I'll Be The One

Chapter 4:

=Hunter's POV=
[Friday, 9/21/2018-7:00 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

It's been almost three weeks since my final year began; it wasn't easy by any means, and it gave me the challenge I hoped for. Still, I got the work expected of me done and turned in. My typical day was get up, go to school, come home, shower, and go to work. I'd get a lot of my homework done during the lunch hour, and then while I was at work when I wasn't needed; that's why I liked the night shift. The hours I was in for closing were quiet with barely any customers except from 5-7:30 pm. After that; I didn't need to worry about a rush, and my crew could handle things while I was in the back office. I'd also use the random opener shifts to get homework done too if I didn't have to worry about inventory or the food order. It was difficult to split my time between work, school, and still see my girlfriend and father, but thankfully; my dad was the president and pretty busy himself too.

I was glad to be able to see Cassandra again; we tried to hang out at least once a week even if it was only for a few hours. Things were hard, and I did my best. I love Cassandra a lot, and I did want to marry her; we would be already if things hadn't gotten crazy last year. The truth of the matter is that the crazy situations were my mother passing away five months ago; then Cass and I nearly breaking up. Cassandra and I got into a lot of fights because I was busy, and couldn't see her every single day like when we were in high school. It seemed we slipped farther and farther apart after my first year of college ended. Our relationship has been rocky, despite the fact we've been together for nearly five years.

Cassandra is very clingy, naggy, and doesn't trust me all that much. An example of that is she has accused me of cheating on her, but I never have. She nags that we don't spend enough time together, and clings to me when we do hang out. As I've said; it got worse in the middle of my second year in college. We've been on and off several times; she claims she needs space and we need a break, or we fight a bit and break up; then end up back together within a week or two. I know the breaks or breakups we go on; she's with other guys; she says she didn't, but I know better and think she often forgets that I'm the president's son and getting that kind of information isn't hard for me. Not that I do, but I could do it. I have my suspicions she's cheated while we're together, but push it aside and decide to trust her.

Cassandra is constantly trying to put the ring I gave her back on her left hand, though I've asked her to keep it on the right until we're officially re-engaged because as it stood; we are technically only dating. After my mom died, Cassandra was a bit insensitive that I wanted to put the wedding off; we actually broke up from April to June and got back together this past July, before I found the apartment I'm in and sharing with Flynn. Cassandra begged me for another chance, and because I love her; I said yes. I'm hoping that the talk we had won't get ignored and she'll follow through on every promise she made to me if I took her back. Another problem we have is the sex that she wants every time we hang out. Cassie and I have been having sex since after we'd been together a year and a half; she's on birth control, and I always use condoms.

We probably end up having sex, aside from the times we're on a break or break up, two or three times a week. Sometimes there's the fourth day, but that only happens once a month, sometimes two. It's not that I don't like the sex, but doing it as often as we do makes me worry she'll end up pregnant, and it feels like's more sex in our relationship than actual dating. We get together to hang out, and it always turns into us having sex; it's been like that for the past two years or so. Still, I love her, and since the big break up after my mom died; she's gotten better, but honestly; I'm scared it's not going to last. My mom didn't like her, and I don't think my father does either. I know Gregory doesn't. That's because all of the breaks or breakups, which there were two others, were initiated by her and when she'd do it; I was upset.

My parents and Godfather saw how much it bothered me, and I'd be hurt, so they didn't like when she did it, and they hated it more when we'd end up working things out. This last break up was my doing, but like I said; she pleaded for another chance, and I gave it to her, but I said this was the last time and if she said we needed a break once or broke her promises to me; that was it and we were done for good. I told her no breaks, no break-ups, and not to harass me about getting married because it wasn't happening until I graduated; I also told her that we needed to lighten up on the sex. Cassie promised that things were different and we wouldn't have any problems. I'm holding hope that it's true, but we'll see.

