Yes, I have finally updated this! Sorry for the long wait, I'm fighting a bad case of writer's block. It's being resolved (bribery works great on the muses…works great for writers too. Hint, hint…)

Chapter 11: At the Beginning...again

Cam took a deep breath, there was no backing out now. He raised his fist to knock, but the door opened before he could go through with it. He couldn't read Hunter, which bothered him. He was hoping for some kind of clue. The door was swung wide open, with Hunter walking to the living room. Cam took that as an invitation, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him.

He followed Hunter into the living room, sitting in a nearby chair while Hunter sat on the couch. Cam hated the way Hunter was staring at him, it made him even more uncomfortable, if that were possible. Since it seemed that he barged in on Hunter, he figured the other was waiting for him to say something.

"I guess this is where I apologize for the party," Cam says, trying to portray a confidence he didn't have.

And he could tell Hunter saw right through him. Somehow the blond had a talent for that, he could see right through people, to their souls. Hunter shrugged slightly, but said nothing. Cam looked down, seemingly finding something interesting on the fabric to his jacket. The longer the silence stretched, the more Cam wanted to just walk out. But he couldn't, he wouldn't. This needed to be done.

When he didn't feel Hunter's gaze boring holes into him, he dared to look up. The ninja had his own head down, fingering the cuff to his sweatpants.

"I'm sorry, Hunter," Cam suddenly said, surprising himself.

The words were out before he knew it. Hunter's hands stopped moving, and for a moment, he was completely still. His head lifted a bit, his eyes barely seen through his bangs. He watched Cam for a little while, trying to gage him.

"It hurt, ya know," Hunter said.

The statement was so soft, Cam had to strain to hear it. But more than the words, he heard the emotion in the voice.

"Yeah, I know," Cam admitted. "I was drunk, and not thinking. But I take responsibility for my actions. I screwed up."

Cam wasn't expecting a response from Hunter. Although he'd come seeking forgiveness, he knew he might have to wait for it. Hunter jumped from the couch, walking over to the window. Opening it, he leaned out and let the breeze ruffle his hair and cool his face. Cam only turned in his chair to watch the other man. Hunter was a closed book, Cam couldn't tell what he was thinking or feeling. And he was certain Hunter was doing a lot of both. After a few minutes had lapsed, Cam stood and made his way over to the window. He cautiously placed a hand on Hunter's shoulder, watching him for signs of reaction. But Hunter didn't move.

"I really am sorry. If there's a way I can make it better, tell me. I do want to make this better."

When Hunter turned, Cam dropped his arm. Cam was again uncomfortable under Hunter's scrutiny, but stayed poised. It would only make matters worse for him to get defensive.

"Why'd you do it? To prove it to me?" Hunter asked. "I believed you."

"You shouldn't have."

Hunter took a step back, his eyes narrowing.

"What?"

"I kept telling myself that I wasn't attracted to you. That you were no more than a friend. I guess I just wanted to prove it to myself."

"What's so wrong with me that…"

"Nothing!" Cam exclaimed, stepping up and grabbing Hunter's shoulders. "It's me and my insecurities."

"Huh?"

"Maybe it's just the Wind Academy, or may it is ninja academies in general, I don't know. But I was raised to know that it is unacceptable for a male ninja to be with another male."

"It's the ninja world," Hunter replied. "I was taught that too, although Sensei Omino didn't hold much stock in it. He knew my tendencies and he didn't care. He thought it was more important that I be true to myself and that I love."

They returned to the living room, both reclaiming their respective seats. They watched each other for a few seconds before Cam spoke up.

"So, where does this leave us?"

Hunter shrugged, something he was too good at, according to Cam. "I guess we start from the beginning again."

A spark of hope lit Cam's dark eyes, something that Hunter caught.

"We have plenty of time," Cam replied with a small grin. "Especially now that we've gotten a few things cleared up. And being at the beginning…with you…isn't such a bad place to be."

For the first time, Cam could read Hunter. The grin was unmistakable. And Cam couldn't help but mirror the grin. They were both in for some exciting times.

End of Book 1

(have no fear, there are more books to follow…)