Hunter has relocated...

While Isak was known to be charming, loving, and charismatic, very few got to see the other side to him that could be defined as manipulative and jealous. Hunter hadn’t been spared from it, having known Isak longer than most of the people in his life besides his family. When Isak fell in love with someone he allowed it to completely consume him, giving the other person a part of him that proved his undying love for them. Even now he struggled to let go, despite the hurt that filled him picturing Hunter and Nikita together. It was like a dagger to the heart and at any moment he knew he could easily break. The man behind the cool and confident exterior was unraveling at the seams. Tears stung at the corners of his eyes, threatening to spill forth. Even as he blinked he couldn’t keep them at bay. One rolled down slowly, easily caught by the back of his hand, hopefully Hunter didn’t see it. Blinking his eyes quickly he fought against the burn, trying to focus on the words Hunter spoke.

Forcing himself to sit straighter in the lounge chair, Isak found his throat tightening at Hunter’s words. Even swallowing didn’t help loosen it. It felt like someone was gripping ahold of his throat and squeezing it tightly. He knew he shouldn’t dare to ask it, yet he found himself blurting out the question, practically choking on the words. “Are you in love with her?” He wasn’t satisfied with asking that question alone; he needed to know how deep their connection ran. Inside it was eating him alive each second he was left feeling confused and hurt over it. “You went to the coves to get away from me…to distract yourself. You did this all to hurt me, didn’t you?” It seemed too cruel that Hunter would have done it purposely to hurt him, but at this point he had to ask what his drive was in all of this. 

At Hunter’s immediate change in tone, Isak’s brows furrowed as he looked at him. The words that followed only twisted the knife deeper into his chest. Another tear welled up, causing him to look away so he could push a strand of his blonde locks behind his ear while simultaneously wiping the tear away. While he never tried to parade around with Ingrid on the island, there were times that he couldn’t prevent running into Hunter. Neither he or Ingrid wanted to hurt him in any way. That much he could say without wavering. Maybe it had been wrong of him to tell Hunter that he still owned his heart. He never thought he would have walked away after learning that truth. 

Seeing Hunter’s tears and being pelted by accusations and blame made Isak both broken and angered. His pride usually got the best of him, with this time being no exception. Standing up he walked right over to him and pressed a finger into his chest. “You don’t get to do that! I never told you, you couldn’t have me…it’s just not in the way we both imagined. You keep running away from me…you keep setting the blame. I tell you I still love you and my heart is yours and you flee from my sight to be with another woman!” Isak roared, finding himself shaking. Retracting his finger from his chest he turned around to momentarily pace, hoping to help cool himself off. At this rate he’d have to dive into the pool for that to happen.

Finally once the trembling subsided he turned back to Hunter with a stern look. “So jumping into bed with Nikita, then back to me, and then back to her is a cure all for this? Are you even thinking with your head, here? You and Nikita cannot be together anymore than you and I can be. It’s like you are setting yourself up for another disastrous heartbreak. Two crown royals can never be! She doesn’t deserve to get wrapped up in all of this…this, whatever it is you are trying to do,” he hissed. “Did you even allow the sheets to cool between the time you fucked her and then me?” As soon as the last words left his mouth he instantly regretted them. They were equivalent to being slapped in the face, which he wouldn’t doubt he had coming. 

. 

Ever experienced your heart being ripped apart, squeezed, and smashed into a million little pieces? Well, it was like someone pressed the slow-motion button when it felt as if someone dug their hand through his chest, gripping his heart and ripped into two before squeezing it till it burst into a million pieces. Despite his own actions and words today and the night of the bonfire, he will always...emotionally belong to Isak. There were nothing and no one that could ever change that heartbreaking fact. Not Nikita, not his future wife. His love will and his heart will always belong to Isak. Sure, he could confess the same thing to him as he had to Hunter but fuck - what would that serve right now?  “No.” He answered quickly because there was no thinking about it. He doesn’t love Nikita - he loves spending time with her and admires her but he isn’t in love with her. “No...fuck Isak, no.” He narrowed his eyes on Hunter before moving his eyes away from him. Not being able to look at him too long just for the simple fact of natural instincts would kick in to admire his fucking amazing physique and want to feel his skin against his own. “I didn’t intentionally try to do anything but try to forget about you and the fucked up pull you still fucking have on me.” He continued. Heart-wrenching for a different fact. 

