The Journey Into Us

Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating: M for Mature

Disclaimer:I do not own anything HTTYD-related.

Chapter 21

=Normal POV=
(Tuesday, 12/31/2019; 11:00 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Hunter's House)

One hour left in the year 2019, and the party being hosted at Hunter's to ring in the new year with friends was still running strong. Everyone was having fun, only a few being very drunk, but not too far gone that they didn't know what was happening. The rest were intoxicated, but not bad. It was a nice kind of drunk to be relaxed, talking coherently, and walking straight. There was still dancing happening, snacking, and the telling of stories while the groups seemed to be fully integrated with one another in the sense that it was comfortable and no one felt out of place. There were still limits to respect as Hunter's school friends obviously wouldn't be getting into the more physical friendship that Hunter had with his stripper friends. Most of it, to keep a level of appropriateness, was harmless. Obviously, no stripping or sex, but there was dancing up against one another in a sexy display and some ass grabbing. The non-employees of Wild Fantasies easily figured that Hunter informed them prior to this evening that they had to behave and tone down their usual behavior for parties, for the sake of not scaring the others or making them uncomfortable. Also, that Shane, Fisher, and Addilyn were his cousins and as open as Hunter was with his sexuality; there were some lines he minded.

It didn't appear any of Hunter's school friends or his cousins had a problem Hunter's lifestyle as a stripper. None of them really cared he stripped on stage, had sex with his friends who were bisexual and gay, or that he was a major flirt. It had shown many times through this night that Hunter was touchy and flirty with his all his male friends that he worked with, and with Trayden too. But obviously, Hunter wouldn't cross into flirting with Shane, Tyler, or Fisher. Now that Ethan worked at Wild Fantasies, he was included in with the coworkers. With Trayden, it was assumed by all the others that Hunter enjoyed messing with him because he was new to being gay and as Hunter mentioned several times, Trayden was a friend, and Hunter found him cute, but would only sleep with him if Trayden wanted such. It was clear that Hunter minded limits and boundaries, and that was something to admire and respect about him despite his job. One thing undeniable by all in attendance was that Hunter definitely knew how to throw a party and have fun.

Right now, everyone was just hanging between the living room and kitchen. Some were getting food, some were dancing, and others were getting a drink. Overall, everyone was smiling and having a good time with one another, talking while doing whatever it was they were doing. The awkwardness of being diverse groups was just about gone, so that made things all the better. Gregory had popped out a few times to check in on things and then he'd be gone again. Trayden was mostly staying with the group of friends he'd known since high school, and Hunter. It was mainly because Jason and Eli were laying on the heavy flirting with him and Trayden felt a bit uncomfortable with them doing it to him. Trayden never said anything, he just shifted away, or tried to. With everyone mingling in one area, it was hard to get farther from them. Trayden decided to head for closer to the kitchen to get a drink, then the table with snacks on it.

"What's up with Tray?" Ethan wondered making his way towards his friends.

"Not sure, he doesn't seem very engaged in the party or with everyone else," Alyssa replied.

"He's gotten quieter as the night has gone on," Fisher mentioned. While the group talked amongst themselves, Hunter happened to overhear them speak of Trayden seeming disengaged and quiet. Hunter adjusted to locate Trayden, finding him leaning against a wall near the food table and snacking on a small paper plate full of chips and dip.

"I saw him talking to Jason and Eli a bit," Rylee mentioned.

"Me too, but from my angle, he looked uncomfortable," Tyler informed.

"Were they hitting on him or something?" Shane inquired.

"Seemed that way to me. Suggestive looks, light touches, getting closer," Tyler responded with a nod. That obviously made Hunter question if Jason and Eli had made Trayden uncomfortable and now Trayden was trying to stay out of the big group to avoid it happening again, but also not saying anything to make sure there weren't problems. It rose the question for Hunter to ponder why Trayden would get uncomfortable with flirting from others, but not when he did it to him. Everyone was friends here, so why would Trayden not be alright with others hitting on him? Well, Hunter certainly didn't want Trayden to feel like he was out of place or not want to come anymore, so that meant Hunter needed to go figure out what happened.