Right about now; I'm just getting off a date with Cassandra; we went to dinner, and I made sure she got on the monorail safely. I told her to text me when she arrived, so I knew she reached home. I was about to scan my card at the apartment when I heard a lot of noise behind me. I glanced and found the source of the sounds coming from across the street at the university. I looked more and found Seth, Avery, TJ, Roxanne, Madison, Flynn, and Harper. It seemed like they were in some argument with another group. It wasn't my business, but I turned to head back for the school as Andrew stopped me.

"It's not your place," Cody informed.

"That's my roommate; I'm just gonna make sure everything is okay. Stay here; I'll be fine; you can see me," I ordered. I strolled over, hearing more of the argument and seeing Avery get shoved; it turned into something bigger and the people I considered acquaintances were not having an easy time. I heard Seth lift his phone and press a button on the side.

"We need help!" then he got punched. I rushed in, raising my arm to block what would be another hit on Seth. "H-Hunter?" Seth said, surprised. I moved my arm, throwing the other guy's arm down; I crouched low and swept his feet out from under him, which made him fall hard on his back. Two more came forward; I ducked from one punch, and then dropped a bit, driving my elbow into his chest before socking him in the face. The other guy ran for me as I moved to the side, tripping him so he'd fall on his face. I rolled my eyes before Harry, Cody, and Andrew ran in.

Andrew and Cody had everyone back from me. "We got you; you're safe…" Harry grabbed me, ducking my head down and moving me to the SUV that pulled up. I was eased into the back before Harry stepped back. "Take him home," he ordered, closing the door. Outside, I saw Andrew and Cody, lining up with Harry to block the car.

"Night Fury, secure," I heard Cody say before the vehicle sped off down the road. I groaned.

"Are you alright?" Kris asked.

"I wasn't in any danger," I sighed. I knew there was nothing I could do; I was getting taken to the Archian House where I'd have to explain to my father what happened.

. . .

[7:45 pm]
[The Archian House]

As soon as I arrived; I was escorted to my father's office, where he was in a meeting. Instantly, my father rose and came to hug me. "Are you alright, son? Are you hurt?"

"Dad!" I pushed back from him gently. "I'm fine!" I narrowed my eyes.

"You were dragged into a fight," Salvatore sighed.

"One that I put myself in, Dad," I told him quickly. "I put myself there to help my roommate and his friends. They were getting attacked by some other group, and I heard one of them ask for help, so I jumped in and helped…You know that's the kind of guy I am…" I explained. "I was not in any danger; no one was attacking me…There was no threat against me, Dad…"

"I wish I'd known that…" Salvatore closed his eyes.

"If you'd stop having my bodyguards react to everything; you would have been told! I get protecting me against real threats, like guns and weapons…But this was just a campus fight that I stepped in on to help my…Semi-friends. I told Harry, Cody, and Andrew that I was fine before going across the street," I said.

"It's their job to pull you out of situations like that," Salvatore reminded.

"Yeah, maybe if I were outnumbered and losing, Dad. But I had the attackers down and the situation under control! Instead; I got whisked away in front of Odin only knows how many people. I told you I didn't want this happening again! This happened all through high school and the first three years of college," I said firmly.

"Hunter, you know it's an election year…Calm down," Salvatore soothed.

"Dad, my guards were pulling me out of rowdy classrooms, parties, and bonfires…All things that are NORMAL for college students to enjoy," I argued.

"You're not a normal student, Hunter; you're the president's son…I have to take precautions to keep you safe," Salvatore replied.

"And I get that. I get protecting me from guns and weapons…But I can handle a few fights, and this was only to help my roommate and his friends. You have too many secret service following me around. I might only see three, but I know you have at least eight always within a mile from wherever I am. You promised me when I found the apartment I could at least pretend to be a normal student…" I looked down. "Just…Forget it…I got homework to do; I'll stay here tonight. I need to be back at the school for 9 am tomorrow…Goodnight," I left the office to get to my room.

=Normal POV=

Salvatore sighed heavily as his best friend, Gregory came up behind him and patted his shoulder. "It's alright, Sal," Gregory offered.

"Am I being too protective?" Salvatore inquired.