“How do you know Nikita?” No, Hunter doesn’t know of the relationship his past lover and newfound friend has...otherwise he would have never engaged her in such a manner. They aren’t together but hurting Isak was never something he would ever intentionally do. Ever.

Isak standing and moving over to him, he couldn’t lie and say that his body tensed. Hunter witnessed the tears falling from his eyes, and him trying to quickly cover them up - he never tried to hid his own. He felt too...defeated to try to hide the hurt from him, but at the moment when he pressed his finger to his chest - his eyes captivated him in more than just the old way of love and lust. This time in anger...pain...hell even in betrayal. Seeing that broke him and he stayed paralyzed as his eyes fixated on the back of his head. His voice turned softer but even more defeated and tired then it did before. 

“That’s my point, Isak. When it comes to you and how I feel about you I don’t think. Emotion runs me and there isn’t anything I can do until it’s too damn late.” Tears were pouring out faster now, and just because he didn’t like the feeling of something warm and wet on his cheek - he wiped them away. “I ran away that night because...you still have mine too. I wanted to do more than just touch you. I ran away because of the things I would have done and not because of what you said. I still want to be with you because I am still madly in fucking love with you.” He was trying to be careful with his confessions, so, long as he was pouring out the truth...the last thing he needed him to know was that he was still holding onto the family’s ring he was on his way to propose to his set betrothal with as he was captured. Well, tried...but failed - in a way. "No, she doesn’t but we both are betrothed to other people so it isn’t like we are going to make the mistake of falling in love as we did.” 

The last thing the Swedish man said off to put him. He didn’t know what to say so, at first he didn’t say anything as his teeth, fists, and body all tensed. Hunter’s heart was already hallowing pounding against his chest but now it sped up and he couldn’t see straight. Now, he didn’t care about the streams of the tears falling from his eyes fell off of his chin. Shaking his head he vaguely found his voice. “Fuck you, Isak...” His tone was low, filled with hurt and his throat felt more...scratchy. “What the hell do you actually want from me?  To make me feel worse about what happened? Then congratu-fucking-lations, job well executed.” Not being able to look at him any longer, he moved to the other side of the lounge chair - back on Isak as he sat down on the edge. Trying to calm his breathing before he full out allowed his heart to scream it’s pain. 

          𝐍𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐀 𝐊𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐒 doing, instead of paying attention to Hunter. The Russian was focused on making this pizza make taste decent. Just like her cookies…  Out of instinct, she was about to put her index finger in the boiling sauce until his hand flew over hands, making her turning to him, and with her free hand, she booped her index finger into the bridge of his nose. ❛ Like, right now? ❜ She quirked a brow, with amused smile, resting her hand on his broad shoulder. How could he still be more attractive every time she looks at him? Nikki tried to wave off the thought.         ❛ I mean, creativity never hurts. ❜ And she glances to the sauce, but since the fire wasn’t ‘high’, it wouldn’t burn the 'sauce’.  ❛ What is your next move? ❜ She says while she steps on his feet, but she was barefoot.

Fiona let out a small laugh, she would have to fix that as soon as possible. She’d never been a particular fan of the wide-eyed helpless princess look, at least for herself. “How long did it take for you to get past all of that?” She was sure there would be quite an adjustment period, but if she could avoid broadcasting that to the whole island, and all of the pirates there, she would. 

“I appreciate you saying that, I’m not used to being so out of my depth.” She flashed him a soft smile, “I would like that, I think it’s been a few days since I’ve eaten a proper meal.”

. 

The friendly smile never vanished, he moved a little passed her but paused just to make sure they fell in the same step. “A few weeks? That’s only because I already had friends here to help me with the adjustment period.” He answered with a small shrug. “Plus it does help to have a job here, takes your mind off of being kidnapped. Working out helps too.” 

