The Journey Into Us
Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating: M for Mature
Disclaimer:I do not own anything HTTYD-related.
Chapter 67
=Normal POV=
(Sunday, 8/30/2020; 2:30 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Park)
The Haddock family and Trayden were still at the park with four officers, and two paramedics. Valarie spoke with one officer, then Salvatore with Nathan spoke to another. One officer was still on standby to get the story of what happened from Trayden, and the paramedics were waiting to look over him as it was clear to see that he'd been physically attacked. The fourth cop was keeping people back, mainly reporters and journalists. Dustin and Rachel had not arrived yet, but it was okay because Trayden was still holding onto Hunter. Trayden was no longer sobbing, the cries had turned softer, like a whimpering. Hunter did what he could to comfort his boyfriend, but he did want to know what had happened to cause this. Trayden had cried for about twenty minutes, and finally calming down with just a few coughs and sniffling. Hunter rubbed Trayden's back and shoulder, just reminding him that it was okay and he was safe. Trayden wiped his eyes, but he stayed against Hunter with his head on Hunter's shoulder.
"You have to tell the officer what happened, Trayden…" Hunter told him gently. "And everything you can remember about who did this, so they can be caught and punished for their crime." He added. Trayden still shook a little. "You should let the paramedics take a look at you too," Hunter advised. "We want to make sure you're okay. I know you're scared, but I'm right here, okay? I'm not going anywhere, I promise." Trayden managed a nod in response to what Hunter said. He knew he had to talk, he just didn't want to because of what the situation was. "Will you talk to the cop and get checked out?" Trayden nodded again.
"Y-Your brother and sister shouldn't be here for this…" Trayden informed softly. Hunter didn't like the sound of that, his siblings were old enough to hear about Trayden being beaten up. This made it sound like something happened that wouldn't be appropriate for them. Regardless, Trayden was willing talk, but not with them present.
"Mom, dad…Will you take Nathan and Hollie out of earshot, please?" Hunter asked. Valarie and Salvatore nodded, guiding the children farther away. "Okay, they're gone now…" He confirmed to Trayden.
"Are we okay to approach?" The female paramedic questioned. Trayden nodded as the three of them stepped closer. The two paramedics knelt down near Trayden, but kept it slow. "Hi, Trayden. My name is Deanna, and this is my partner, Jackson. We just want to make sure you're okay and don't need a hospital. Is that alright with you?" The woman, Deanna, hoped.
"Yes…" Trayden replied.
"Thank you," The male EMT, Jackson, stated. "Vital signs first, then examination?" He looked at Deanna, who nodded to confirm the treatment plan.
"While they do that, my name is name is Victor Grimborn, I'm technically a private investigator, but I was an officer first and since I haven't had any cases lately, I elected to take on some police work. The other officers with me are my brother, Ricky Grimborn, and over there are Jeremy Traytor and Kayne Hunters." Victor introduced, pointing to the others he named.
"You're…Bryan's father, aren't you?" Hunter inquired.
"I am, yes. How do you know me?" Victor asked.
"I'm Bryan's boss, at Wild Fantasies. I'm Hunter Forger, that's my legal name, at least. I don't use Haddock anymore, like my parents introduced me as," Hunter informed. "It's a long story dating back over ten years ago…Anyway, you're here for Trayden," He added.
"Ah, yes! I remember you now. You looked familiar, but the name threw me off," Victor said, understanding who Hunter was. Victor pulled out a notepad, and pen. He jotted a few things down first, then looked at Trayden. "Can you tell me what happened? I don't need a lot of detail at this very moment, just the gist. I'll collect a recorded or written statement another time after you've had a bit to settle with today's incident."
Trayden sighed some, looking down and Hunter rubbed his upper arm. "It's okay, babe…Take it slow," Hunter soothed.
