The Journey Into Us

Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating:
M for Mature

Disclaimer: I do not own anything HTTYD-related.

Chapter 59

=Normal POV=
(Wednesday, 5/27/2020; 9:45 am)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Hunter's House)

As long as Hunter lived, he never wanted to watch someone he cared about go through what Trayden had the past two weeks. That is essentially how long Trayden stayed sick, everything coming within four days. It was hard and there had been at least two instances where Hunter almost called an ambulance to take Trayden to the hospital for the breathing issues, but Trayden begged him not to and Hunter would give into the request, not making the call. Trayden suffered intense symptoms the entire time, and the only saving grace was the breathing treatments twice a day once Trayden developed the final symptom of the virus, shortness of breath. Trayden would do the treatments upon waking up after a shower, and right before bed. There were days that Trayden couldn't even deal with the sight of food, but others where he could manage to keep something small and bland down. Some days Trayden had headaches, and others where it would be a migraine that lasted all day, or more than one. It was tough, especially when Hunter ended up a little sick for five days.

However, despite Hunter's bad and weak immune system, he did not get as bad as Trayden did and still took care of his boyfriend. Hunter dealt with mild to moderate symptoms, depending on what they were. Hunter had congestion, runny nose, headaches, slight body aches, light sore throat, and minimal nausea. Hunter probably only threw up a few times over the course of two days and while he got a fever, it never went over 102. And none of Hunter's illness kept him from helping Trayden deal with his. It was never confirmed if Hunter got the virus because he didn't get a test done due to be more worried about Trayden, who was too sick at times to even get out of bed unless he absolutely had to for using the bathroom, showering, or throwing up. And unfortunately, Hunter usually had to help Trayden to get up and move to the bathroom. Hunter kept up on cleaning surfaces and laundry and obviously didn't take part in any dancing for work.

Hunter would be present to monitor things, but he didn't perform in case he felt too bad or Trayden needed anything. The friends, Gregory, his parents, and Trayden's parents hadn't given him any trouble about how Hunter left things the night he informed them all that Trayden had the virus. It was a clear message and the group on Skype, highly suspected that Hunter no longer liked Trayden, but loved him. Which, of course, was surprising because all of them knew that Hunter had boyfriends in the past, but he never grew to love any of them. Hunter never spoke about those ex-boyfriends the way he did about Trayden, not losing him and refusing to because Hunter confessed that since meeting Trayden, his life made sense. That was the most shocking bit to learn; Hunter stating that Trayden was the difference in his life and it was because of Trayden that Hunter started living his life instead of live every day because that's all there was to do.

Hunter kept everyone updated, even when he was sick, which is when they got worried that Hunter was in very close contact with Trayden, who had the virus, and it was likely that Hunter caught it. He was told to get tested, and said he would but that's when Trayden's sickness got worse and Hunter wasn't focusing on himself. Hunter got over being ill last Sunday night, and felt completely better with no symptoms the next day on Monday. Trayden was still suffering as far as Hunter knew, but there was hope that the worst was over since Trayden reported Monday night before he fell asleep that he wasn't feeling a lot of congestion and the sore throat seemed to be fading a bit. Also, the cough and shortness of breath weren't as bad. On Tuesday, Trayden said the body aches weren't awful and his headache, at least by the end of Tuesday, felt more like a dull nag.

Trayden didn't throw up at all on Tuesday as well, he mentioned the nausea was there, but felt more like a reminder that it was there, so Trayden tried his luck with eating lunch and dinner, he made it through both and kept it down. Now, it was Wednesday and Hunter had been up 7:30 am. He already showered and ate, then cleaned up a bit and was relaxing on the couch with the laptop on his lap. Hunter's attention was grabbed as he heard Trayden's bedroom door open and see the man walk out, and go right for the bathroom. Hunter silently prayed that it wasn't because Trayden felt like he needed to throw up, that happened a few times last week where Trayden woke up instantly nauseous and ready to vomit. Hunter put the computer on the center table when he saw Trayden come out a few moments later.

"Hi, babe," Hunter greeted, getting to his feet and walking over to meet Trayden halfway.

"Morning…" Trayden replied gently and the two hugged lightly.

