Disclaimer: My first venture into the Power Ranger Fandom. I do not own Power Rangers other than my OC's. There will be slash in here. You get to guess whom! There is also the element of time travel and there will be flashback chapters (just as a warning if things get confusing). Obviously I have no BETA so I apologize for any grammatical mistakes in advance. WARNING: SLASH (BOYXBOY) in this fic. Griffin will be traveling back in time to when the Thunder and Wind Rangers have already become a Team and Cam has already gained his Samurai Powers.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
QUICK RECAP
More Kim-Hunter funny goodness
Something fishy going on with Kim!!
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Chapter 26 (like Chapter 25) is all about humor and my infamous funny moments. Except this chapter is more about expanding the home life a bit of Dustin as well opening up other connections. I've hidden a connection to another season if anyone can pick up on it. This started as an Omake but instead became a chapter of its own.
I HAVE DECIDED TO CHANGE MY POLICY REGARDING UPDATES. I AM NOW NOT GOING TO UPDATE UNTIL THIS CHAPTER HAS 7 (SEVEN) REVIEWS. I KNOW IT MAY SEEM LIKE I AM A REVIEW WHORE, BUT FOR THE NUMBER OF HITS I HAVE PER CHAPTER IT IS NOT THAT OUTRAGEOUS.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Continuation from the Omake found in Chapter 18: Dustin Brooks and Blake Bradley going to dinner together, but "so not together on a date, dude"
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
FLASHBACK:
This is a flashback set not too longer before Dustin disappears and Griffin disappears, and a while after Dustin and Hunter become an item)
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
"So Dustin where are we headed? There sure are a lot of greasy fast food joints in Blue Bay Harbor. I would know, as Hunter and I aren't exactly good in the kitchen. And since we're new to town you probably know them like the back of your hand. And even still you most likely know of hidden gems I have yet to feast at!"
"Well I would cook, but then Tori would accuse me of trying to steal your or Hunter would think I was trying to score with the 'Other Bradley Brother' so its just easier if we head for a little joint I've been going to since I moved here years ago."
"What? I thought you always lived here like Tori and Shane."
"I used to live in Angel Grove until my parents marriage was on the rocks. They tried to start over here away from all of the monster attacks and everything, but it wasn't enough to save it. I'm lucky to see my dad even once a year."
"Sounds fun…"
"Yeah growing up I didn't really believe in Power Rangers and monsters. But like looking back I guess my parents were right. They were some…" Blake cut off Dustin' statement.
"I mean your parents… well issues with your parents…"
"OH! I know I shouldn't be complaining, especially when Lothor took yours away from Hunter and yourself and all, but you're like the only one I can talk to. Hunter would only listen because he would feel obligated as my boyfriend, Shane wouldn't care now that he knows I like men, Tori is too obsessed with Yaoi no offense to think of anything besides me and Hunter having man sex, and Cam is still giving me and Hunter a weird vibe. So sorry but you're the best and only option I have at the moment. Regardless of the situation you would have been my first choice anyways."
"I guess we should at least try to get to know each other. And why would I be your first choice anyways?"
"You're not involved, but you are. Tori is my friend and your girlfriend. Shane is still licking his wounds from the fight for leadership with your brother. And Cam always treats me like I'm dumb or something."
Blake burst out in laughter.
"You're practically Tori's brother so I guess should since we will be a lot more of each other in the upcoming weeks."
"That's the spirit dude!"
"Can you tone it down a bit" Blake said after his patience began to wane.
"I'll try but it's like so hard. I'm so used to being one way with Tori in the others it takes a while to turn it all off, you know?"
"So what is the real Dustin, or should I dare say 'Waldo' like?"
"Not that much different. I'm just smarter and less hyper, not like Cam smart, but smarter than I come off as I guess when I'm not around you or the others. I change a bit when I'm alone with Hunter, but being myself too much would make it suspicious and you know how Hunter gets. Like dude I never realized how A.D.D. I seem sometimes until like Kelly played a tape of me at one of the Races. It was then I decided I needed to be like the true me more. And that's why I was so glad to find a student in Griff."
