The Journey Into Us
Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating: M for Mature
Disclaimer: I do not own anything HTTYD-related.
Chapter 70
=Trayden's POV=
(Thursday, 12/31/2020; 4:00 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(The Great Hall)
I can't believe it's New Year's Eve! My father is throwing a large scale party for the event, which I'm forced to attend as his son. All my other siblings were too, so I guess it's not so bad. It only sucked because I know Hunter is doing his usual celebration too, and I have to miss it this year. I had a blast last time. Mom said I could invite Hunter and our friends, so I did let them know earlier today, but I never heard if they would or wouldn't. I guess I'll just have to see if they show up at random. I'm sure I'll be performing with my siblings tonight too, at least I'm in the mood too unlike on the 4th of July when I had so much on my mind and wanted to be left alone to get my head together. Not that it ended up happening because Hunter and Blake got into it over me and I had to break that up, then scold them. The night ended good, though. Blake was reassured that he would always be my best friend and that no one could take his place in my life, and I told Hunter that I love him back. Everything worked out, so it was a great night overall.
Hunter and I just passed eleven months of dating, I'm still in shock that my first boyfriend after learning I'm gay is someone I've been with for so long. But maybe that's because Hunter and I fell in love as friends, and neither of us realized that it was love at that first kiss in his garage. It took a bit to see that we've had a strong connection since meeting one another. And honestly, neither of us have been happier to make all the realizations after having time to really get to know one another as friends before dating, and also take things slow. Our anniversary of the first kiss we shared and became friends date on the 8th of December did end with sex, as I anticipated it would. I did let Hunter show me why toys were fun for males, I wasn't nervous because I've basically done everything with Hunter. I found that vibrators were interesting and when used right, brought a lot of pleasure.
Hunter and I have started including toys into our sex routines, just to spark things a bit, not that our sex life wasn't already exhilarating. I guess we just decided that it was another way to see what I liked because I learned that Hunter has a small kinky side and I agreed to let him show me some other things we could enjoy together while making love, or leading into it with foreplay. I'm liking it so far, we're taking our time. We also celebrated our eleven months of dating on the 28th, just a few days ago. We were at my apartment for it because the weather was crappy as we were about to head out for a light jog and walk in the park. Christmas had been fun, we stuck to the plan that I'd do dinner at Hunter's house with his parents, siblings, and Gregory, then Hunter and I moved onto desserts with my parents and siblings. The night finished off with us having sex. I got a few gifts from Hunter, and I got him some too, but one I hadn't expected he would give me was a key to his house.
I knew he didn't give that to just anyone. Not even his parents had one. I was surprised, but Hunter told me he gave it to people he trusted and were special to him. I know that Hunter isn't totally good with his folks yet, they were still on their chance to prove to Hunter they wanted to be in his life. Hunter was great with his brother and sister, but I think there might always be some lingering animosity from Hunter about what his parents did when he was fifteen, that they kicked him out and stayed away for ten years without a word. Regardless, everything is perfect in my life. Even the Covid-19 situation is not a worry of mine because the Archipelago has been Coronavirus free since Thanksgiving, but we're all still taking the precautions with masks and gathering limits. Vaccines are available, and being administered in priority groups.
I have not a single worry in my life, everything is beyond what I thought it would be a year ago. Amazing family, friends, boyfriend, and even my job. I loved all of it and I'm excited to ring in the new year with things being this great. So right now, I'm just getting to The Great Hall. It's basically City Hall, but there are banquet rooms. We were going to be outside, but its too cold even with a tent and big outside heaters.
"Trayden!" My mother greeted me with a big hug.
"Hi, Mom," I smiled and hugged her back.
"Glad you could make it, son," My father embraced me next.
"You didn't really give me much choice," I chuckled. "The mayor throws a new year's party? Of course his family should be present." I said after we pulled back.
"Well, I just felt after the year we've had; it should be celebrated and boost confidence that we're virus free, and have a vaccine, so we're going into 2021 with our heads held high." Dustin explained.
"I wasn't knocking it, Dad," I informed.
Dexter, Erik, Ava, and Cole were next to greet and hug me. Then Natalie and Blake. "Is your boyfriend and friends coming?" Blake wondered.
"Well, I didn't know I was allowed to invite them until this morning…So I told Hunter and the others at 11 am about it. It's last minute and I know Hunter throws a new year's bash too," I shrugged.
"I'm sure they'll come. If anything, Hunter would want to celebrate with you and his friends," Blake patted my shoulder a few times. "In the meantime, you can come get ready with us," He led me away to where all the music stuff is to help set it up.
I knew the party itself didn't start until 5:00 pm, so at that time, Dad would probably make his welcome announcement, let the band do an opening song, then everyone would be free to move about, talk, eat, and dance. I'm also positive this even will be televised because Dad wants to include all the residents who aren't at the celebration in person. The people who are here tonight are close friends of mom and dad, plus colleagues they work with daily. I know Blake has his army unit here, and I think all my siblings have their significant other present too. Everyone else was the catering service. With nothing else to do right now, I helped Blake and my siblings get the music ready for tonight.