"How are you feeling?" Hunter wondered, leading Trayden over to the couch to sit down.

"Still waking up, but I guess I'd say better than I have in two weeks…" Trayden informed. "Feels like everything is fading, but still kind'a tired and…What's the word here?..." He trailed off.

"Washed out?" Hunter suggested.

"Yeah, that works. Probably from everything I dealt with over the two weeks," Trayden nodded.

"That would be my guess, but it's really good that you're feeling better. You had me worried on some days," Hunter smiled lightly, kissing his cheek. "Fever is down. Not all the way, but not bad,"

"I'm sorry I worried you…" Trayden looked down.

"It wasn't your fault," Hunter reassured. "I'm just glad you're alright."

"I'm glad you are…You got sick because of me," Trayden sighed.

"No, I got sick because I stayed around you, Tray. I know I could have left you isolated in your room and likely been okay, but then you might have suffered more and I wouldn't have known all the times you needed your inhaler, or help moving…Things could have been worse for you, and I didn't want to take that risk of something happening to you. I'd never forgive myself if I wasn't around," Hunter told him, holding his hands. "I ended up sick due to my own choices, handsome. Not you," He moved one hand up caress Trayden's cheek. "Never you."

Trayden smiled a bit and leaned into Hunter's touch. "Hopefully I feel all better tonight or tomorrow," Trayden mentioned.

"Why is that? Got a hot date or something?" Hunter teased.

"I was hoping for one," Trayden replied. "With you, obviously, because it's our four-month dating anniversary,"

"Right you are," Hunter nodded. "We'll see how the day goes," He added. Hunter just wanted to make sure Trayden was actually okay, especially if they were going to have a little indoor date for their anniversary. Their past dating markers usually involved sex at the end of the night, and Hunter wouldn't risk doing that with Trayden possibly sending him into an asthma attack, or upsetting his stomach.

"I'm perfectly okay with that," Trayden smiled. "Right now, I'm kind'a hungry…" He admitted.

Hunter beamed at that. "Well, I say we fix that hunger. Want me to get you something light? Test the waters?" He offered.

"Sounds good. Maybe toast?" Trayden shrugged. Hunter kissed his forehead and then got to his feet.

"I'll get it for you. Sit tight, maybe find something for us to watch?" Hunter suggested to him while walking to the kitchen and getting the bread.

"Will do, a-and maybe some of that ginger tea?" Trayden hoped.

Hunter checked the cupboard first, but didn't see any. "I think you got the rest yesterday. I'll have to put it on our shopping list for tomorrow's delivery. I'll call the store later and make a last minute add." Hunter said. "How about some ginger ale? I've got some in the garage, it will likely be room temperature," He recalled buying it last week.

"I'll try it, room temp is fine," Trayden replied. Hunter nodded, continuing to work on Trayden's toast, then going out to get the box of ginger ale soda. Trayden had found something for them to watch and by then, Hunter came over with the soda and two pieces of toast, lightly buttered and a small dusting of cinnamon. "Thank you," He laid his head on Hunter's shoulder a moment to snuggle up in thanks for making him breakfast. Hunter gave him a light kiss on the forehead again, then Trayden raised his head up to be able to eat and drink. The two relaxed, watching the movie together and once Trayden finished eating, he resumed his spot snuggling up against Hunter. The rest of today was looking to be a peaceful one.

. . .

(Thursday, 5/28/2020; 8:00 am)

Wednesday was perfect for Hunter and Trayden, they just kept to themselves and enjoyed one another. Trayden did feel better as the day went on with symptoms fading and the only one left was the one that started it all. Fatigue. After a relaxing day where Trayden was able to keep down all his meals, which heavier and bigger by dinner, Trayden called it a night at 10:00 pm once he'd come out of the shower. Hunter shut things down and decided to get some sleep as well by 10:30 pm. Hunter woke up at 7:00 am, as he usually did unless it was a late night at work. He quickly went to shower, then get dressed and make it out into the kitchen to start his coffee. However, Hunter found himself surprised to see Trayden in the kitchen, cooking breakfast. When Trayden turned to check something, he saw Hunter standing there.

