=Hunter's POV=
(Friday, 4/27/2018-3:00 pm)
(Archian Island, Berk)
(Berkian Academy)

I hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Keith last Sunday as they got home at 10:30 pm, and I didn't have the time to kill. Nicole and I actually fell asleep in her bed together; I got woken up by Keith. I apologized and headed out after bidding them a goodnight. The week has been a bit challenging as the medication has officially stopped working no matter the dose or when it's taken. It sucked because I was back to feeling everything again as of Wednesday's school day, and fully by the time practice came around. We had a game today, Friday, at 5 pm. But coach wants us to practice from 3-4, then we'll change into uniforms, and warm up a bit as everyone is arriving for the game at 5 pm. I had to text Keith that we'd have to reschedule tonight's appointment because the game was thrown on us last minute, but I assured him I was okay and nothing had changed. He said it was okay, and we'd reschedule for Monday or something after he checked his availability to match with my school, practice, and work hours. I felt bad, I did. I promised Keith I wouldn't miss these appointments because of how imperative they were to my health, but he thankfully understood my stance about the games needing to happen more frequently to keep to the championship games not running into June when there would be finals, prom, and graduation.

My dad, Glenn, two cousins, and friends would be here for 4 pm to watch the first game of the playoffs. Nicole was already here, and excited for me. I couldn't believe how fast this year went by; I'd be graduating high school in roughly a month and a half, hopefully with straight A's, and champions of the Archian Schools Basketball League. Big hope, but I knew we'd be fine; we've have more wins than losses this season. I just hoped I could hold things together for tonight's practice and game.

"Excited, babe?" Nicole asked.

"Yeah, first game of the playoffs." I smiled to her as she hugged me tightly. We were just waiting for coach to arrive to get the practice started.

"Was dad okay with you missing your appointment tonight?" Nicole wondered.

"Yeah, he understands that the playoffs are important. This is when scholarship scouts start coming out and viewing the players who intend to go to college, and want to continue playing." I smiled. That's why these games were so big to me.

"That's good. Mom and dad said they going to come tonight, since you're usually dad's latest appointment at 5:30 pm on Fridays." Nicole giggled.

Oh, cool, so my girlfriend's parents were coming tonight too. Not that I didn't adore Keith and Ella, but at my games? I really had to watch myself tonight. Keith would intervene at the first sign of their being a problem with me. I was okay as long I didn't take any shots to the head, stomach, or chest. And if I stayed on the water, I wouldn't become short of breath. I'd already taken a pain killer that Keith prescribed for the pain, so it should take effect by the time the game started, in combination with regular aspirin too. I knew it was dangerous to mix medications, but I made sure the dosage wouldn't exceed anything that would put me at risk of overdose.

"Awesome." I replied to her. I saw Dimitri arrive with Devon and Elijah, then our two medics. "See you after." I kissed her quickly as she nodded and scurried back to her place, Myra was there with Heather already. The rest would be present for the game, so I knew that between the three of them; there'd be plenty of seats available for that whole group.

"Alright, boys. First game of the playoffs! We made it this far, let's take it all the way home!" Dimitri urged the boys on as we cheered for the victories we hadn't even technically made yet. "Let's get going before the game. Ten minutes of warmups, then we'll run some drills and plays." He added.

"Yes, coach!" We replied together.

. . .

=Normal POV=
(7:15 pm)

The game had gone into overtime by fifteen minutes so far due to staying tied up. Hunter was exhausted and trying to play it cool that way no one would pick up on it. Right now, they were in a timeout to figure out how to break the tie and win. It seemed no matter what they did, the other team was right behind them. The boys huddled up with their coach and the assistant ones.

"Is there anything we can hit these guys with?" One of the teammates asked.

"We've tried just about everything in the playbook. The rest are untested or practiced as they aren't main ones we usually have to resort to." Elijah informed, flipping through pages and looking with Devon beside him.

