I'll Be The One

Chapter 35:

=Normal POV=
[Sunday, 3/10/2019-7 am]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[The Archian House]

The next morning came pretty fast. The males began to wake up and use the bathroom quietly; Tallon was up after TJ, Seth, Flynn, Drew, Elijah, and Trevor, but found himself locked in Hunter's arms. "Huh?" Tallon rolled a bit seeing that Hunter was still fast asleep.

"Having a problem over there?" Drew wondered.

"Yeah…Hunter's got an iron grip around my waist…" Tallon stated.

"He must have rolled over in the middle of the night and grabbed onto you; that's sometimes a comfort thing when you're in a relationship and sharing the bed," Seth said. "Madison did it to me the first time we shared the bed together,"

"Same with Harper and me," Flynn put a finger up.

"The only thing you two better have been doing in the same bed is sleeping…" Drew warned.

"Yes, of course!" Flynn panicked at Drew's over-protective brother tone.

"Drew, lay off. For Odin's sake; the two of them have been dating since second year of college," Elijah rolled his eyes.

"Doesn't matter how long we've been dating. Harper and I aren't having sex until we're married; that's something we both agreed on when the topic of intimacy came up…" Flynn mumbled.

"Maddie and I didn't have sex until we'd been together for a year and three months," Seth added in.

"Didn't you two just pass two years together?" TJ asked.

"Yeah, back in December," Seth nodded.

"Besides, Drew, didn't you and Miya have sex after like…Six months together?" Trevor rolled his eyes. There was a slight knock on the door as Elijah went over to see that it was the girls, already showered, dressed, and ready for the day.

"Come on in. Just be quiet. Hunter is still sleeping and apparently refusing to let go of Tallon," Elijah laughed a little.

"It's not funny…" Tallon mumbled. "But I guess I don't mind," he smiled, getting comfortable. Hunter would probably wake up soon and let go.

"Back on what was asked; yes, Miya and I did have sex at six months of dating. And it ruined our relationship…We broke up a month later, and she hasn't spoken to me since," Drew sighed.

"You still care about her, don't you?" Harper frowned.

"Of course I do, and what happened was a total accident when we'd been drinking and got turned on while making out," Drew looked down. "I've tried to talk to her, but she ignores my messages and calls,"

"Maybe you need to go see her in person?" Flynn offered as Drew glared a bit. "Hey, I'm trying to help you…" he added.

"Drew, be nice…" Harper sighed. "Flynn is right, though. Maybe you should see her in person, try to talk about what happened?"

"That's what Elijah and I did," Roxanne mentioned. "We had sex early, broke up, didn't talk for a bit…I wouldn't answer his calls or messages because I felt like if he was really sorry; he'd say it in person. He came to see me two months later, we talked, and worked it out; then got back together,"

"Yeah, and been together almost a year now," Elijah smiled.

"When it comes to getting turned on; the smart person who isn't looking to relieve the sexual tension with sex uses foreplay or masturbation," came Hunter's tired voice.

"Well, good morning, Mister Iron Grip…" Tallon giggled a little. "Mind letting me up so I can use the bathroom? If I didn't have to go, I wouldn't mind staying in your arms. I'm pretty comfy right now,"

"Sorry, babe," Hunter smiled a bit, releasing Tallon, who then got up to use the restroom. After a moment or two, Tallon returned and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Are you getting up?" Tallon asked.

"Nope. Way too comfortable," Hunter said. "And still drunk…" he closed his eyes.

"Go back to sleep, baby," Tallon kissed his forehead. Just as Hunter was about to; there was a knock on the door and Hunter groaned.

"Oh, my Gods…WHAT?" Hunter yelled, throwing off the covers and getting up. Opening the door, Hunter saw Gregory there.

"Morning, lad…" Gregory tried to smile. "Your dad needs you,"

"Can't it wait another two or three hours?" Hunter asked.

"No, lad. He's not asking for you, but I know he needs you right now," Gregory informed.

"Where is he?" Hunter inquired.

"Dining Room," Gregory said.

"Gimme a sec," Hunter told him as he went to the bathroom and returned two minutes later fully dressed.