Took him a few weeks to adjust to his life on the island but a few more weeks to get used to the layout of the island. “It’s a messed up kind of situation to say that you’ll get used things around here when considering the circumstances of everything. Though you’ll see for yourself that...not all pirates are as bad as we were lead to believe and despite what they did to us all.” He continued soon approaching the canteen. 

“Normally it’s first come, first serve - so I’d definitely try to beat everything here before everything is gone because once everything is gone. That’s it.” He warned as he opened and held the door for the other. 

There was not an excuse in the world that would dial down the hurt and anger that threatened to consume Isak. He was still madly in love with Hunter and the thought of him bedding another sent him into an immediate outrage. And Nikita of all the people on the island. There were still feelings between him and Nikita, even if they hadn’t acted on them in years. He couldn’t blame her for finding Hunter attractive and wanting something with him. She didn’t know anything about the secret love affair between him and Hunter, at least not from him. Isak never told a single soul except for Ingrid, given she had a right to know, being his future queen. 

“See how well that worked out for you,” he retorted, shaking his head from side to side. He felt broken when Hunter confirmed his fears; they had actually slept together. It had been a mere guess, not something he wanted to be true by any means. Momentarily he remained quiet, clutching his chest as it all seeped into his brain. He felt a squeezing sensation that forced him to sit down in one of the lounge chairs, unable to meet Hunter’s eyes. “Before or after we slept together?” He managed to ask, his voice coming out all monotone. “Does it even matter how I found out?” He blurted with his eyes finally flickering back to the man he loved. “Seriously – what else would you two be doing alone in the coves together? That’s where people go to fuck, not to pal around and play Yahtzee!” He had thought about taking Hunter to the coves sometime for that exact reason. Now it just seemed to be ruined. 

. 

Seeing the way that Isak looked at him...they’ve fought before but this was something completely different. Sure, he could have told him that the moment he thought he was going to drown and die - he was only thinking about him. Thinking of their amazing...mind-blowing time with one another and how much he wanted those moments back but telling him that now, it’ll only make matters worse. Which is why he stood his distance when he fell onto one of the chairs - he wanted to go over to the man but he didn’t want to upset him more. No matter where they were, or who they were with - they would always have a love for one another but somehow seeking comfort with Nikita threw whatever connection they still had out the window. Or so it seemed. 

Hands were tucked in his shorts pocket, as he stayed silent not knowing what to say to him. Least not yet...at least not until Isak asked his next question. “Before.” Not knowing if offering a simple explanation was going to be helpful or hurtful. “After we slept together...there was a lot of things that were starting to get confusing. Nikita and I both agreed that that was a one-time thing. That we would both prefer to just get to know one another and be friends.” He started to say. “Nikita...she’s the first person I felt a connection with since you.” 

Surprisingly, the Aussie’s eyes never left his past lovers. Looking him over he wanted to hold him. Sure he felt a connection with her but he is still head over heels in love with Isak. “That wasn’t just the reason we went to the coves, Isak. There were other people that got caught there too. You going to say the same about them?” His eyes narrowed on him before he looked away, rubbing his forehead as he started to pace there were a million and ten things that were starting to run through his head. 

“You just don’t get it.” He snapped as he spun around, “Knowing that you and Ingrid are all cuddled up with each other. Constantly seeing you two together...fucking kills me but I can’t say or do shit! I just have to stand by and watch her get to have everything that I want.” His eyes held dangers but those dangers quickly pierced his own eyes, turning them red and his eyes watered. “Then you had to go and say that your heart still belongs to me knowing that I can not have you...” What Isak said to him on the beach hours before he went to the coves...it still rang through his head, he could still feel the man’s hand encourage to touch him. Tears started to fall, but it wasn’t like the other hadn’t witnessed him breakdown before. Plus he just didn’t...care that he was breaking down in front of him. “Not being able to kiss you, to just fucking hold you - it fucking hurts. I hardly made it through losing you once...if I have to go through that shit again... I won’t come out on the other end.” He ranted on. “But the second that I could find someone that helps me take my mind off of you and makes me feel more than just a prince that fell for the wrong person - I’m the fucking monster.” Perhaps sleeping with Nikita so soon was more of a mistake than he realized. Still, he didn’t regret be-friending her nor about his rated R thoughts about her.  Feeling slightly lightheaded, however, Hunter himself sat on the edge of one of the lounge chairs that was one over from the one Isak was on. “Hate me all you want, Isak. Maybe that will help both of us let go.” 

