The Journey Into Us
Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating: M for Mature
Disclaimer:I do not own anything HTTYD-related.
Chapter 29
=Trayden's POV=
(Tuesday, 1/14/2020; 7:35 am)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Trayden's Apartment)
I opened my eyes to sunlight creeping into my windows, which were on the right side of the room. I groaned a bit and turned my head away from the light before reaching for my phone to see that it was 7:30 in the morning. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I knew I wouldn't be able to because I had to use the bathroom, and then usually after that, I was up officially. I tossed the covers off and sat up, yawning, then got to my feet and stretched. I pulled my phone off the charger carefully as I exited the room and went over to the bathroom. After reliving myself, I washed my hands and splashed my face, then left that room to head for the kitchen. I got the Keurig on, picked the coffee I wanted, and set it in the machine, then pulled a clean mug from the cabinet and put that in place. I wouldn't start it just yet, but it was ready for when I would. I scoped the fridge for breakfast. I decided on bacon, scrambled eggs with cheese, and toast. I pulled the components out, then cookware and got to doing everything. By the time my food was ready, and the coffee brewed, it was already 8:00 am. I grabbed my coffee mug, and breakfast plate with utensils and a napkin, then sat down at the small counter bar on a stool and started to eat while checking my phone to see what I missed overnight.
There wasn't much that happened after I went to bed at midnight. I did have a social media account, but I rarely used it. I really just looked at pictures, read news stories, saw a couple memes, and got updated on what my friends were posting. My preferred method of contact was always texting or calling, I messaged through social media once in a great while, but more reserved for group chats because I hated doing a text message with everyone. At that point, my phone was going off constantly every time someone replied. On the messenger application, I could just mute notifications, but again, it was rare that I used it at all. With social media, the big one for the Archipelago was called Friendlink. I had all my friends added, plus Hunter and his work friends too. No one ever knew when I was online because I hid the status to show it, so if the messenger application did get used, I would turn the online status on. If I wasn't using it, I kept it off or else the others would message me there. When I finished my coffee and breakfast, it was about 8:15 am. I took my dirty dishes to the sink and then moved to the couch so I could decide how I was going to tackle my cleaning day.
Everything needed to be done, and that also including laundry and shopping. I sighed, I needed to start somewhere. I felt my phone vibrate and looked down at the device in my hand to see a message from Hunter.
Hunter's Cell, 8:20 am
Hey, good morning. Not sure if you're awake yet, but I know you said probably between 8 and 9 am was normal wake up time if you had an early night.
~Morning, and been up since about 7:30. Just finished breakfast and first coffee.~
Hunter's Cell, 8:21 am
Did that at 7:30, but been up since 7. What are you up to now?
~Planning where to start with my apartment.~
Hunter's Cell, 8:22 am
I work back to front with picking things up, and wiping stuff down. Then I'll vacuum, sweep, and mop last lol
~That's usually how I do it. The where to start is just for how much there is to do because I've left it to pile up for almost two weeks due to being exhausted. Anyway, my bitching aside, what are you up to?~
Hunter's Cell, 8:24 am
It's not bitching, there is valid reason to why it got put off. You were exhausted, and ended up physically sick from all the working. It wasn't your fault, you wouldn't have let it sit otherwise. You're like me with keeping things clean and organized. So don't worry, I get it, handsome. As for what I'm doing, just sitting around and talking to you, wondering what to do lol
I blinked a little. Wasn't he coming over? Or did he think I didn't want to hang out because of yesterday?
~Weren't you coming over to my place today while I clean and do laundry, then shopping and hopefully after all that, we could enjoy movie, drinks, snacks, and extra fun? O.o~
Hunter's Cell, 8:26 am
That was the plan last night, but I wasn't entirely sure if after last night you'd still be up for it. I had asked you last night if you were okay, and if you still wanted to hangout today because I wouldn't mind if you canceled to take some time to yourself. I never got a response, so I left myself open for plans being on or off :)
~Did you send those texts separately? I got the one where you asked if I was okay, but I didn't see one about asking if I wanted to keep today's plans? I only didn't answer last night because I just took a quick shower and crashed.~
Hunter's Cell, 8:27 am
Huh, weird. It's showing on my side that I sent it. Oh well lol I'm down to hang still if you are. When do you want me to come?
I took a screenshot of the conversation from last night, and attached it to the reply.
~Nope. Never came through lol and if it makes your feel better, I didn't answer anyone last night . It was home, toss keys and wallet, shower, quick bite to eat, straight to bed. You can come whenever you like. The complex is called Dreki Housing Authority. When you pull into the property, go left and follow the road. On the right, there will be a building with black sign labeled '6-Strike'. Park anywhere that's open, just not the row that is in front; those are for tenants. You can walk right into the building and take any of the elevators to the 3rd floor, then take a left and I'm the last door on the right side of the hallway. Can't miss it, says T. Raseri above the doorbell. :)~
Hunter's Cell, 8:30 am
Well, shit XD And totally get it, I've had many nights like that. And okay, I'll be there soon. Should I bring anything?
