I'll Be The One

Chapter 3:

=Normal POV=
[Monday, 9/3/2018-7:00 am]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

It was the first day of his final college year; Hunter set his alarm for 6 am and woke up to shower, shave, and prepare for his day. Hunter knew he only had two classes, but both of them were three hours each with a one-hour lunch break. And then; he had to work from 5 pm to close, which was 12 pm, but by the time everything was done; it was 1 am. Saturday and Sundays there was no close until 1 am, so he would be done at 2 am. His schedule changed depending on the day; sometimes he would do opens, some he would close, and then there were some when he did both. Management was thin at McViking, so Hunter took the extra shifts that his other management workers couldn't. Hunter was the General Manager; that was his job, to make things work even if it had to be him.

Hunter packed his things into his backpack and finished dressing by throwing on his socks and shoes. Taking a deep breath; Hunter left his bedroom and found Flynn sitting at the center island with a cup of coffee and on his phone.

"Morning, Hunter," Flynn greeted.

"Hey," Hunter waved.

"There's coffee if you want some," Flynn offered.

"Thanks," Hunter smiled, heading over to the coffee pot; he got a mug and poured himself a cup. Hunter added sugar, and his French Vanilla flavored cream before sitting at the island with a sigh. "What time is your first class?"

"Not until 10 am, but I've always been an early riser," Flynn responded. "How about you?"

"9 am," Hunter replied.

"You got in late last night," Flynn smiled.

"Happens sometimes," Hunter shrugged. "I'm always busy," he chuckled a bit. "At least I don't have to borrow your keycard anymore,"

Hunter did get put on the lease next to Flynn as a tenant on Friday, August 31, agreeing to pay $450 in rent to the landlords on the 1st of every month by cash or check. Hunter received a keycard, and a back up physical key for if the sensors ever stopped working due to bad weather or a dead battery, which happened from time to time. The reason Hunter was put on the lease was that if Flynn, for whatever reason, didn't pay his portion and ended up evicted; Hunter wouldn't lose the apartment.

At that point, Hunter could either pay the entire rent alone to continue living there or find a roommate. Hunter would give Flynn the money for electricity and internet when the bills came in, but since the internet was a flat price of $110; Hunter only paid half, which was $55. The electricity was determined every month when it came in. And the food was $100 each, for a $200 food budget every month. That was for basic meals if either tenant had guests or special items they wanted extra; it was out of their personal spending. This went for care items as well, such as toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

"What has you so busy?" Flynn smiled.

"Life," Hunter replied, sipping his coffee. "Usual things," he added afterward.

"I hear ya," Flynn nodded. "Trying to balance school, family, friends, and girlfriend. Job too, but thankfully; I work from home,"

"Yeah?" Hunter asked. "Sounds fun. What do you do?"

"Type up reports for my parents because they are not technology adept," Flynn stated. "Powerpoints, documents, charts, etc.," he explained.

"Ah, so they give you the notes and information, and you make it formal looking?" Hunter inquired.

"Yeah, that's about it," Flynn nodded. "They pay me $250 every week; sometimes more if there's more work involved. And they pay my college tuition and stuff, so I can't complain,"

"That's nice of them. I pay my things; rent, phone, college, probably car if I had one. My dad offered to pay for my tuition and rent; I turned it down," Hunter stated.

"Wow, that's nice of him," Flynn smiled. "Why'd you turn it down?"

"I guess I like making my way through life, working for it instead of being handed the things I have," Hunter informed as he checked his phone.

Dad's Cell, 7:10 am
Hi, son. Morning. I was wondering if you wanted to come to have breakfast with me before class? I miss you.

Hunter smiled some; it wouldn't hurt to enjoy breakfast with his father. Hunter knew that his dad was probably lonely with Hunter no longer living there full-time. Hunter wasn't sure if he'd go back after college or not, but it was an idea to think about. Eventually, Hunter wanted an apartment to call his, for now, being a roommate worked. Hunter's lease was only for this year unless he decided to move when college was over. Hunter assumed that his father wouldn't be president forever, but the man was set for life when he retired. Hunter had a feeling that his father would move back to Berk and live comfortably in a small house in Raven Point, which was Hunter's mother's favorite place. Or Salvatore would go live with his best friend, and Hunter's Godfather, Gregory Forger.

