The Journey Into Us
Pairing: Hiccup X Toothless
Rating: M for Mature
Disclaimer:I do not own anything HTTYD-related.
Chapter 72
=Trayden's POV=
(Sunday, 2/28/2021; 1:15 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Trayden's Apartment)
Today, Hunter and I have been together for a year and one month. It is also our twenty-fifth birthday. It was surreal to me that my first gay relationship is going so well considering how little time some of my straight or bisexual relationships went. I was with Rosanna for about a year and a half, but I think a lot of that was due to her being desperate to settle down. Before me, she was with a guy who she thought was going to propose after so many years of dating, and that wasn't how things went. Rosanna, I feel, had been ready to get engaged, married, and then start a family. That's why Roseanna wanted to jump into having sex before we had hit a year together, and also trying to move herself into my apartment despite that we had never discussed living together. However, us trying to have sex and me not being able to get hard made it obvious that she wasn't going to get that future of marriage and a family with me, and that was what drew the line for her. Rosanna overlooked not living with me, my crazy work schedule, turning her down to see family and friends, not talking about engagement, marriage, or kids…But she realized that she and I would never have sex and that was the blockade in her future plans.
Hunter and I had a great time the rest of our New Year's celebration after the party ended at city hall. We went back to my place around 1:30 am, then locked up the apartment and made love before finally going to sleep around 3 am. We slept in the next morning until about 11 am, took a shower together and had a little more fun during that. Hunter and me spent the day together at my apartment, watching Netflix or Hulu, and relaxing. Hunter went home after we had dinner, then we texted a bit and I ended up falling asleep at 10 pm. Everything else that went on beyond the 1st of January was the normal of working, seeing family and friends, staying in contact, and having alone time with my boyfriend. On the 28th of January, Hunter and I enjoyed our one-year anniversary of being a couple. We spent the day together starting at 9:30 am for breakfast and then ended up back at my apartment at 5:30 pm for dinner. We watched a movie, and had sex before going to bed around 11 pm. It was a wonderful day with everything we did.
We went to the mall after breakfast, ended up having lunch there too. We saw some city sights, and ended up going to each other's home towns to see the houses we grew up in. We did Eyja Nott first, then Berk because I could show Hunter where I had lived with my grandmother. Getting back to the city, we grabbed something dinner and ate it at my apartment. After our anniversary passed, it was back to normal days through February. Here we are now on the 28th, marking thirteen months Hunter and I have been together and also our 25th birthday. Since how we did the joint party at Hunter's last year, I said my place this time. I've spent the day since waking up cleaning the apartment after making and eating breakfast. Sadly, I'd slacked a bit on chores, and had to do a little shopping, so it took me until now get everything done. It was only a little after 1 pm and I'm already tired from how much needed to be done at the normal level of housework, never mind all the extra because I'd be having guests over for the birthday celebration.
Hunter's parents and siblings would be coming, as well as our friends from Wild Fantasies. My parents and the school group of friends had been over plenty of times, but oddly enough in the year I've known Hunter and his friends from their job, the dancers and few servers had never been to my apartment. I had to do so much, but now, it was all done and I could take my shower, then relax until 5 pm when everyone should be arriving. I was glad that my one-bedroom place was fairly big in space, and also open concept. Despite the amount of people who would be coming, there would be room for everyone to stand or sit comfortably. I did a final check and was satisfied with the set up. The only items not out were foods that had to stay cold. I'd done my cooking and baking while cleaning, so the kitchen was probably the last room that I had cleaned up. I took a deep breath and went to the bathroom for my shower. About thirty minutes later at 1:45 pm, I had gotten clean, shaved, and then dressed. Now, I could relax.
I was laying on my bed, as I got dressed in my room, and super comfortable. I chose to turn on the TV in here, find something to watch and then leave it there. I grabbed my phone and saw a message from Hunter.
My Boyfriend3, 1:55 pm
I'll probably get there before everyone else does, babe. Should I pack an overnight bag?
We'd been talking since this morning, starting with the good morning and happy birthday texts. I last asked Hunter if he'd be coming with the guests, or arriving a bit earlier. I tapped the reply box and typed out my reply.
