I'll Be The One

Chapter 29:

=Normal POV=
[Wednesday, 2/20/2019-12:10 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Riddari Café]

Only ten minutes from the complex was Riddari Café; a family owned and run business that was well known for their simple meals and inviting atmosphere. Hunter figured it would be a nice place for Tallon and him to sit down, eat, and talk about the confession of mutual feelings between them. Pulling into the parking lot, Hunter set the car in park and turned it off; he and Tallon headed into the café together.

"Hi! Welcome to Riddari Café!" the hostess greeted cheerfully.

"Hi. Can we get a booth, please?" Hunter asked.

"Certainly! Right this way," the woman nodded, grabbing two menus and guiding the two of them towards the right-side windows where there were a couple of booths. "Is this alright?"

"It's perfect, thank you," Hunter smiled as he and Tallon slid in the seats, staying across from one another while the menus were placed in front of them.

"Your waiter will be right with you. Enjoy!" the hostess headed off.

"This is a nice little place. I don't think I've ever been," Tallon informed.

"Really?" Hunter smiled. "It's been around for a long time, always in this spot. I love it,"

"Been coming here since you came to the mainland, haven't you?" Tallon wondered.

"Yeah," Hunter nodded. "Great place," he added. "Thought it's be perfect for us to eat and talk,"

"Seems like it's got that vibe about it," Tallon chuckled. A male came over smiling.

"Hi there. I'm Aiden, how are we doing this afternoon?" the waiter, Aiden, asked.

"Well, thank you," Tallon said.

"Can I start you with a refreshment?" Aiden inquired.

"Orange soda, please?" Hunter requested.

"Sprite for me, please?" Tallon stated gently.

"Alright, and are we ready to order, or would we like a few more moments?" Aiden questioned.

"I know what I'm getting," Hunter stated. "How about you, Tal?"

"What are you getting?" Tallon wondered.

"Viking bacon burger and fries," Hunter mentioned.

"You know, that sounds good. I'll have what he's having," Tallon stated.

"Alright, two Viking bacon burgers with a side order of fries. Everything on them okay? How would you like them cooked?" Aiden looked at the males.

"Uh…Little pink and no garden except lettuce on mine, please?" Hunter asked.

"Certainly, and for you?" Aiden turned his attention to Tallon now.

"Pink, and I'm okay with everything on it. Thank you," Tallon replied.

"Excellent. I'll have that right out for you both," Aiden smiled.

"Oh, can we start with the nachos?" Hunter asked.

"Absolutely. I'll bring it with the drinks," Aiden nodded and walked away from the table.

"Hungry today?" Tallon laughed a little.

"Missed breakfast to get to class on time, so yes," Hunter nodded.

"Fair enough," Tallon agreed. "So I guess we should talk about earlier?"

"Honestly…There isn't much to talk about, Tal. These conversations usually only need to happen if the feelings are one-sided and one still needs to figures things out. That's not the case with us because it's mutual," Hunter informed softly with a smile.

"Then…Why did you say we needed to talk?" Tallon blinked.

"Mostly because I was hungry, wanted to keep spending time with you, and typically after confessions like that; there's a light level of tension and nerves with wonder what happens next. It's usually settled by changing the environment to something more…Casual. People always have an easier time talking when it's over drinks or food," Hunter explained.

"Ah," Tallon blushed a bit. "I'm guessing you picked up I was feeling nervous…?"

"Didn't need to pick it up, Tallon; I can see it. You've never been through this before, so you're not sure what to do and scared to do something wrong," Hunter smiled.

"Yeah…You're not wrong," Tallon mumbled.

"I know I'm not because I went through the same thing with Jay…I was the super nervous, afraid to fuck up person years ago," Hunter reminded. "So trust me when I say that it's gonna be fine. We'll take it one step at a time, and at whatever pace we're comfortable with,"

"Alright…So, how…Do we do this?" Tallon inquired.

"Well, as I said; we have it a bit easier since we both feel the same way for each other. There's no need to sit down and really talk about where it all started, or figure out feelings if it had been a one-sided situation," Hunter stated. "Unless, of course, you want to discuss where feelings started?"

"I know it's not required, given we're mutual on it, but I suppose I am a little curious as to when you started liking me," Tallon shrugged.