"Well, the timeout is almost over." Travis reminded.

"We gotta do something." Shane added in agreement to the others saying there had to be something.

"Hunt! Hey, Hunter!" Came a familiar voice as Hunter looked up and saw Thatcher, from Meathead, sitting just close enough to where the team was huddled.

"Little busy, Thatch," Hunter stated. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"Meathead didn't make the playoffs, thought I'd still jump a town over and see how you do." Thatcher grinned. "Rather root for you guys than anyone else." He added. Thatcher shook his head to focus. "Anyway, I had a play idea for you." Hunter arched a brow at him. "Remember when we were kids and played against one another? The ball launcher play?"

"The one where we'd take turns launching each other into the air to score baskets?" Hunter inquired.

"That's it. Use it here, they wouldn't expect it and there's no real way to stop it. Thatcher suggested.

"What play is this?" Dimitri asked curiously.

"It's a play that we used when we were younger, like…Middle school and summer leagues. It was a play were either Thatch or I would end up with the ball, and we'd launch one another into the air to score the basket. The point of the play is that someone guards the launcher, and the other team can't reach the person launched. The only problem is that those leagues had the nets lower for the sake of the players being younger and shorter. From this height, it's dangerous because if no one is there to catch the person who got thrown; easy injury." Hunter explained.

"So we make sure someone is there to catch the person and as you're familiar with the play…We get you the ball and launch you up. Also…You're the lightest on the team, Hunter…" A teammate remarked.

"I'll ignore that shot at me a twig…I don't mind doing it, but I swear if any of you drop me…" Hunter huffed.

"We got you. Coach, cool if we give it a go?" Shane inquired.

Dimitri didn't seem convinced that it was a good idea as they'd never done this before, not even talked about it much less tried. Their timeout was just about up as Hunter looked at Dimitri. "I promise we'll be good, coach. All the team has to do is get me the ball, and one has to launch me up once we're near the net. It's like a leg-up deal. We all keep to normal, once I have the ball and we're just about under the hoop, I step in someone's hands and get tossed upward where the ball can't be stolen, and I can't be knocked into." Hunter explained.

"Fine…I'm only allowing this because you've done it and you're confident you can do it. If this works…We'll add it to the playbook and keep practicing it for future games this season. Go." Dimitri agreed. The timer sounded for the timeout being up as the team broke off after putting their hands in and calling out their team name on three. Returning to position, the game started once more. Everything went as planned for the Berk Hooligans; they kept the ball away from the other team and reach where they needed to be, and the only knew it was the spot because Hunter gave them the signal that it was time.

"NOW!" Hiccup called to Shane.

"Got it!" Shane replied as the team got into position to keep others back while Shane tossed Hunter the ball; he dribbled twice as Shane set his hands down and caught Hunter mid-step with the right foot then launched him up with a hard push. The gym seemed to go silent, watching in shock. Hunter got where he needed to and slammed the ball into the net. The buzzer sounded not more than two seconds later as they'd won. The team cheered at the victory and that their idea worked. Hiccup knew they'd completely forgotten about catching him so he was still holding the basket and hanging there.

It didn't feel awesome to hang there, especially since the force of gravity yanking him hard on the grab strained his arms. "Uh…Guys? Little help here?" Hunter asked.

"Oh, shit…Sorry, Hunt." Travis chuckled. "Circle up team!" He stated. Once they were set to catch him like a giant net.

"Alright, let go." Shane informed. Hunter released his grip and dropped safely into their arms; they set him down on his feet and then all rushed in for a group hug and cheering together, jumping up and down. Hunter needed to watch it; he was already starting to feel the effects of practicing and now the game. All Hunter wanted to do was go through the good game high-fives, the quick meeting, and shower because he felt really sweaty and he wasn't entirely sure if it was from playing, or having a fever. Perhaps both and that's why he felt so hot.

. . .

