I'll Be The One

Chapter 34:

=Hunter's POV=
[Saturday, 3/9/2019-6:30 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Arc General Hospital]

"HUNTER!" Salvatore called as I opened the door to the room and rushed out. "COME BACK!"

I ignored it as I ran as fast as I could, tears blurring my vision the whole way down the hall, into the stairwell, and finally out of the hospital doors. I didn't stop; I just kept running. I was sure my dad would send my guards after me, but I didn't care. I didn't want to be in the hospital right now. I didn't want anything other than to run as far as I was able. Why was I running away? My grandfather just passed away after having a heart attack. I'd only come to visit him, and things were alright, but then it just happened and I hated the heart-wrenching feeling of being told that he didn't survive. This is now how I expected my day to go. While running, I thought back to how my day began, believing everything was going to be okay.

I had really needed Thursday night with my friends, boyfriend, and uncle. Well, Greg showing up hadn't been in the plan, but its still a fun time when he's around. I didn't have to be the best-behaved president's son around them. I could cut back and relax, have some fun, be inappropriate with my jokes and sarcasm if I wanted. And yeah, my dad knew I was like that, but of course; I couldn't do it in public when the entire Archipelago was looking to him, to us, as the First Family. I didn't get drunk on Thursday, but I enjoyed my buzz and went to bed around 11:45 pm once the others had left. Greg slept on the couch and returned to the Archian House on Friday morning after breakfast and coffee with me that I cooked. I spent Friday morning with Tallon until I had class at 2 pm, but then we met up again for dinner at 5:30 pm.

I worked from 5 am to 2 pm; then I spent a good portion of three hours doing research for my dissertation, but then around 5 pm, I decided to go to the hospital and visit Grandpa Weston. I called him Pappy Wes still; I started that as a child. Grandpa was tired, but enjoyed that I came to visit him. We talked for a bit; the usual things such as school, life, relationships. Dad and Gregory came by around 6:00 pm; we were going to leave and get dinner together, but then Grandpa Weston started having a heart attack. We stayed back and out of the way, but there was nothing we could do and the doctors did all they could. As soon as it was reported that my grandfather had died; I broke down and got away from my dad and uncle. I had to get out of hospital, so I started running and crying. I didn't know what to do, where to go, but I want to get away.

. . .

[7:30 pm]
[Odin's Dragon's Hideout]

In the midst of running through the park; I eventually collapsed. I cried on the ground for a bit, hiding in the caves that led into the Odin's Dragon's Hideout. After I calmed down a bit, I continued my way inside. I reached the main area and found it empty; I guess they weren't doing any work here tonight. I moved to the side room, made a drink, and sat down. I was still crying, and upset. I had texted Greg to tell dad I was safe, and just wanted to be left alone for a bit. Greg understood, and left it alone after that. I should probably text Tallon too; I'm sure they had motion sensors or alarms on this place. Sniffling a bit, I got my phone again and pulled up the messages with Tallon.

7:40 pm
I needed a place to go and ended up at the hangout. If an alarm or alert came up that someone is in the hideout; it's me, so please don't come rushing with guns blazing.

I set the phone on the table, sitting back on the couch and closed my eyes. I was still crying, sniffling, coughing a bit too. I knew old age was usually how someone went, but that didn't make the loss any easier to deal with. I wasn't just upset about losing my grandfather an hour ago; there was much more to it than that and all I wanted was to run away and try to get my head together. Thank the Gods that I'd also worked earlier this morning, so they wouldn't need me tonight. I took a drink and just sat where I was. I didn't want to go anywhere else, I didn't want to have dad and Greg riding my ass about comfort or what not. I just wanted to have a couple drinks and try to get my head straight. I, obviously now, need to prepare for another memorial and funeral.

. . .

=Normal POV=
[7:40 pm]
[Dreki Apartments; A10]

Tallon and the friends were hanging out together; they'd been at the hangout earlier to do a bit of work. So naturally, when they received and alert about movement in the hideout; they got worried and prepared to hurry down there to defend their base of operations and cover.

"Wait…Hold up," Tallon stopped the gang from leaving.

"What's up?" Drew inquired.

"I just got a text from Hunter. It says; I needed a place to go and ended up at the hangout. If an alarm or alert came up that someone is in the hideout, it's me, so please don't come rushing with guns blazing," Tallon recited the message to them.

