TITLE: Sight for Sore Eyes

AUTHOR: Elise

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN POWER RANGERS NINJA STORM. I merely have been bit by a muse when I should be doing NaNoWriMo, and borrowed your characters, i'm sorry Saban, but not sorry enough to not write fanfic.

SUMMARY: Hunter loses his eyesight in a crash. He must learn to deal with the consequence. HunterCam.

Hunter sat, dejectedly, brooding, as usual. The only unusual part of this particular brood, was that it was an extraordinarily valid brood. Cam sighed, taking the crimson ranger's hand. "Would you please eat something?"

Cam, after recieving a cold glare, placed the soup spoon in the other's hand, and showed Hunter where the soup bowl was. Hunter sighed and leaned back, "Don't. I don't want to eat."

"You have to. You need to keep your strength up." Cam said, quickly becoming annoyed by the childish behavior of the blonde.

"Why? So instead of being weak, useless and blind, I can be strong, useless and blind?" Hunter dropped the spoon, attempting to push away from the table, but missing.

Cam caught the other's hand before he knocked into the bowl of soup. "Hunter, You aren't useless. We don't even know if your eyesight loss is permanent. You'll just have to wait and be patient."

Hunter tried to give Cam the most skeptical look he could muster with his eyes covered in gauze. Cam got the point and backed away. "Fine. Fend on your own. See if I care. It's not my fault that Blake is moving into Tori's and can't take you in. It's not my fault that you're a reckless driver and almost got yourself killed!"

Hunter ducked his head, to his credit, "I didn't mean it... I was watching, I swear."

Cam sat down, temporarily taking pity on Hunter. "Why don't you stop feeling sorry for yourself, and start taking care of yourself, so you can regain your eyesight."

Hunter felt out for the table, and gripped it. "What if I'm blind forever? What if I'll never be able to race?"

Cam had the same fears. He pursed his lips and nodded, before realizing that Hunter could no longer pick up on non-verbal cues. "That won't happen. Even if it does, you can still be a teacher. You can still fight. You'll have to adapt. I bet your hearing is better than it has been."

Hunter nodded solumnly, "Yeah, I can hear better. Motocross... I love it Cam. I don't think you'll ever understand that."

Cam sat back, disappointed by Hunter's words, hurt even. "I may not be the best racer..."

"Come off it, Cam, you've never raced a day in your life." Hunter raised his head high.

Cam was about to retort when he suddenly realized that Hunter needed to feel superior right now. He needed to feel that he was good at something because he was so afraid. Cam cleared his throat. "You're right. Now finish your soup, i've got errands to run."

Hunter listened, hearing the front door shut, signalling Cam's departure. He didn't feel like he had won very much. He didn't feel much better. Hunter touched the gauze around his eyes lightly. They still hurt from the emergency surgery.

He had been in a race and the racer ahead of him, first place, had wiped out, causing Hunter to crash as well. Miraculously, he was only bruised, but the shrapnel that flew from the crash had hit him in his eyes, breaking through his goggles. The other driver had survived with a broken leg. Hunter searched the table for the spoon again and picked it up. His fingers played across the table until he found the hot soup bowl. He began to eat, realizing that Cam had made this soup, truly made it. It wasn't the instant, add one cup of water, soup. Hunter paused. There was a lot about Cam that he didn't know. There was a lot about Cam that he wanted to know.

The next day, Hunter's mood had improved slightly. He still found himself useless, struggling with activities that he had previously taken for granted. Cam was being patient, and probably regretting allowing Hunter into his home due to the Hunter's temper. Today they were touring Cam's home, so that Hunter could relearn the layout and walk freely. Hunter noticed that Cam had cleared walk ways to almost everything, with not a single object to cause Hunter to stumble. Cam had his arm out, with Hunter gripping onto it. "Listen, Cam, you don't have to do this. I can just as easily be confined to the living room."