. . .
(5:00 pm)
I still haven't heard from Hunter, or any of the others. Everything is ready to go for tonight. Dad is about to open things up, so I'm just getting the microphone set for him and then I'm preparing the playlist for songs. I've got some that will just play, and then others will be Karaoke version. But then my siblings and I have a small list of ones we can play on the instruments and sing them like a cover.
"Is everything ready, son?" Dustin inquired.
"Yeah, Dad. Just don't forget to flip the mic on this time," I teased him from the night of mom's birthday when he said the microphone wasn't working and it was because he didn't turn the device on first. My father shot me a scowl and I laughed a little while handing it to him. My father took the object and flipped the button up. I listened as he went to get everyone's attention. I was organizing wires and finishing up the playlists for easier music finding. I happened to look over and see Hunter come in with Gregory, his parents, and two siblings. Following them were the rest of my friends. I smiled, happy that they had come after all. I finished what I was doing and then went over to greet them.
"There you are, babe," Hunter hugged me and then we shared a small kiss.
"I'm glad you made it. I wasn't sure if I'd messaged you too late as the invite, but in my defense, I also received the green light to invite you late," I admitted sheepishly.
"It's fine, handsome. I messaged you back right away that we were down to come," Hunter informed. I blinked.
"Really? I never got anything." I told him.
"Odd. Might be time for a new phone, a lot of people haven't been getting my responses lately," Hunter chuckled some. "We're not too late, are we?"
"No, no. Dad is just about to give his welcoming speech," I smiled. "Come on, I made sure there was spots left untouched so we could all sit together," Hunter nodded and I led him with the rest to where we we'd be sitting. I tried to keep us all together between two or three tables. I'm sure Hunter's parents would take up near my mom and dad, Gregory and the twin Haddock kids too. Everyone got settled at their chosen spots and my dad looked at me for confirmation that he could start. I gave him a nod as he went to get the guests to settle down. After a few moments, it didn't appear to be working and dad looked at me for help. I rolled my eyes and got next to him. "What?" I asked him.
"Can you do the thing to get them quiet?" Dustin question. I took a deep breath and set my fingers to the corners of my mouth, then released a loud whistle as the room went silent. I stopped and chuckled. "Thank you, son. Although, I really expected you to do the roar,"
"I ain't killing my voice because you can't get the room's attention, Dad," I remarked. "I do the roar and won't sing, or I whistle and sing. Take your pick,"
"Don't you make him lose his voice, Dustin. He promised to do some of my requests tonight," Rachel beamed.
"Yes, dear," Dustin nodded. Dad went about his opening speech as I just waited for him to finish knowing Furies Roar would be performing a song afterward to start the big celebration.
. . .
=Normal POV=
(9:00 pm)
It was three hours to the start of 2021, and everyone in attendance to the New Year's Bash was having a great time. As planned, once Dustin finished his welcome to the new year after the crazy one we've had speech, Furies Roar kicked off the party with a live performance. Beyond that was everyone have fun in different ways, but mostly just spending time with one another. Guests would either be snacking, dancing, or roaming around to talk to others, but everyone would get a bit closer together when the band did their live bits, which was at least two every hour. Trayden split his time evenly with being at his parents' sides and hanging with his friends, and boyfriend. At the moment, Trayden had a cup of soda in hand and moving from being with his parents over to his friends and boyfriend.
"There you are," Alyssa greeted.
"Sorry," Trayden shrugged.
"It's fine, Tray. We know you have duties at these events," Devon waved it off.
"Yeah, well the friends of my parents could also stand to remember that I'm not an only child," Trayden rolled his eyes.
"You do it to keep up with appearances, little brother. You've always been the good one, so if your brothers and sister see you doing it, they'll do it too. You set the example, remember?" Blake chuckled.
"Don't remind me," Trayden muttered. "So what have I missed?"
"Nothing really," Rylee informed.
"We've either been here talking or dancing, depends on what song comes on," Thaxter smiled.
"If you guys and girls have requests for music, just say something," Trayden reminded with a light laugh. "It's only playing on random because I don't have requests at the moment,"
"Is your mom gonna start asking for hers soon?" Hunter teased.
"Likely," Trayden nodded.
"What does she usually request?" Bryan wondered.
"Wedding song, then a bunch of Disney," Trayden replied. "Maybe a couple of random choices," He added.
"What's her favorite, if you had to guess?" Hunter inquired.
Trayden thought about it for a few moments, running through all the songs in his mind. "It's a close toss up between three. Lion King's Circle Of Life, Cinderella's A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes, and Celine Dion's Beauty And The Beast." He finally said.
"I guess we're gonna find out," Hunter chuckled a little. "She's on her way over," He patted Trayden's shoulder gently.
As Rachel made it towards Trayden, he faced her. "What song is it gonna be first, Mom?" Trayden questioned.
Rachel pulled him off to the side a bit. "I was wondering if you could do something old, but new?" Rachel looked at him.
"Going to need you to be specific," Trayden sighed.
