I'll Be The One

Chapter 23:

=Normal POV=
[Saturday, 1/26/2019-4:45 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[The Archian House]

Hunter definitely enjoyed his night with friends over a couple drinks. Yes, the day itself still hurt him and he cried again later that night after everyone left and he was alone in his room, but he couldn't help it. Jay was more than Hunter's best friend; they were lovers too. Hunter fell asleep with a nice buzz around 12:30 am after crying for ten minutes, and he slept peacefully until the alarm sounded at 8:00 am. Hunter showered, made coffee, took two aspirins, and enjoyed a light breakfast; it was only eggs, toast, and two sausage links, but that was enough for Hunter until lunch later. Hunter was out of the apartment by 8:45 am to get to The Archian House for 9 am. The first thing Hunter did upon seeing his father and uncle was apologize for snapping on them, but explained why he did. Everything was forgiven and hugged out before final preparations began for the ceremony at 3 pm. Hunter spent his time picking out his clothes for the event, which was formal attire, and then getting his entertainment things setup.

Hunter had his friends seated together for the ceremony at 3 pm; it was the same as the last two times for Hunter to watch. Nothing spectacular; just speeches, and swearing in for another four years. Hunter was, of course, on stage with Gregory and his father during everything; he remained quiet and serious though everything. The friends understood that Hunter had different modes he'd go into depending on where he was and what he was doing. Thankfully; the first part of the event was over and the second was starting in just a bit. Hunter was focused on preparing his final things, still feeling a bit down from the day before.

"Are ya all ready, son?" Salvatore inquired gently.

"Just about," Hunter replied, checking a few more wires. "Am I playing live all night?"

"You don't have to," Salvatore stated. "I don't want you to hurt your voice or anything,"

"Alright, I'll do a couple songs over the next five or so hours then," Hunter nodded.

"Do you know which you'll do? Covers or originals?" Gregory questioned.

"Probably gonna wing it," Hunter shrugged.

"And…How are you on…Everything else?" Salvatore asked nervously, not wanting to upset Hunter.

"One day at a time…" Hunter stated.

"That's all you can do," Gregory nodded gently. "And we're right here with ya," he tried to smile. Hunter didn't return it; he just looked back at his work and made sure things were ready.

"We'll leave ya to it then," Salvatore pulled Gregory away with him. The friends were at their table, which was with Salvatore and Gregory this time. This was a much bigger event than the New Year party, so there were more people and bigger tables to accommodate.

"He looks miserable," Avery frowned.

"Yesterday wasn't easy for him," Trevor reminded.

"The whole week was bad for him," Elijah reminded.

"Well, looks like Salvatore and Gregory can sense that Hunter doesn't want to be bothered right now, so they are leaving him be. Hunter is probably preparing himself for the opening," Tallon informed.

. . .

[5:00 pm]

"Are you ready, son?" Salvatore asked as he came up to the stage again. Hunter gave a nod, but that was it. Salvatore quieted everyone down and started giving his required speech to start things off. It only lasted a few minutes before he smiled and gave his promise to do his best for another four years. "And now to kick things off; I give you my son, Hunter Haddock!" Salvatore stepped aside, clapping with the rest of the crowd. Hunter took a deep breath as he stood up and moved next to his father. Salvatore hugged his son and kissed his forehead. "All yours, son,"

"Knock 'em dead, laddie!" Gregory cheered from his seat. Hunter approached the microphone, clearing his throat.

"So, I'm not much a speech-giver like my dad here. I detest it, in fact. I've always believed in getting the point across with other means. You know, the old saying that actions speak louder than words? Well, I'm all for that," Hunter started, one hand in his pocket. "When my dad was elected to president the first time; he asked me something really specific. How would I spread love across the islands? I told him, at fourteen mind you, that I'd find the answer and give it to him. Eventually, I came up with just being nice to others. The age-old lessons we learns as kids to treat others how you want to be treated. Not judging others. Now…My father's second term; I was about eighteen. I decided to ask a really good friend who I'd known since I was probably seven or so the same question, get another opinion since mine seemed like your average middle-schooler response. My friend told me the best way to spread love was to be start a chain of kindness. The more we talked about it; the more it made sense," Hunter looked out to everyone.

"My friend and I decided that for when my father became president for his third term because we all know Salvatore Haddock is a stellar president; we'd make something to spread the message for him. We settled on writing a song since my father enjoys having me be his source of entertainment for these events," Hunter laughed a little. "Hey, at least I give him the family discount, right?" Hunter joked a bit as a few chuckled. "My friend and I finished the song. However, sadly…Two years ago; I lost that friend and to me he was so much more than just a friend; he was also my boyfriend," Hunter looked down a bit.

Of course, this didn't shock many people except for Cassandra, but because this was public; she wouldn't say a damn thing. Hunter lifted his head now. "But I know that he wouldn't want all our hard work to go to waste. So tonight, before we get into the real fun…I'd like to show you the song my friend and I made and wrote together in his memory and with high hopes that the message becomes reality. And I do hope you'll all enjoy the little video that goes with it. Also, my friend's voice is present as well; we did record it together. We call it; Send It On," Hunter informed calmly as he moved towards his computer, which was now visible on the back screen behind him. The lights went down a bit in the outside tents as Hunter clicked a few things and brought up a video. Next, music began before Hunter and the other male, who select few knew, Jay Nilsen, Hunter's ex and best friend. (The song is Send It On by Disney's Friends For Change; just imagine it being done as a duet between two males.)