~Since I'm not working…I don't care if we get drunk tonight, and be that the possible case…If you want to bring an overnight bag? I figure we could grab snacks while at the store.~
Hunter's Cell, 8:32 am
Noted! Bring alcohol and overnight bag because we're getting wasted, heard chef! XD Okay, gonna wrap up some stuff here and then I'll be on my way! See you soon!
I laughed a little and shook my head, I obviously made his day now. I should get to work on cleaning, I didn't need him showing up and finding my apartment looking like a tornado hit it, which is a good description of how it appeared at the moment. I took a deep breath, getting to my feet and figured to start with the room Hunter would likely be in while I cleaned. The living room. I docked my phone on the surround sound system, and got the music going, but minded the volume as it was only 8:30 am. I couldn't work in complete silence, with music going now, I began to tidy up the living room.
. . .
(9:15 am)
I ended up changing my plan after gathering dirty plates, utensils, and cups from the living room. I realized I needed to get the first load of laundry done, so I gathered the basket and checked everywhere for clothes that got left out by accident, then got the washer going. In total, I probably had another two loads to do and the last one would be with the clothes I'm wearing now and the towel used for my shower after I finished cleaning everything. There was no way I wasn't showering before going out grocery shopping. Once laundry was started, I continue my trail through all the rooms to find laying around dishes that would need to be done. If it was one thing I hated, definitely dishes being found after I was done washing stuff. With that set, I moved on to make sure the bathroom was clean. It should take precedence, I'm not going to tell Hunter he can't use the bathroom if he ends up having too just because its dirty.
I did the basics of making sure things were put away, or tidied up. I wiped the sink, cleaned the toilet, and shower/tub before resetting the curtain. I emptied the garbage and put a new bag into it, then did a quick sweep. I would mop later when I did the rest of the tile or wood floors. I heard the doorbell ring just as I dumped the dustpan into the kitchen garbage and I have no idea why I jumped in surprise, I knew it was Hunter. I set the broom and dustpan down, then went to the door and took a breath before unlocking it, then turning the handle to pull it open and find Hunter standing there.
"Oh, there you are," Hunter smiled. "I wasn't sure if you heard the bell, so I was going to text you I'm here,"
I laughed a little. "I might not have heard it if you rang it before the song had finished," I opened the door more and moved aside so Hunter could come in. "Please?" I invited. Hunter walked in and I closed the door behind him. "Excuse the mess,"
Hunter chuckled a bit and used his finger under my chin to coax me forward towards him. "Don't be silly, Tray," Hunter informed. "I came to hang with you, not check the status regarding cleanliness of your apartment," He added before pecking my lips. I blushed and kissed him back, it only lasted a moment or two.
"You start that now and I'll never finish," I teased when Hunter pulled away with a smile.
"You'll always finish with me," Hunter winked. "That's a promise," He added.
"And if it were anyone else saying that to me, I'd be red as a tomato and trying to hide in a dark corner," I said softly.
"I'll take that as a compliment and just going on record to say dark corners can be a fun time," Hunter replied.
"You have a comeback for everything, don't you?" I asked.
"I try, really all depends if the person I'm talking to makes it easy or not for me to create a sexual-type response," Hunter mentioned. "If I can't make it sexual, I'll go for sarcastic," He shrugged.
"Huh…I'll accept that answer," I smiled and led Hunter inside more once he kicked off his shoes, noticing that I had a spot for them next to the door. It was just a rubber mat with an absorbent pad underneath for wet shoes. Easy cleanup to just toss the pad away at the end of a day when it was wet from snow or rain, then I could just put a new pad down and it was good until next switch out, which was done depending on weather.
"This is a nice place, I love how cozy it is," Hunter admired everything he could see from where we were standing.
"Thanks," I replied. "Would you like anything to drink? Or eat? I know you said you already had breakfast, but I know I'm one of those people who eats a snack between breakfast and lunch," I chuckled a little.
"All good on eating, but will never say no to a drink," Hunter responded.
"I've got coffee, milk, orange and apple juice. Beyond gentle breakfast drinks is water, soda, Kool-Aid, and beer," I listed off, recalling what I saw in the fridge this morning.
"Oh, orange juice, please? It's one of my favorites," Hunter beamed.
"Mine too," I moved in to the kitchen and poured a glass of orange juice for him, then set it down on the small bar area where he could sit at on one of the stools.
"Thank you," Hunter seated himself and took a sip. "How much more cleaning do you have to do?"
"I really only started right after we stopped texting," I said. "I began in the living room, just picking up dishes and whatnot. Then it dawned on me I should start the laundry, so I set the first load to wash and somehow ended up not returning to the living room, but cleaning the bathroom," I sighed with a half-smile and shrug of my shoulders. "So clearly my focus is not all here yet,"
"You had a busy and tiring twelve days of work, and that also accounts for last night's situation," Hunter offered gently. "It's taken you a few days to feel better from the incident Friday, after only nine days of working doubles, long hours, and business itself was busy. Despite having normal shifts on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, you still didn't have a day to relax, so it's considered straight-through work, adding to the busy and long hours consistency of the nine days prior to make it twelve days of work," Hunter explained with a light smile. "With what happened last night, the lack of focus is almost to be expected. One good night of sleep does not make up for months of being overworked, handsome. It's more than physical, there is mental strain too,"
"I kind'a figured that was the case. I'm so used to being in ready for work mindset, even with days off," I stated. "Suppose the focus has shifted to you're not going back to work tomorrow because your boss screwed you, again, and fired you even though you were going to quit if he didn't due to not bothering to ask what happened first. Also, don't get comfortable because you still have rent and bills to pay for, so be ready to find a new job." I shrugged.