"I was minding my own business and walking on the path to get to the exit…It was probably a little after 2 pm when I went by a group of five males who were smoking. One of them whistled at me to get my attention, but I just kept walking. One spoke, told me not to walk away, and blocked my path. He said they just wanted to talk. I mentioned having somewhere to be. Same guy said just for a few minutes, and I told him I was already behind and asked that he step aside," Trayden paused to take a breath. "He said he'd let me by for the price of a kiss on the lips." Trayden felt the shift in Hunter's emotions, but didn't draw attention to it.
"I refused and they all started suggesting we could have fun and I'd have a better time with them. One held my hip, another grabbed my butt…I moved away and tried to walk off, but they grabbed me and I fell back. They dragged me to this spot, and I was held down while two beat me up for ten minutes…After that…The guy who cut me off had the two who attacked me hold my legs while…He started touching and molesting me…" Trayden started shaking and trying not to cry. "He kissed me and I bit his tongue…Then he stopped and pulled back, told the others to turn me over and began pulling my pants down…But that's when the baseball landed, and a voice said they'd get it. The guys let go and ran off…I just laid here, curled up…"
"Then you were found by Mr. Haddock's son, the child?" Victor asked.
Trayden nodded. "Nathan recognized me right away, he called for his parents…Then they came over with Hollie, and after Viola got close to me and looked me over, she whispered something to Salvatore and he said he would call the police while she called Hunter to get the number for my parents…Then you guys came…" Trayden leaned into Hunter more, trying not to cry again.
"I'm deeply sorry that this has happened to you, Trayden…But I assure you that we'll find these people, and they will face justice. I have enough story now to get the report started," Victor informed. "Once you've had some time to sit with things, and heal, you give me a call. We'll set up a time to get more detail about the incident." Victor explained, handing Trayden his card. "For now…Can you give me anything about how they looked?"
While the paramedics still checked over Trayden, he told Victor what he could about the five who had done this to him. It wasn't much, but Trayden was able to provide hair and eyes for some, age and height range for all, and only a little on what they were wearing. Trayden admitted that he didn't get many chances to see them. By the end of all that, Trayden gave Victor his contact information, and then he went to speak with the other officers and get people to clear out while the paramedics were treating some of the injuries on Trayden. Hunter continued to hold Trayden the best he could as Trayden had to adjust at times for the medics to do their exam. Soon, it was 3:00 pm and the paramedics were cleaning up their things as Vincent returned with Dustin and Rachel in tow.
"My baby boy…" Rachel instantly dropped to her knees next to Trayden and hugged him carefully.
"How is he?" Dustin asked the officers and paramedics.
"I've already gotten a general statement from Trayden about what occurred, and I've told him to contact me after he's had some time to settle with things so we can get a full statement. I believe our part, for now, is handled. We'll be returning to the station to get this report started and begin a search for the ones responsible. No names to go off of, but Trayden was able to provide some details that we can be on the look for." Vincent explained.
"Thank you, Officer Grimborn. To you and the others." Dustin shook their hands.
"It's our pleasure, Mayor Raseri. I assure you we'll find those responsible and they will face justice for their actions." Vincent said, then he led the other officers away to leave.
"We've also finished our exam and treated a few of the minor things. I'm concerned that there could be bruised or cracked ribs, we don't have the equipment to confirm it. I would advise a trip to the hospital. Other than that, I believe the minor cuts and bruises should clear up in a few days to a week." Deanna said.
"Would you like us to take you to the hospital, or be taken by someone else? I do believe you should go to get the scan for your ribs," Jackson informed.
"Will you take me?" Trayden asked Hunter.
"Of course, babe." Hunter nodded gently.
"Alright, we'll let them know ahead of time that you're going to be arriving. Just go through the emergency room, and let them know who you are." Deanna mentioned.
"We will, thank you," Rachel replied lightly. The paramedics headed out a few moments later. "Let's get you to the hospital, sweetheart," She suggested. Trayden only nodded and allowed Hunter and Dustin to help him up. He cringed and hissed a little at how his body felt, and then they helped Trayden to get to Hunter's car.