Cam shook his head and said, "No. You will learn this. You need to think now, Hunter. Try to remember what the place looks like and then match it up with your hands. What room are you in?"

Hunter sighed and thought a bit. "We're in the front hall."

"Where in the front hall?" Cam said. Hunter could tell that he was smiling. If anything, Hunter enjoyed hearing smiles in Cam's voice.

"I... I.. don't know... the middle? Somewhere in the middle. Maybe not... I don't know, Cam. I hate this. I want to go back to bed." Hunter said, his voice getting quieter and quieter as he spoke.

Cam sighed, "It's strange to see you without confidence, Hunter. Now think. When you entered the room, how many steps did you take and in which direction? Now imagine what it looks like."

Hunter thought, obviously getting upset. "I don't know. the door? By the front door?"

Cam lead Hunter's hand to the doorknob in front of him. "Exactly. You're by the front door."

Hunter grabbed the doorknob and smiled. "Well, that was easy, Cam, why don't you give me something difficult."

Cam rolled his eyes and said, "Remember what I said about your lack of confidence? Forget I said anything."

Hunter smiled and opened the door. "Let's sit outside, ok?"

Cam lead the crimson ranger to the outdoors. A rare smile passed over Hunter's face. "It's so nice out, Cam."

"Your emotions are as finicky as the weather." Cam said, leading them to the front stoop and sitting them both down.

Hunter shrugged, "I know. I'm sorry."

Cam blinked. This accident was bringing out all sorts of changes in Hunter. He seemed more open and trusting to Cam. To see Hunter's emotions was a validation of their friendship. It wasn't as if Hunter never openly displayed emotion, but he did hide things from people unless you were close. Cam found himself liking that he was considered close to Hunter.

Hunter's hand reached out, grasping the green samurai's knee. "Cam. I want to apologize to you."

"You already have, Hunter. I've known for years that you were testy and borderline bipolar." Cam said, smirking.

Hunter chuckled and shoved Cam's knee. "I'm being serious, Cam. Thank you for taking me in. I had no where to go, not after my parents... and Blake being unable... I don't know what I would do. I'm sorry if I get frustrated but..."

Cam interrupted him, "Listen, I don't regret you coming into my home, ok? I just want you to know that we're friends and this is what I'm for."

Hunter smiled falsely. Friends. That's it. Hunter brought his hand back to his own lap and brought his knees up to his chest. Cam watched, fascinated by Hunter's mood shift again. Hunter rested his head on his knees, "Cam... could i have some time alone now?"

"Sure, Hunter. Call me when you need me."

"I can get back into the house alone. I'm not stupid, Cam." Hunter said, a bit too harshly.

Cam shook his head, "Well, when you're done being ungrateful, call and I will get you."

Hunter heard the door slam shut. That didn't go that well. He sighed and placed his hands on his face, resting his elbows on his knees. It wasn't his fault that he couldn't see, but Hunter fiercely wanted to blame someone. He was about to wallow deeper into his brood when he heard a familiar noise. It was a motorcycle. Hunter immediately began to panic and he began to yell out for Cam, scrambling up the steps. He stumbled, forgetting where he was on the front porch. Hunter, without eyesight or knowledge of his surroundings, was lost. Suddenly the motorbike was turned off and he heard Blake's worried voice shouting to him. He could hear foot steps running up the stairs as well as from inside. Hunter tried to block all the sounds out, clamping his hands over his ears.

Blake looked at his shaking older brother, afraid. Hunter was freaking out and he had never seen the boy do that. Cam came rushing to his side, bending down by Hunter, whispering words of comfort. He looked up at Blake who was still in shock. "It's the accident. I don't think any of us realized it... Hunter is terrified."

"I'm not terrified." Hunter said, his shaking calming down, his voice still wavering.

Cam helped Hunter to sit up. Any more thrashing around and he would have fallen off the porch. Blake bent down to Hunter, "You really like scaring the crap out of me, don't you?"

Hunter gave a crooked grin, "Perhaps."