"Would you like the honest truth about when it started?" Hunter asked as Tallon nodded. "The first sign of something regarding feelings for you happened just a few weeks after I broke up with Cassandra. I don't know what it was, our eyes met and something sparked. I didn't give it much thought until a few days later when I realized I recognized the feeling of having a crush. It just…Continued to grow. I talked to Greg on the 29th of December; he told me to just tell you. And I was going to at the New Year's Bash,"

"Why didn't you?" Tallon questioned.

"I knew you hadn't come out to your friends yet, and I didn't want to make anything awkward or have you felt rushed to tell them. Also, knowing what I do now about the secret guard thing; you probably would have told me you didn't feel the same anyway because it's forbidden," Hunter mentioned.

"Ah, yeah; you're probably right," Tallon nodded to him.

"Another reason was that I still felt something for Cassandra. Yes, she broke my heart and somewhere deep down; I knew we wouldn't last…But that didn't erase the feelings I had for the girl she used to be," Hunter shrugged.

"Understandable. You wanted more time to move on," Tallon said.

"Correct," Hunter replied. "I think things officially hit for me and I knew I had to tell you after the accidental kiss during the inauguration…I was going to tell you that night, but then everything happened. I talked to Greg again a couple days ago; he's the one who got me to realize that I needed to talk to you about the bodyguard and friendship thing, also that I needed to tell you how I felt because all of it was real,"

"Seems like Greg is your go-to guy for personal stuff," Tallon mentioned lightly.

"He's gay; he understands and usually more available than my dad is. I know my dad says he always has time for me, but I don't like to bug him unless it's a big problem," Hunter smiled. "So while we're on the topic…Where did it start for you?"

"January. It was the night we were all drinking and you managed to fall asleep on my shoulder. I didn't want to leave you on the couch, so I carried you back to your room and sort of kissed your forehead as a good night. You just curled up more and smiled. I got back to my apartment and instantly said; Gods, help me, I think I'm starting to like him. I spent the next ten days thinking about things, eventually told myself it would never happen because I was your undercover guard and it would be forbidden. But it really hit when we couldn't find you, and learned you were mourning Jay," Tallon stated calmly.

"Guess we both had our reasons for not saying anything at the time," Hunter looked at Tallon. Aiden returned with the drinks and appetizer dish of nachos; then he headed off again. "So…The question is now…What do you want to do about it?"

"Yo-You mean deciding if we should be together or not?" Tallon asked as Hunter nodded to him. "Are we allowed to be in a relationship?"

"Don't see why not," Hunter grabbed one of the chips and ate it. "You're not my bodyguard anymore,"

"Not your undercover bodyguard," Tallon said. "You know, the whole thing I told you about back at the apartment. It's still my job to protect you…I'm just not undercover without your knowledge anymore,"

"That's not really an issue, though. You were taken off my protection detail as a secret service agent, right?" Hunter asked.

"Unofficially. I've…Been asked by your father to continue, just as an emergency form of protection. As in us friends hanging out and something goes wrong; I'm supposed to go secret service mode and get you to safety. I still have contact with Harry, Cody, Andrew, and Bryant…" Tallon informed.

"Son of a…" Hunter grumbled, but took a deep breath and exhaled while opening his eyes.

"This is why I wondered if it was allowed," Tallon said nervously.

"I suppose I can deal with that. Thank you for being honest about it; I'm sure you were told not to," Hunter said.

"That's correct," Tallon nodded.

"So, you only go bodyguard mode if I'm in immediate danger, right?" Hunter asked.

"Well, I mean…If we're dating; I'd probably protect you anyway," Tallon admitted.

"True. And I assume Trevor is on the same orders?" Hunter arched a brow.

"Also correct," Tallon replied.

"And Avery, Seth, Drew, and Elijah?" Hunter continued.

"No. They are aware of the situation, but it's not their objective because they aren't secret service. At best, they would provide cover as they did the night of the inauguration, but they don't have contact with the First Family's secret service detail. They don't know the protocols or anything; they saw trouble and stayed with me and Trevor as backup," Tallon explained. "But it was more of a friendship reaction, if that makes sense?"