Hunter made his way out of the combined group and towards Trayden with a smile. "Getting tired already?" He asked.

"What? No, no," Trayden smiled and shook his head. "It gets hot with everyone all together like that, plus the fireplace. Just needed to cool off a bit,"

"Should see how hot it gets on stage with a full house of customers, and mind you, that's even when we're taking out clothes off," Hunter stated gently.

"I could only imagine," Trayden chuckled.

"You might also cool off if you weren't dressed like you were about to be in the snow for the next two hours," Hunter suggested, noticing that Trayden was wearing boots, heavy sweater, and a long sleeve shirt under that. "Come on, take some of that off…Or I will remove it for you," He joked. Trayden blushed, but complied in removing his sweater and boots. "You want to take the long sleeve off? I can loan you a t-shirt?"

"I feel like you just want to see more skin," Trayden teased.

"Maybe," Hunter winked. "But it's all where you're comfortable, handsome," He added. "You seem shy about it when most of us are half-dressed,"

"You and your coworkers are half-dressed. The rest of us are still fully clothed," Trayden corrected simply. "I've always been shy with new people,"

"Well, I'm not new to you," Hunter poked his nose. "We're, I think, past that new and shy with one another stage," He laughed a bit. "But I understand. It's whatever you want to do. If you're still hot, we can go outside on the porch for a few minutes? Little bit of that winter air should help,"

"I don't want to take you away from your other friends," Trayden looked down a bit.

"They're pretty occupied with one another right now, Tray. You're the one who is secluded over here in the corner, so I came to see you," Hunter said calmly. "Come on," Trayden nodded and got off the wall to walk with Hunter to the sliding glass porch doors, then exited outside as Hunter closed the door once he was out too. The two moved away from direct sight, but not too much or the others would follow and it would throw off Hunter's idea to see if he could get Trayden to tell him what was bothering him.

"It's nice out here, not even too cold for it being the end of December," Trayden sighed out contently.

"I agree," Hunter replied with a smile. "So, having fun?"

"It's a blast, Hunter," Trayden beamed. "I'm so glad I could get the night off, and tomorrow to be able to come and enjoy it. Definitely better than the usual stuff I've done in the past,"

"Does this mean I'll see you at all my parties from now on? If you can get the nights off for them?" Hunter hoped.

"I'll do my best," Trayden smiled. "I still plan to look for a new job. I don't trust my boss now to be able to find more people so those of us good workers aren't being worked to death,"

"I mean, if you want to stay with the same work you do now…Greg is looking for a couple new bartenders and servers, he'd absolutely take someone with experience," Hunter offered. "Or you could help me with show stuff,"

"Yo-You mean work at Wild Fantasies?" Trayden stared at Hunter, blinking in surprise at the offer he was made.

"Don't see why not," Hunter shrugged. "You've been bartending and serving for a while at the place you're at now. Decent hours, good pay, obviously friendly co-workers who work together. Your schedule basically stays the same unless you need a day/night off and Greg is good at finding cover. I swear on my life that Gregory would never have you working all the crazy stuff that you're dealing with now," He informed. "I think you'd like it,"

"I'll consider the offer, but still gonna look around. Not sure if I want to stay in the night-life scene for work. Family and friends both dislike when I work most of the night, then sleep all day," Trayden stated.

"Whatever you'd like to do, but the offer is there," Hunter nodded. Trayden smiled, giving a nod that he would remember Hunter's offer. It could be interesting to work where Hunter did, but Trayden did want to check his other options first and maybe find a day job. "So…" Hunter started, breaking the silence after a few moments. "I feel I need to tell you that there was another reason I came over to see you before," He said.

"There was?" Trayden looked at him curiously.

"Yes. I happened to intercept a conversation between our non-stripper friends about you, and them being concerned if you were okay," Hunter admitted. "They felt you weren't enjoying the party and disengaged from it, being too quiet," He added after a couple of seconds pause.

"I don't see why they'd think that. I'm loving it and was only taking a breather," Trayden reminded. "If I get too hot, I'll end up lightheaded and a bit nauseated," He confessed, looking down some.

