The Journey Into Us

Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating: M for Mature

Disclaimer:I do not own anything HTTYD-related.

Chapter 23

=Trayden's POV=
(Wednesday, 1/1/2020; 1:00 am)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Hunter's House)

Here we are an hour into the new year and it seems no one is quite ready to settle down and call it a night yet, rather morning since it's past midnight. I was certain that the longer everyone stayed up, the longer they'd all sleep in after crashing. I wasn't too tired thanks to the nap from earlier in my day, but alcohol was involved, so that was likely why I felt some fatigue. So far, Hunter has gone through quite a few songs from my phone. I know that some have been written down for actual consideration to work with, and others were put down as what could be used for a song to create a routine for. I've already been thanked and pat on the shoulder several times from the dancers, who say that a lot of the music I have is going to help make for an awesome show this year. I'm happy I could be of assistance. I can't keep track of how many songs have been played from my phone alone, I didn't think so many would be picked as good for use with a strip routine, but I also knew Hunter was exceptionally talented at remixing things to fit the setting.

"Hey, Tray?" Hunter got my attention.

"What's up?" I asked.

"What's this song? It just says Do It," Hunter inquired. "No album or artist information,"

"It was a downloaded song that an old friend on Eyja Nott gave me. I never ended up renaming it," I replied. "It's called Do It Again, by Stroke 9. Very mellow, but suggestive sex song. At least that's what it sounds like to me," I shrugged. "Some of the music on there is stuff I've had for over ten years and I never bother cleaning it out of my iTunes library,"

"Now I'm curious," Hunter chuckled and tapped it. The song wasn't long and most everyone listening got a kick out of it.

"Well, don't know if we could make a routine out of it, but I'm committing it to memory because I find it hilariously enjoyable to hear," Thaxter laughed some. "Your friend has good taste,"

I smiled some. "Yeah, he does. The guy can find a song for anything. Most responses from him are actually song lyrics. You'd love him,"

"You should invite him out for the next party if you're still in contact," Devon offered.

"We are, I just don't hear from him often. His job keeps him busy, but I'm sure next time he hits me up and has free time we can figure something out," I nodded.

"Did he get you into music?" Hunter wondered.

"I was always big on music, but he taught me to appreciate more than just how it sounded. He showed me how to hear, see, feel, and understand music," I said.

"One of the reasons music is such a powerful thing, it's more than just something to hear and dance to. You're someone who can hear past the instruments, and find the message each song has from the writer or artist, which you can feel and understand the emotions behind." Hunter nodded. "I respect and admire your ability to analyze music. It's hard to find people who do what I do," He smiled.

I just shrugged a bit, smiling too. "Well, this got deep fast, Tyler remarked.

"That happens a lot when Tray and I talk," Hunter chuckled.

"We have a lot in common and see things the same way," I added.

"So…Now that I know you work with music the same way I do…Get over here and help me find possible songs to use for the new show this year. I'm sure it could go faster with two people," Hunter patted the spot next to him as I moved from against the wall and sat down beside Hunter. "You think strip show, what's the first song in this playlist you would expect to hear?" Hunter passed the phone to me. I thought a moment before scrolling down until I found what I was looking for, then tapped it.

"This one," I passed it over so he could see the title.

"Kelly Clarkson's Heat, Niko the Kid remix," Hunter read off slowly, listening to the music. "Yeah, I like this. It's already remixed too, perfect for a group routine,"

"If you like that, you'll probably love this one," I scrolled a few times and located what I wanted, then clicked it. "This is Lose Control, by Hedley. I think it's got a lot of the stuff you look for as far as bass drop, easy lyric and sound queues, fast and slow points, and even the lyrics should speak for themselves in a strip routine," I added.