"I think the lack of focus this morning, is likely due to what happened last night, Tray. It was situation with a lot of feelings. It's not about the fact you no longer work there and have to find a new job, it's that your former boss screwed you over and over again, promising change, and never delivering it, but still wanting you to subject yourself to things. You said yourself, it didn't matter if he fired you or not because if he hadn't, you were going to quit. One way or another, your employment would have ended last night. Your mindset with not caring about being fired came from being done with things after your boss promised you three days prior that he wouldn't screw you, and that's exactly what he did when refused to ask what took place for you and those three customers to be speaking the way you were to one another," Hunter informed.
"You're probably right. That's the last thing I thought about between leaving and getting home, then shower, eat, and fall asleep. I wasn't bothered by being fired, I invited him to do it. And I had thoughts through all of December about quitting. Losing the job isn't what got me, it was how it happened. The situation that after everything I've put up with to help him out, he instantly jumped to the customer's defense when the customer was wrong and he would have known that if he had let explain things," I muttered. "Last night would have been vastly different if he let me talk. Then again, maybe not. I still wouldn't want to work for an employer who isn't actively protecting their employees. The difference would have been staying until I found another job, then quit."
"I think that's what Tristan said he was going to do," Hunter mentioned as I looked at him. "Our friends and I stayed after you left, mainly because with everything happening, we still had to pay before we could leave. Tristan said something to Andrew about he wouldn't have come back to work there if he'd known Andrew didn't give a damn about his employees. But would stay for now, and see if anything you said to Andrew would make him change. Tristan warned that he would be keeping his options open to take another job if he saw no changes,"
"That doesn't surprise me too much. Tristan is one of the guys who wasn't overly reliable when I first met you. And one of the guys who quit after Andrew made them stay that night I came over after 8 pm. He came back a week or so later, begged Andy to rehire him, and he'd do better. Which, he definitely did, but obviously now feels like it was a bad move seeing how Andrew handles some situations…" I responded calmly. "What about the others?"
"Natalie quit, she left about twenty minutes after you did on the same reasoning you gave Andrew. Overworked, him never being around, and in your defense she told him that she wouldn't work for someone who didn't bother to find out what happened first. Natalie stated that in everything you said to Andrew, you were giving him chances to ask why you wouldn't apologize and he just continue to insist that you needed to do it," Hunter said. "Also, I think she added that if you had stayed, she might have as well on the reason you were the only one who gave a damn about the other employees,"
"Eh," I shrugged. "I cared about everyone's safety in general, but the only employees I stuck up for and helped more often were the ones dealing with being overworked like I was. Natalie and I were two of the three best employees Andrew had. I sort of figured she'd quit if I ever left, but after last night, I knew she'd leave because of what happened," I glanced at the clock on the stove, it was already 9:35 am. I've been standing here just talking to Hunter for twenty minutes and have gotten nothing done with cleaning as I said I would while he was here. It was easy to just get lost in conversation with Hunter. "I should be cleaning," I mumbled.
"Pace yourself," Hunter chuckled. "We have all day, and all night if you wish,"
"I know, but I still just wanna get it done and then maybe use the rest of the week to relax before I got job hunting at the start of next week," I told him.
"Good plan," Hunter nodded. "But still, pace yourself. You just got out of working too much, don't do it to yourself," He added. "I'll help if you want,"
I shook my head. "No, no…I'm not having guests clean,"
"Don't even go there," Hunter playfully rolled his eyes, and got off the stool. "I told you the same thing during the New Year party and you wouldn't take no for an answer, so I'm not going to either," How did I know he was going to bring that up? "Come on, give me something to do. You know I hate sitting around,"
I heard the washer machine sound that let me know the first load of clothes was done washing. "Fine…After I switch these, I'm doing the bedroom next. I suppose, if you really want to do something, you can help me in there," I gave in.
Hunter almost grinned. "Oh, I can do many things to help you in there,"
"You know…I knew you were going to say that," I stated.
"Is that such a bad thing? When we started this friendship, I told you I wanted us to get to one another better. I'd say we've made progress if you immediately knew I'd crack some form of sexual joke about you letting me help you clean your bedroom," Hunter laughed some.
"And I'd say it doesn't count at progress considering you told me earlier that your comebacks depend on who you're talking to and what the topic is about. So given all of your comebacks are either sexual or sarcastic, I knew me mentioning us in my bedroom would result in a sexual joke," I countered.
Hunter stepped closer and kissed me quick, then pulled back smiling. "Aw! You do know me!" I rolled my eyes, but smiled anyway. It was hard to not be happy around Hunter.
"Come on," I invited.