I'll Be The One

Chapter 39:

=Normal POV=
[Saturday, 3/23/2019-11:00 am]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

It had been a few days since Hunter and Tallon's one-month anniversary date at Archetti's. They ate lunch, took a walk in the park, got ice cream, and finally returned to the apartment. Tallon got dropped off so Hunter could get dress for work and head out at 5:45 pm to get to McViking for his shift. Hunter talked to Tallon a bit through that night, and then turned in for bed once his homework was done. The rest of the week was relaxing; Hunter had class and went to dinner with his uncle and father on Friday. Hunter kept in contact with Tallon, and saw him a few times during all the running around of school, work, and household things. Tallon was glad he got to talk to Hunter about all the sex-related things; he felt better knowing there was no rush on him about it, and whenever he was ready, he could talk to Hunter about moving to the next step in their relationship.

Today was Saturday, and the friends were hanging out inside Flynn and Hunter's apartment, minus Hunter, or so the friends had noticed. Tallon arrived late as he had a couple things to do in his apartment with reports and what not; then cleaning his place up. Tallon reached the door and knocked as Flynn happily let him in.

"Hey, Tal," Drew nodded.

"Sup?" Tallon lifted his hand as a general wave to everyone, but noticing his boyfriend wasn't present. "Where's Hunter?"

"I think he's at work," Flynn stated. "I was up around 4:30 am, just to get a drink and use the bathroom and I saw him making a cup of coffee and saying he'd be back later,"

"I'll confirm that," Trevor informed. "Heard it on the radio around 9 am that Night Fury was going to work; Cody and Andrew are across the street watching from the car with Kris,"

"How come you didn't get that report?" Avery wondered.

"I was in a meeting at the station with dad and a few others about Odin's Dragon's updates," Tallon remarked. "I had my headset out from 8:30 to 10:30. I was assured Hunter was safe and I wouldn't need to be listening in,"

"Ah. Well, he's at work. He went in for 5 am, never mentioned when he was getting out," Trevor stated. "Still haven't heard anything,"

"It's not a big deal," Tallon smiled. "We'll see him when we see him,"

"So, how are things between you two?" Madison smiled.

"Real good. We went out for lunch, real date on Wednesday. He took me to Archetti's," Tallon informed.

"Oh, that's sweet. I heard that's a nice place," Harper beamed.

"It's beautiful inside and out. After we ate; it was a walk in the park, ice cream and then he dropped me off here before going off to work," Tallon blushed a bit.

"Any reason you two didn't do something easy. Why did you refer to it as a real date?" Elijah asked.

"Hunter calls those the simple stuff as outings together, but Wednesday was a real date because it marked one month of us being in a relationship. That's what Hunter said anyway," Tallon shrugged and then his cell phone went off as he checked it.

"Is that Hunter?" Flynn inquired.

"No, my mom," Tallon replied as he read over the message.

Mom, 11:08 am
Hi, sweetie. Dad and I were wondering if you and Hunter would like to join us at the house for dinner tonight around 6:30 pm?

"Everything okay?" Seth wondered.

"Hm? Yeah. Mom wants to know if Hunter and I want to come to dinner at their house tonight," Tallon replied as he tapped the text box to reply to his mother.

11:09 am
Hunter's at work right now, but I'll ask him and get back to you soon. Love you!

"Guess I should message Hunter and ask if he's up for it," Tallon went to pull up the messages with Hunter. Of course, while he was doing that; the apartment door opened and Hunter walked in. Tallon's back was to him as the others went to say something, but Hunter put a finger to his lips and they stayed quiet. Hunter crept up behind Tallon and wrapped his arms around his shoulders; instantly kissing his lips when Tallon turned to see who was holding onto him.

Hunter chuckled a little as he broke the kiss and moved so Tallon could see him. "Hi, babe,"

"Hunter?" Tallon asked. "Odin above, you gave me a heart attack!" he took a few deep breaths.

"You survived, didn't you?" Hunter smiled as he kissed Tallon's cheek. Tallon mumbled a bit, calming down.

"Off work?" Roxanne questioned. Hunter came around to sit next to Tallon now.

"No, just lunch hour…Which after driving here; I now only have like forty minutes to enjoy," Hunter stated. "Forgot about the ten-minute drive back," he added.

"How much longer is your shift?" Avery wondered.

"That's a million-dollar question right now. I have no idea," Hunter shrugged. "I got called in this morning at 4 am to go in for 5 am. Steven is supposed to be in for 1 pm, but now he's saying something is going on and he's not sure he can make it. I can't ask Daryl because he closed last night and he has something else going on that he requested off to attend. So…I'm kind'a screwed tonight if Steven can't come in because it means I'm there til close, which, since we're in Summer hours again…Means I'm there until 1 am, out by 1:45-2 am," Hunter mumbled.

"Hunter, that's way too much for one day…You've been there since…5 am," Tallon looked at him with concern.