"Oh!" Trayden jumped a bit, but smiled. "You scared me, baby," He relaxed. "Good morning,"

"Well, I didn't purposely scare you this time," Hunter shook his shock off. "Just surprised to see you up before me, and cooking?" He chuckled a little.

Trayden blushed a little, turning back to the stove to make sure the things he had cooking didn't burn. "You've taken such good care of me the past two or so weeks…And I woke up early for once, so I wanted to do something for you," Trayden told him lightly.

"Knowing you're okay is all I need, handsome," Hunter moved into the kitchen to wrap his arms around Trayden lovingly. "But thank you. I've quite missed your cooking," The two laughed a little. "How do you feel this morning?"

"Completely fine," Trayden beamed.

"Really?" Hunter asked, eyes widening with some shock at the news, but also still happy.

Trayden nodded to him. "Not tired, no head or body aches, no congestion, coughing, or runny nose. Fever gone, breathing clear…Nausea gone too. Now, I'm just happy…And hungry," He enlightened.

"I'm so happy to hear that, babe." Hunter hugged him, entirely grateful. "And your family will along with our friends will be so relieved."

"Haven't you been keeping them updated about me?" Trayden wondered once Hunter let go to start his coffee.

"I have, but I regret to inform that I haven't updated them since last Friday because that was when I hit the worse of myself being sick. It was as I was getting nauseous and told them that I had to get off to take care of you. I told Greg he was in charge of the show, and I think Blake offered to help with some of the technical things. After that, I signed off and closed the computer before throwing up," Hunter told Trayden.

"They must be freaking out by now," Trayden sighed. "I should call my parents, at least,"

"Hey, they've waited this long…A few more hours won't hurt. Let's just enjoy breakfast, then our grocery delivery will arrive and we can put it away. Once that's set, we'll call everyone and let them know we're both okay and better," Hunter offered.

"Sounds good to me. And food is just about done," Trayden said.

Hunter nodded, fixing up his coffee the way he liked and then grabbed the plates for Trayden, who portioned up food and set it down at their spots on the breakfast bar. The two shared a small kiss on the lips, the first one in days as it had only been kept to on the cheek while Trayden was sick. "Happy anniversary, baby," Trayden said to Hunter.

"Happy anniversary, handsome," Hunter responded. They kissed again, then got to eating their breakfast and chatting with one another.

. . .

(11:00 am)

Hunter and Trayden enjoyed eating breakfast together, and then cleaning everything up. At 10:00 am, the groceries arrived and were left inside the garage next to Trayden's car. Once the delivery person left with their helpers, Hunter and Trayden closed the garage and began bringing the bags in, then they put it all away. As they were preparing to call their friends up, Trayden's phone, now turned back on, started going off in his pocket.

"Who could that be?" Hunter wondered.

Trayden pulled the device out and checked the screen. "My doctor," Trayden replied with a little surprise.

"He probably just wants to check on you, I think the paperwork you submitted when we got your test done had a spot filled in for the doctor to receive a copy." Hunter shrugged, guessing.

"I suppose," Trayden slid his finger on the screen to answer the call, and then tapped the speakerphone icon. "Hello?"

"Hi, is this Trayden Raseri?" Came a female voice.

"Speaking," Trayden responded.

"This is Nadine, Doctor Lund's assistant at Archian Care. I was calling to check in and see how you are doing?"

"I'm doing great now," Trayden said.

"That's wonderful to hear. Now, the Department of Health asks us to get a little information from our patients who recover from Covid-19 for the sake of data and research. Especially those who recover and were considered high risk. I guess it's meant to compile together and perhaps help others who may be going through the things that others have, and offer advice for what they can do to continue recovering at home. It's just a small questionnaire that we can do over the phone, if you're willing to take part, of course?"

"Uh, sure. I don't mind." Trayden informed.

"Great, thank you so much. I promise it won't take long! Now-,"

And for the next fifteen minutes, Nadine would just ask Trayden questions about his experience having the Coronavirus. Questions like what symptoms he had, and when they came on, how severe they got. How it affected his underlying condition of asthma. What medications he used, whether they were prescribed or over the counter. One question had been if he could describe how things were, day by day. And then the last thing Trayden got asked was what his thoughts were on the experience.

