The Journey Into Us
Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating: M for Mature
Disclaimer:I do not own anything HTTYD-related.
Chapter 34
=Trayden's POV=
(Friday, 1/17/2020; 2:00 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Trayden's Apartment)
It's been three days since I had sex with Hunter, and I'm still beyond happy that I just decided to go for it. I think what had me so nervous was figuring out what new things I wanted to try, and despite knowing those three things Hunter told me about readiness, I'd psych myself out. But when Hunter and I started making out, all the worry blurred and all I wanted was him. That's where I got the idea for us to just go for it. No stopping, no asking what I wanted, just go with it and if I hit a point where I realized that maybe I wasn't ready to continue into the next thing, I had the power to say so and it would stop. Everything went great, and I was a little sore the next morning, but a hot bath helped. Hunter was still asleep when I woke up at 7:15, so I let him rest and I took a bath. By the time I was done, though, Hunter was awake and had made us breakfast. We enjoyed that and talked a bit about how our night was, then went on the topic of there was still more to try if I wanted. Most of the trying was set at me fingering and fucking Hunter, then playing around in different positions for sex.
Hunter took a shower while I cleaned up from breakfast, and then we relaxed for a while until Hunter said he should get back home because the dancer friends were texting him to ask if they were practicing anything. Hunter admitted that he wanted to stay with me another day, but with it being the middle of January, Wild Fantasies was opening in two weeks and they had to finish getting ready for the new show. Hunter hoped I would come to see it, and then we said goodbye around 10:30 am. The rest of my Wednesday was tidying the apartment again, then relaxing. On Thursday, I hung out with my school friends. We went out to lunch and got caught up. Today, I realized that I never went to see Andrew at the bar on Wednesday to return my uniform and collect my tips from Monday night when I was fired. I knew I had to go, but dreaded it as I knew what was going to happen.
I'd been texting Hunter and a few of the others, just general conversation. I planned to tell my parents about getting fired on Sunday when I went for dinner and I would start looking for new job on Monday the 21st, I figured it would be good to use this week to just recollect myself. Now, checking the time, I sighed and figured that I should go see Andrew before things got busy there. I got up to get my work uniform from my room, then grabbed my wallet, keys, and phone before heading out of the apartment and locking the door behind me.
. . .
(2:15 pm)
(The Drake's Nest)
I strolled from the parking lot to the main door, I gave a smile to the security guy, CJ and walked through the entrance. I looked around and didn't see Andrew, but I saw some of the other workers I recognized. There were four new people, I guess Andrew was hiring like crazy to compensate for being short-staffed before Natalie and I left, and now, after too with us gone.
"Tray!" Tristan beamed as he came out from the back room.
"Hey," I waved. "How's things?"
"Average. You?" Tristan wondered.
"About the same," I replied.
"Find a new job yet?" Tristan asked, giving me an interesting look like he hoped I hadn't. That was my clear indication that I was about to be asked if I'd come back.
"Starting the search on Monday, figured I'd take the rest of this week to relax and catch up on stuff I'd been neglecting during the craziness," I answered.
"Any chance you'll possibly consider returning here?" Came a female voice, one of the other employees I worked with. Her name was Elizabeth, Liz or Lizzy for short and she was a cheerful girl, but definitely wouldn't take anyone's crap.
"Not without a damn good reason as to why I should, and that would only be towards considering. It would take far more to actually get me to agree to come back," I remarked. "Now, where is he?"
"In the back, doing an interview," Elizabeth mentioned.
"It's probably his 20th this week, and he's hired about eleven of them," Tristan added.
"Cool. Tell him I'm here to turn in my uniform and get my tips from Monday," I informed. Elizabeth nodded and hurried to the back to pass the message while I just stayed where I was and waited. I replied to Hunter a few times over the last ten minutes, he was asking what I was doing and if I wanted to pop over his place for music assistance because they only needed a few more to finish their new segments to the show. Hunter also mentioned the school friends were over too, so safe to say it was going to somehow turn into a party and I knew there was an underlying hint from Hunter that we could have some fun. At tempting as it all sounded, I might pass the invite to come over tonight. I'm tired and want to take it easy, it's just how I've felt since I woke up this morning.