Blake chuckled and said softly, "OK, no motorbikes until you can handle the noise of them."

"I'm not afraid of motorbikes." Hunter said harshly, "Why are you babying me? I'm not some child."

"Bro," Blake said, "I hate to say it to you, but you know this, when people get into accidents, they sometimes panic when reminded. You were in a pretty horrible accident involving moto. I'm surprised you're not worse."

Hunter crossed his arms, attempting to glare even though it hurt and his eyes were covered with gauze. Cam's hands still hadn't moved from Hunter's hip and shoulder. Hunter turned his head to look at Cam. "Guess I need your help after all. I'm sor-"

"No more apologies, Hunter. Let's just get you inside, ok?" Cam said. "I understand."

Hunter nodded and ducked his head. Both Blake and Cam helped lift the blonde racer to his feet, directing him in doors. Hunter was settled on the couch in the living room, and he fell silent. He couldn't handle these emotions anymore. It was all too much. His mood shifted so quickly... the sound of the motorbike still had him freaked out... and Cam had touched his left hip for an extended amount of time. Blake cleared his throat, "Penny for your thoughts, bro? Cam is getting you something to eat."

"I'll die if i'm blind for the rest of my life."

Blake shifted uncomfortably. "Don't say things like that, Hunter. You're going to get better."

"What if I don't? Are you willing to take care of a disabled brother? I'd have to move in with you and Tori. Which, mind you, doesn't sound so hot to me."

Blake nodded, "We would have taken you in now if both houses weren't in disarray. You could trip and fall, and you'd have no place to sleep."

"I know, Blake, that's why I'm at Cam's. Shifted around like unwanted baggage."

"Hunter!" Blake said, his voice with a tinge of anger, "Stop it. You're not unwanted. can you please focus on getting better? We need you. For the team, you're my brother. I'm not giving up on you, even if you already have."

Hunter tucked a knee to his chest, his new favorite position. "Why me?" He said softly, barely audible.

Blake stood up and sat beside his older brother, pulling Hunter close to him. "I don't know, Bro, but we'll get through it."

Blake looked up to see Cam leaning in the doorway with lunch. He placed the tray down on the coffee table and left.

Cam berated himself as he felt a familiar spark of jealousy. His emotions were silly. Besides, Hunter was a big shot motorcross racer with a family. Cam was some anti-social technogeek with no life and a dysfunctional family. Cam walked back to the kitchen, to eat alone. He methodically and automatically began to fix himself a sandwich, his mind far from the kitchen. When Hunter had called him for a place to stay, Cam had leapt at the chance. He knew it took a lot for Hunter to ask for help. Cam sighed and sat, painfully aware of his own loneliness.

"Hey, Cam, now why are you brooding?" Blake said, entering the kitchen.

Cam's head snapped up and he began to clean up his lunch. "I'm not brooding. That's Hunter's job. Speaking of which?"

"He fell asleep. He'll be out for a while." Blake said, wiping a hand through his hair nervously, "Listen Cam. I think we need to talk?"

"Do we?" Cam said, cautiously.

Blake nodded, "I want to thank you for taking Hunter in. That was truly amazing. You're like a brother to the both of us."

Cam didn't want to hear about how Hunter only thought of him as a brother. Cam nodded his head, "I know. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad Hunter is relatively ok. How are you holding up?"

"Tori's been great. She's really supporting me. It was too much of a scare to have the idea of Hunter dead in my mind." Blake shuddered, "Tori is a blessing."

"You're very lucky, Blake. Never let go of her." Cam sipped.

Blake sat down, opposite of the green samurai. "Something wrong?"

Cam shook his head, "No, Should there be?"

"You're acting... hurt." Blake said. "If you need to talk to someone, Cam, I'm here for you. And if Hunter said something in frustration or anger, know that he didn't mean it. He really loves you and respects you, he just won't say so."

Cam shrugged and looked down at a loss for words. "Thanks..."

