I'll Be The One

Chapter 61:

=Normal POV=
[Tuesday, 8/20/2019-7:00 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A10]

Hunter sat there on Tallon's couch, staring at his boyfriend of six months after what was just suggested. Tallon asked, no; he told Hunter to stay at the complex, with him. Hunter was completely beside himself, and he was speechless too. Hunter wasn't sure how to respond to the suggestion. Tallon knew it was bold to say, but what harm was there in doing it? The worst that happened was Hunter says no and goes to the Archian House as he planned to. The two of them were just looking at one another; Hunter was surprised and silent while Tallon was more…Hopeful. Finally, Hunter shook his head to snap out of his shocked state.

"Wait," Hunter said. "What did you just say?" he asked to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

"I told you that if you don't want to go to the Archian House, stay here in Dreki Apartments…" Tallon repeated. "With me," he added calmly. Yes, Hunter had heard right. Tallon did offer for Hunter to come stay in his apartment, together. Hunter actually didn't know to respond to what he'd been told, and Hunter typically always had an answer for everything.

"I…I…" Hunter halted for the words to say, but found nothing to currently express the utter confusion. Hunter took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

"I know you're confused and…Surprised," Tallon started.

"Understatement much?" Hunter asked.

"Well, you haven't lost you sarcasm. Suppose that's a good sign," Tallon remarked.

"Tal…" Hunter replied in a tone that showed he was trying to be serious and make sense of things.

"Was trying to lighten the moon, babe. Just…Hear me out, okay?" Tallon offered as Hunter nodded to him. "You are happy in this building with all of your friends and me around, and you admitted to not being able to find another place, and not wanting to go back to the Archian House. If you don't want to stay with Flynn and Harper for your reasoning, which, of course, is totally valid; then stay in Dreki Apartments here, with me," he said.

"But Tal," Hunter tried.

"There's no buts, Hunter. You don't want to go to the Archian House; you want to stay here. I'm offering that to you," Tallon stated.

"We've only been dating six months; you're…Suggesting we move in together. The prospect of living together with a lover never even got brought up when I was with Jay, or Cassandra. And fuck; I was with Cassandra for five years, and for a brief period, engaged to her. It never got discussed because I was in school," Hunter exclaimed.

"But you're not in school anymore, Hunter. You finished college almost three months ago now; you're just at the apartment, working; usually either alone or with all of us there. Or, you're here with me," Tallon reminded as Hunter didn't have a rebuttal because it was true. "You are only ever between three or four places, love. Yes, I know we've only been together for six months, but you said yourself that most things depend on the couple, when they do them if they are ready or not,"

"I said that in reference to having sex!" Hunter retorted.

"What's the difference if it's sex or living together? Hunter, you are always here, baby," Tallon informed sternly, but somewhat gentle too. "You were underage when you dated Jay, so you technically couldn't live with him. And you didn't live with Cassandra because you had school. Even when you two were broken up, and you were seeing Jay; you didn't live with him. You stayed a couple days, maybe a week or two, but never lived there and I'm sure, like one hundred percent sure without you ever having mentioned it to me; that he offered it to you. To live with him," he added. Hunter didn't say anything. "Am I right?"

"Yes…" Hunter admitted.

"Hunter…Six months or not; you're always here or I'm with you in the room in yours and Flynn's place. Always. I've spent the night with you there and you've done it here. We started sharing a bed, and don't get mad at me for mentioning it, but when your grandfather died. I think that was the first time we shared the bed together, and as if nothing different; you instantly felt comfortable enough to hold onto me," Tallon said as Hunter sighed. "Babe…I'm not saying you have to do it if you aren't comfortable doing so. I'm just trying to offer you something that gives you what you want…And keeps you happy,"

"What?" Hunter arched a brow curiously.

"You said being here makes you happy, gave you back the happiness you thought you'd lost. And mentioned returning to the Archian House is gonna make you feel bored, lonely, and sad. I…Didn't want you to feel like you had to go back there if there's another option in living situation. And staying here, living in this apartment with me; is that other option," Tallon said softly. "I know we've only been together six months, babe, but we're always together. Literally, we see each other every day, even if it's just an hour. We sleepover each other's places, and have at least one set of clothes there too. Heck, I think you have deodorant, a razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a hair brush here," Hunter blushed a bit, recalling that he did. "And I have stuff there, not sure what, but I know I do,"

"Either way…We've done all this other stuff without really…Waiting to do it. You know, the foreplay and sex stuff. I…Personally think we'd be fine if we lived together. Honestly, you usually prefer to be here because Harper is always over at Flynn's, or the other's too. Coming here gives us more privacy and quiet. Like I said, you don't have to. But I guess…I'm just thinking of something we could both enjoy that…Stays within what you want and what makes you happy," Tallon confessed softly.