"Andy said you can come back, Tray," Tristan stated. I slipped my phone into my pocket and walked to the back room, then over to Andrew's desk. Just judging the look in Andrew's eyes, I knew this wasn't going to be a quick exchange and then I could leave. It's a good thing I didn't make plans in the expectancy of what was about to happen.
. . .
(3:30 pm)
Trayden's Apartment)
It went exactly as I anticipated it would. The heartfelt apology, asking and pleading that I come back, telling me that things are changing, promises, and more of everything I'd heard before. I could tell Andrew felt awful about what went down over the last six or seven months, the guilt was all over his face. When I asked him for a reason, just one good reason why I should even consider returning after everything; he told me that he got wrapped up in too much with making sure the bar was running smooth and also personal matters with his family. Andrew didn't go into detail, I didn't need him to, but he admitted that things just hit at once and he handled it badly under all the stress. After all was said and done, I left Andrew with only that I would think about it and if I made the decision to return then he would hear from me by the end of January. I still gave him the uniform and took my tips, then I exited the bar, got to my car, and went home.
Now inside my apartment, I set my keys and wallet in their normal spot, kicked off my shoes and then reclined back on my couch after sitting. I sighed heavily, and felt my phone vibrate, so I pulled it out and checked the screen to find different messages from my friends. I knew they'd come in while I was talking to Andrew, but the newest was from Hunter. I unlocked the device and went to messages, tapping the conversation with Hunter.
Hunter's Cell, 3:35 pm
So, you know I'm a pain in the ass…Or maybe you can consider it a pleasure now ^.- But wondering if you're gonna come over so I can inadvertently steal your phone to scope for more possible dance music or are we on our own today? Lol. Also, more than the music help, I want to see you because I miss you. And yes, I'm perfectly aware that it's only been three days since the last time XD
I shook my head at the first part of Hunter's text, I knew he made comments like that all the time and I was completely used to them now. The rest however, as fun as I knew get togethers could be, and how sweet it was that Hunter was looking for excuses to see me, unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood to do anything. I'm tired and want to sleep. My head hurts, and driving home earlier I began to feel queasy. I don't even have an appetite. I really don't want it to be the case, but I think I'm getting sick. I tapped the box to reply, and started pressing the keys.
~Not a pain. Sorry that I didn't reply, I was handling something and home now. Sadly, I'm gonna pass on coming over.~
I got up and went to the bathroom to check my temperature, when it beeped, I looked to find that I did have a slight fever. I grabbed the pain and fever reducer, then headed to the kitchen to get a water bottle from the fridge. On my way back to the couch, I locked the apartment door as I didn't plan on going anywhere the rest of the night, and then sat back down. I took the medication with some water, and then got my phone to find Hunter replied.
Hunter's Cell, 3:37 pm
Aw, that is sad. But I know that you have a life and I can't always expect that you'll be free to hang lol
~It's not that I'm not free, Hunter. I'm just not in the mood to do anything.~
I decided to close my blinds slightly to dim the light in the room, then change my clothes into pajamas. I returned to the couch to get a drink and check my phone again. As I figured, Hunter replied.
Hunter's Cell, 3:54 pm
Is everything okay? I mean, it's totally cool if you aren't in the mood for anything and just wanna chill at home. I guess I'm just picking up something that makes me feel I should ask if you're alright.
~I think I'm getting sick.~
Hunter's Cell, 3:56 pm
Oh, shit. Are you okay, what's wrong?
~Tired, no energy or appetite, headache, felt a bit queasy while driving. Slight fever as I just discovered. I've already taken fever and pain reducer, changed clothes, and drinking water. I'm just gonna turn on the TV, find something to watch and relax, then go to bed early and hope I feel better tomorrow.~
Hunter's Cell, 4:00 pm
:( I'm sorry you're not feeling well. And I hope you feel better too. Stay on the water and meds. I'll let you rest up, let me know how you're doing tomorrow? And if you need anything, don't hesitate to text or call.
