I'll Be The One

Chapter 41:

=Tallon's POV=
[Friday, 3/29/2019-4:45 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A10]

Hunter and I had a great time hanging out together in my apartment on Monday night after the military event we attended so that Hunter could sing and provide music at Gregory's request after the first form of entertainment bailed. Hunter and I watched a movie on the couch, and it was over by 9:30 pm. We decided to watch another and then call it a night at 11 or 11:30 pm, but we missed the end of the movie due to making out a little. It was nothing crazy or that led into something else, but we kissed a couple times and it went from there into making out. I enjoyed it a lot; it wasn't planned and I never considered we'd get into that after only a month of dating, but it didn't feel wrong either. I guess once it started; I didn't overthink anything and let it happen. I felt relaxed and comfortable so I didn't stop it. Hunter stopped us when the movie ended, saying it was probably a good idea to call it a night because he felt tired. We shut things down for the night and shared another kiss before he left to get back to his apartment.

I shut off the lights and locked the door; then went to my room, going to sleep almost instantly. I had gotten a bit turned on from the making out, but thankfully, I hadn't gotten hard. I assumed that if I did; it would have been a natural reaction to making out with Hunter. Either way; Monday night ended perfect. On Tuesday, Hunter had his term paper research to take care of in the morning and I met with the gang, minus Flynn, Roxanne, TJ, Harper, and Madison to get more work done on locating our bad guys to take down. We all met up for lunch at 12:30 pm, Hunter included, so that was nice. Hunter went home to grab a shower and then head for work at 1:45 to get there for 2 pm. I guess he got called in early to handle something. Wednesday was calm, Hunter had class from 8 am to 10 am; then he decided to head for the library with his laptop to get more work done for his dissertation until 2 pm. I think he took a break for lunch, but ultimately did research until 3 pm; then left to get ready for a shift at 4 pm. I spent Wednesday doing work with the gang.

On Thursday, Hunter worked from 5 am to 8 am; then had class from 9 am to 11 am. I worked with the gang until then because Hunter and I decided to go on a date for 12 pm, so that was nice. We were going to hang out more, but at 2 pm; he got called into work because of a surprise inspection; then ended up staying to close because they were down a lot of people. Today, Friday; Hunter was supposed to have that singing contest at the university. We've all been invited, including his dad and uncle. The day was calm, but Hunter has spent the day locked up in his room to prepare for tonight. Flynn confirmed that for us when we wondered where Hunter was. But at 1:45 pm, Hunter left the apartment to go to class until 4 pm. Hunter already messaged me and said that we'd be right up front with his dad and uncle. I was excited about this, but I knew Hunter was nervous; he expressed it during our Thursday lunch date.

"Tal! We're heading over to the school. Are you coming?" Flynn called.

"Yeah!" I replied from behind my apartment door. I grabbed a few things and exited to go with them across the street.

. . .

[4:50 pm]
[Archia University]

We met up with Salvatore and Gregory in the auditorium and found our reserved seats, and were in the protection ring of Salvatore's bodyguards. I knew there were others around too, hiding out in the shadows. More people began to file into the room; it seemed this was pretty big and everyone was excited about it. At 5 pm, a woman came out on the stage smiling.

"Welcome, welcome! As most or all of you know; the students of my class are putting on a concert at the end of the year. However, there can only be one lead singer and we've narrowed it down to just two who will perform for you. The students will be performing the same song and the winner will be decided by all of you and a measuring program. So, let's get this started. Your two contestants are Gabriella Vinter and Hunter Haddock!" the woman announced proudly. Hunter and the girl walked out, shaking each other's hand and wishing the other luck. "Your song will be All By Myself, by Celine Dion. Which of the two of you would like to go first?"

"I will!" Gabriella offered. The woman nodded, handing her the microphone as the teacher and Hunter stepped back.

"That's a hard song…" Madison commented quietly.

"The highest note is a F…Ridiculously high," Harper agreed.

"Can Hunter do it?" I asked.

"He doesn't look concerned or nervous when it was announced," Seth mentioned.

"Mr. President, Mr. Forger…Is it possible for Hunter to do the song?" Elijah inquired.

"It's a tough call," Salvatore admitted.

"Before puberty hit him; he was able to do a lot of high-pitch songs. Even Celine Dion's. But length was never on his side; he tried and tried, but couldn't usually hold a note longer than three to five seconds," Gregory added in.

"On Monday; he said the song he did was probably his max," Drew reminded. "And that wasn't nearly as high as the one he has to do now,"

"Will he back out, or would he still try?" Avery questioned.

"Hunter doesn't back out of a challenge; he'll still try. He might be able to hit the note, but he could hurt his voice doing so," Salvatore told them. "It's hard to say until after he does it," The girl, Gala, finished the song and did well, but she didn't hit it perfectly.