"It does. You refer to the fact there was trouble with all their friends, and as cops; they couldn't just ignore it and reacted to keep us safe?" Tallon nodded to him. "I understand. Again, I appreciate the honesty about things," Hunter smiled some.

"I told you before; we couldn't stand lying to you. I couldn't, especially with the fact I like you as more than a friend. And…If we're gonna be together, as agreed earlier; I don't want there to be secrets between us," Tallon stated.

"Is that what you want to do, Tallon? Be together in a relationship?" Hunter asked, looking at Tallon seriously now.

"I-I do. I guess I'm just nervous to how it works…I've never had feelings for something before. I've never been in a relationship before," Tallon looked off to the side a bit.

Hunter laughed a little. "It's the same thing we already do, Tal. Spend time together, hangout, talk, maybe go out a couple times. It's everything we do now with a couple bonuses of hugging, holding hands, kissing, etc.," he informed.

"Seems easy when you put it like that," Tallon said.

"It is. Trust, communication, understanding, mutual feelings…That's typically all it takes to make a relationship work," Hunter smiled.

"But isn't all that stuff…I don't how to put it…Beginner mode, I guess?" Tallon questioned.

"Yes, but everyone has to start somewhere, Tal. Look, I know where you're going with this, so let me make it easy, alright?" Hunter looked at him as Tallon nodded. "Don't over-complicate it," he stated. "As I told you before…We'll take it one step at a time, and at a pace we're comfortable with,"

"But Hunter…You've been through all this before," Tallon remarked.

"Tal, ssh, okay? Listen to me. Yes, I've been through it before, but I didn't go through it with full knowledge of everything and entirely ready for all a relationship can go through. Everyone starts the same way and branch out when both are comfortable to do so. Just because I've done all the intimate things before in past relationships doesn't mean I'm going to expect it out of a new one. Yeah, Jay and I had sex when we were sixteen and had been dating eleven months. Cassandra and I were nineteen and had been together eighteen months. Tal, every relationship is different. It happens when it happens, but there's no rush on it, so don't panic about it," Hunter smiled at him. "We start easy, and go from there; we take situations as they come. But don't psych yourself out over something that hasn't happened,"

"Okay. I'm sorry; it's just new to me," Tallon mumbled.

"It's alright. I was the same way when Jay and I started dating. Hell, I think that was more complicated because we were just teens and neither of us had a clue to what we were doing; we just dated and went with wherever it went," Hunter chuckled a bit. "So we can do the same here; we start basic and let things progress as they do. If something comes up, we can talk about it and figure out what to do,"

"Fair enough," Tallon smiled now.

"Do you want to be my boyfriend, Tallon?" Hunter asked, setting his hand on the table, fingers open.

"I do," Tallon nodded, setting his hand in Hunter's. The two intertwined their fingers together, smiling. Hunter stood up, leaning over the table and pressing his lips to Tallon's gently. The kiss broke moments later when the waiter, Aiden, returned to the table with their lunch. Hunter sat back down as Aiden took the empty nacho plate away after setting down the other plates.

"Thank you," Hunter said as Aiden smiled and headed off. "So, feel any different to be in a relationship?"

"Yeah, actually. I'm ridiculously happy; this…Feeling is incredible," Tallon confessed.

"It only gets better as time goes on," Hunter responded. "Just…Stay safe, and don't ever change on me…" he almost whispered the last part.

"Hunter?" Tallon said, already sensing something wasn't right with his boyfriend. "Hey, your turn to listen to me now," Hunter looked at him. "I would never do to you what Cassandra did. As for staying safe…I can't promise that; it's a risky line of work I'm in. But I can vow that I will always try to be safe,"

"I guess I can take that," Hunter nodded. "Alright, let's eat," he smiled. The two began enjoying their meal, and chatting about other things regarding relationships. Hunter didn't mind Tallon's questions; he thought it was cute. It could be said without a doubt that both were happy, though, and that's all that mattered to them right now.

. . .

[4:00 pm]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

The friends met up at Flynn's after doing those who attended school finished off their classes for the days. All of them were going to go to the hideout, but had yet to hear from Tallon on their work for the evening. Flynn also found it strange that Hunter wasn't home and not answering either.

"It's not like Tallon to not answer for work-related questions," Drew mentioned.