"Hells yes. I am absolutely making something out of that song. If I can't do anything group with it, I'll make a solo routine," Hunter stated as the song ended a few minutes later after listening to it all the way. "Tray, I am going to end up making you my music finder," I blushed some with a smile. "Everything in this playlist is amazing. Some I've heard and used, but others I haven't and are perfect for strip routines. Don't let your current boss overwork you anymore, I'm gonna need you more than he will,"

"I'll be sure to pass the message along to him that he's no longer allowed to make me work crazy hours because my friend insists I'm available at his every call to find him music for his strip routines," I jokingly rolled my eyes. "Oh, yes…I'm sure he'll just love that news to start off the new year with,"

"You could just tell him that your hot stripper friend calls you at random for sex," Hunter winked. "That sounds much better and no one really argues with someone getting laid," He grinned.

"My gods, my boss would have a stroke if I told him that. He's been saying for years that I need to get laid…" I muttered.

"See, works perfectly in either case then! If he has a heart attack, business closes for a bit while he recovers and you make money on unemployment while getting more time with me. Or…You tell him you're going to get laid and he lets you leave immediately. I'm not seeing a downside," Hunter shrugged.

"The downside is that we're not having sex!" I remarked. I saw him wiggle his eyebrows up and down at me, his silent implication that we weren't having sex yet.

"He doesn't need to know that, but if he's been saying you need to get laid for years…Then you're far too serious at work, and I can fix you being uptight real easy," Hunter smirked.

"You are fucking terrible, you know that?" I informed.

"No, no. I am good at fucking," Hunter laughed some. "Or good at being fucked. Depends on the partner, and who tops and bottoms. I told you once before that I enjoy both." Yes, I did remember he said that in the midst of giving me a blowjob on Christmas. I sighed and shook my head. "Would your boss be easier on your shifts if I strolled into your job a couple hours before closing and told your boss that I'm your boyfriend and wondering how much longer until my handsome man will be because I so desperately need him?" My eyes widened, and at the same time, actually tried to play out in my head how that scene would go. "I could play submissive bottom for you,"

"I think, at that point, I'd have the heart attack," I mentioned.

"Out of surprise that I show up at random, or the fact everyone would suddenly wonder what it is you do to me that I come to your job and plead for you to help me?" Hunter wondered.

"Probably both," I replied.

"I could make it worse by wearing a collar and calling you master, mentioning I came as soon as you told me to come," Hunter suggested.

"Oh, I can just imagine now how many of the perverts I work with would be taking you saying you came when I told you to come…" I rolled my eyes.

Hunter leaned closer to me, a mischievous smile gracing his lips now. "That's where the fun is, wondering the context. Even worse if I show up in one of my stripper costumes. All leather would probably do nicely…" I just about paled at his suggestion. "Maybe a whip too?"

"Oh, my Gods!" Alyssa, Hailey, and Addilyn screeched.

"You…Wouldn't actually do that, would you?" Shane blinked.

Hunter laughed some. "Only if Tray wanted me to," He stated calmly, now sitting back and relaxing. Dear Gods, I just felt all the blood that drained from my face head south to my cock and now I was attempting to stay calm and get such thoughts out of my head before I got hard, which would be very noticeable. "I'm a good actor,"

"What am I going to do with you?" I sighed with my eyes closed, then quickly opened them and looked at Hunter, who was grinning seductively. "And do NOT say whatever I want to do!" I added, remembering what happened last time I asked him that question.

"Aw, but I'd love to see what happens if I leave it to your imagination," Hunter pouted.

I could hear his friends snickering and whispering to one another about how interesting it was to see Hunter work to get laid, and that maybe he found his match in playing hard to get. I knew Hunter wasn't doing all this to sleep with me, he established that already. Well, I know Hunter did want to sleep with me, but Hunter and I had an agreement to work our way up to sex, but until I told him I was ready for that, this was just harmless fun. And I knew that because of Hunter's infamous line only if he wants me to. I noticed that was Hunter's subtle reminder that he, of course, wouldn't do anything without my consent, desire, and readiness to do so. I also knew this was fun between Hunter and I because he had said he wouldn't drop any hints about what we were doing, to avoid suspicion or harassment from the others.