Hunter had promised Jay he'd use the song, but Hunter couldn't bring himself to sing it live, not without Jay; it didn't feel right. That's why Hunter went with showing everyone the music video, which was them singing, but the video was mostly the making of. It showed a lot of Hunter and Jay laughing, using instruments and singing. Some of the video was Hunter and Jay getting really close, hugging, playful messing around, and even a few kisses. The friends glanced over to Cassandra, who was fuming, and shocked at the display. Salvatore could see when Hunter was silent and a few tears began to slip, but thankfully no one else saw but Salvatore. Hunter didn't reject his father's one-armed hug or kiss on the temple; it was his way of trying to comfort Hunter. As the video ended, Salvatore gave Hunter the full hug.

"I think ya got the message across, son," Salvatore whispered. "Wonderful song; you and Jay did a nice job,"

"Thanks, Dad…" Hunter managed a nod, trying to discreetly wipe his eyes dry and collect himself.

"Go grab some water, calm yourself down," Salvatore stated. Hunter nodded again, disconnecting his computer from the projector and just putting on calm music to go along with dinner that was next on the itinerary. Hunter got out of his father's hug, jumping down off the stage and disappearing from sight. Salvatore cast a glance to Tallon, and used his eyes to tell Tallon all he needed to know. Tallon gave a curt nod, excusing himself from the table and following Hunter's path.

Hunter didn't go far, just outside of the tent and into the gardens; he went to a center spot that left him secluded and hidden behind bushes and trees. Hunter was sitting on a stone bench, not crying, but taking a deep breath with his eyes closed. Tallon kept watch on him for a moment or two before deciding to make himself known. "Hunter?" he asked softly.

Hunter opened his eyes and looked around, seeing Tallon. Hunter cleared his throat a little, trying to smile. "Tal, hey," Hunter said. "I-Is everything okay?"

"I was coming to ask you that question," Tallon admitted. "Mind if I join you?"

"No, not at all," Hunter nodded, moving over a bit as Tallon came and sat beside him. "You just wanted to check on me?"

"I know it's been a hard week for you, and that just now in there couldn't have made it any better," Tallon informed. "The others wanted to come too, but we felt it would be easier if just one of us did,"

"That's…Nice of you guys to want to do, checking on me…" Hunter looked down a bit.

"That was a nice song you played; the video shows how much work went into things," Tallon complimented.

"Yeah…Jay and I had a fun time preparing it all. It felt right to play it, even though he's not here anymore…" Hunter sighed a bit.

"Hey, don't get upset…" Tallon tried. "I'm sure he'd be proud of you for going through with the plan despite his untimely and sad absence…." Tallon put his arm around Hunter's shoulders.

"I know, but it still hurts," Hunter admitted.

"Loss, no matter how long it's been since, will always hurt, Hunter. I can't offer a lot of words for comfort to you about this because I know Jay was not only your friend, but your lover too. However, I do know that those cannot be here with us are always around in some way or another. And I think…Jay was right beside you tonight," Tallon said lightly.

"Thanks, Tallon. I…Felt like he was too. I felt like my mom was too," Hunter stated.

"Everything is gonna be alright. Just remember you're never alone, and you've got a lot of people who care about you. Your dad, Gregory…Our friends, even me. We're all here for you, no matter what," Tallon smiled. Hunter returned the action as Tallon got up, offering his hand. "Come on, let's get back in there," Hunter took Tallon's hand as he was pulled to his feet. In this process, Hunter tripped a bit and fell into Tallon's arms, and their lips met in a gentle kiss. It lasted only a moment or two since neither pulled away instantly. Hunter was the one to break the kiss, pulling back slowly.

"Sorry…" Hunter whispered, opening his eyes to meet Tallon's.

"It's okay; it was an accident. I might'a yanked ya a bit hard off the seat," Tallon stated, clearing his throat a little. "I-I didn't mind, not mad or anything," both Hunter and Tallon looked away from one another, blushing a bit. "Well, shall we get back to it?" Tallon inquired.

"Yeah," Hunter nodded with a broad smile. Hunter and Tallon headed back to the party tent, getting inside as dinner was being served. The two reached the table, sitting down beside one another as their plates were placed in front of them. Dinner began, everyone enjoying the music in the background, the food, and light chatter. Hunter was sure this was going to be a great night, and he couldn't wait to see what else was in store. However, Hunter did plan to tell Tallon that he liked him before the night was over; especially after the accidental kiss. Hunter was sure of his feelings, even if they didn't run deep right now; it meant there was room to grow.

. . .