"Or for Hunter to ignore messages," Flynn pointed out.

"And it doesn't appear either of them are home," Trevor stated.

"I hope nothing has happened," Madison tensed a bit nervously.

"Trev, can't you call him on the radio?" Seth asked.

"That is only for communications regarding Hunter. It wouldn't be just Tallon and I, all of his guards and President Haddock's would hear those transmissions. Odin only knows what a stir it would cause," Trevor sighed.

"True," Elijah nodded. As if on cue; the apartment door opened revealing Hunter, and Tallon right behind. The two of them were laughing it up about something, and the most shocking thing to see was that they were holding hands like lovers did.

"Oh, my Gods! I haven't had that kind of fun in years," Hunter said.

"Doesn't matter how old you get; you gotta do what makes you happy. Even if it includes going to a playground and swinging on the swings," Tallon shrugged.

"Not even that," Hunter smiled. "I just realized I'm not in disguise, and I was…Left alone the entire time we were out," he informed. "Is that what freedom feels like?"

"Doing whatever you want without a care in the world?" Tallon chuckled as Hunter nodded. "Yep, that's about it. That or people just see others having a good time, no matter who they are, and decide not to intrude,"

"I'll take either as the reason," Hunter looked into Tallon's eyes as their foreheads touched. "I only seem to get this feeling with you. Starting to think you're my key to freedom, Tal,"

"You're the lock; I'm the key…I guess we just fit together perfectly," Tallon stated.

"I can't argue with that logic," Hunter replied. "Though it was entirely too cheesy for my taste; it was cute and I'll take it," Hunter leaned in and kissed Tallon on the lips softly; it was short, and they broke it a second or two later, leaving the friends entirely shocked now.

"You know the others are looking right at us, right?" Tallon inquired.

"Do I look worried about it?" Hunter questioned.

"Not in the slightest," Tallon said.

"Good, then neither should you," Hunter chuckled. "I suppose there's no point in keeping it from them as they've seen?"

"We said no more secrets anyway," Tallon reminded.

"Aye, that be true," Hunter nodded. The two of them turned and faced the group of friends, still holding hands.

"U-Um…Something you want to tell us?" Flynn inquired.

"Tallon and I are dating," Hunter said in a calm voice. Avery went to say something, but Hunter put his hand up to stop her. "We've liked one another for a while; held back for our own reasons, confessed to it earlier, went out to lunch to discuss further, and then I asked him out. Does that about answer all your questions?"

"I…Was just going to say that we're happy for you," Avery mentioned.

"But thank you for answering our questions which were next," Harper put a finger up.

"Also…About that talk I said we'd have regarding the situation from the inauguration…Don't worry about it," Hunter added.

"But-," Trevor started.

"Trev," Tallon shook his head. "It's been handled. Hunter came to talk to me earlier, and I explained for all of us as I had been put in charge initially. We've been forgiven, and Hunter still sees you all as friends,"

"Well, alright then!" Elijah smiled. "So, now that you two are back…Can we hang out? Or are we doing work stuff tonight?"

"You guys can hangout. Hunter and I were actually going to watch a movie in his room," Tallon informed gently.

"Head on in and pick something for us, Tal," Hunter urged. Tallon nodded as he headed for Hunter's bedroom and walked inside. "We're just kind of enjoying the new relationship bliss, but maybe after the movie we can all hang for a bit. Tallon really likes the way being a couple makes him feel; it's new to him, so I said we could do whatever he wanted, within obvious limits, that couples do,"

"Ah, okay! Well, go on then. I'm sure we'll be here," Flynn stated. Hunter waved and headed into his bedroom, closing the door. "Aw, good for them,"

"You know…I had a feeling there might be something between them," Drew chuckled. "Doesn't matter though. Flynn is right, good for them,"

"And on the plus side, Hunter forgives us and we're all still friends," Avery added in.

"That is a plus," Trevor nodded. Inside the room, Tallon had picked a movie for them and they got comfortable on the bed to watch it together. Today turned out great, and Hunter was glad he followed Gregory's advice. Everything worked out for the better, and he was happy. It seemed Tallon was too, and now they were together, dating, and loving it. Hunter and Tallon just hoped it would last, and something inside both of them said it would all be okay.