"Wouldn't be the first time I've pulled a shift like this. Heck, I think when I was…Maybe nineteen-years-old; I did a 5 am open to 1 am close. Got home, went to bed and was woken up at 4:30 am to open the next morning and work until 5 pm that night. Was called in again to do 8 pm to 1 am, got home and slept until…I think it was 6:30 am when I was asked once more to work from 7 am to…I want to say it was 4 pm. Needless to say that when I got to Jay's apartment after all that…I went to the bathroom while he was getting me something to snack on, and crashed hard before he got back five minutes later, until maybe 11 am the next day," Hunter chuckled.

"What the hell was up with the schedule that day?" Drew blinked.

"Short-staffed, managers had other things happening. No, that was not a fun three days and I told corporate if it ever happened again; I'd walk out. I'll deal with today's shift, but if I get called tomorrow to open; I'm gonna be pissed…" Hunter said.

"Well, you're home now, for a bit at least. Want something to eat? I think there is leftovers in the fridge?" Flynn inquired.

"I'll feed myself, Flynn. Thank you, though," Hunter stated. "Now, you…" he looked at his boyfriend.

"M-Me?" Tallon blinked, thinking he did something wrong.

"Yes, you. What were you going to message and ask me if I'm up for?" Hunter wondered.

"Oh! That…" Tallon stated. "My mom wanted to know if we'd join them for dinner tonight, but I said I'd have to check and see what your night was like first," he informed.

"I'd love to go to dinner with you at your parents' house, babe. I'll see what is going on with work first. As soon as I hear from Steven; I'll let you know. I told him he needed to let me know by 1 pm what his situation is," Hunter stated.

"Sounds good," Tallon smiled as he laid his head on Hunter's shoulder. "Alright, go eat," he lifted his head. Hunter got up, and moved to the kitchen to make something for himself; it ended up being two turkey and cheese sandwiches with mayonnaise. Also; there was some chips on the plate along with a can of soda in hand. Hunter plopped down and started eating. After one sandwich was eaten and a few chips and sips enjoyed; Hunter's cell phone rang among the chatter of the friends.

"That's Steven…" Hunter remarked after checking the caller ID. "Please…Please be coming in tonight…" he pleaded before sliding the icon to answer and pressing speakerphone. "If this is anything other than you're coming to work tonight, Steven…I will kick your ass, kill you, and then make sure Steven Rasmussen is erased like he never existed…"

The sound of someone gulping on the other end was heard. "S-So I'm not even gonna try and question any of what you just said and take your word for it…I-I will be in tonight, but-,"

"I don't like when there is always a but with you…" Hunter remarked.

"I'll be there at 6 pm…Is that okay?" Steven asked.

"Puts me at thirteen hours, but sure…Yeah, that's fine. But I get tomorrow off,"Hunter stated.

"But Daryl is opening…I'm off and you're supposed to close," Steven said quickly.

"And you're cutting into my off night with coming in at 6 pm by not handling your shit on an off day, which you had yesterday. I've worked six straight days as of today; I'm exhausted and I have homework to get done before Monday…I'm taking tomorrow off, and you're gonna go in to make up for what you lost and are making me lose today," Hunter huffed.

"Okay…That's fair. I'll work tomorrow," Steven agreed.

"Good. I'll see you at 6 pm then," Hunter informed before ending the call.

"We can do the dinner another night if you're too tired?" Tallon offered.

"Nah, I'll be fine. What time is the dinner?" Hunter inquired.

"6:30 mom said," Tallon replied.

"Alright…How long does it take to get to your parents' place from here?" Hunter wondered, eating another chip.

"About ten minutes," Tallon said softly.

"Okay. I get off work at 6 pm; I should be back here for 6:10. I'll grab a quick shower, change, and we'll go. Think they'll mind if we end up being a few minutes late?" Hunter questioned.

"Not at all," Tallon smiled to him. "I'll text mom and let her know," he added.

"Awesome, can't wait," Hunter smiled as he finished his food and checked his phone. "And it's time to go back…" he mumbled as he got up and cleared his stuff from lunch away. Hunter went into his room and then returned a few moments later while securing a watch to his wrist and tapping a few things on the screen. "There, that should be easier than using the phone," he stated. "Guess I'll see ya all next time I do," he smiled as he walked behind Tallon. "And I'll see you in a few hours," he lifted Tallon's chin and kissed him deeply. Tallon had a blush on his cheeks as Hunter headed out the door and left to get back to work.

"And here I thought Tallon was the big-bad gang leader," Elijah teased.

"Fuck off…" Tallon mumbled.

"Oh, leave him alone," Harper stated.

"Everyone is entitled to be happy," Madison nodded.

. . .