7:12 am
Morning, and sure. I'll be there in 30, Dad.

Hunter sent the reply and got up, finishing his coffee before setting the cup in the sink, rinsing it out, and setting it in the strainer to dry.

"Heading out?" Flynn asked.

"Yeah, Dad wants to have breakfast with me. See ya later," Hunter replied as he pocketed his phone, grabbed his bag from the floor and headed out of the apartment. As expected, Hunters two main guards were instantly beside him, mentioning into their communication pieces that they were on the move. "Pull the car around; we're headed home for breakfast," Hunter said.

"Yes, sir," Cody bowed while walking. Getting outside, two more guards joined Harry and Cody. The car pulled up along the sidewalk as Hunter quickly got inside, buckling himself and sighing.

"Destination?" Kris, the driver, asked.

"Home," Hunter informed.

"Right away," Kris replied. Hunter put his head against the rest, closing his eyes. It was going to be a long day.

. . .

[4:00 pm]
[Archia Island University]

"Gods…Is it over?" Hunter groaned while exiting the classroom with his guard, who shockingly looked like other college students that sat in class with him. Hunter begged one of them to do it so that he wouldn't get found out as the president's son. The teachers Hunter had were all under a written, legal contract not to say anything. Still, Hunter knew the truth would come out eventually; it was only a matter of time. There was no hiding why the same people were always around him, and constantly keeping a close eye on their friend. However, it was less likely people would find out now that his two main guards blended in. Andrew was the youngest, so he sat in Hunter's class. Harry and Cody were usually outside, watching from the car across the street.

"Not bad for a first day," Harry smiled.

"I guess, but just because class over doesn't mean my day or night is…" Hunter muttered.

"What other plans do you have?" Cody wondered.

"Well, no work tonight, but I promised my girlfriend she could come to see the place, and we'd watch a movie or something," Hunter sighed.

"She's been on you for days about that," Andrew mentioned.

"Don't remind me; she's been on my ass since I moved from Berk to the mainland…" Hunter said. "Come on; let's get to the apartment. I want a shower before inviting her over, and should probably make sure it's cool with Flynn; he always checks with me before letting his friends over," he added as the three guards nodded and followed with him for the walk to Dreki Apartments.

. . .

[Dreki Apartments]

Once inside, the guards split off so Hunter could enter the apartment without raising questions about his followers. Hiccup scanned his guard, walking through the door to find Flynn sitting with his friends in the living room.

"Hunter, hey! Wasn't…Sure when you'd be back, so I had my friends pop over," Flynn said after the door was closed.

"That's fine," Hunter said. "Doesn't bother me," he added with a smile. "You don't always have to check with me, Flynn. You were here before I was," he chuckled.

"Out of respect," Flynn stated.

"Hi, Hunter," Avery greeted as Roxanne, Harper, and Madison smiled. Seth and TJ waved.

"Hey," Hunter replied.

"How was your day?" Madison inquired.

"Long," Hunter yawned. "Mind if have someone over?" he asked.

"That's okay," Flynn nodded. "Are you going to be joining us for dinner? We're doing pizza?"

"I'll probably cook," Hunter admitted as he headed for his room, closing the door to it.

"I wonder who the someone is," Harper giggled.

"Probably a friend," Seth shrugged. "The guy doesn't talk much, does he?"

"Doesn't seem like it. We talked for a bit this morning before he left to have breakfast with his dad," Flynn said. "Didn't say much other than he pays for his tuition, rent, and bills on his own money even though his dad offered to pay for everything,"

"Wow; he must have a good job," TJ mentioned.

"Did he say where he works?" Roxanne inquired.

Flynn shook his head. "Yeah, but I don't know where. I only know he's a busy guy. I asked what kept him busy; he only said life. Seems secretive, doesn't want people in his business,"

"Can't blame him, I guess; I wouldn't tell people I barely know a lot about me either," Avery shrugged. "Maybe with more time; he'll be more comfortable with us?"

"Maybe," Madison said.

In Hunter's room; he grabbed a quick shower and then got dressed before getting his phone and locating the messages with his girlfriend and told her he was home and free if she still wanted to come over and see him. Within seconds; there was a reply.