"You're up, Hunter," the teacher said, hanging him the mic.

"Not too late to back out," Gala grinned a bit.

"I don't back out," Hunter said calmly, walking forward. The song restarted as Hunter took a breath, closing his eyes. "When I was young; I never needed anyone. And making love was just for fun; those days are gone. Living alone; I think of all the friends I've known. But when I dial the telephone, nobody's home," Hunter started. As the next cue came up where he'd sing again; his eyes opened on the beat of the drums.

"All by myself. Don't wanna be, all by myself anymore…" Hunter continued. So far; he was doing exceptional. I was watching the measurer closely, and Hunter, of course. Hunter's notes, thus far, have matched up.

"Hard to be sure. Sometimes I feel so insecure. And love so distant, and obscure, remains the cure," Hunter went on.

"All by myself. Don't wanna be, all by myself anymore. All by myself. Don't wanna live, all by myself anymore," Hunter closed his eyes, lowering the microphone as the music played. I could tell that Hunter was almost battling with himself about the next part. I don't know how he was doing it, but he was hitting all the right notes. Maybe he could do it? I just didn't want him to hurt himself to do it. Hunter took a breath and started on his cue to do so. "All by myself. Don't wanna be all by myself…ANYMORE!" Hunter sang out. I watched the program and realized he'd done it! Hunter hit it perfectly!

All my friends, Sal, and Gregory were shocked, but happy. I was still concerned because it looked like Hunter took a lot to do it, but still; he did it. The room cheered when Hunter held the note. "All by myself. Don't wanna live. Ah-oh! Don't wanna live by myself, by myself anymore! By myself anymore. Ah-oh!" I was beyond impressed with my boyfriend. This song, the notes in it were way higher than Hunter said he could do, but he had done it by some grace of Odin. The crowd jumped to their feet, applauding and cheering. Hunter was taking deep breaths, the microphone at his side. Hunter smiled a bit, taking a light bow before handing the microphone to the teacher and briskly walking backstage. The teacher was surprised too, and she looked concerned as to why Hunter left so quick.

"Well, I think we have our winner. Hunter Haddock will be the lead singer in the concert come June. Thank you all for coming out, have a good night!" the teacher said, flipping the microphone off and setting it on the stand. I felt compelled to make sure Hunter was alright.

"Come on, Greg," Salvatore stood up. "We need to check on him,"

"Can we come too?" Flynn asked.

"Of course," Gregory nodded. We all moved to get behind stage and find Hunter against the wall with a water bottle. Hunter was also crouched down and slightly hunched over.

"Baby? Are you okay?" I asked, getting down next to him.

"I'm fine," Hunter rasped.

"You hurt your throat, didn't you?" Salvatore inquired.

"Maybe a bit," Hunter nodded.

"Why did you push it?" Gregory sighed.

"It didn't take much extra to do the note; it was holding it that high longer than I'm used to. And then the following length and pitches it took to finish the song," Hunter stated.

"Let's get you back to the apartment. Maybe don't sing for a couple days, and drink something hot?" Madison suggested.

"I know my cure for an irritated throat, thank you. I'll be fine," Hunter said softly. "I'm heading back to the apartment,"

"Right behind you, babe," I replied.

"As are we," Avery nodded.

"We'll come for a bit," Gregory informed. I helped Hunter up as he dusted himself off and then we all exited the university to get back to the complex.

. . .

[5:30 pm]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

Getting back to the complex, we all went right to Flynn and Hunter's apartment. Hunter went to change, and I think shower really quick. Around 6 pm, Hunter returned and joined me on the couch. "Welcome back," I greeted him.

"Thanks," Hunter kissed my cheek.

"Your voice sounds better," Harper pointed out.

"I know the tricks to keep my voice in check. Gargle hot as you can handle salt water a couple of times; helps with sore throats," Hunter informed. "Not sure if it's advice given to all, but it works for me," he shrugged.

"Aye, something yer mother used to tell ya. You hated it as a kid," Salvatore chuckled a bit.

"You know, I vaguely remember those times," Hunter said. "Now…Who is up for dinner? I'm starving,"

"What are we having?" Flynn asked.

"I can whip up homemade pizza or burgers," Hunter offered.

"Oh, burgers sound great," Drew said. "We can help,"

"Guys…You know that if I cook something; I cook it by myself," Hunter reminded. "It's just a thing with me," he got up and moved to the kitchen.

"Well, you have friends now, so suck it up and let us help," Avery stated.

"Alright, fine…But I do the actual cooking," Hunter mumbled.

"Good, now how can we help?" Seth asked.

"Well, we need…Buns, condiments, veggies, and…Probably chips. Anyone wanna go out and get it?" Hunter asked.

