirking as he smirked. "You."
Dustin blushed slightly, but grinned back. He seemed to hesitate, then in a rather bold move, slipped into Shane's lap. He wrapped his arms around his neck with a playful smile. "That's funny. I was thinking about you."
"Really?" Shane murmured, pulling him close for a kiss.
They lingered, neither really pulling away as they exchanged a series of gentle, probing kisses. The tender moment was shattered by a keening wail from somewhere beyond the other side of the door.
Dustin pulled away abruptly, missing Shane's protest as he looked in the direction of the sound. "What was that?"
"Nothing." Shane answered firmly, leaning forward again.
But Dustin was already getting up. "It didn't sound good." Dustin continued, looking worried as he remained oblivious to Shane's disappointment.
Shane sighed. "I guess we'd better check it out." he muttered bitterly.
Dustin gave him an odd look, but headed for the door anyway. "Come on."
"I'm cursed." Shane sighed as he followed.