(7:45 pm)

When all was said and done leaving the gym; the boys got to go shower. Hunter was the last one out because he took the time to take a semi-cold shower to cool off. He'd get a full shower in once he got home. The cool rinse was also helping with the nausea and dizziness. Hunter knew that his family and friends were probably wondering where he was; Shane and Travis already came in once to ask what was taking him so long. Hunter knew he couldn't take forever and eventually had to go out there; they were supposed to do a dinner together and Hunter just wasn't up to it. Of course, he didn't know how to say anything to his friends and family without raising suspicion. Nicole and Keith would likely pick up on why, and that was fine, but Hunter didn't want the others to ask questions.

"He said he'd be right out seven minutes ago…" Spencer muttered. Hunter had been right by the locker room door when it was said, so he sighed and made his way out, holding his backpack on the one shoulder. "Ah, there you are, son."

"Sorry, you didn't have to wait for me; I could have met you there." Hunter stated.

"Your play, your winning basket. We figured you should pick where we eat." Shane grinned.

Hunter had a choice here. He could say he didn't feel well and maybe they did dinner another night. Or he could tough it out and possibly be worse later. He didn't want to be worse later, it already sucked a lot now. "So, where are we going, Hunter. Everyone is starving." Ashley asked while leaning into Bryan with a content smile on her face. Something about knowing what she did and said about Hunter ticked him off to see her all over Bryan. Regardless, Hunter ignored it and tried to make his decision.

Nicole noticed the hesitation, and so did Keith. "You know, it could just be the fact I see patients all day when they come to my office claiming to not feel well…But some people I see, I can tell right away they aren't feeling well," Keith stated softly. "And I don't believe Hunter is feeling quite 100% tonight…Are you, Hunter?" He asked. Yeah, Hunter figured that might be coming. He was supposed to have an appointment with Keith tonight, and missed it for the practice and game. Well, it was his out of things if someone else brought it up. Hunter shook his head, confirming what Keith said about not feeling good tonight. "I thought so. You look exhausted and pale," Keith mentioned.

"If Hunter's not feeling well, we should not worry about going out tonight so that he can get home to rest." Ella informed.

"You played fine the whole game, and through practice…You were even fine all day in school…" Travis mentioned.

"Doesn't matter. People can be fine one moment and sick the next; it's pretty common." Ella shrugged.

"Absolutely," Keith nodded. Nicole leaned against Hunter, her forehead somewhat against his cheek before pulling away and looking at her parents.

"He's warm." Nicole pointed out gently. "We can do dinner another night…You're not even hungry, are you?" She asked Hunter as he shook his head to her. "Yeah, you should get home and rest, Hunter."

"Nicole's right, laddie. We can go to dinner any night when you're feeling better." Glenn said.

"If he looks that tired, someone should either drive him or be in the car with him," Bryan remarked. "That's how he's looked the last few times he's said he's fine and knocked out."

Hunter almost rolled his eyes and said something, but decided not to. "I'll go with him." Spencer handed his keys to Glenn, since they came together anyway. "Come on, son," Spencer put his arm on around Hunter's shoulders to turn him so they could leave. "Let's get you home and into bed." Hunter grabbed his keys out of the small pocket from his backpack and handed them to his father. Sadly, Bryan was right. Hunter felt really tired and a bit lightheaded; he wanted to sleep. "Son?"

"You drive…" Hunter muttered tiredly. "I don't trust myself." He added, surprising the group.

"Let me know how you feel tomorrow, baby." Nicole hugged him lightly, just in case his stomach was bothering him.

"I will. Love you." Hunter said.

"Love you too. I hope you feel better." Nicole smiled softly.

"Feel better, Hunt!" Some of his friends called as Spencer led Hunter down the hall to leave the hallway to get outside of the building and then to the jeep, which Nicole had moved to the main office's parking lot earlier for him. A little test to see how she'd do on her own, but completely secret, of course. She nailed it and Hunter was proud that she got it perfectly.