"I'll bring your friends down; you go ahead. I had the staff make sure the hangover cure was ready at your seat," Gregory mentioned.

"Much appreciated," Hunter headed out the door to find his father.

. . .

[2:30 pm]

Breakfast went smoothly; Hiccup comforted his father before anyone else joined them. Salvatore was going through the same thing that Hunter was; trying to process all the deaths that had occurred over the years, and deal with the fact Vanessa Haddock's one-year anniversary of passing was coming up in about a month. Salvatore and Gregory had some work to do, so it left Hunter to give his friends and boyfriend a tour of the grounds, and some of his favorite spots. Lunch came around and that went nicely; Hunter was told when the services would be. Tuesday the 12th of March; the memorial would be at 10 am, then the funeral for 11 am. A celebration of life would be held following that at 12 pm. Although, it seemed Hiccup disappeared after lunch because no one could find him. At the same time, no one was panicking because he was on the grounds somewhere, having been spotted a few times by staff.

"I told you he was gonna take off if you asked him to sing at the service," Gregory huffed at Salvatore.

"Excuse me, sir," interrupted one the staff walking by. "Are you looking for Hunter?"

"Yes. Do you know where he is?" Salvatore asked.

"I think you may find him in the stables, his music room, or the training one," the worker smiled some before heading off.

"Stables and music room I get, but training one?" TJ blinked.

"Training area on the first floor," Salvatore and Gregory said together.

"He wouldn't be in the mood for the training room; he usually only uses that when he's mad…" Gregory told Salvatore.

"Perhaps the stables?" Salvatore looked at his friend.

"He's in his room," stated Harry, who just walked up. "He's been there for an hour and a half now," the group made their way upstairs and Salvatore knocked on the door, but there was no answer.

"Son?" Salvatore asked.

"Are you sure he's in there?" Gregory asked Cody now.

"We've been standing at our posts since he entered," Cody replied as Harry returned to his spot. Bryant and Andrew weren't far either. Salvatore twisted the knob and peered inside, eventually opening the door fully and walking in with the others. Hunter was fast asleep on his bed with a notebook partially on his face, the pencil on the bottom half of the notebook but still in his hand. The guitar, given to him by his mother was in his lap as Hunter was slightly reclined in an upright position.

"Aw, lad…" Gregory smiled leaning against the wall.

"He doesn't change," Salvatore smiled as well before going over to move the guitar and set in it's place. Gregory followed up behind by getting the notebook and pencil away from Hunter. Salvatore carefully lifted Hunter to ease him back down and cover him up. Of course, just after Salvatore stepped back, Hunter shifted and turned on his side, but remained asleep.

"What do you mean he doesn't change?" Tallon asked.

"If he starts something while in his bed; he falls asleep there with whatever he started. It's usually his music stuff, sometimes the laptop or phone," Salvatore chuckled a bit.

"Looks like he was working on something new," Gregory stated, looking at the notebook. Salvatore peered over, and so did the others as they a bunch of notes and scribbles. "I can't tell what the title is, though,"

"It's his typical new material method. Ideas just scribbled down and he organizes it later," Salvatore reminded. "Come, let's leave for now," he ushered all of them out of the room so Hunter could sleep.

. . .

[6:15 pm]

Hunter woke up slowly; he took a moment to sit up and stretch before opening his eyes and blinking to focus on his surroundings. Hunter reached for his cell phone on the nightstand and checked the time, surprised to see how late it was.

Did I really sleep that long? Hunter thought. Shaking his head, Hunter got up and went to use the bathroom. Afterward, Hunter made his way to the first level and into the dining room on a gut feeling that's where everyone as it was nearly time for dinner. Hunter moseyed into the room while rubbing his eyes and yawning.

"Well, good afternoon, son," Salvatore was first to greet. Hunter mumbled a bit.

"You know he isn't a talker when he first wakes up, Sal," Gregory reminded.

"Why the hell did you let me sleep so long?" Hunter asked, sitting in his chair.

"You seemed tired and comfortable," Salvatore said.

"Dad, you let me sleep from 1:45 to 6:15…I'm never gonna get to bed until like 2 am now…" Hunter retorted.