"Maybe a bit, my friend. I know he's your only son, but he's a capable young man and can defend himself," Gregory reminded. "Perhaps cut back his security?"

"How, though? How can I cut it back and ensure he's safe with fewer people around?" Salvatore sat down at his desk.

"Maybe you don't have to, Mr. President," offered a man on his left.

"Go on, Director Raseri?" Salvatore asked, speaking now to the Director of Law Enforcement, Dustin Raseri.

"Cut back to only two guards per shift patrolling the complex and ground at a reasonable distance, but give Hunter his privacy to leave without being followed with people right next to him. Hunter has a panic button he can use if anything goes wrong and he needs to be pulled out of a situation; this allows him the freedom to go anywhere he wants with the knowledge he can call for help when and if he needs it," Dustin offered.

Salvatore rubbed his beard a few times, contemplating the idea. "You could let the lad have his own transportation as well," Gregory said. "Being driven around is probably annoying," he added.

"Also…I have another idea, Mr. President," Dustin suggested as Salvatore arched a brow.

"Continue," Salvatore invited.

. . .

[8:30 pm]
[Archian House; Hunter's Room]

Hunter sat at his desk in his room at the Archian House, working on his homework that was due for his classes next week. Thankfully, there was only one class on Saturday, and it was for his minor, not major. Hunter would probably go to bed around 11:30 pm and save the final bits of his homework for Sunday when he didn't have any classes and a semi-easy shift at work. There was a knock on the door as Hunter glanced up.

"Yes?" Hunter called.

"Can I come in, son?" Salvatore asked. Hunter sighed, continuing his homework.

"Yeah," Hunter replied as the door opened and Salvatore walked in. "I'm sorry I snapped at you in front of those people…"

"It's alright, Hunter. I understand you're frustrated about the security measures I've taken for you," Salvatore said.

"I don't mind having the protection, but I don't need ten people following me all the time; there is someone everywhere I look whether they are right next to me or hiding around the corner. Dad, I've looked out my bedroom window before, and I see them…I know it's probably impossible, but I want to be the president's son without living like I am, you know what I'm saying? Best of both worlds, I guess," Hunter looked at his father. "Just a shred of normalcy is all I'm asking for,"

Salvatore understood; his son was very unhappy with the arrangement as he thought back to Director Raseri's idea. "Alright, you win, son," Salvatore said as Hunter's eyes widened a little. "I'll reduce your security to Harry, Cody, and Andrew, and Bryant; stationed close but not tailing your every move and only two of them per shift,"

"Y-You mean it?" Hunter asked.

Salvatore nodded. "And I'm giving you the freedom to drive your vehicle; you can use your motorcycle or the car…But Kris will still be around in case of emergencies; extraction, car trouble, or special events with me. And your guards will not act unless you use your panic button or your life is in immediate danger via weapons or you in a fight you can't win. Oh, and paparazzi attacks too," he added. "You know those are impossible to escape. Are those acceptable terms, son?"

"More than!" Hunter exclaimed, getting up to hug his father tightly. "Thank you! Thank you!"

Salvatore laughed a little, hugging Hunter back. "You're welcome," he said before the let one another go. "I'll let you get back to work. Oh, and Hunter? Don't be afraid to make friends. You don't have to shut everyone out of your life just because you're the president's son,"

"I'll remember that," Hunter nodded. "Night, Dad. I love you,"

"I love you too, son," Salvatore smiled as he left the room. Hunter relaxed at his desk, taking a deep breath. Finally, he'd be able to enjoy college.

. . .

[Sunday, 9/23/2018-7:00 pm]
[Dreki Apartments]

Thankfully, Hunter didn't have to close tonight; but he stayed until 6:45 pm when he was meant to be out at 4:30 pm to relax before class the next morning. Also, Hunter was supposed to have a date tonight with Cassandra, but because he had to stay and work because it was busy; he had to cancel. Cassandra wasn't happy about it, but she knew Hunter was a general manager and him getting stuck working on an off day or staying later happened frequently. Hunter loved the improved arrangement for his security; he knew where his guards were, but they didn't hover and were hidden discreetly.