"Let me know how he is Sunday morning, Glenn. I don't want him even bothering to come out for the game if he's not feeling well." Dimitri told Glenn.

"Got it. Spencer will shoot you a message once we see where he's at." Glenn nodded.

"I know I'm not his doctor, but I'd be happy to make a house call to determine the cause." Keith offered.

"Will bear it in mind. Thank you, Keith. Well, we'll be off now. Goodnight!" Glenn followed Spencer and Hunter's trail to exit the building.

With dinner plans off, the rest split off to leave the school campus and figure out what they were doing for the late evening meal.

. . .

(8:15 pm)
(Haddock Home)

No, Hunter didn't feel well at all and he was glad he didn't pick the option to tough things out. He never would have managed. As soon as Spencer unlocked the door to the house, Hunter went right for the hall bathroom and threw up three times. Spencer sighed a little as Glenn pulled up, exited the car and got inside.

"Where's the lad, right to bed?" Glenn wondered.

Spencer shook his head. "As soon as we stepped through the door five minutes ago; he booked it to the bathroom and puked three times. I think he's still in there too, I haven't seen him leave to get to his room." The man informed softly.

"Poor lad." Glenn said. "He's never had it easy, though, Spencer. The boy has always gotten sick easily, and more often than most." He reminded.

"I know, but still hard to see him suffer when he gets sick and you know it hits hard too." Spencer nodded.

"Well, Dimitri said to let him know Sunday morning how Hunter is feeling. Any signs of fever, nausea, the works; he is not to even come to the game. Dimitri won't bench him, he'll send him right home again. And Keith offered to make a house call to find out what could be the cause, as the doctor's offices are closed on the weekends, other than the hospital." Glenn stated.

"Will keep that in mind, for both." Spencer said as he made his way towards the hall bathroom and knocked on the door twice with his knuckle. "Hunter? Son, are you alright?" He asked.

In the bathroom, Hunter was sitting against the wall between the tub and the toilet. His arms were around his stomach as he was cringing from pain, not just the knots in his stomach, but his head throbbing and body sore. The nausea was ridiculous, his chest hurt and he was finding difficulty in breathing normally; it was short and labored. Hunter tried to compose himself to get up, only finding that the vomit instantly rose in his throat as he leaned over the bowl once more and threw up again.

"Do I sound alright, Dad?!" Hunter managed to get out, trying not to vomit a fifth time. He was heaving and coughing, which didn't make it any better.

"Can I do anything to help?" Spencer offered.

Hunter didn't know if anything would help anymore, nothing except that surgery which he only needed to survive another month and a half. He was gonna catch serious hell from everyone when it came out he had surgery to remove a tumor on the left side of his heart, but hid it for months and that was the cause of all his passing out, being tired, and getting sick issues since October/November-ish.

"Son?" Spencer tried again. Hunter forced himself up, holding back the urge to puke again as he flushed the toilet and made his way to exit the bathroom, finding his father and godfather standing outside the door.

"No, Dad…I'm just gonna go to sleep." Hunter replied, clearly exhausted.

"Alright…If you need anything, just let Glenn or I know?..." Spencer reminded. Hunter nodded as he turned to head down the hall to his room, closing the door behind him. It was just about a minute later when they heard him vomit twice. Glenn and Spencer sighed together.

"Let's just leave him be for tonight, unless he asks for us…We'll see how he's doing tomorrow, my friend." Glenn suggested. Feeling nothing else could be done, Spencer nodded. The two of them headed out of the hallway to make something up for dinner, knowing Hunter wouldn't eat.

In Hunter's room, he didn't last long once getting in there. After puking twice, Hunter forced himself to strip down and get a real shower in since he didn't at the school. By 9:00 pm, Hunter crawled into bed weakly. He barely stayed awake enough to get his phone on the charger, turn off the alarms, then cover himself under the blanket and fall instantly to sleep. All Hunter prayed was that he felt better in the morning.