"You'll find something to put yourself back to sleep," Salvatore chuckled. "I've told you not to take midday naps,"

"I typically don't," Hunter huffed.

"You fell asleep because you were drinking last night and up early this morning," Salvatore stated.

"I was going to go back to sleep this morning, but someone needed support and comfort," Hunter remarked. "I feel like me drinking last night was justified; it's not like I got smashed…"

"Alright you two; stop bickering," Gregory stated. "Now, let's just have a nice dinner,"

. . .

[Tuesday, 3/12/2019-9:45 am]
[Archipelago; Isle of Berk]
[Berkian Memorial Cemetery]

The rest of Sunday was quiet; the friends hung together in Hunter's bedroom watching TV or playing video games. Hunter was actually hard at work on a new song, but he did talk and joke with the others. Monday was pretty uneventful; everyone returned to the complex to check in on things in their apartments. Also, Hunter, Harper, the twins, and Flynn had classes. Hunter had work too, but that was because he switched with someone to get Tuesday off for the services. Granted the memorial and funeral were in the morning, but it was assumed Hunter wouldn't want to work a long shift after all that, so he and Steven switched shifts. Tuesday morning came fast, everyone took the time off to be there for Hunter on the day he had to say goodbye to his grandfather.

The group of them had left for the Isle of Berk at 6:30 am, and arrived in Berk an hour and a half later at 8 am. The first thing to happen was going to the funeral home and cemetery; Gregory, Salvatore, and Hunter helped set things up, and go over the two services. The friends helped where they could, but mostly; they were here for Hunter and his family. Of course, as the time continued to tick by until 10 am; the friends were wondering why they were all in Berk. Salvatore and Gregory were going over a few things with the pastor as Hunter sat in the chairs for family when the line of people paying condolences would pass by before the memorial itself took place.

Hunter seemed in deep thought, but the others could tell he was tying to collect himself before the ceremony. "You should go talk to him, Tal. See if he's alright, can do anything for him?" Elijah suggested.

"Okay," Tallon stated, a bit nervously. Before they dated; it wasn't so nerve-wracking for Tallon to talk to Hunter, but now; he was afraid to say something wrong and upset his already upset boyfriend. Tallon went over to Hunter now, sitting beside him. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just waiting for things to start," Hunter nodded.

"Can I do anything to help, make it a bit easier?" Tallon offered.

"Your presence is more than enough, babe. I really appreciate you, and the others, taking the last couple of days to be with me through all this, Tal. It means a lot to me," Hunter stated as he linked his fingers with Tallon's.

"Well, if our presence is more than enough; then I promise we're with you through it all," Tallon assured. Hunter smiled a bit as he leaned over and kissed Tallon's lips softly. Shortly after, Hunter laid his head on Tallon's shoulder and took a deep breath.

"So, why is this being held in Berk, out of curiosity?" Tallon wondered.

"My family, both mom and dad's side, are from Berk. This is the cemetery where my dad's parents, and my mom's mom is. Grandpa Wes has asked to be buried beside his wife in his will," Hunter stated.

"Ah, that makes more sense now," Tallon nodded. Salvatore and Gregory came over.

"It's time, son. The pastor will speak first, then myself, and you with your song…If you still intend on doing it," Salvatore said.

"I was asked by my grandfather…I won't deny him a dying wish…" Hunter informed. Tallon got up and kissed Hunter's cheek.

"I'm right in the front row if you need me," Tallon told his boyfriend.

"Thanks, babe," Hunter offered a light smile.

. . .

[10:20 am]

It was a private ceremony, so only a select handful of people came. Things had to be this way for the sake of safety; a large, public group wouldn't be safe for Hunter and Salvatore because anyone could attack. Hunter got to meet Tallon's family; they had come for things, but Tallon had asked Hunter's permission. It hadn't mattered because Salvatore didn't mind them coming as Director Raseri was someone Salvatore worked closely with on Archipelago-related matters. Others in attendance were Trevor, Avery, and Seth's families; mainly because those three had direct access into the First Family's life as part of the protection detail. The pastor spoke first, then Salvatore; neither made their words longer than five minutes. The last up was Hunter, and it showed on his face that he wasn't looking forward to it.