[10:00 pm]

The last five hours had been amazing for Hunter and his friends. Hunter spent the first hour after dinner meeting people with his father, and then Salvatore released him to hangout with his friends as long as he was respectful if anyone approached him to talk or request songs. Hunter agreed to the terms and went to talk and dance with his friends; there were a couple instances where Hunter sang live for everyone. Hunter also put on some group dancing songs which entertained others. Another plus was that Hunter could change the songs from his phone, so he didn't need to go back to the computer for anything. Things would be shutting down between the next half or full hour, but at least everyone was having a good time, so it didn't matter so much when things ended. Hunter still planned to tell Tallon how he felt, and it would make things easier now that Tallon came out to his friends.

It happened during midterms; Tallon had them all, except for Hunter, in one place. Tallon told them he was gay, and like good friends; they all accepted and supported him. Hunter was just about over Cassandra after earlier when she did pull himself to discuss Hunter at one point having a boyfriend. Hunter told her the truth; she got mad and stomped off and honestly; it hadn't bothered him in the slightest. Hunter didn't really feel anything towards Cassandra anymore; he loved who she used to be when they were friends, but she changed when they got together. The might be all Hunter still felt for her; the girl she used to be was who he loved.

"This has been a great party," Avery smiled.

"And awesome experience," Drew added in.

"Thank you, for sharing it with us, Hunter," Tallon stated.

"Hey, you guys are my friends and put up with my crazy life and mood swings. I think it's the least I could do," Hunter laughed a little as his father approached.

"Son?" Salvatore got his attention.

"Yeah, Dad?" Hunter asked.

"Your uncle is begging me to let you do one of your military songs because some of his buddies are here tonight. And since we've got the Archipelago Island Guard here as part of security…It'd be a nice tribute. So, I'm allowing it. But only one, and try to keep it appropriate if you wouldn't mind," Salvatore sighed.

"Really?" Hunter's eyes lit up.

"Yes, really. But keep it well within acceptable limits for the occasion, please?" Salvatore pleaded.

"I've got just the one," Hunter nodded. "I promise it's not bad," Salvatore nodded his head for Hunter to go ahead. "Be right back," Hunter told his friends before heading for the stage. Hunter tapped the microphone a few times, getting everyone's attention. "I hope everyone is having a good time; I know I am. Now, I've had a request to perform a song for all our military members here tonight. And I hope any of them watching at home also enjoy. Uncle Greg…This is the song I told you a while back I was almost done with. So, for you and all the others like you; thank you for your service and I hope you like it," Hunter tapped the song on his phone as it started. (Song is We Are Soldiers by Otherwise.)

When the song ended, any members of the military were probably cheering the loudest of the entire crowd. Hunter smiled, taking a few breaths as he set the microphone back in its place, and turned it off. Hunter carefully jumped off the stage as Gregory hugged him tightly. "Lad, that was amazing!" he squeezed.

"Greg! Need air to breathe!" Hunter gasped.

"Oh, sorry!" Gregory let got as Hunter caught his breath. "I think that one was the favorite,"

"Finished it a couple weeks ago," Hunter told him.

"I loved it, and so did all the others it represented," Gregory smiled. "Thank you,"

"You're welcome," Hunter replied as Gregory went off to talk to his friends about the song and performance. Hunter moved back to his friends as Salvatore gave an approving nod before heading off. Hunter took a deep breath, plopping down in his chair with a heavy sigh of exhaustion.

"Hunter, that was awesome," Trevor exclaimed.

"Seriously!" Elijah added.

"You can tell that was made with passion," Drew chuckled as the others nodded.

"Very well done," Tallon complimented.

"Thanks, guys, and girls," Hunter smiled. The time continued on to about 10:30 pm when everyone was filing out and leaving. Hunter was beside his father, saying goodbye to people and his friends were close to him. Hunter still needed to talk to Tallon about the feelings thing, but he figured it could wait until it was less hectic.

"Hunter…Can we talk, alone?" Tallon suddenly asked while standing beside Hunter.

"Sure, gimme just a second," Hunter nodded. All of a sudden; the situation changed. Outside, a car crashed, and people got out firing guns into the air.

"Get him out of here!" Salvatore ordered, referring to Hunter.

"Let's go!" Cody demanded. Tallon grabbed Hunter's hand, pulling him along back inside The Archian House and away from the chaos. The friends were following just as quickly.

"Come on, stay with me!" Harry told the others.

"We're at location two, emergency evacuation from primary base!" Cody informed into his radio.

"What about my dad and Greg?!" Hunter asked, panicking.

"His guards have him, don't worry; they are both safe and taken care of," Tallon assured as Hunter wondered what Tallon meant. How did Tallon know that? Hunter's father and uncle were still in the heart of things when Hunter was pulled away. Reaching the basement, a slew of cars was going by and one stopped in front of where Hunter was standing with his friends. Andrew opened the car door as Hunter was guided inside. Hunter prepared to move over to make room for Tallon, and figured the others would getting into the spare vehicles, but Hunter saw Avery, Seth, Elijah, Drew, and Trevor with guns out and standing with the rest who were protecting him. Tallon had a radio in hand. "Night Fury secure," Hunter's eyes widened, and he froze as Tallon looked at him, then backed up and closed the car door. Seconds later; the vehicle was moving, and Hunter could only sit there, stunned at what just happened.