"No worries, Tray," Hunter waved it off. "Like I said, I happened to hear what they were talking about and noticed that you were standing by yourself. I wanted to make sure you were okay. My job as host of the party is too make sure everyone is having a good time and alright," He smiled. "The others thought you might be feeling a little uncomfortable," Hunter added as Trayden wondered now if their friends had seen the interactions with Jason and Eli, and that's why they were making that assumption that Hunter overheard them discussing. Hunter noticed that Trayden had gone quiet, and seemed to have a look of deep thought on his face. "Trayden," Hunter got his attention and Trayden looked at him again. "Were they right and you broke away from everyone because you were feeling uncomfortable with something?"

Trayden didn't want to lie, that's how trust ended up broken. "Just with…Jason and Eli's suggestive flirting…" Trayden admitted softly. "I mean, I don't mind people flirting with me, but…It just felt weird and made me nervous. That's the only thing that made me uncomfortable,"

"I flirt with you suggestively all the time, and you said I don't make you feel uncomfortable," Hunter pointed out lightly. "What's different?"

Trayden sighed. "You mind the boundaries and constantly reassure me that you will never cross them unless you know it's what I want, and ready for. I know that when you flirt, you're still watching my reactions and if you see me get nervous or uncomfortable, you stop to check on me," He explained. "When Jason and Eli did it…None of what you do was there, so I didn't feel comfortable,"

"Was this just flirting or were they trying to get you to agree to do something?" Hunter asked.

"Felt like a bit of both to be honest, which didn't help me feel any less nervous because I wasn't sure how to take it," Trayden replied.

"Put in a suggestive context, what were they trying to get you to agree on?" Hunter inquired.

"A heavily implied hint to join them in the guest room for some fun, like what you guys do…" Trayden closed his eyes. "I declined, obviously. Said I was still settling with things,"

"Did they stop?" Hunter eyed Trayden now, his voice just slightly revealing firmness and seriousness.

"The hinting did, but not the suggesting the offer was there and it was easier to get used to things when you do it with friends. Mentioning that they didn't see why I wouldn't do it when you've flirted and suggested the same things to me. The touching didn't stop either, not until I'd shifted away and went over to the table," Trayden informed.

"Touching?" Hunter arched a brow.

"Just…Standing closer when I'd step back, them on either side of me, fingers on my chest or arms. It felt overwhelming, and…Pushy," Trayden responded.

"I will speak with them," Hunter sighed. "And I'm sorry they did that," He added.

"It's…Okay. You don't have to talk to them…I don't want to cause any problems," Trayden said quickly. "That's why I just moved away from the group. They kept following where I went when I stood with everyone,"

"There won't be any, Tray. And yes, I do have to talk with them because that's unacceptable. There are boundaries to be maintained, and pushing through one after being told no is not okay. Just because you're gay and friends with us doesn't mean they can do whatever they want. They know better than to pursue when the boundary was set and they needed to stop. It's no different than if I were to tell them no for any reason at all, when the answer is given, there is no continuing to try and make me agree. If they wouldn't do it to me, they will most certainly not be doing it to you," Hunter remarked firmly, being clear on the topic. "I will talk with them tomorrow, tonight is pointless because they're drunk," He sighed. "Stick with me tonight, at my side, at least,"

"Won't they still just come stand with us?" Trayden asked.

"Yes, but they won't make any moves on you if you're standing with me. Don't worry, I'll keep you safe," Hunter smiled.

"I believe you," Trayden agreed.

"And hey…" Hunter's eyes met Trayden's. "Do not ever be afraid to tell me when something like this happens. Trust me, I will never get too drunk at parties hosted at my house as I need to be aware of things going on. Obviously, the more people, the harder it is to watch everything. If anyone ever makes you uncomfortable, you come find me and let me know. I won't have that happening to my friends. Any of them. So whether we're here, or somewhere else…Don't ever be scared to tell me, okay?" He stated.

"Alright," Trayden nodded softly, smiling some.