"I take it that's why you too latched onto each other so quickly."
"Yeah. It's been like real chill to have someone who gets me and respects me and doesn't only see me as like a goofball."
Blake felt guilty right then but could help but blurt out the next comment.
"He reminds me of you most of all."
"How so?"
"He like is calm and collected like you. He may have the stubbornness and looks of Hunter, the cool collected nature of Tori, the wisdom of Cam, and the relaxed and carefree attitude of Shane, but he is like you like the most. He's mature and smart. He like says what's on his mind without being offensive. He's like not passive aggressive. Griff is like… how I want to be… I think."
"You think?"
"It's like always been like easier for me dude to be the comic relief. Shane's the leader and Tori's the attitude. I was the stupid and funny one. Griff is confident, not too cocky, relaxed, mature…"
"I get it."
"I like could never be that. Shane and Tori would think I was being possessed. Your brother would look at me like I had grown a second head. And Cam… I like don't want to ever like think of that."
Blake decided to lighten the mood and be the comic relief for once.
"Dude you like using the word 'like' a lot. Have you gone 'valley girl' on me now?"
Dustin cracked up in a fit of laughter.
"Dude that was too good. I was asking for that. I just get nervous as you can tell. Its easier being dumb little Dustin than living up to higher expectations."
"I totally understand too. I've noticed a few things lately."
"Shoot dude."
"Sensei Watanabe has been spending a lot more time with you. Cam has been giving you the evil eye lately. And now that I think of it, he's been giving it to Hunter too. You don't think?"
"I always got a creepy Pedophile/ possessive vibe from him, I just hope I'm not right."
"He has never trusted Hunter from the beginning…"
"Yeah totally dude. He like doesn't have much of a problem with you, but it's a total 'nother story with your brother."
"So how are we getting there dude?"
"I thought you were driving."
"It's a gas guzzler. But I guess I'll drive."
"You're the one who knows where we're going."
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
(Time Skip)
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
"So here we are dude."
Blake read the sign; 'The Lyon's Den' was the name of the place. There were two lion heads in the masonry of the building. It was far from the greasy food joint he imagined Dustin would take him, but who was he to judge.
"Umm Dustin are we at the right place?"
"Yeah. Dude why else would I tell you to shower and change before I picked you up?" Dustin asked with a look that made it seem like it was an unnecessary task to do so.
"This place looks pricey."
"Dude we're friends. What's a little money between two friends when we have an entire lifetime ahead of us?"
Blake pursed his lips into an 'o' as the two walked through the wooden doors to the establishment. He never thought he would hear something inspirational from the Yellow Wind Ranger.
The host inside at the door recognized Dustin immediately.
"Mr. Brooks it's a pleasure to see you again. A table for 2 I take it?"
"Thanks Liam. Can we have a more private room?"
"Your usual has been booked for tonight, but you can break in our newest dining room if you would like at no extra charge."
"That's fine. Not at problem at all my man" Dustin said as 'Liam' went off to find a waiter or busboy to get the room prepared.
"Dustin…"
"Not here Blake. It's not as pricey and posh as it looks. It just is a little intimidating at first, but they have the most killer burgers you will ever taste. I have been coming here for ages. I have yet to bring Hunter here, but its like my second home… well maybe third…. Well fourth home after everything recently."
"Dustin."
"Yeah?"
"You're rambling and out table is ready."
"Oh."
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
'I guess Dustin was right after all… I never thought I would say that' Blake thought as the duo sat down at a table in the 'newest dining room' in the establishment.
"Your waiter will be here in a moment gentlemen is there anything I can get you to drink?" Liam asked as he left them with two menus.
"Is my usual in stock?"
"It is Mr. Brooks."
"Then a bottle of it for my good friend and myself."
"Very well gentlemen. It was good to see you again Mr. Brooks."
"How many times do I have to tell you its Dustin!" he hollered as Liam left the room.
"Old habits die WALDO."
There was silence for a few moments.
"That was interesting."
"I've been coming here for years with my parents. The first few years after their divorce we would still come here for my birthdays and Christmas. But then a few years ago it stopped completely. I come here from time to time with my cousin Charlie and occasionally with Tori."