Blake, feeling that he had accomplished what he was supposed to, patted the programmer on the back and left the kitchen. Cam shrank in his seat. He heard the front door shut, and the sound of Blake's motorbike. The sharp intake of breath from the other room was barely noticeable, but Cam knew Hunter had awoken at the sound of the small bike's engine. Even if his eyes did get better, Cam didn't know if Hunter could handle his new fears of motobikes.

Entering the living room, Cam sat down and rubbed Hunter's back until he went back to sleep. They didn't need words anymore. Hunter's breathing steadied out and he seemed to be peaceful, with his cheek on Cam's lap. Cam sighed heavily again and shut his own eyes. Perhaps they both needed a rest.

Hunter crossed his arms, fuming. "I won't do it."

"Shut up and put your hands on the paper." Cam said, seething.

"I'm not learning braille!" Hunter declared, "I learned to walk around your home. I learned to hear better. I'm learning to not jump at the sound of motorbikes... but I refuse to learn braille. Hell, I even have a cane!"

"Calm down, Hunter. The best thing a Samurai has is knowledge and preparation." Cam said patiently, although Hunter could tell it was wearing thin.

Hunter leaned back and scratched at his bandages. Cam took his hand and placed it on the braille paper. "Hunter, this is A."

Hunter's lip curled, "I don't want to do this."

"Too bad. Now feel the bumps and learn that this is A. The next one is B."

Hunter sat up and moved towards the paper, feeling the bumps. He quietly drew his fingers across the first series of bumps. His hesitancy wasn't lost on Cam, who sat patiently. Hunter said quietly, "This is A, and this is B."

Cam smiled, "Good, Good. Move on to the next one."

Hunter sighed and dragged his fingers over to the next series of bumps. "Let me guess... C?"

Cam nodded, "Yes. Now start over."

"I don't want to do this anymore... it's too..." Hunter drifted off, dropping his hands into his lap.

"Too what? Tell me?"

"Too real, Cam. I'm so afraid that i'll never see again." Hunter spoke quietly again. Another rare moment of insecurity and seriousness.

Cam took a deep breath and placed his arm over Hunter's shoulders, "We can stop for today. You did well. You just need practice. You will see again, Hunter, you need faith."

Hunter leaned his head on Cam's shoulder and said, "Why do you have faith, Cam? I've done nothing but treat you poorly since I've been here."

Cam could feel Hunter's breath against his neck and he lost his voice for a moment. Shutting his eyes, Cam responded, "Because I know how strong you are, even when you're being a brat."

Hunter chuckled, "I'm not a brat."

Cam rolled his eyes. Hunter smiled, "I can practically hear you rolling your eyes at me."

"Am not." Cam said, chuckling.

Hunter nudged Cam affectionately. "Are too."

Cam snorted at their banter.

"If I admit that I'm a brat, will you admit that you're rolling your eyes at me?" Hunter countered.

Cam leaned his head on top of Hunter's, enjoying the contact. "Never, and you're still a brat."

Cam could feel Hunter's chuckling and he began to feel a little more confident. Cam said softly, "I'm glad you moved here. I mean, chose to stay here..."

Hunter froze and Cam began to berate himself again. Hunter said quietly, "Me too."

Cam squeezed Hunter's shoulder, "Yeah, but I bet you wish you were with your bro."

"Blake and Tori? Yeah, because I want to lay around the house hearing that stuff. Besides, You are my bro."

It was Cam's turn to freeze. Hunter noticed as Cam started to pull away. "Cam, stop. I like this."

"I've got errands to run. You need to practice anyway." Cam said. "I'm sorry."

Hunter sat up and nodded, "Yeah, practicing. I'd rather be sparring or something."

"Brat."

"Yeah, but you love me anyway." Hunter countered, grinning in the direction he assumed Cam was.

If Hunter had eyesight, he'd see the flash of hurt. "Yeah. See you soon." Cam said, and left.