             𝐍𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐀 𝐃𝐈𝐃𝐍'𝐓 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐇, but he makes this effect on her. ❛ Right... ❜ She tries to stay serious for two seconds before her expression breaks down in small giggles. In the truth? She felt like a dorky. (Because she is but she didn’t want to admit it to herself). Nikki began to stirring the Pomodoro sauce and turning to Hunter. ❛ Really? You don’t know what is BROGA? — Definitely somebody here hasn’t watch Glee.❜ Turning up to the Aussie prince. ❛ Yoga with Bro’s = BROGA. ❜ Then she backs her attention on what she was doing on the stove. The blonde is easily distracted so she is trying to do an extra effort not to fucked up the sauce. ❛ I don’t know how to do broga either, but I know I’ll do it so well. ❜ God the confidence on her tone, one day will get her killed.  —-  In her defense, she knows how to do yoga, it certainly wouldn’t be that hard.

Fiona noted his firm handshake, not that she’d met very many pirates so far, but to her, his mannerisms screamed his royalty. They’d been taught to pay attention to those kinds of details from a young age, and she found a sort of comfort in the familiar dance of formality. His name rang a bell, Australia, she thought. “Is it that obvious?” she shrugged.

 “You’re right though, I’ve only been on the island for a few hours. It’s all more than a little bit overwhelming, if you ask me.”

. 

Hunter laughed and shook his head, “Well, just a little bit.” If he was being fair, the first time he came to Tulach Island he was just as obvious. Though he also remembered his first days on the island as well and it was why he wanted to offer her his friendship. Hell, royals sticking together it was the only way they would all survive and all stay sane. Or so he hoped. 

“Trust me, we’ve all been there. Only a little over a few months ago I was in the same shoes as you. Island grows on you though.” He stated. “But if you need help - I’ll be here if you need that. I was going to the canteen, I would love the company.” 

Leilani didn’t like this sad undertone that had taken over the siblings’ conversation. Sure, it was meant to happen, after all, they were talking about how they had been captured, as Isak so eloquently put it, and how their family was dealing with two of the Williams’ having been taken. It truly saddened her to think about how her parents and brothers were reacting, but… Leilani didn’t want to think about them. She and Hunter were on the island and she wanted to focus on the now. “They let you keep the ring, of all things?” She questioned, nose scrunching. “You’d think they’d take that. They could probably sell it for a pretty penny if they really wanted to.” The blonde hummed, head-turning up to look at him. Eyebrows raised as he spoke again, that oh so familiar feeling of being a pushy younger sister overtook her, a quiet gasp passing her lips.  “What’d you do, get someone pregnant?” Leilani teased, pushing him with her shoulder. “But, yes, after we eat let’s talk.”

Hunter simply shrugged and shook his head. “They probably didn’t do a well enough search as they think they did.” He commented. “Who knows what they would have done with it but I’m glad they haven’t found it.” Which he was, even though it served as a memory of a life he was supposed to start with someone he wasn’t madly in love with but it was still a family heirloom he would protect with his life.  Handing Leilani a tray and plate first before grabbing his own - his eyes started to scan the food that lined the buffet for today. Though his ears where still on his sister. Huffing a small laugh, he glanced up at her before shaking his head. “No, nothing...really like that. Just something a lot more private then I care for anyone else to hear.” 

Picking some things and putting them on his plate, he grabbed a cup and filled it was soda as he waited for the other to finish what she wanted to pile on before walking over towards a booth that was further away and by a window. Even though he never asked to be here, he couldn’t lie and say that the view the island offered wasn’t beyond stunning. 