Hunter didn't say anything at first. Everything Tallon said raced through his head, and it came down to Tallon only wanting Hunter to be happy, and trying to make it so Hunter could stay where he's happy and comfortable. And Hunter knew that he was no happier or more comfortable than with Tallon. "Okay," Hunter said as Tallon's head shot up.

"What?" Tallon asked.

Hunter smiled, linking his fingers with Tallon's. "Okay. I'll stay in Dreki Apartments…" he said. "With you,"

"Y-You will?" Tallon blinked.

"You made a good argument, with all valid and true points. But…The bottom line is that I love you, Tallon. The happiest and most comfortable I've been in a long time, is when I'm with you. I don't really want to lose that, and…I want to stay here, with you," Hunter said gently before leaning in and kissing his boyfriend deeply. Tallon was overjoyed, Hunter agreed to live with him.

"This is…Great! We can work everything out with the landlords when they come for September payment," Tallon smiled. Hunter nodded as he kissed Tallon again.

"We can do that…But tonight…We can do something else to…Celebrate," Hunter hinted. Tallon blushed furiously, but nodded. Hunter got up, pulling Tallon with him towards the bedroom. Tallon had time to close the door before Hunter pulled him in for a hard kiss, the two of them fell on the bed together, making out feverishly.

. . .

[Friday, 9/06/2019-4:00 pm]

"Well, we did it," Hunter said, standing beside his boyfriend of now, almost, seven months as they admired the space they now called theirs.

As planned, Hunter moved into Tallon's apartment on the 1st of the month. All of the friends were supportive of the decision and understood Hunter's reasoning for moving out of A1, and it made sense he was going to A10 with Tallon. Hunter and Tallon were both on the lease for A10 now, and Hunter had the key from A1 reassigned to A10. Tallon and Hunter rearranged the bedroom to accommodate Hunter's things. The two decided to switch beds, using Hunter's because it was bigger. There were two nightstands, one on each side of the bed. There were two tall stand up dressers that have two small drawers on top, and then four bigger ones underneath the small ones. Hunter's desk was set up in the main area on the right side of the entry door before the hallway that led to the bathroom and bedroom.

There was a small shelving unit for the TV, movies, cable box, and DVD/VHS player. More formal wear and extra shoes were in the shared closet; they each used one side. Hunter had the right and Tallon, the left. And of course, all of Hunter's personal items had been added into the bathroom in a basket. Tallon's were in one too, so this kept it all organized. Tallon and Hunter split the rent and bills, just as it had been when Hunter lived with Flynn. Tallon's apartment was actually cheaper overall because the total rent was just $830 a month. Each paid their own phone, snacks, and vehicle insurance.

"Looks good," Tallon nodded his head in approval. "I love the pictures idea you came up with," he smiled.

"I enjoy seeing memories around," Hunter shrugged. "Thank you…For letting keep up a few with Jay,"

"Hunter, he was more than a lover to you; he was a friend as well. If we're gonna have pictures up of our families and friends; I believe the ones of you and your first and probably best friend deserve to be displayed as well," Tallon said as Hunter kissed him gently.

"So, we're having the small party with family and friends at 5:00 pm…" Hunter began.

"Yeah…" Tallon nodded.

"I think, since we haven't yet, we should go make love on our bed in our room," Hunter stated.

"You're all excited and horny about this being our place, aren't you?" Tallon chuckled.

"Yes, now come on," Hunter dragged him to the bedroom, closing the door behind.

. . .

[5:05 pm]

Tallon and Hunter just got lost in making love, so much so that they didn't realize it was fifteen minutes to 5 pm. And Tallon forgot that his father had a key to the apartment, a backup because Tallon was a scatterbrain at times and often locked himself out of the apartment, needing his father to let him in. When the group arrived and no one was answering the door at 5:05 pm, Dustin decided to use the key, under the impression that perhaps Hunter and Tallon might have fallen asleep or forgotten they were coming over.

"Tallon? Hunter?" Rachel called. Inside the bedroom, as the two had just finished releasing; they heard the call for them. The two instantly looked at the door.