"Why…Would he need a place to go? Paparazzi while he was walking around town?" Seth asked.

"I was…Pretty sure Hunter was at the library, or visiting his grandfather," Flynn informed.

"Can we just check the cameras?" Elijah suggested.

"Something is coming in on the radio," Trevor paused as he and Tallon both listened on Trevor's radio, turning it up to hear more.

"Night Fury was last seen running from Arc General at 1830 hours. We've lost visual and contact. The president has expressed that he's very upset and demands to know his location,"

"1830?" TJ asked.

"Military time; 1830 is 6:30 pm," Seth mentioned.

"So Hunter was at hospital. Ran away at 6:30, and was upset?" Avery questioned.

"Tal, report in that we have him," Trevor said.

"We don't, though," Tallon stated.

"But we can't tell them about the hideout, so say that he's with Agents Raseri and Meatsen at the apartment. We'll go and meet Hunter at the hideout while they believe he's safe here with us," Trevor remarked. Tallon nodded, understanding as he prepared to radio in.

"This is Agent Raseri and Meatsen reporting in from Night Fury's apartment. Advise the Chief that Night Fury is safe with us and requesting to be left alone," Tallon said.

There was a bit of a pause. "Copy that, Agent Raseri. We'll pass the message along," there was a slight beep to end the transmission between them as the group prepared to leave.

"Something must have happened to upset Hunter, and he wanted to go somewhere to get away where they couldn't find him," Drew informed.

"I'm not sure, but I know if Hunter is upset; then we should go check on him. Even if he wants to be alone, we should make sure he's alright," Tallon stated. The others nodded, agreeing fully with Tallon.

. . .

[8:15 pm]
[Odin's Dragons Hideout]

Hunter had gotten through three drinks, two double shots, then switched over to having a beer. Hunter was definitely drunk. Hunter just stayed on the couch, ignoring his phone as it was on silent and away from him. Hunter had moments where he cried harder, and others where the tears would just fall silently. In his current state; he didn't even hear people entering the hideout. These people were Tallon and the group of friends, rushing through the tunnels and entering the main area. Hunter hated how bad this felt; he finished the beer before setting the can on the table gently. Hunter went bent forward slightly with his elbows on his knees. Finally, the tears just started falling again; he cried hard while hiding his face in his palms.

"I don't see him," Seth stated.

"Maybe he left already?" Harper offered.

"Ssh," Tallon told them as he was listening. In the silence; he heard noise coming from the hangout spot. It was very distinctly heard as crying. Tallon moved over to the room and peered in to see his boyfriend. "Hunter?" Tallon walked into the room and quickly sat beside Hunter on the couch. "Baby? What's wrong?" he asked with a hand on Hunter's back, rubbing it a bit. The friends came in quietly, seeing Hunter's state and the finished drinks.

Hunter eventually leaned into Tallon, holding onto him and crying against his boyfriend. Tallon wasn't sure what was going on, but he knew it had to be hurting Hunter for him to be drinking and crying by himself. Tallon wrapped his arms around Hunter, embracing him tightly and hoping it would offer comfort. The others weren't sure what to do or say; there would be no talking to Hunter when he was like this. It must have gone on for twenty or thirty minutes; Hunter just cried against Tallon, but at some point; it stopped and Hunter's body went limp.

"Hunter?" Tallon asked. No response. Tallon moved his arms and carefully moved Hunter back a bit to find him knocked out. "He's out,"

"Probably had too much to drink, plus the exhaustion of being upset," Elijah informed, inspecting the drinks Hunter had. "These had Bacardi and Coke in them; the shots were Soco, doubles. Looks like the one beer…" Hunter's phone began to light up on the table as Avery leaned forward a bit to check the caller.

"It's Greg," Avery stated.

"Flynn, answer it. Make it seem like we're at the apartment," Tallon mentioned, carefully laying Hunter down on the couch. Flynn reached the phone and slid the icon to answer, tapping speakerphone.

"He-Hello?" Flynn greeted.

"Hunter?" Gregory asked.

"I'm sorry, sir; it's Flynn…Hunter is…Asleep right now," Flynn replied.

"You hesitated that answer, now, tell me what's really going on," Gregory remarked.

Tallon took the phone from Flynn now. "Hi, Greg. It's Tallon," he said.

"Hi, Tallon," Gregory sighed. "How is he? Be honest?"