Reaching home, Hunter scanned his pass to get into the building, and then his apartment. "Hey, Hunter. Welcome back," Flynn greeted.

"Hey, Flynn," Hunter smiled seeing him, his friends, and some new faces.

"You're home early; thought you said you'd be out until at least 11?" Flynn asked.

"Got held up at work, ended up canceling the date because it's getting later and she something that came up too," Hunter said.

"You got stuck at work for almost two hours?" Avery blinked. "Flynn said you were only working until 4:30,"

"Happens all the time; I ain't worried about it," Hunter shrugged. "Well, see ya tomorrow, maybe," he headed for his room.

"Going to bed?" TJ asked.

"You can hang with us? I've got a few more friends I want to introduce you to," Flynn smiled.

"No to the bed thing, but I'd like a shower and to change before returning to socialize," Hunter said. "Gimme like fifteen minutes," he entered his room, closing the door.

. . .

[7:15 pm]

Hunter came out wearing a pair of brown sweat pants and a green long sleeve shirt. "Feel better?" Seth asked.

"Eh," Hunter shrugged.

"If you're hungry, there's leftover spaghetti and meatballs in the fridge. I set you aside a plate," Flynn offered.

"Thanks. I just ate at 6 pm, though. I'll probably take it for lunch tomorrow," Hunter said while grabbing a water bottle and sitting down in a brown recliner chair that let you put your feet up or rock when the footrest was down. "So, who did you want me to meet, Flynn?"

"Oh! Right!" Flynn replied. "This is Harper's older brother, Drew Bazirk. Over there is Trevor Meatsen and Elijah, prefers Eli, Trapp. And this is Tallon Fury," Flynn introduced.

"Cool to meet you," Hunter said. "I'm Hunter," he added.

"Hunter…? No last name?" Elijah chuckled a little.

"I…Prefer not to use it if it's all the same to you," Hunter replied, hoping they didn't push.

"It's cool," Tallon stated. "To each their own when it comes to introductions. It's not like we'd be calling him by his last name anyway. Anyway, I hope we can become good friends,"

"Don't see why not," Hunter smiled. "So…If I can be so bold here…What happened Friday night? Why were those guys fighting you?"

"Just…A disagreement about something. We didn't think it would get physical," Avery informed.

"Right…" Hunter nodded, not buying it.

"What, uh, were you doing there?" Roxanne asked.

"Yeah, you jumped in without even knowing," TJ added.

"Saw it from across the street, heard Seth ask for help; figured I was there, so might as well assist," Hunter shrugged a bit.

"Yeah, but you…Damn; you kicked ass on your own, dude," Seth mentioned.

"I, uh…I learned how to fight when I was younger…" Hunter stated.

"Well, we appreciate it," Drew spoke up.

"We were coming to help," Trevor added.

"Yes, thank you, Hunter…For helping our friends," Tallon smiled.

"No problem," Hunter nodded.

"Can, uh, we ask you something?" Madison said nervously.

"Is about why I got dragged off after beating those guys?" Hunter inquired, feeling like it was going to get asked. The group nodded. "If I tell you a secret, can you keep it?" Hunter didn't want to tell them, but if they were going to be friends; he should be honest and not keep a huge secret like this from them.

"We won't breathe a word; you can trust in that," Tallon assured.

Hunter sighed. "The people who grabbed me were my bodyguards, assuming I was in danger and hauled me off to my father's house for safety…"

"But…Why do you have bodyguards? You in witness protection or something?" Elijah questioned. Hunter shook his head.

"I should have been more direct with their title; they are secret service agents…Assigned to protect…Really important people and their families…" Hunter continued, wondering if they'd catch on.

"Are you a really important person, or family of one?" Flynn pushed as Hunter nodded again.

"Family of one…" Hunter took a deep breath. "My…Father is the president," he said outright.

"What?" the group asked.

"My father is the President of the United Islands of the Archipelago," Hunter said firmly, but quietly.