"That…Came from in the apartment," Hunter said.

"It's…Past 5 pm. Fuck…I forgot dad has a key to my place because I lock myself out when I'm in a rush…" Tallon bit his bottom lip.

"Where are you two? Sleeping? Did you forget we were coming?" Salvatore yelled next.

"Shit…" the males whispered and quickly scrambled to clean up and redress themselves.

"B-Be right out!" Tallon replied.

"We fell asleep after cleaning everything," Hunter added calmly; the first to exit the room after making sure he looked presentable.

"No problem," Gregory waved it off. Tallon came out second, joining next to Hunter and linking their hands. "So, we getting this started?" he smiled.

"Absolutely," Tallon nodded. "We've got pizza on the way," he added. "Babe, are you putting on your music?"

"I will," Hunter nodded. "I gotta do something on the computer real quick anyway," he smiled.

"We said no work today," Tallon chuckled.

"It's just a quick design change, love. It'll take me literally five minutes," Hunter kissed his cheek before moving over to the desktop computer and logging in. Hunter started up the music and then located the project he wanted. "Ugh, too small to see everything," he mumbled before grabbed clicking a few things and getting up and moving into the living room where everyone was sitting.

"Less than five minutes," Avery said.

"Haven't started yet. Computer screen is too small to see the whole design at once so I'm stealing the TV for a sec," Hunter got the flash drive plugged into the TV and then started using his finger to click on things since it was a smart/touch device. Hunter brought up the electronic blueprint and examined it, moving the picture around, enlarging and minimizing certain parts.

"What ya working on?" Salvatore wondered.

"Classified information," Hunter replied while scribbling down a few notes on the pad in his lap.

"I'm the president, nothing is classified to me," Salvatore mentioned.

"But it is to them," Hunter reminded. "I do a lot of work for the military, and that's all I can really tell you,"

"Fair enough," Dustin nodded.

Hunter connected his electronic draw pad up and started changing a few things. "Looks like-," Gregory started.

"Shut it, Uncle Gobber," Hunter mumbled. "I know you figured it out already,"

"Heh, you haven't called me that since you were little," Gregory chuckled. "Well, littler,"

"Fuck you," Hunter retorted.

"Hunter could never say Gregory's name until he was four or five, so he called him Gob or Gobber," Salvatore laughed a bit. Hunter rolled his eyes and kept working. After a few more minutes, Hunter zoomed out and saved things quickly before pulling out the flash drive and setting it on his desk with the draw tablet. Hunter came back over as there was a buzz at the door.

"That'll be the pizza," Hunter stated as he left the apartment, and returned five minutes later with five large boxes Hunter set them down on the cleared off counter. "Let's eat," he smiled. Everyone got up and started getting some food and drinks; then found a place to sit and enjoy. The talking was light, and interesting, but all good regarding relationships, work, and other such things in everyone's lives. It was nice, and there was no real celebration that Hunter moved in with Tallon; it was just everyone wanting to get together and the choice happened to work out of being and Tallon and Hunter's place.

. . .

[8:30 pm]

When the parents, and Raseri siblings left; only the friends had stayed to go into more…Interesting topics that weren't for the parents to hear.

"So, out with it," Seth mentioned.

"What are you talking about?" Tallon questioned.

"You and Hunter weren't sleeping when we showed up, were you?" TJ grinned.

"Yeah, there's no way. You seemed way to panicky when we came in," Roxanne giggled.

"Well, yeah. We were sleeping and wake up to learning there's people in the apartment," Hunter remarked.

"But then I remembered I gave dad a key to the apartment and we realized it was past 5 pm," Tallon chuckled.

"Bullshit! You two were fucking!" Elijah laughed. Tallon blushed a little as Hunter rolled his eyes.

"And?" Hunter remarked

"Hunter!" Tallon whined, hiding his face on Hunter's shoulder.

"What, babe? It's not like we told them, or even hinted at it; they just figured it out," Hunter stated.

"Did we…Come in on your first time or something?" Avery inquired.

"Gods no," Hunter said. "Well, first time under the reasoning of being in our place, our room, our bed. Before it was just in my bed, or in Tallon's bed because we weren't living together; it was just sleepovers,"

"So…How long you been doing it?" Trevor wondered.

"Since the night of Hunter's graduation party," Tallon sighed.

"Which one of you is top?" Seth asked.

"Neither, we alternate," Hunter mentioned. "We both enjoy the feeling of fucking or being fucked, so we switch off," he added.