"But other than all that happening, you're having fun?" Hunter questioned.

"Definitely. I love that despite the amount of drinking and eating, there's still so much left," Trayden giggled a bit.

"That usually happens," Hunter replied. "It gets eaten eventually since the other dancers are here to practice. So we'll make good use of the leftovers before they go bad, or we'll divvy it up tomorrow morning when everyone is sobered and heading home,"

"That's good. There's some stuff I've never tried before and finding I love," Trayden chuckled.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it all. I haven't seen you dance yet tonight, is that something you're not a fan of?" Hunter wondered.

Trayden shrugged, and shook his head a little. "It probably sounds stupid, but I don't really know how," Trayden admitted. "Even at school dances, I either didn't go if I was single or if I was with someone, I'd just let them lead. Sometimes that went bad too, I'm not good moving with music, or distinguishing moves that fit it," He confessed, a bit embarrassed.

"No, it doesn't sound stupid, Tray. I've always been good at singing, but dancing the way I do now took some years to do. It came from watching the strippers at Wild Fantasies before I jumped in that one night. Believe me, it was awkward and no real routine. I just moved a little, it was more taking the clothes off and everyone liked the shy innocence of me being a new stripper and the fact I was male too," Hunter informed lightly. "To get where I'm at with it now took time in researching how male strippers danced, different types of music, and a hell of a lot of practice. Besides, you don't have to dance like us strippers do. I meant more of just moving with the music, it doesn't have to be all touchy, grindy, and sexual," He laughed some.

"I just suck at moving with music in general. I've got some songs where I can just move a little, maybe while cooking or cleaning," Trayden stated. "I'm not opposed to learning how to dance, I feel like everyone in there thinks I'm the anti-social and an awkward geek…" He muttered shyly.

"Lucky for you, I'm into your shy innocence. And I like geeks," Hunter enlightened as Trayden blushed a little. "You're not anti-social when you're a bartender, you have to know how to talk to people in that job. You've been talking with everyone tonight, so I'd say it's more them thinking you're ridiculously shy because this whole scene is new to you. I recall that you said before this year, you guys usually spent New Year's Eve watching movies with snacks and drinks,"

"Yeah," Trayden nodded.

"And school dances obviously aren't like this, so it is new to you to be attending a party like this," Hunter smiled. "I could teach you how to dance, learning to feel the music and let your body move accordingly. It's easier than most would think," He added.

"I am kind of curious, but I also can't help but feel bad you keep ending up being my guide to like, everything lately," Trayden glanced down a bit.

"Don't feel bad. I enjoy helping others, handsome," Hunter leaned over and kissed Trayden's cheek. "Tray, I've basically taught every stripper in my living room right now how to dance. Yeah, they had some moves on their own, but obviously, they've been built on and expanded so that we all do the same general things. Which is necessary because we do group routines," Hunter reminded. "I like passing the knowledge on to people because stuff like this can be learning experience, and also, a confidence booster. As I've told you many times, everyone is a newbie once and once you do it, the reservations you had to it before slip away,"

"So you're saying that learning how to dance would be beneficial?" Trayden inquired.

"Of course. Knowing how to dance helps you out in parties like these. You're feel awkward and nervous, also shy, because you're the only one not dancing. If you learn how, you wouldn't feel so out of place with the others and it would be more fun," Hunter chuckled. "Besides, I've been dying to dance with you at least once tonight," He added with a wink.

"Really?" Trayden blushed a little.

"Mmhm. I didn't just drag you into doing it because I didn't want to make you do something you didn't want to. I picked up that maybe you didn't like dancing and that's why you weren't," Hunter said.

"No, I just don't know how and wouldn't want to make a fool of myself…" Trayden mumbled.

"I wouldn't let that happen. I know how to make an awkward dance into a lesson without anyone ever questioning that you didn't know how to dance," Hunter mentioned. "We should get back in, I can see them lurking closer to the doors to see what we're doing," Hunter added.

"Well, let's get back inside then," Trayden smiled. The two walked to the doors, and re-entered the house to continue the good night everyone was having while the countdown to the new year was upon them.