"We'll go," the Thorston twins offered. "Can we do hotdogs too?"

"Sure," Hunter smiled.

"And I'll go to keep an eye on them," Elijah chuckled as he got up. "Come on babe," he wrapped his arm around Roxanne's waist. TJ followed the two of them out of the apartment after Hunter gave Elijah two twenties. Hunter pulled the burgers out of the freeze, and located a large skillet to cook with. Hunter also grabbed the hotdogs as well. Hunter got to work cooking everything and by 6:20 pm; Elijah returned with Roxanne and TJ, holding all the items they grabbed for dinner. Elijah gave Hunter his change and then Harper and Flynn helped set everything out. Madison and Seth took care of getting plates and the dining area set. Drew and I got soda out with a bucket of ice, cups, and then chips in bowls for easier access.

"Alright, food is up!" Hunter called. Everyone lined up to get what they wanted, but allowing Salvatore and Gregory to go first out of respect. Flynn, me, Hunter, and Harper went after Sal and Greg; then everyone else grabbed their food. We all sat at the table to enjoy our meal; Hunter did an excellent job, as always.

. . .

=Normal POV=
[8:30 pm]

The food was great, and filling. Everyone enjoyed cupcakes or ice cream for dessert after cleaning up from dinner. Salvatore and Gregory left before dessert happened. Everyone was just sitting around now, but Hunter wanted a little time with his boyfriend.

"Feel like going to the room to watch a movie, babe?" Hunter asked, holding Tallon's hand.

"We could all watch one out here," Trevor suggested. Hunter mumbled under his breath, but Tallon caught it.

"I…Think Hunter is probably tired," Tallon said, surprising Hunter. "It's kind of a thing we do every couple of nights. Watch a movie together until we're ready to sleep. A movie in your room sounds great, baby," he smiled.

"Well, alright then. Have a good night! We'll probably hang here until 10 or 11 pm," Drew stated. Tallon and Hunter got up, saying goodnight to the others and then heading off into Hunter's room together. The door closed as the others snickered a bit.

"Something tells me that they just wanted to be alone," TJ grinned.

"So what if they do? It's cute," Avery laughed a bit. "I think they deserve one another. It's nice to see Tallon have another interest beside work and well…Hunter definitely deserves to be happy with all he's been through,"

"I agree," Elijah nodded. "Seems like their relationship is going swell,"

"They've been together a month, haven't they?" Flynn asked.

"Yeah, two on the 20th of April," Harper nodded to her boyfriend. "But April will probably be a bit hard for Hunter. It's the one-year of losing his mom,"

"We'll all be here for him, if he wants us to be," Madison informed. "You saw how some deaths hit him, recent or in the past. It seems like he prefers to be alone,"

"As most do," Flynn added in. "Can't fault him for that. The guy has basically lived his whole life under constant watch,"

"Either way; we'll be here for him as we are for each other," Drew stated.

In the bedroom with Hunter and Tallon; they picked a movie to watch and got comfortable in Hunter's bed. "Thanks for saying what you did out there," Hunter informed as the movie was starting up.

"What do you mean?" Tallon asked.

"The me being tired and us watching a movie together thing happens every couple of nights," Hunter explained.

"Well, I mean; we kind of do," Tallon said. "I saw your face fall when they mentioned a group movie. I got the feeling you had suggested it under the pretenses that it would be just us,"

"Yeah, I did. Don't get me wrong; I like spending time with them too, but…It's been a long time since I've been this happy, Tal. Relationship-wise, at least," Hunter admitted.

"Hey, you don't have to explain it to me," Tallon assured. "I get it," he added as Hunter leaned over, capture Tallon's lips with his own. The kiss didn't last long, but it was meaningful before they cuddled more and enjoyed the movie as it started.

. . .

[10:30 pm]

The movie got paused a few times for bathroom and make out breaks. However, when it finally ended, Hunter noticed that Tallon was fast asleep in his arms. Hunter laughed a little, kissing Tallon's forehead before using the remote to shut off the TV; he pulled the covers on them more as Hunter closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Much later on, Tallon woke up and noticed he was still in Hunter's bed with him.

I should get back to my apartment. Tallon thought as he went to move, but Hunter's arms tightened on him.

"Stay…" Hunter said tiredly.

"But…We've," Tallon started.

"Yes, we have, babe. When we stayed at the Archian House together; you and I shared my bed. We don't live in the old days of proper courtship where the couple must be living or sleeping together to share a bed. It's fine; you fell asleep in my arms and I got comfortable with you in them. It's like 12:45 am…Just stay here tonight," Hunter mumbled a bit.

"Alright," Tallon smiled as his boyfriend's sleepy voice. Tallon laid down as Hunter continued to hold onto him; they shared a kiss and resumed a comfortable position for both as sleep took them away.