"Not that it's any of your business," Tallon mumbled softly, and Hunter heard it.

"And now you know, so leave it alone. What two people do behind closed doors is no business of yours," Hunter informed.

"No problem," Drew nodded.

"Yeah. It's cool," Madison smiled. "We're just glad you two are happy together,"

"Yeah, you're coming up on almost a year, right?" Miya inquired lightly.

"In February, yes. We hit seven months on the 20th of September," Hunter replied calmly.

"Good for you two," Harper smiled gently. "Oh, just so we don't forget to tell you, even though you all get an invitation…Flynn and I are getting married October 10th, 2020 in Archia Park at 4:00 in the afternoon,"

"We'll mark it down," Tallon said as he set it in his phone, and almost all the others did the same.

"Maddie and I are getting married in June 2020, on the 6th. Haven't planned a time or place yet, but wanted you to know since we got on the subject," Seth informed softly.

"When did you two get engaged?" TJ blinked.

"Seth asked me at a dinner between our families back in June for my birthday, which is on the 4th. We went to Archetti's," Madison beamed.

"Good for you two, congratulations," Roxanne smiled.

"Sorry it took us so long to say something, but it got kind'a crazy with work and we're now living together; that happened in July," Seth shrugged.

"No big deal," Drew smiled. "Not having a big wedding?"

"No need. Family and friends is enough," Madison chuckled.

"Roxy and I are getting married after the baby is born," Elijah mentioned. "She knows I'm proposing over Snoggletog,"

"Aw, sweet," Harper clapped.

"And then we'll likely do the wedding within six months of the baby's birth. Something easy, and small," Roxanne nodded, leaning her head on Elijah's shoulder.

"Marriage in the card for you and Trevor, Avery?" Flynn asked.

"We've only been together since May, and we're in no rush," Trevor stated. "But yes, probably at some point; we will,"

"What about you two?" TJ asked Tallon and Hunter.

"We're not ones to really…Talk about something until it happens to come up. That's just how we are," Hunter informed. "Like with this moving in thing, never got discussed until the day I mentioned moving back to the Archian House. Tallon knew I didn't want to leave the complex, and offered that I move in with him since I'm kind'a always here anyway. So I agreed and here we are a week later,"

"I assume this happened with the sex thing too?" Seth wondered.

"Basically," Tallon shrugged.

"Well, that was decided in one sitting, but we chose to put it off for a month or so since I was dealing with school and work," Hunter added in.

"What you're suggesting is that one day you could just decide to get married and propose?" Miya questioned.

"Well, that's a bigger step; we'd probably discuss that first," Tallon said. "But who knows. I'm fine with surprise stuff," he smiled.

The talking continued, about random stuff. However, while Hunter took part in all that; his mind was on the statements just made. Honestly, Hunter never gave much thought to marriage with Tallon. There had many jokes and suggestions when it came to him and Jay years ago. And Hunter was actually engaged to Cassandra for a bit. Both of those events fell through, Hunter was beginning to think marriage wasn't in the cards for him. When it was Hunter and Jay; they didn't start talking about it until after the break up when he was already with Cassandra. Most of it was jokes; hey, leave her and come be with me, we'll get married. That continued right up until the night Hunter told Jay he'd be with him again, and Jay told Hunter they would absolutely get married within a year because there was no reason not to delay the inevitable any longer.

And with Cassandra, Hunter proposed in his third year of college, broke things when his mom died because Cassandra was being a bitch. Hunter was going to re-propose up until he caught her kissing Tallon and then left her for good. Hunter was actually kind of afraid to consider marriage with Tallon, not just because they hadn't even been together for a year yet, but he was worried something would happen to end what he had. And what Hunter had with Tallon was good; great even. Yeah, they'd done foreplay at three months. Sex at four months. And not living together at six, almost seven months. But marriage could be pushing it, and Hunter was scared to lose what he had. Hunter honestly felt like if he lost Tallon for any reason; he'd be done with dating and relationships for good. Hunter didn't want to deal with heartbreak anymore, in any form.

At the same time, Hunter loved Tallon a lot and could see that Tallon loved the idea of marriage, especially with him. Hunter knew he was Tallon's first relationship and from the sounds of it; he wanted Hunter to be his only. Hunter guessed that offered some reassurance, so perhaps he'd keep the thought at the back of his mind until a later date when it seemed like a better time to consider marriage again.