"Well, regardless of where this conversation derailed to…" Nicole began.

"You definitely know your music, Trayden," Olivia nodded in agreement.

I smiled and shrugged. "And I meant what I said, I do hope that with the available time if we run into trouble with music again, you'll be able to help," Hunter hoped.

"I suppose with enough warning that you need my vast collection of songs, I can make myself available," I teased Hunter, using the words he had said to me about rearranging his schedule to be able to get to know me better.

"I'm honored you'd go out of your way for me," Hunter chuckled.

"Wouldn't be the first time," I smiled, the reminder I've done it before when returning his wallet to him.

I loved how easy it was for Hunter and I to talk, and that it seemed no one else knew what we were referencing to. It was getting later now, the time was about 1:30 am. I know Hunter and I slightly discussed messing around tonight after everyone went to bed, but I didn't think that was going to happen since everyone was still awake and didn't appear to be showing signs of being tired. I wasn't even sure what we'd be doing if we had some fun. I know I was fine with hand and blowjobs, I'd experienced that with girls, and now also, Hunter. I gotta say that it's better with the affirmation of my sexual orientation, not wondering what I am or why it feels awkward. That's how it was with girls in the past, it felt good, but it still felt different. With a guy, there's no wondering why it feels strange. I can just enjoy it without a bunch of thoughts clouding my mind. I think it also felt good because Hunter wasn't new to pleasuring a male, so I'd have to say technique played a big role too. So I was definitely fine with hand and blowjobs.

I've never given a hand or blowjob before, but Hunter said that would qualify as something new as I hadn't done it in the past. I've eaten a girl out, but I know it's not the same thing. I knew there were other means of foreplay for males such as rimming and fingering, which could also be used as preparation for intercourse. After Hunter mentioned all that to me, I took a little time to research what everything was. I had a general idea, but I suppose I wanted to see a video, maybe read how others prepared to do those things. That's what Hunter said, the person had to be ready to do stuff like that. If Hunter and I were eventually going to be having sex, it stood to reason that we'd work our way up by doing the other things first. I also assumed it meant that if I was going to be intimate with guys, I should probably prepare to also be able to do this stuff to guys too. Giving and receiving. I knew Hunter did both, so I already figured that there was nothing wrong with that.

I read up on a couple of websites for gays, males and females, that what you did all depended on what you liked. I guess that meant maybe I could enjoy getting head, but not like giving it. I also knew I shouldn't trust everything I read online, so maybe it was a topic I could discuss with Hunter. I knew he wouldn't tell me anything that wasn't true. And Hunter reassured me that there were no limits on what I could ask him in learning more about being gay. Another thing that's been on my mind is what Hunter stated while giving me a blowjob on Christmas, that he was half-tempted to jump on my dick and ride me. I mean, I guess I'm not opposed to it, that's just him taking my cock up the ass, and such a thing wasn't scary to me. Regardless, I still assume that this messing around idea for tonight wouldn't be happening since it's late and everyone seems to be having too good a time to worry about sleep.

"You kids should be thinking about getting some sleep, it's almost 2 am," Gregory informed.

"You off to bed, Uncle Greg?" Hunter asked.

"Yep. No one is attempting to drive, all the keys are locked up in the office," Gregory stated.

"Night, Uncle Gregory. Love you," Hunter got up to hug him.

Gregory returned it and ruffled Hunter's hair. "Night, kiddo. Love you too," Then the man headed off to get to his room upstairs, which if I remember from talks with Hunter, was right above the garage. Or maybe that was just where the staircase was. I couldn't remember right now.

"Was that the go to bed warning?" Fisher asked.

"No. It's my house, not his. That was more don't stay up all night and sleep the first day of the new year away," Hunter chuckled. "And also, keep the music down,"

"So more of a suggestion?" Tyler wondered.