"We'll meet you there, son…" Dustin said once Trayden was buckled in. Trayden nodded and then Dustin shut the door. "Thank you for calling us, Hunter…"
"You're welcome," Hunter responded. "I'll see you at the hospital," He then went around to get into the driver's side, buckle, and start the car. Hunter changed the gear drove off. Rachel and Dustin went to talk to Valarie and Salvatore quickly, then they too left and were driving towards the hospital.
. . .
(3:45 pm)
(Hospital)
Hunter sat in the emergency room where Trayden had been placed after they arrived and got checked in. Trayden had given his permission that Hunter could be with him, despite not being family. Trayden had already been seen and then taken to X-Ray, so Hunter was just waiting for him to come back now. He sat in the chair, hands folded and arms on his knees, thinking about everything. Hunter was beyond worried for his boyfriend, and pissed off about what happened. Hunter sat back and sighed, his eyes closed while trying to figure out how to help Trayden get through this. Hunter heard the curtain move, and he looked to see if Trayden was back, but found it was just Dustin and Rachel, brought there by the nurse.
"Where is he?" Dustin asked.
"They just took him for X-Ray about ten minutes ago," Hunter replied softly. "They said it shouldn't take too long."
"What happened to him?" Rachel asked softly.
"Unless he asked you not to say anything?" Dustin cut in. "We don't want to make it harder for him to recover."
"He told me I could tell anyone who wanted to know, said it would make it easier if he didn't have to keep repeating it. Tray just asked I wouldn't tell anyone while he's around," Hunter informed. "For what happened in the park…Five guys stopped Tray while he was walking on the path, they wanted to have some fun with him and he refused. They basically dragged him to a more hidden spot, beat him up, and then four held him while one basically molested him and there was intention to rape if my little brother's baseball hadn't landed near them. The guys left Tray on the ground and ran, then my brother found him and called for my parents, who called me, and I called you," Hunter summarized.
"Oh my Gods…" Rachel gasped.
"I don't know the full story with details, but I know what he told Officer Grimborn was hard enough for him to get out…He's still upset and shaken up," Hunter said.
"And I'm sure no one holds it against him for feeling that way," Dustin nodded. "Why was he in the park anyway?"
"I don't know. I had been cleaning my house with friends over when my mom called me and said Trayden had been attacked at the park. She asked if I'd give you a call since they don't have your numbers, and knew I did. I called you guys and rushed to the park. My friends are still at my house, they wanted to come too but I told them to go home, or they could wait there. I didn't feel Trayden would want all that attention on him, and I was right because he got tense and jumpy if people came too close before he calmed down." Hunter explained. "I've only told the friends that Tray is shaken up and upset. And that we're at the hospital to get him checked out."
"Will you end up telling them?" Rachel asked.
"I'll ask Trayden if he wants them to know first. He didn't say anything in the car," Hunter responded. "It was quick during check in and triage, they had a lot of information from the paramedics already. It was really just questions about how much pain he felt, and insurance information."
"I guess we just have to wait for Trayden to be brought back, and hopefully he's okay," Dustin stated. The three of them just sat quietly, waiting for news. Though, Hunter did give up the chair he was sitting in for Rachel to sit down.
. . .
(4:00 pm)
Dustin, Rachel, and Hunter sat waiting, but not long. Just as it turned 4:00 pm, Trayden was brought back to the room by a female nurse, then she helped him into the bed.
"The doctor is just collecting all the images and going over them. He'll come give you the results as soon as he's done." The nurse informed with a smile.
"Thank you," Rachel said to her, she nodded and left the room. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?" She asked, going next to Trayden.
"Sore, and tired…" Trayden replied.
"Hopefully, it won't take long to get the results of your X-Ray, then you can be discharged and rest at home for a few days," Dustin stated. Trayden nodded, and closed his eyes. "Why were you at the park, son?"