"You're up, kiddo," Gregory patted Hunter's leg a few times. Hunter took a deep breath as he forced himself to his feet, moving to the microphone.

"So, we all know that I'm not a fan of speeches, and I guess that's good because I didn't prepare one. I could go on about how great a man my grandfather was, but I was not asked to do that. Before my grandfather died; he asked me to sing his favorite song at his memorial. And we all know that typically and within reason, when asked to do something; I don't say no," Hunter started.

"Such a lie," Salvatore and Gregory rolled their eyes.

"I said TYPICALLY and within reason!" Hunter shot them both a glare. "Come on, I'm not gonna do everything I'm asked; that'd be far too easy," he added. "Moving on…" Hunter set his phone up to play the song. Hunter stood before the mic as he took a breath while the music started. The first thing the friends and Tallon were able to see is that Gregory and Salvatore both looked shocked; they had glanced at one another with surprise and the almost seemed…Worried.

"Sometimes the road just ends. It changes everything you've been. And all there is left to be; is empty, broken, lonely, hoping," Hunter began softly, his eyes were closed. "I'm supposed to be strong. I'm supposed to find a way to carry on!"

"I don't want to feel better. I don't want to not remember. I will always see your face, in the shadows of the haunted place. I will laugh, I will cry, shake my fist at the sky, but I will not say goodbye," Hunter sang as his eyes finally opened slowly, but Tallon saw nothing but pain behind them and due to sitting close enough; he could see tears that hadn't fallen.

"They keep saying time will heal. But the pain just gets more real. The sun comes up each day; finds me waiting, fading, hating, praying! If I can keep on holding on, maybe I can keep my heart from knowing that you're gone!" Hunter continued.

"He's crying," Avery whispered.

"I don't think this song was written last night when we saw him working on music…" Harper stated.

"Judging by the shocked looks of Greg and Sal…I think this song was written a while ago, and meant for someone else who died…" Trevor said.

"I don't want to feel better. I don't want to not remember! I will always see your face, in the shadows of the haunted place. I will laugh, I will cry, shake my fist at the sky, but I will not say goodbye!" Hunter sang out as the music went on a few seconds as some tears slipped down. "OH! I will curse. I will pray. I will relive every day. I will shoulder the blame. I will shout out your name! I will laugh, I will cry, shake my fist at the sky, but I will not say…Will not say goodbye! Will not say goodbye! Will not say…Oh…I will not say goodbye…" Hunter finished, lowering his head. (Song is I Will Not Say Goodbye by Danny Gokey).

The room began applauding, but Hunter never lifted his head up. Hunter turned to disconnect his phone and return to his spot between his father and uncle. "Hunter, why….Why did you do that?" Salvatore inquired softly.

"Because I was asked by my dying grandfather…How could I tell him no?..." Hunter stated, keeping his head down and not bothering to wipe the tears away. "Can we just…Finish this, please?"

"Of course, lad," Gregory said, looking at Salvatore now, nodding. Salvatore looked to the pastor, a silent question being asked if they could wrap things up. The pastor stood, nodding, and began the closing of the memorial. Shortly after five more minutes passed; the ceremony turned over to the funeral part. Thankfully, there was no need to go far as the location of the cemetery was the same as the funeral home. This procession didn't last long either, about twenty minutes in total. There were hugs, handshakes, and a reminder about the celebration of life get together at Berk Hall for noon.

Tallon was standing with the friends as they saw Hunter leaning on the fence, waiting almost impatiently to leave this place. Tallon finally made his way over, standing next to his boyfriend. "Need an ear to listen, or arms to hold you?" he asked. Hunter instantly moved and wrapped his arms around Tallon, who was a bit surprised, but hugged Hunter back to comfort him.

"This is all I need right now," Hunter said softly. Tallon smiled, still holding Hunter in his arms. If this is all Hunter needed, then Tallon was more than happy to provide it. Tallon wasn't worried about the song performed; he just knew his boyfriend needed comfort, so that's what he was going to do.