Milady, 4:20 pm
Absolutely! I'll be there by 5:00 pm; I'm already on the mainland doing some shopping. Can you make my favorite for dinner? :heart:

Hunter headed out to the main area, replying to her.

4:21 pm
Sure. See you see, babe :heart: When you reach the complex; buzz room A1 and I'll let you in. Take a left down the first hallway.

Milady, 4:22 pm
Okay! Love you, baby!

4:22 pm
Love you too

Hunter moved into the kitchen, beginning to grab the things he needed to make his girlfriend's favorite meal in his vast list of recipes. "What'cha making?" Seth asked.

"Baked mac and cheese with broccoli," Hunter replied, continuing to get ingredients.

"We don't mind if you and your friend have pizza with us; we always have extra," Harper smiled.

"Thanks, but I prefer to cook, and I was asked to make this," Hunter declined respectfully as his phone started ringing. Hunter slid the icon to answer, tapping speakerphone. "Hey, Dad,"

"Hi, son!" Salvatore greeted.

"Aren't you busy working?" Hunter asked.

"I always have time to call and check in with my favorite son," Salvatore chuckled.

"I'm your only son," Hunter smiled.

"That's why you're the favorite, kiddo. That's all your parents wanted; one perfect child," came another voice now.

"Hi, Uncle Greg," Hunter stated, still prepping the meal.

"How'd you know it was me?" the man, Greg, replied.

"Maybe because theirs is literally only one person in the world who calls me kiddo, lad, or laddie…And it happens to be you," Hunter responded.

"Huh…Good point," Greg laughed. Hunter loved hearing from Greg; his full name was Gregory Forger, and he was Hunter's Godfather and unofficial uncle. "How goes the first day of your final year?"

"Eh, uneventful. Just long," Hunter responded calmly, setting a pot on the stove to boil.

"It'll get harder, son. You're going for your Masters after all," Salvatore interjected now.

"Good; I like a challenge," Hunter chuckled. "All my other schooling was a breeze, even with the constant AP and College Prep courses. Even my first two years of college were easy,"

"Aye, that's true. Academics were always easy for you," Salvatore remarked. "So the first day went well? No trouble?"

"Nope," Hunter said.

"Good to know! Now…You don't have work tonight, right?" Gregory asked.

"No; thank the Gods…" Hunter sighed in relief.

"Then come join your old man and me for dinner," Gregory informed.

"You're about ten minutes too late on asking; I already got plans," Hunter mentioned calmly.

"Oh, come on. Who or what is more important than spending time with your father and uncle?" Salvatore inquired.

"Well, no one. But I haven't seen Cass in three weeks, so since I'm free from work tonight, figured to make plans," Hunter informed.

"Ah, makes sense," Gregory snickered.

"You shut up!" Hunter huffed.

"I didn't say anything," Gregory defended.

"I heard that snicker," Hunter said. "Dad!"

"Greg, leave the boy be. Alright, son; we'll leave ya be. I just wanted to know how your day went. Maybe we can get together another night?" Salvatore asked.

"I'll check my schedule, Dad. You know I'm busy between work, school, and events," Hunter responded.

"That I do. Alright, call me and let me know. I love you, son," Salvatore said.

"I love ya too, laddie!" Gregory cut in.

Hunter laughed a little. "Love you both too! Bye," he ended the call, shaking his head. "Friggen riot those two are…" he added but was saying it to himself. Hunter continued making the meal, working on the extra things while the pasta cooked in the pot. The friends decided to stay out of things, since it didn't appear Hunter was talking to them and they didn't want to get in his business. Around 4:55 pm, Hunter got a text, glancing down to check his phone.

Milady, 4:55 pm
I'm here! :heart:

Hunter smiled as he quickly drained the pasta and headed for the door while typing a quick message back to her and sending it off. A sound rang through the apartment as Hunter checked the screen before buzzing his girlfriend into the building. Seconds later; he heard a knock and opened the door.

"Come on in," Hunter invited, stepping aside as the friends casually glanced over to see a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes walk in. The young woman appeared to be their age with her hair down wearing a jean skirt and black leggings; she also wore a red long-sleeve shirt and brown boots.