"Passed out. Not sure if it's because of drinking, being emotional, or both," Tallon admitted. "What…Happened?"

"Hunter hasn't told you?" Gregory questioned.

"No. We got to the apartment and found him already a few drinks in and crying. He broke down against me for about half an hour; then must have knocked out. We'd…Originally been at my apartment down the hall when we heard the radio calls about looking for him. Flynn suggested we try the apartment and that's where he was. We're all with him right now; he's out on the couch," Tallon lied convincingly.

Gregory seemed to sigh. "His grandfather passed away,"

The others gasped a bit. "B-But…Hunter said he was recovering,"Madison mentioned.

"He was, but around 6:00 pm tonight when Hunter, Sal, and I were about to leave the hospital for dinner…Hunter's grandfather started having a heart attack, and…Despite best prayers by us and medical effort from the doctors; he couldn't be saved. Weston passed and was declared dead by the doctor at 6:10 pm. Hunter had been with us up until they covered Weston and took him from the room; we had been holding him back," Gregory stated calmly.

"Like when Jay passed away? The suddenness of the death being overwhelming when he felt things were going to be alright?" Tallon asked.

"Yes, exactly that. But, this time, he broke away and just bolted down the halls and out of the hospital at 6:30," Gregory explained softly. "Yes, Sal; he's safe. Tallon, and his friends have him at the complex. He did start drinking, and he is currently asleep. Emotional and mental exhaustion, maybe a bit drunk too, was the cause,"

"As long as he's alright. Flynn, or Tallon? Would either of you be so kind as to just keep an eye on him tonight and possibly through tomorrow?" Salvatore's voice came through.

"We planned on it long before you asked, sir," Flynn mentioned.

"Good, thank you," Salvatore breathed a sigh of relief.

"We'll be in touch tomorrow to check on him. Sal and I will be taking care of arrangements, and the service will hopefully be on Tuesday, when we know Hunter is off of school and work," Gregory mentioned.

"We'll keep Hunter posted on all of that," Salvatore added in.

"No problem. We're here to help in any way we can," Tallon assured.

"Thank you, Tallon. And the rest of ya. We're glad Hunter has such good friends, and a boyfriend who care about him as much as we do," Salvatore said gently.

"He'll always have us. We're not going anywhere," Tallon said.

"We best go. Goodnight," Gregory stated.

"Night," Tallon replied as the call ended and set the phone down as he looked at Hunter who was still out.

"Poor guy…" Harper frowned.

"It's like he can't catch a break," Drew agreed.

"His best friend and ex-lover dying two years ago. His mom last year. His grandfather tonight. School, work, dealing with the break up, getting into a new relationship; the life he lives as the president's son. Odin above, I would have lost my mind already," Avery sighed a bit.

"He was the last of my grandparents," came Hunter's voice as their eyes instantly fell on his figure beginning to open his eyes and sit up slowly. "My grandfather on my father's side died when I was thirteen in a drunk driving accident; not him driving, but someone else. My grandmother passed a year later when I was just going on fifteen; she just…Went in her sleep. Dad says it was a broken heart, but medical reason was that her heart just gave out. The homecare nurse found her the next morning…" Hunter had his arms on his legs, leaning forward with his head down. "My grandmother on mom's side died from stage four breast cancer right before I turned seventeen. Greg has had a couple of close calls overseas…Jay died two years ago. Mom died last year. And now Grandpa Weston…" Hunter said.

"It's easy to see why you're so upset about losing your grandfather, baby," Tallon said gently.

"Just seems like it never stops, and if it's not death…It's drama. Paparazzi, the crap with Cassandra, school, work, events…" Hunter sighed heavily. "Hell, I'm starting to question if I'm even sane anymore…Feels like maybe I lost it a long time ago and have just been living a constant nightmare of pain and misery, but telling myself that it's gonna be fine when I know it won't. I get…Temporary moments where everything is perfect, and then it gets ripped away from me,"

The others weren't sure what to say or do here; it was obvious why Hunter was upset, but what could they do to comfort him? Hunter was in mourning, and typically, it would be a few days that he'd be in this mood. Hunter finally stood up, taking a second to catch his balance. "What are you doing?"

"Going home," Hunter replied. "Dad and Greg are gonna need me…"

"Sounds like you need them," Elijah said calmly.