"So…"
"I'm not rich dude. Just financially stable. My parents have houses and I don't have to worry that much if I want to go to college, but I still need to get a job and stuff for the future. I would say upper middle class if even. My mom was never good with money…" he trailed off.
"Let's change subjects. Um dude… this looks and feels like a date oddly enough."
"I know, it's the room I swear. I normally eat in one of the smaller rooms where there's a TV and stuff so I can watch sports or something. I guess because I've been a regular for so long that they didn't want us to be in the main room or something. There was that one time Tori made a hissy fit and damaged so much stuff…"
Blake broke out in laughter.
Time passed soon and before they knew it they were on dessert.
"This was really nice dude."
"Yeah and it wasn't a date as you are so not might type."
"Even if I was into dudes, you would not be by type either."
"Good. Now that that's settled do you think we should head back? I'm dreading Tori and Hunter's reactions."
"Yeah…" Blake said as the door came bursting down.
"DDDUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNN!!" Tori hollered causing both of the Rangers' ears to hurt.
Liam came running in after her.
"I am sorry Mr. Brooks. I tried to assure her you were only here with this gentleman to discuss private matters but she forced her way in here."
"Blake how could you cheat on me? Wasn't I a good girlfriend? And Dustin how dare you steal my boyfriend?"
"Um Tor?"
"Yes WALDO?"
"Tor what was the reason I brought you here for the first time?"
"It was about your… oh."
"Um… carry on…. Sorry about that guys… I just guess I've been reading a little much lately."
'That's for sure' both male Rangers thought.
"We were about to leave anyways," Dustin said handing Liam the check with a generous tip.
"Thank you Mr. Brooks. On behalf of the rest of 'The Lyons' Den' I would like to wish you gentlemen and lady a good evening."
Tori glared at the duo before her, as said duo looked just as uneasy receiving her glare. Tori's stare-a-thon was interrupted by:
"And by the way Ms. Hanson you're boyfriend is as straight as an arrow. So I wouldn't push your luck if I were you. It sounds like you want to catch them together or something, but that's just me. My gaydar is as accurate as they come. I knew Mr. Brooks was gay from the moment I first met him!" he said before leaving.
Dustin became flush and muttered something like 'I knew I shouldn't have been so generous with the tip. That two timing waiter…. Grrrrr.
Dustin and Blake looked to each other as Tori became Crimson and walked out after him.
"Um dude?"
"I don't know…"
"Let's call it a night."
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
End of Flashback.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Author's Note
I HAVE DECIDED TO CHANGE MY POLICY REGARDING UPDATES. I AM NOW NOT GOING TO UPDATE UNTIL THIS CHAPTER HAS 7 (SEVEN) REVIEWS. I KNOW IT MAY SEEM LIKE I AM A REVIEW WHORE, BUT FOR THE NUMBER OF HITS I HAVE PER CHAPTER IT IS NOT THAT OUTRAGEOUS.
Like I said before, I apologize for having yet another filler chapter (SORRY PEOPLE!). There is just a lot of stuff going on in my life. And I would rather have a few funny fillers along with well thought out normal chapters than multiple short and crappy chapters without fillers. This one isn't bad as the previous as its not an Omake. It is in a way, but it isn't. I just wanted to add some more suspense and drama to Dustin's family life. At least I have given you a full chapter instead of Omakes or a song fic chapter.
For all of the faithful, Dustin makes his full on return in Chapter 27. It was Whispering Ranger's idea for a second chapter of Omakes. So blame her! As she was the inspiration for the Kat-Tori Omake.
I know I broke like 'canon' for Ninja Storm by having Dustin 'know' that Power Rangers were real, but like at least I made it believable… well more so with him like not fully knowing they existed. Well I am taking a lot of liberties with his character so what's one more? Dustin is hiding so many things already, why do Power Rangers only have to exist in Comics. Angel Grove may know of some identities, but they would have been stupid to reveal them to the world, hence Dustin's knowledge or well lack therefore of.
-Griffin