"Had nothing better to do," Trayden answered. "Chores were done, couldn't sleep, so I decided to go walking…"
"You could have come over to my house, babe. I've been home all day, with the others over," Hunter said lightly.
"I hadn't heard from you, so I thought you were busy," Trayden tried to relax, but winced a bit.
"The only reason I didn't message or call you was because I didn't know how you felt. Last night, you went to bed after telling me that your headache was worse," Hunter reminded. "I didn't want to disturb you if you were still dealing with it, or it turned into a migraine…" He sighed a little. "I should have checked in…I'm sorry,"
"Not your fault…I could have messaged you too," Trayden mentioned. "I'm just tired because I barely slept last night. I either couldn't get comfortable or when I would get to sleep, I couldn't stay asleep. Headache hasn't really gone away, and meds just dull it for a bit," He laid his head back on the pillow. "I figured I'd go walking in the park, try to tire myself out…It was working until earlier…" He mumbled.
"I'm here for whatever you need, babe. I mean it..." Hunter promised.
"Us too, Trayden," Rachel nodded.
"I know…" Trayden responded. "Who else knows what happened?" He asked.
"We do, the cops and paramedics…" Dustin said.
"Our friends know you got hurt, but I haven't told them anything. They were with me when my mom called, I rushed out and told them they could either go home or wait for me to get back, but not to show up at the park. My last update was to Blake, and only him, saying we're at the hospital to make sure you're okay." Hunter admitted.
"You know they're gonna harass you…" Trayden sighed.
"Doesn't matter. It's none of their business. I told your parents when they got here because they are your parents. Our friends only know you got hurt, and that's all they need to know unless you want them to know what really happened." Hunter remarked calmly. "I'm not saying anything unless you want me to,"
"I appreciate that…You can tell Blake, though. He's family, just don't have him come rushing here," Trayden said.
Not more than a few moments later, the doctor knocked on the wall and stepping into sight. "Hello," The man greeted. "I'm the ER doctor on tonight, everyone just calls me Dr. Shawn. I have your X-Ray results," He paused.
"You can say it with them all here. It's just my boyfriend and parents," Trayden told him, seeing the look on the doctor's face about others being in the room.
"Just wanted to make sure," Dr. Shawn smiled. "Well, happy to report that nothing is broken…But there are two on the left that are bruised. Those usually heal in three to six weeks. I suggest an ice pack to prevent inflammation, and over the counter medication should do the trick for pain. Try to rest, and don't do anything strenuous. If pain isn't dulling down or going away after a few weeks, come back for more testing. You should follow up with your doctor in a month," He explained.
"Got it," Trayden replied to him.
"And everything else should clear up in a week or so," Doctor Shawn informed.
"Thank you so much," Rachel smiled.
"You're welcome. Do you have any questions for me?" Doctor Shawn asked. Trayden shook his head. "Well then, if you'd like to sign this line for me, I'll release you from the hospital," He smiled, getting his pen and walking closer to Trayden, who signed and then Doctor Shawn handed Trayden his copies of things and the two shook hands before the doctor left.
"Would you like me to give you a lift home, babe?" Hunter questioned as he and Dustin helped Trayden off the bed and to his feet.
"A-Actually…I was hoping that maybe I could stay with you for a few nights…O-Or you stay with me…" Trayden hoped, looking down, embarrassed. "I-I don't…Want to be alone…"
"Hey, I said whatever you need, babe…If you don't want to be alone, then I'll stay with you. My place or yours?" Hunter questioned with a light smile.
"You still have work nights…So yours would probably be better," Trayden replied.
"Then we'll go to yours to get you some stuff first," Hunter kissed Trayden's cheek. After that, the group left the hospital. Rachel and Dustin went home mentioning they wanted updates, and then Trayden and Hunter got in Hunter's car and headed for Trayden's apartment. All Trayden wanted to do was get to Hunter's and lay down to rest. The day had been long enough already and Trayden wanted it to be over.