Hunter shook his head. "Don't let their calm demeanor on the phone fool you; their both about as much a mess as I am right now. But they need me; I'm the rock when it comes to family loss,"

"You shouldn't be going anywhere in your state, Hunter," Trevor informed. "You're drunk,"

"I'm fine…And if you're so worried about me; then come with. I'm only going to the apartment to get some clothes, then to the Archian House," Hunter offered, cleaning up his drink mess and heading for the door. "I don't mind if you come, entirely up to you if you feel like staying the night or a couple days. It's not like their isn't plenty of space there. My bedroom, is probably big enough for all of ya," he added.

"You…Don't mind us coming and staying?" Tallon asked. Hunter shook his head. "Well, I definitely want to be there for you and your family through this. I'll come,"

"We're your friends. You know we're here for you," Flynn nodded.

"Alright. Meet you at the apartment then," Hunter said, preparing to enter the tunnel.

"Are you planning on walking back?" TJ asked as Hunter nodded to him.

"No, no. We're not letting you walk at night while you're drunk," Trevor demanded.

"Ride with me, baby," Tallon offered. "Please?"

Hunter was going to decline, but he felt himself stagger a bit with the alcohol starting to hit more, processing what he had earlier. "Alright…" he agreed. The group left the hideout, getting back above ground and to their vehicles. Loading up, they all headed back to Dreki Apartments.

. . .

[10:00 pm]
[The Archian House]

It took a bit of time, but they reached Dreki Apartments where everyone split off to get to their apartments and pack some stuff for a few days. It was nice of Hunter to offer for them to stay in the Archia House for all of this because he knew they wanted to be there for him during this sad time of loss. At 9:30 pm, everyone met back at Hunter and Flynn's apartment; then they loaded up into their cars and followed Tallon's vehicle to the Archian House. Upon arrival, Hunter got them all inside as Salvatore and Gregory came right away.

"Oh, son…Thank Thor you're alright," Salvatore hugged him. Hunter returned the action, and then got a hug from Gregory too.

"I…Sobered up in the last hour or so, and had something to eat," Hunter informed calmly. "I know we…All stand together during loss, so I felt I should come home until after the services for Grandpa Weston…" he added calmly.

"And…Why are they all here?" Gregory whispered.

"They wanted to be here for me, so I invited them to come stay a few days. I already called ahead and spoke with the staff. The guys and I are staying in my room; the girls will be in the space across the hall from mine. Beds, pillows, and blankets have been set up for when we'd be here, which is now," Hunter explained.

"Ah, alright then. I'll let you handle that, son. Thank you…For coming home for a few days," Salvatore stated.

"It's what I do…" Hunter nodded. "We're gonna go get settled in. Is this…Goodnight?"

"Yes, it's late now. We'll see you for breakfast tomorrow morning? I'll make sure there are extra seats prepared for your friends and boyfriend," Salvatore mentioned.

"Thanks. Alright…Heading to my room then. Goodnight, Dad and Uncle Greg," Hunter replied as he led the others to the elevator where they went up to the second floor. Hunter yawned as he led them to his room. "Okay, girls on the left and us boys are over here in my room on the right. Everything you need should be in there, and both room have a personal bathroom. If you need anything, the staff is always wondering the halls through the night, just flag someone down,"

"Okay. Thanks, Hunter," Madison smiled. Hunter nodded as he unlocked his bedroom door with a key that was around his neck and walked through the door. The room was the same as it had been during the New Year's party. Except that this time; there were enough cots for TJ, Seth, Drew, Elijah, and Trevor.

"They were supposed to bring one more up…Unless, of course, we're out of cots. I assume the girls didn't need any since they'll share the king-size bed. Babe?" Hunter looked at Tallon now.

"Yes?" Tallon replied.

"If you want to share with me, that's fine. If not; you can have my bed and I'll sleep on the couch," Hunter said.

"I don't…Mind sharing with you, Hunter," Tallon blushed a little.

This would be Tallon and Hunter's first time sharing a bed since they'd begun dating on February 20th; the two of them hadn't been together even a month yet, so this was a bit of big step for them. After everyone settled in, and got ready for bed; it was close to 10:45 pm. Hunter and Tallon got into Hunter's bed, shared a small kiss before Hunter flipped off the light. It had been a long day, everyone was tired, so the best thing was to get some sleep for the evening.