Had it really been that long already?
He could only remember that it was some time last year when Cam suggested that the Rangers work on the "group dynamic." And usually what Cam says, goes…Because he often had his dad on his side.
In fact, Sensei thought it was a great idea.
However, everyone was pretty much against it. Even Tori. Being forced into a relationship with someone was not her idea of fun. And he, Tori, and Dustin were already friends, anyway.
But it was really more for the sake of the Blake and Hunter. Cam more than likely pitied the new rangers who were still somewhat like outcasts in their close-knit family.
Of the two, it was no surprise who took it the worst. He probably thought Cam pitied them, too. After what those two had been through, even Shane could say that it wasn't what they deserved. And for Hunter, the idea of being apart from Blake, his little brother…He was not happy at all.
Considering the past four months Shane, himself, had spent with Blake, he could now understand why.
When Cam said that he would do it, too, it didn't seem to be so bad. But then he had to voluntarily be in the company of Hunter. If you could force something voluntary.
Sensei may be a guinea pig, but his hits still hurt.
Then again, he did learn more about Hunter. Although, it would have probably would have been better to be kept in the dark. Or at least keep Hunter's skeletons in the closet.
There were some things Blake didn't know about Hunter. Things Shane wouldn't even want to tell Blake. Hunter was more than just a different person without his little brother by his side.
And he would keep it at that.
Still, he couldn't decide whether it was worse than the "educational" time spent with Cam that followed.
Of course, he welcomed any time spent with Tori or Dustin. Nothing new there. They did the usual things. They had fun.
And then there was Blake.
He was more so uncharted territory than Hunter. Never really spoke much about himself, as Hunter seemed to be the popular topic of choice.
Shane could admit he was petty. And prideful, too. But it wasn't that hard, really. Especially when Blake would continue to talk about Hunter with a kind of hero-worship that Shane wouldn't even attempt to rationalise.
At first he didn't know why it bothered him. He and Hunter still were at odds with each other, but not to the point where he never wanted Blake to say his brother's name again.
However, Blake figured it out for the both of them when he kissed Shane under the tree. The one under which he now sat.
A simple kiss on his cheek. Nothing to garner bragging rights because it wasn't even on lips. Though it was still strange.
But he couldn't tell which was stranger: The fact that a guy kissed him or the fact that Blake kissed him.
Naturally, they didn't actually start "going out" until they started talking to each again, two weeks later. And even then, Blake had one stipulation:
Hunter couldn't find out about it.
It was mainly because this was both his and Blake's first relationship with another male.
And Blake's first dating relationship, period.
It was surprising that Blake wasn't worried about whether Tori or Dustin knew, which Shane thought was rather unfair to Hunter. But then again, he didn't really care that much for Hunter. He wasn't ready to tell anyone about it, anyway.
But that was before it actually became serious enough that he had to push Blake to tell his brother. Even if Blake thought it would be better to do it without Shane there.
Yeah, he has to speak with Hunter, soon. And do it somehow without Blake knowing. Like he told Blake earlier, he saw Hunter differently. Blake could only see Hunter as his big brother
Shane saw Hunter as competition.
As far as he knew, Hunter didn't love his brother in the romantic sense. But it was more than brotherly love. Because whatever is was, it ran pretty deep.
Initially, Shane knew he was violating something special. It was something he would never understand. But he wasn't the only one. No one can make sense of what goes on between Blake and Hunter. Even Sensei was clueless…A funny sight on a guinea pig.
And to think it was only this morning, he was that close to telling Blake how seriously he felt about their relationship. That he was willing to damage Blake's relationship with Hunter. Even if he didn't know how Blake truly felt.
That close, and if –
"Never thought I'd see the day." A dark shadow stepped in front of Shane, interrupting his thoughts and blocking what little light was left in the greying sky.
Shane didn't provide a reply. He didn't particularly care if it was rude or not, but something didn't sit well when ever he saw Michael.
The guy always wore black. Not a Goth or anything. Just seems to like wearing black all the time. Black shoes. Black jacket. Black shirt. Black…stuff.
It was creepy.
Then again, he didn't need a reason to not like the guy. Seeing as he chooses to sit next to him when Shane didn't invite Michael to do anything near him.
"Shane Clarke sitting stagnant under a tree." Was he still talking?
"You're not hanging out with Blake?" Shane noted that he asked a little too hopefully.
"He's with his older brother, today." He took selfish glee at crestfallen look on Michael's face.
"That's too bad." Yeah, for me.
"I was hoping to see him again. He promised to help me with my bike." And Blake didn't tell him this because? Probably because it wasn't true.
"Really?" Blake would have told him. "Maybe Dustin can help. He's good with that kind stuff."
Michael repositioned himself on the trunk. An effort to get comfortable against the rigid bark. "Between you and me, I get this feeling that Dustin doesn't like me."
That acutally sounded more improbable than being a Power Ranger. Dustin not liking someone who had nothing to do Luthor? That's like saying he and Hunter were the best of friends.
"Can Dustin not like someone? I don't think that's even possible."
"Yeah?" And suddenly, Michael seemed uncomfortable and lost. Like that new kid in class no one wanted to talk to.
"Well, he likes you. So of course you wouldn't know." It was odd how Michael didn't say it resentfully. It was more along the lines of stating a fact.
Shane couldn't believe he was actually starting to feel a little sorry for the guy. But to say that Dustin didn't like someone. Tori, yeah. But definitely not Dustin.
The surprise must have been showing on his face because Michael looked at him with something akin to concern.
"It's okay, really." Michael shook his head to assure Shane. "I just moved here a couple of weeks ago." Shane noticed he started playing with his black gloves.
"I think you and Blake are the only friends I have." He laughed nervously. "Besides Kelly. She likes everybody." He licked his lips, and looked away from Shane.
Michael began to remove himself from the ground, giving Shane one last glance before he left. "Tell Blake I said "Hi," okay?"
"Sure." He watched as Michael moved further away, struggling to open his black umbrella. Shane glanced at the sky; his vision blurred from the falling drops of water.
When did it start raining?
There's a reason why my Hunter and Shane don't get along. I hinted upon it in the second chapter and this one, as well (mostly through Michael). I won't say it quite, yet because it may not be something worthwhile. It's the typical reason why two people don't get along.
And Michael…is just Michael. I'm sorry I don't have much more to say at this point in time about him. But if he does make another appearance, it won't be for a while.