"Well, I think that's everything. Thank you again. Oh, and Dr. Lund relays that if today is your first day with no symptoms, do not consider yourself completely recovered until it has been three days with no symptoms or the use of any medications to assist in keeping symptoms down. Some patients have reported feeling great, but then it all suddenly hits later in the day or the next one."

That didn't make Trayden feel any better, but he guessed he understood. "Okay, noted." Trayden replied.

"Excellent. We are glad you're feeling better, Mr. Raseri. Have a wonderful rest of your day!"

"You as well. Thanks." Trayden said, then finally got to end the call. "Well, that was interesting, but I guess informative,"

"Certainly hope it doesn't come back," Hunter agreed with a nod. "Should I send the message to everyone?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm just gonna go to the bathroom. You can start things though, I'm sure you'll get yelled at for the long wait in updates." Trayden chuckled.

"Probably by Gregory above any others. I'm sure your parents, while not happy, won't freak out on me," Hunter laughed a bit as Trayden shrugged some and then headed off to the bathroom. Hunter sent the message to the group chat, one that was set up with his and Trayden's parents. Hunter had the laptop on the table in front of the couch, the call ready. It didn't take more than two minutes for everyone to join.

"HUNTER FORGER!" Gregory scolded as Hunter winced at the tone. "How dare you not send me updates! I've been worrying like mad!"

"Hey, hey, easy…Calm down, Uncle Greg…I-I have a good reason!" Hunter stated quickly.

"Explain. NOW!" Gregory demanded.

"The last time I talked to you all is when I started feeling too sick to be online. I got off to help Tray, then ended up puking and after that, falling asleep," Hunter informed. "The headache went migraine and I just couldn't deal with lights, noise…Anything." He added. "I'm sorry I didn't get on to update you, but hey…I'm better now. Everything cleared up Sunday night and gone when I woke up Monday,"

"You're not sick anymore?" Vivian looked hopeful.

"No, not at all. Really, I'm great. I am sorry for not getting on Monday to let you know, I just had my focus on helping Trayden. When I felt better Monday, he had a really bad day where I thought I'd have to call him an ambulance…But we got it under control and then I just kept a close eye on him," Hunter reassured, seeing the worried faces of his parents hearing about the almost trip to the hospital.

"A-And how is Trayden now?" Rachel forced herself to ask.

Trayden walked over now and sat down next to Hunter, Rachel almost broke down in tears, happy and relieved to see her eldest son. "Hi, Mom and dad. Hey, everyone else." Trayden greeted with a smile.

"Oh, thank the Gods you are alright, son," Dustin breathed a sigh of relief. "You are okay, right?"

"I'm great, Dad. After Monday's bad day, it started to get better before the night was over. Progressively had symptoms lessen and taper off til Wednesday night and I woke up today with nothing at all." Trayden reassured.

"That's good to hear, little brother. We were worried about you," Blake interjected.

"I know you guys were, but everything is fine now. Hunter and I are both no longer sick. We wanted to let you know before we disappear for the day," Trayden smiled.

"Where ya going?" Tyler inquired.

"Oh. Nowhere. It's mine and Tray's anniversary, so we're just gonna relax around the house with movies, snacks, and soda is all." Hunter told them.

"We didn't want you to freak out if you didn't hear from us again," Trayden added, relaxing against Hunter's shoulder.

"We appreciate you updating us, boys," Rachel said, smiling gently. "Now, run along and enjoy your day." She insisted.

"Alright. Talk to you tomorrow!" Hunter waved.

"Bye! Love you!" Trayden waved too and then Hunter ended the call and closed the laptop.

"Ready to enjoy the rest of our day?" Hunter asked.

"More then ready," Trayden replied. They kissed deeply and managed to break it so they could set up for their date. There would be more time for kissing and getting lost in things later as they had all day and probably all night. Above all else, Hunter and Trayden were happy to no longer be sick and hopefully soon, the lockdown would be lifted so they could enjoy other days together, just outside of the house. Today, snuggling up on the couch with music, movies, snacks, and drinks was more than enough.