"Have you seen the new Mulan live action?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah, watched it at the beginning of the month with Hunter on Disney Plus. Why?" Trayden stared at her.
"Can you do the new Reflection version or is that going to be out of range?" Rachel wondered curiously, but hopeful too.
"I haven't attempted it, so I don't know…Generally, I should be able to handle the song itself, but I don't know about that long, higher note at the end," Trayden considered it. Rachel frowned some. "Won't know unless I try, so gimme a few minutes," Rachel beamed now and hugged him.
"Thank you, son!" Rachel giggled as they went back to where Trayden's friends were.
"I said try and only that. No promises…" Trayden clarified his response. "That one might actually be out of my range, or could hurt me." Rachel nodded, understanding. Trayden grabbed Blake's arm. "I need you for a sec,"
"Where we going?" Blake blinked as Trayden was dragging him away.
"Come on," Trayden groaned. Moments later, they were out of the room. "I need you to tell me if you think I could handle doing the new Reflection from Mulan live action,"
Blake thought about it. "I don't see why not…But there is that ending pitch,"
"That's what I'm mainly asking for…That's the song mom wants to hear," Trayden informed. "Length isn't a big issue, but the tone could be,"
"Well, at the end of the day, little brother…It's your call. I've heard your voice go high before, so I know you can do it. The question is do you believe you can do it now, and hold it?" Blake asked. Trayden closed his eyes before turning back into the room and Blake followed him. His mother was waiting beside his father, and there seemed to be a looming anxiousness to Trayden's answer on if he'd do the request or not, even though most didn't even know what he'd been asked to do. "Tray?" Blake questioned, standing slightly behind him now.
Trayden opened his eyes slowly and turned his head a bit towards Blake. "Set it up,"
"You're gonna do it?" Blake checked as Trayden nodded. "You're sure?"
"Are you trying to talk me out of it, or are you gonna help me out?" Trayden remarked.
"I'm just doing my job as your best friend and older brother," Blake chuckled a bit before he headed for the laptop. Once everything was set up, Natalie was waiting to press the button as Blake returned and helped Trayden get his suit jacket off and then pulled the microphone from his back pocket, handing it to Trayden. "You ready?" Trayden gave him a nod as Blake looked to Natalie and gave her a thumbs up. "Kill it, little brother," Blake encouraged with a smile.
The music started very light, but a tune known so well. Blake had the surrounding people take some steps back to give Trayden some space. Trayden had his eyes closed and took a breath. "Look at me. You may think you see who I really am, but you'll never know me. Every day, its as if I play a part. Now I see, if I wear a mask, I can fool the world, but I cannot fool my heart." There was a brief pause as the music began to rise. Trayden's eyes opened, though he wasn't looking at anything in particular and so far, he was doing well. "Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me. When will my reflection show who I am inside…" It was interesting how quiet the room was.
"I am now in a world where I have to hide my heart, and what I believe in. But somehow, I will show the world what's inside my heart, and be loved for who I am." Trayden had begun again, only stopping to take another breath for the chorus. Rachel squealed and clapped her hands excitedly with a little bounce on her feet. "Oh! Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me. Why is my reflection someone I don't know. Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time. When will my reflection show who I am inside?" There was another pause. It was easy to tell that the music only built, and Trayden's voice had to consistently changing tones, and holding different lengths.
"There's a heart that must be free to fly. That burns with a need to know the reason why! Why must we all conceal how we think and how we feel? Must there be a secret me I'm forced to hide. I won't pretend that I'm someone else for all time," Many held their breaths, but the siblings linked hands, and Rachel quickly grasped Dustin's arm in anticipation. "When will my reflection show who I am inside!" Trayden sang out that final word in the chorus, managing the pitch and length while the music base hit a few drums and faded out in the middle of the note. It fell quiet for a moment as Trayden took a breath and then a very light piano tune played. "When will my reflection show who I am inside…" Then the music stopped and all anyone could do, though in surprise, was clap and then start cheering.
Trayden smiled gently and gave a light bow before his mother instantly rushed to hug him tightly. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart!" Rachel kissed each cheek with a broad smile. Trayden had hugged her back, but didn't say anything in response.
"Well done, son," Dustin approached, smiling as well.
"Guess you can still do it," Blake grinned, giving him a hard smack on the back.
"Good job," Natalie said.
As he continued to get the praise for his performance. Hunter was one of the only people who noticed that while Trayden was smiling and nodding in acknowledgment to everything from others, the man hadn't said a word since finishing the song. Hunter got in front of Trayden and looked in his eyes, seeing the hidden nervousness in his boyfriend's eyes. "Hey…Are you alright, babe?" Hunter asked.
"Of course he is. He killed it!" Dexter laughed.
"Yeah, might have killed his voice doing it because I don't know if anyone else noticed; he hasn't actually spoken a word since the song ended," Hunter commented. It got quieter. "So again I ask…" He looked back at Trayden. "Are you okay? Say yes if you are, or don't talk and shake your head if you're not…" Trayden closed his eyes and lowered his head, shaking it no.