"I've missed you so much!" the woman threw her arms around his neck as Hunter laughed and returned the embrace.

"I've missed you too," Hunter replied as two shared a light kiss before standing beside one another, walking over to the kitchen. "Just gotta mix all this and toss it in the oven for ten minutes," he told the girl.

"Okay, no problem," the girl beamed. Hunter did everything quickly, putting the pan in the over before returning to her side. "So, are these all your roommates?"

"No, no; just one of them. The rest are his friends. Come on, I'll introduce you," Hunter offered, leading her towards the living room. "Guys, and girls…This is my girlfriend, Cassandra Boggs. She prefers Cass or Cassie for short," Hunter told the others. "Babe; this is my roommate, Flynn. Beside him on the right is his girlfriend, Harper. On Flynn's left is Seth and next to him is his girlfriend, Madison or Maddie. On the other couch in order is Avery, Roxanne, prefers Roxy, and her twin brother, TJ,"

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Cassandra smiled, waving a bit.

"You as well. We were wondering who Hunter had coming over," Harper replied.

"You didn't tell them about me, baby?" Cassandra giggled.

"I was waiting for you to get here first," Hunter chuckled.

"How long have you two been together?" Avery wondered.

"When did you meet?" Roxanne asked.

"Hunter and I have always been good friends through school up until Junior Year; he asked me to prom, and I said yes, but we didn't get together officially until Senior Year during the homecoming dance," Cassandra responded, taking a seat in the chair Hunter offered to her.

"Wow, that's…Four years, isn't it?" Flynn said.

"Yeah, that's right. Almost five years come October this year. We got together October 4th, 2013," Cassandra replied.

"Damn, surprised you two aren't married," Seth stated.

"We want to, but decided to wait until after Hunter finished college," Cassandra informed. "We are technically engaged…Hunter asked me at the start of his third year in college, on our fourth anniversary," she added, bringing out her right hand ring finger and revealing the ring; it was a white gold band with a ruby-red heart-shaped stone at the top, and either side of the heart gem were two small diamond, heart-shaped stones.

"Oh, my Gods; it's beautiful…" the girls admired.

"We discussed it for last year, and would have married over the summer…But things got a little crazy, so we decided to put it off until after I graduate this coming June," Hunter mentioned.

"Aw, that's sweet," Madison clapped her hands together.

"Why do you say, boyfriend and girlfriend, if you're engaged?" Avery asked.

"Too many people wanted to know when we'd tie the know, so I moved the ring to my right hand and told everyone it was a promise ring. Hunter and I go by dating titles to prevent anymore harassments," Cassandra explained.

"That's a smart idea," Flynn nodded.

"When the time comes, probably in October or September of 2019; Hunter will propose, again, and we'll start planning things to get married the Spring of 2020," Cassandra said.

"Aw, that's nice," Harper stated.

"Or sooner; we don't want a big wedding anyway. We could probably throw something together in a few months and do it before Christmas," Hunter chuckled.

"That's true too," Cassandra nodded in agreement. "Planning isn't your style," she giggled.

"No, Milady; it is not," Hunter kissed her cheek before heading to get the food out of the oven since the timer alerted that the meal was done. "Ready to eat?" he asked. "Then we can watch a movie in my room,"

"Love that idea," Cassandra nodded, getting up and going over to the kitchen as Hunter was serving her a plate; then one for himself. Not more than forty-five minutes later; the two cleaned up and Hunter put the leftovers away before waving and heading into his bedroom.

"Wow, Hunter is engaged to this girl; he must really love her," Roxanne said.

"I'll say," Seth stated. "Well, good for him,"

"Right? Still, there's a lot we don't know about him," Avery remarked.

"Well, let's not pry either. I'm sure, as suggested before; that he'll probably open up more with time; he's only been living here less than a week," Flynn offered. The friends nodded, going back to chatting until their dinner came; they ate in the kitchen and talked more until 9 pm when then left. Flynn recalled that Hunter walked Cassandra out at 10:30 pm, said goodnight and went right back to his room. Flynn locked up the house and turned in to go to sleep by 11 pm. Hunter was not far behind in getting to sleep by 11:45 pm.