Roman was his captain and as far as interacting with the Tulachs went there was more of a chance for him to have reason to speak to his captain rather than the Tulach children, but he’d been working for the Tulachs more than long enough to have earned at least a passing knowledge of each member of the family that lived on the island alongside him. “So, it wasn’t Emerson that saved everyone, then?” It was more of a rhetorical question than anything and Felix felt his brow furrowing for a fraction of a second before he nodded, “If it wasn’t Emerson then it must have been Isabella. I don’t know that I’ve ever had a proper conversation with her but she’s capable— all of the captains are. Does that help?” Felix’s head lolled to one side the slightest bit– the gesture not unlike that of a puppy interacting with someone it doesn’t quite understand, and with the eagerness to have been of some help blooming in his chest Felix felt quite a bit like a puppy in the presence of the older man. 

“I’ve been well,” He managed after a moment of consideration, “I’ve been trying to find as much Stephen King in the library as I can manage,” He admitted, a flush blooming high in his cheeks that was offset the slightest bit by the warmth in his smile. “Other than the business in the coves… have you been well? I know it must not be paradise for you here but it is not the worst place to be stuck. In my experience.”

. 

Offering the pirate a genuine smile, Hunter really did appreciate the help that Felix offered him. It helped narrow things down, least of all he knows who he was looking for and has a name to help him track her better. Not like this island was like California where the chances of running into her again were 0 to nothing. The island was small enough were he knew for certain that eventually, he would run into her again. “Isabella. Got it thanks.” He eventually voiced. 

Hunter started to wonder if there was anyone that hasn’t heard about what happened at the coves.  “Good luck with trying to track down all of his books. But if you need any help with the project, I’ll more than be happy to help with that.” He said before clearing his throat and looking out towards the ocean. Waves crashing on the shore calmly as if nothing had happened only a few days...weeks ago? Fuck - he wasn’t sure now how long ago it really was. “Besides the coves, I’ve been good. The island has actually grown on me.” He said eventually looking back to Felix. Shrugging, “Even though I know it’s not - I like to think it’s a mini-vacation from royal life.” 

Ari:I think I did. About pure soul...we know that's half true. :P

Ari: You owe mister.

Ari:I'm always up to hang out with you. You know that, don't you?

Hunter: Half pure? Nah, I don't think we are talking about the same person here.

Hunter: I do, and I profoundly make it up to you!

Ari: I missed yours.I missed my best friend these two years...

Ari: Not much, library, had some fun at the summer party...you?

Hunter: I've missed mine too. You haven't seen her have you? She's a brunette, about 'ay high, quirky but one of the purest souls you've ever met.

Hunter: Just trying to keep my head buried in the sand. I'm sorry I didn't come see you for the bonfire.

Fiona brushed herself off, straightening as she did. She gave the person standing in front of her a brief once-over, taking in his posture and manners, if she had to guess she would say that he was a fellow royal. This whole ordeal was so overwhelming, it was difficult to even know where to begin in terms of asking any questions about the island or about the pirates’ operation. There would be a lot of information to sort through, and that was assuming she was able to get any answers at all. 

“I’m quite alright, there’s really no need for you to apologize. You were just going about your day.” She smiled and extended her hand. “Fiona. Fiona Dùghlas.”

.

The grin never vanished but also didn't widen either. Taking her hand in his, he shook her hand firmly. Even being out of the Royal life - he still couldn't deny his upbringing. A strong handshake meant showed your power. Or so that was what he was told by his grandpa. "Hunter Williams." If he had any doubts of her being a Royal before there were zero doubts now. Most pirates weren't as polite as she, most being the key word. 

Pulling his hand back and tucking it in his gym shorts, "Let me guess - you just came here?"

Fiona used her hand to shade her eyes as she took in her bright, sunny surroundings. She didn’t know where she’d expected to be taken after being kidnapped, but whatever she was imagining was certainly nothing like the tropical island where she found herself now. She felt panic and anger bubble up in the pit of her stomach, but she did her best to shove it down, now was not a time that she could afford to act rashly. The first thing she needed to do was find out if her sister was here, and if she was okay. Or at least, as okay as one could possibly be when you were being held hostage. She looked out at the docks and regretted that she hadn’t taken up sailing when she’d had the chance.