~Thanks, and I will stay on those things, keep you updated, and let you know if I need anything. Talk to you later, Hunt.~
Hunter's Cell, 4:02 pm
You're welcome. Talk to you soon, Tray :)
I set my phone to silent and put it on the living room charger, then let it stay on the end table. I laid against the arm with one of the pillows for added comfort, and I stretched my legs out and pulled the blanket down off the back of the couch and covered up. I grabbed the remote and flipped on the TV, then began scrolling to find something to watch. I settled on something and relaxed, and before I knew it, my eyes were drooping and fell fast asleep.
. . .
=Normal POV=
(Sunday, 1/19/2020; 10:45 am)
(Trayden's Apartment)
It ended up being a twenty-four hour bug that Trayden picked up from somewhere. The rest of Trayden's Friday and all day Saturday were awful for him, but thankfully Trayden woke up at 8:00 am today and felt much better. Trayden hadn't talked to anyone on Friday or Saturday, he was too tired and miserable. This morning, Trayden had already showered, shaved, and eaten breakfast since waking up. Trayden spent a little time tidying and now at 10:45 am, he plopped down on his couch with his phone in hand, unlocking it and beginning to check over missed alerts. Everything appeared to be text messages, and no calls or voicemails. It seemed to be his friends checking up on him, and his parents sending several reminders to him of the family dinner tonight at 5:30 pm. The texts were spread out over the last two days, so it was clear to Trayden that his ghosting since Friday afternoon caused some concern. Trayden felt he should probably answer his family first, or they would show up.
Trayden figured it would be easier to call his parents because he knew they were home, and they would want an explanation for why he never answered yesterday. After this, he would likely start messaging friends back. Trayden dialed the house number, and set it to his ear.
"Hello?" Trayden heard a male voice, it was definitely his younger brother, Cole.
"Hey, little brother," Trayden greeted.
"Hi! Wait, which older brother is this?" Cole asked.
"It's Tray," Trayden replied calmly. "Can I talk to mom or dad?"
"Sure, hang on!" Cole stated. A few moments later, Trayden heard the phone get handed off to who he assumed was his father, based on the tone.
"Hi, son," Dustin said. "Mom is here too,"
"Hi dad and mom," Trayden responded. "Sorry that I haven't been answering, and I didn't forget about dinner tonight," He informed.
"Oh, it's alright, sweetheart. We figured you were probably busy or tired from work," Rachel giggled.
Trayden completely forgot that they didn't know he was fired, but could get his job back. Not that Trayden was thinking about that too much right now. "Busy and tired, yes…Just not from work," Trayden enlightened. "I…Don't work there anymore,"
"Oh, dear. What happened?" Rachel inquired quickly.
"I'll tell you more later, but the short version is that I refused to apologize to customers who were in the wrong," Trayden paused. "So Andrew fired me on Monday night," He added.
"What did these customers do that you wouldn't apologize to them for?" Dustin wondered.
Trayden sighed. "They were playing grab-ass with Natalie…And me," He admitted to them.
"And Andrew terminated for refusing to say sorry to the people who did that?!" Rachel remarked firmly. "That's completely unacceptable!"
"Rach…" Dustin warned calmly as Trayden heard his mother huff. "Did you press charges, Trayden?"
"No. I didn't even call the police, Dad. And mom, Andrew fired me because he didn't know the whole story. He just happened to come out when I was about to inform the males I closed their tabs and they could leave. Andrew only heard what the customers said, and didn't know everything. He told me to apologize, and I refused. So he fired me, then as I was leaving, I told him what took place that he didn't see," Trayden explained. "Of course, he felt guilty and wanted to take it back, but I still left. Nat quit the same night. I've spent the last few days cleaning my apartment, shopping, and looking for a new job,"
"If Andrew realized his fault, then why didn't you stay?" Dustin asked.
"Because of the way he came at me when I was trying to throw the guys out. No idea what even happened, but trying to make the customers happy when they were the ones who were wrong. He cared more about his customers than his staff, and it wouldn't have gone down that way if he was out on floor like he should have been." Trayden stated.