[6:35 pm]
[Raseri Home]

Just as planned when Hunter got home from work; he showered and changed as he and Tallon headed right for the Raseri Residence ten minutes away. Tallon drove, of course, and they only arrived five minutes late. Tallon parked in the driveway and the two of them got out, walking towards the front door. Tallon knocked, though he knew he didn't have to; it was respectful regardless. Dustin answered the door, smiling to see them there.

"You know you could have come right in, son," Dustin said.

"I don't technically live here anymore, so being respectful, Dad," Tallon stated as Dustin moved side, allowing them both inside.

"Good to see you again, Hunter," Dustin greeted, offering his hand.

"You as well, sir," Hunter shook Dustin's hand.

"No need for formalities, dear. You can call us by our first names," Rachel beamed.

"Out of respect, ma'am," Hunter replied as Rachel put a hand over her heart.

"Tallon, I adore him! You best not let him go," Rachel stated as Tallon sighed, embarrassed.

"I…Had no intention of doing so, Mom," Tallon mumbled, mouthing an I'm sorry to Hunter, who only smiled and shrugged as if to say he's heard it before and it was alright.

"We made chicken breasts with rice and broccoli," Dustin informed.

"Sounds divine," Hunter responded.

After another five or so minutes, the table was set and everyone was sitting down to enjoy the meal once Rachel set a plate in front of everyone. After a quick prayer, led by Dustin; everyone began to eat the meal. Around 7:15 pm, even with the light conversation; everyone was done. Two of Tallon's brothers cleaned up and did dishes while the rest of the family moved to the living room, and then the two brothers joined around 7:30 pm.

"So, how is school going, Hunter?" Rachel wondered.

"It's going good; can't wait to be done in June," Hunter admitted.

"Harder this year?" Garet questioned.

"Well, the classes aren't nearly as difficult as the first semester was, but the term paper I have to do takes up a lot of time next to work or events with dad," Hunter shrugged.

"Is it the dissertation?" Rachel inquired.

"Yes, all on Engineering, specifically Computer and Mechanical," Hunter nodded. "I've done a lot of research in my spare time since the start of the second semester, now I'm getting into actually writing everything,"

"Is it hard?" Daniel asked.

"The paper?" Hunter looked at him as he nodded. "No, not really. It's just a lot of writing, editing, and making sure it's formatted correctly and meets all requirements. It's basically a graduation project. I know I'll pass my classes and finals; I'm only taking Advanced Logic and Advanced Languages. There's also one music class on Mondays," he informed. "I have to have it turned by the end of Finals Week, so I think Friday the 31st of May. Final grades will be in by the following Friday, June 7th; we also receive our graduation status, pass or fail that day. And then in two or three weeks, diplomas will get mailed to us. No big graduation like from High School," Hunter explained.

"Your dad will probably throw you a party," Tallon smiled.

"Or Greg," Hunter nodded. "Likely both of them," he chuckled a bit.

"What is your plan for after college?" Dustin questioned.

"I've got some building and designing jobs lined up, most of it I can do from home and just hold meetings to make sure it's getting done to the vision," Hunter stated. "Or actually go into deal with all the technical stuff,"

"That should be fun, working from mostly home," Rachel smiled. "Will you continue to stay where you are? In Dreki Apartments?"

"Well, my lease isn't up until September, so I've got til then to figure it out," Hunter replied softly. "I don't mind living with Flynn, but I think his girlfriend might be moving in after she graduates this year as well,"

"Where does that leave you, back with your dad and uncle?" Arianna inquired lightly.

"Probably, or maybe I find my own place," Hunter shrugged. "Haven't figured it out yet," he smiled. "I cross bridges when I get to them,"

"Good philosophy," Tallon laughed a bit as Hunter linked his hand to Tallon's; he laid his head on Hunter's shoulder, closing his eyes.

"And here I thought I was the tired one," Hunter laughed a little. "You wanna head home, babe?"

"No, I'm alright. I'm actually comfortable," Tallon said. "I've missed you these past few days,"

"I've missed you too, babe," Hunter kissed his forehead. "I'll have some free time tomorrow too, since I'm not working,"

"Don't you have homework?" Tallon blinked.

"A little bit, but nothing that will take super long," Hunter stated. "You can come over while I do it and then maybe we can watch a movie?"

"That sounds fun. Do I get to pick the movie?" Tallon hoped.

"If you'd like to," Hunter said softly.

"Yay," Tallon beamed, cuddling up more. The group continued to talk and relax until about 8:15 pm when Tallon actually began to fall asleep on Hunter's shoulder. After saying their goodbyes, Hunter offered to drive them back to the apartment. Arriving there, both said a goodnight to one another before going their separate ways into their apartments. Hunter changed into something comfortable and started his homework while texting Tallon for a few hours, and then around 12:30 am; he finally decided to get some sleep. For Tallon, he went to bed around the same time but spent his free time until then doing some police work. It had been an interesting day with the long shift for Hunter, but it ended nicely with dinner at Tallon's parents' place and then both of them texting until they fell asleep.