Taking the beach before her, she spotted a path snaking through the woods. She set off down it, figuring that the worst had already happened, so what did she have to lose? As she walked she focused on trying to figure out as much as she could about where she was from the plant life and birds she heard, hoping maybe there was something that would give something away. Focused on her surroundings and not the path in front of her, Fiona didn’t notice as she barreled straight in to someone walking towards her. She stumbled back, catching herself just before she could fall, “I’m so sorry, are you alright?” Years of etiquette drilled into her mind taking over.

.

Hunter ensured that fear of water never overtook him - especially with after what happened, he just made more of an extra effort to ensure it never did. Thus he went to the Hot Springs by himself, truly wishing that Isak was the first one who took him there but he needed some major alone...relaxing time. What better way than to go to the Hot Springs?  After getting dressed and plugging in his headphones to listen to Spotify - he started to walk, texting none other than Arielle. A text conversation easily stroke through them like nothing really changed. Though he wasn’t exactly paying attention to his surroundings either - which is why he didn’t put his hands out to stop the other from bumping into him. 

Immediately and subconsciously - he stuck his hands out to catch her if she fell over, but after awhile seeing that she wasn’t, he settled and unplugged his headphones - tucking the phone away. Offering the other new royal a gentle, reassuring smile. 

“No harm done. I should be apologizing as well. We both apparently weren’t paying attention.” He assured, as he cleared his throat. “Are you okay?” 

Ari: Hunt. Hunt Hunteeeeeeeeeeeeer.

Ari: I bet you missed my texts.

Hunter: You actually have no idea!

She smiled, “Of course. I can’t say I know exactly what it’s like, I’m an only child myself, but I think if I were in your position, it’s something I would appreciate.” She found herself constantly surprised by the royals on the island, although she’d never had anything specific against any of them, she had always expected some degree of arrogance, or entitlement, but it was very much not at all what she’d seen from Hunter so far. Frankly, he was much nicer to her than she might have been in his position. 

She turned down the hall and gestured to the bathroom as she passed it, “That bathroom is all yours, I have my own a little bit further down the hall.” She thought she’d feel more on edge with a royal in her villa, but it seemed to her that Hunter was settling in fairly quickly. 

She grinned, “That’s dangerous information for me to hear, I left school before I got the chance to hand in my thesis on it, so I take all of my weird, niche knowledge out on all of my friends. If you’re not careful you’ll fall victim too.”

.

While both Leilani and their younger brother could get on his nerves, knowing full well they both feel the same way about him and the other, there was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for those two. The bound of a sibling - it truly is something unexplained. Not know exactly what to say to the other, he simply laughed and nodded his head, giving her his gratitude on being so nice to him and apparently to his sister as well. 

Keeping his hands in his pocket he followed Katla, but still stayed a comfortable distance. It really did seem less and less of a pirate and royal sharing a villa but more so...dare he freaking say it. Friends...sharing one. It was truly hard to not get along with this woman. 

“I get it - I studied medicine. Was only 2 months away from graduating and actually getting a step closer to being a doctor.” But then he was captured and he missed his chances of being a certified doctor. Then again how bizarre would it be. A future Crowned King of Australia having a doctor’s degree. Fucking insane....right? Huffing a small laugh, he shook his head. “But I really wouldn’t mind a lecture in the history of map-making. I am being sincere. We’ll definitely need to probably sketch out a day to go over it.” 

| Katla’s villa hunting @williams-hunter​ |

Isak was fuming after he learned Hunter had spent the bonfire event with Nikita in one of the coves. Not only did it torment him to think what the two had been doing in there, but the fact that he could have drowned broke him on so many levels. There were so many questions that wracked him brain. Two royals besides his betrothed, whom he felt closest with could have died and Isak wouldn’t have been able to save them. How could Hunter be so selfish? And to think after their heated conversation he must have met up with Nikita and lured her to the coves. It made his blood boil with anger. 