"You did the right thing, baby," Rachel reassured. "And if you need anything, you call your father or me,"
"I know, Mom. But yeah, I thought I'd let you know that I'm fine. I'm sorry I didn't answer anything Friday or Saturday, I was sick," Trayden mentioned.
"You're sick? Stay home and rest tonight, son. We can do dinner another time," Dustin insisted.
"I'm okay now, Dad. It was a twenty-four thing, and I feel a million times better," Trayden chuckled. "I just wanted to let you know that I'll be over for dinner," He added.
"Okay, honey! We'll see you around 5:30ish," Rachel said happily.
"See you then! Love you!" Trayden replied. After hearing them reply that they loved him too, the call ended and Trayden took a breath to relax before getting a drink of his orange juice and began sending messages back to his friends about why he ghosted for a day and a half, also that he felt much better. Some of them were at work and would answer later on, but those who were off or could reply, did so. Trayden exchanged messages with a few, and then smiled upon seeing Hunter's name drop down for a moment. Trayden finished his text to Ethan, then sent it off and went back to get to Hunter's tab.
Hunter's Cell, 11:05 am
I'm glad you're okay. I got worried when I didn't hear from you yesterday. How do you feel now?
~A lot better than yesterday. I think it was just a 24-hour thing.~
Hunter's Cell, 11:06 am
Ouch. Been there before, it sucks. What are your plans today, handsome?
~I slept most of it off. Friday was from 4-9, tried to eat a lil something, bathroom, then bed at 10. Saturday was shower, slept on and off, barely ate, higher fever, water all day, and knocked out 7:45ish for the rest of the night. Got up today and felt immensely better after showering, then breakfast. As for plans today, nothing really until 5:15ish when I go to my parents' place for dinner.~
Hunter's Cell, 11:09 am
At least you're feeling better, that's what counts :) And that sounds fun. I've got the dancers over for practice, working on routines and finding music as usual.
~I'm sorry I couldn't help the other day.~
Hunter's Cell, 11:10 am
You were sick, don't worry about it. There will be other times, Tray. We practice every day, unless I have other things to do or places to be. You can come over tomorrow if you're up for it. We start as early as 10 am.
~We'll see. I've gotta job hunt tomorrow, whether it's online or going around the city to put apps in.~
Hunter's Cell, 11:11 am
Don't forget you've got a job with me and Gregory at Wild Fantasies. Either bartender or show with me ^.^
~Lol, I won't forget. But I'm still keeping my options open.~
Hunter's Cell, 11:12 am
Yay, I'm an option and won't be forgotten!
~You're clearly in a good mood today XD And no, you will never be forgotten. You're too awesome ^.-
Hunter's Cell, 11:13 am
AWE! That's the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. Also, you're amazing and good looking. Yes, exceptionally good mood. I'm wondering when I can see you again.
~Soon. Patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait.~
Hunter's Cell, 11:15 am
Okay, okay. I'll be good, but patience is not one of my strong points, especially when it involves you ;)
Trayden found he could only shake his head with a small laugh. Trayden didn't mind when Hunter singled him out like that, it was a nice feeling. Trayden recalled all their conversations where Hunter did admit to happily sleeping with any of his friends, but Hunter specifically mentioned that none of the others could turn him on with just a kiss. Like that night in the garage. Or Hunter informing Trayden that he was definitely hottest, cutest, and made Hunter want him more than anyone before. Also, that Trayden apparently possessed the ability to make Hunter aroused and want him like crazy through mere attraction instead of physical actions. Trayden had never brought up with Hunter because he didn't want to misread the words and assume something, or look too much into it. Hunter was just being nice, and they were only friends with at random benefits. Trayden knew the offer was there, so there wasn't a need to question if they'd continue doing things once Trayden got to experience everything sexual with a male. It would just move to if the situations arose that Hunter and Trayden could, and possibly decide if Trayden wanted any of the others to know what was going on. Trayden supposed it didn't matter right now, he was happy that everything in his life was good.