"Basically," Hunter nodded. "But I did say previously that we're not having another twelve-hour celebration, so while everyone is not wasted off their asses…Start getting ready to settle down," He mentioned. "That means change clothes and pick where you're sleeping. I don't want it to be scrambling, tripping over one another, sleep where you drop again,"

I saw the dancing friends chuckle at the apparent memory, so I assume that it's happened before and Hunter didn't want to deal with it again. I can't say I blame him, that would likely be a pain in the butt and tiring to deal with while tired and intoxicated yourself. However, everyone did get up and locate their bags, then split off to the two spare rooms to change, and take turns using the bathroom. I was one of the last to go, so was Hunter, but I knew he had his own room and bathroom he could have used. When everyone was done picking where they would be for the night, I realized how crowded the rooms were, so I elected to sleep in the living room. Hunter took care of getting me a blanket and better pillow to use, I'd set it up later on.

By this time, it's already 2 am and it seemed with all the movement and no more drinking as Hunter cut everyone off, the fatigue was setting in, so some had already just gone to bed. Safe to say Hunter and I wouldn't be doing anything tonight as it took until 2:45 am for Hunter to send everyone to bed. With everyone in their room for the night, Hunter and I were the last two in the living room. I set up my place to sleep and saw Hunter beginning to clean up cups and plates, then move to put food and drinks away. I couldn't leave him to do it alone, so I moved over to assist.

"What can I do to help?" I asked softly.

Hunter smiled and shook his head. "I got it, don't worry. You go on to sleep," He replied.

"It's not fair that you wind up staying awake later to clean. I'm sure the rest are knocked out already, but I can help," I told him. "You shouldn't have to do it all by yourself,"

"Not gonna let this go, are ya?" Hunter chuckled and I shook my head at home. "Alright," He gave in. "I'm not doing a full clean, just putting away stuff that will melt or go bad if left out all night. The rest, I'll cover and deal with when I wake up later today,"

I nodded and started grabbing things to help Hunter move them into the fridge or freezer, when we worked together to do the same with the drinks, separating them between fridge or liquor cabinet. Hunter got the plastic wrap and we covered the remaining items, then moved them into the kitchen and next to the sink. Hunter wiped down the table as I finished collecting cups and plates to throw away, and also wiped down tables. Hunter turned off the TV, and I adjusted the coals in the fireplace. After that, Hunter made sure the hall light was on and dimmed for anyone who got up in the middle of the night needing the bathroom. I helped Hunter draw the back patio window curtains, then Hunter set the alarm system once he checked everything was good and ready to end the night, rather early morning. It was about 3:15 am now.

"See? It would be closer to 4 am if you'd done all that yourself," I teased Hunter as he laughed quietly before holding my hand and pulling me against him. I blushed, but smiled as Hunter leaned in and kissed me. I returned it and Hunter drew me closer, deepening the kiss. It didn't take long before we started making out, and that lasted until 3:30 am. I nearly whimpered when Hunter broke the action, his hand stroking my right cheek.

"I know it's late, rather early. Want to put off having some fun until later, or perhaps another day? Believe me, we could go for it now, but them sleeping is more of a power nap. Most of them will get up around 8 or 9 am, use the bathroom, change, and Greg will have already gone out to get donuts and coffee. After that, they usually leave to get home, shower, and maybe go back to sleep or stay up and make it an early night," Hunter informed. "I wouldn't want us both knocking out from exhaustion in my room, it would raise questions since all my friends know that no one goes in my room with me unless it's something sexual happening,"

"Fair enough. Let's get some sleep for now and revisit the idea after waking up," I suggested. Hunter nodded and gave me another quick kiss before stepping back. "Night, Hunter,"

"Night, Tray," Hunter replied as he walked off to his room while I got comfortable on the couch. I made sure my phone was charging, and relaxed. It didn't take me long to start nodding off and finally, fall asleep with a smile on my face.