Now at Katla’s door, he began to knock on it profusely, waiting for someone to answer. After a few minutes of no luck, he went around back to check the other entrance. That’s when he spotted Hunter by the pool. Storming over to him he immediately hurled questions at the Australian crown prince. “How long have you been sleeping with Nikita? That’s why you took her to the coves – to get away from me and have a good shag, isn’t it? You could have gotten yourself killed – both of you!” His voice roared with anger, not holding back anything.

.

Maybe it was now something he was used to doing...something he used it to prevent his mind from turning water into his enemy. Hunter started to clean the pool, perhaps being to concentrated on the water itself considering he couldn’t hear Isak storming back to the pool of Katla’s Villa until he could hear his voice. Even when he was pissed off, his voice still sounded like a damn angel. At least till he realized that he asked him about Nikita. Was he utterly surprised that he knew Nikita, no, most royals either know each other or know of one another. What he was shocked about was how he found out he and Nikita were sleeping together....or were at least trying to before the waves, well, ultimately cock-blocked him. 

Hunter didn’t dare to interrupt him, he put the net to the side and gave him his attention, well, at least his ears. After what happened he still couldn’t bare to look at him one out of guilt for abruptly leaving after his confessions and two ruining whatever moment they had or ever will have. 

“I wasn’t thinking. I was tying to get you off of my mind.” He confessed. Now he really couldn’t bring himself to look at him. “Nikita and I...we only slept together once and it was around the time we first came to this island. Other than that night and the other night - it was only time we were actually intimate.” The first one since Isak. “We’ve hung out every now and then.” He continued as he crossed his arms loosely against his chest. Eventually, and finally being able to look up into his eyes. 

“How did you find out about Nikita and I?”

Felix had never been much of a ‘people person’— well, in his twenties he had never been much of a people person; he could recall the feeling of having an innate trust in the world and the people around him, and how casually he’d been willing to give affection to people he hardly knew or people he was unfamiliar with entirely. His mother had always explained to him that the world would rarely harden people unless they allowed it to and it was something Felix found himself ruminating on as he registered the varied ways he felt himself softening as he allowed a greater number of people to slip passed what now felt like meager defenses he’d haphazardly constructed around his heart in an attempt to remain impassive. It wasn’t realistic, and he’d known that the moment he’d started befriending the royals on the island– not to mention the fact that he’d come to the rather sluggish realization that he’d gone and fallen in love with someone for the first time since he was fifteen years old. Or, he mused, perhaps his softness was a result of the fact that he’d seemed to have entered a period of mellowness between episodes that he often cherished if only because he felt wholly settled during the course of them. 

He’d been on his way towards the beach with a small sketchbook tucked into the back pocket of his jeans when he’d paused at the feeling of his phone going off in his pocket and paused once more at the presence of someone behind him and the familiar voice behind him. The smile he offered Hunter was broad and almost one born of comfortable reflex, his eyes wrinkling at the corners in the way they often did when his smiles were unabashed and genuine. Felix tilted his head to one side briefly as he pondered the description he’d been given– it sounded like a fair few women on the island but in terms of people he knew who could handle a situation so deftly he imagined one of the Tulach siblings might be to thank for the prince’s good health. “Well, I am not acquainted with all of them very intimately but that does sound like one of the Tulach girls. Have you met either of them? Even in passing? That you know of, I suppose, if you do not know their names.”

.

Realizing it was Felix that he interrupted he didn’t feel too bad considering he enjoyed their previous conversation. Least he knew it was a friendly face. “Emerson...I believe her name was? The one I’ve talked to in passing...” He answered...kind of when he asked if he met one in passing. Hunter briefly talked to her but he could recognize her from the stories/rumors buzzing around the Royal’s Common Room. Though odd enough he hasn’t heard of any story about a second Tulach girl...or he just wasn’t paying attention enough.  “It’s a small enough island...I’m sure I’ll run into her eventually, right?” He asked sounding almost defeated. Granted yes, he does want to find her and thank her properly but at the same time - he was just ready to go back to Katla’s villa and read. Bury himself in a world that wasn’t a captured royal life. 

Clearing his throat after awhile, he shifted his weight from one foot to the other before looking back up at the other with a grin. “How have you been since the last time we talked?”