1:56 pm
Okay. I'll likely have my headphones in or music already on when you get here, so if I don't hear you knock, let yourself in lol I probably won't have remembered if I unlocked the door or not. It's up to you if you want to pack one, baby. Are we celebrating our birthday and thirteen months of dating privately after the others leave? ;p
I set the device down on my nightstand and turned my attention back to what I was watching on TV. Around 2:05, as I saw on the clock, I started to drift off a bit and eventually closed my eyes, falling asleep.
. . .
=Normal POV=
(4:45 pm)
Hunter ended up arriving last because of an accident near his house, so he got detoured and had to go around a longer way to reach Trayden's complex. Hunter parked in a spot that was for guests near Trayden's building and finally made his way inside to the elevator, then headed to Trayden's floor. Getting out he saw the guests all standing in the hallway.
"What's going on?" Hunter asked as he made his way towards the front where the door was.
"Tray's not opening the door, or answering his phone," Blake stated.
"We've been trying for ten minutes to knock, call, and text him," Natalie added.
"Well, he told me that he might either have the music on or his headphone in and if so, just let myself in," Hunter shrugged. "Just open it?" Dustin tried and it was locked. "Key?" He suggested.
"We don't have ours," Rachel informed. "We both have one, but mine is at the house and Dustin keeps his at the office. Those would be the only two places we would be if he called having locked himself out, or had us drop by if he was sick and needed something,"
"Blake, what about you?" Hunter said.
"I don't have my keys on me, I walked over." Blake admitted.
"Natalie?" Hunter looked at her.
"Mine is in my car, but I came with Addilyn and Shane," Natalie mentioned. "Don't you have one?"
"Not on me. It's on my keyring, which is with my truck at home because I'm waiting on parts for it. I brought my car, and his key isn't on that ring." Hunter explained.
"So…We have no way to get in, and apparently no way to contact him," Elijah looked at the others. Hunter rolled his eyes and then sighed.
Hunter moved next to the fake plant outside Trayden's door, as he shifted the rocks a bit and found the one that wouldn't move easily. Hunter pulled it up and everyone saw that it was attached to a clear container. Hunter twisted off the cap and poured a key into his palm, then he set the rocks back in place and stood straight.
"Trayden said he stopped hiding a key outside his door…" Hailey remarked.
"Why would he tell you he has a hidden key when you couldn't respect him before about abusing your knowledge of where it was?" Hunter countered.
"You knew there was a key hidden out here and didn't went all on us about not having ours, including your own?" Blake stated.
"I didn't get on anyone about anything, and yes, I knew where he hid his spare. But I had promised him I would keep the information to myself. The only reason you know is because this key is for emergencies only and given he's not answering to knocks, calls, or texts…Obviously, something is up," Hunter told him as he slid the key into the deadbolt lock first, and flipped that to unlock, and then did the same with the handle lock. Hunter opened the door and pulled the key free as he walked inside and looked around. "Babe?" He called. No answer.
"Where is he?" Devon asked.
"I don't hear the shower, so he's probably not showering," Alyssa enlightened.
"He could still be in the bathroom," Hunter reminded as he wandered down the hall and noticed the bathroom door open and light off. Hunter then turned towards the bedroom and found that door open, light off, but the TV was on. Hunter poked his head into the bedroom and found Trayden fast asleep on his bed, Hunter had to smile and laugh a little. "Found him," The group started towards Hunter, but he put a finger to his lips for them to stay quiet. Reaching the door, the people looked in and saw Trayden sleeping. "I'll wake him up, you go wait in the living room,"
"Why can't we wait here?" Tyler inquired.
"There's no need for everyone to be hovering around his room and the door when he wakes up," Hunter responded. Feeling like Hunter was right, they left and went to wait. Hunter sat on the bed and set his hand on Trayden's shoulder, giving him a light shake. "Babe? Hey…Time to wake up," He said gently. Trayden groaned a little, but stayed asleep. "Come on, Handsome…" Hunter tried again, shaking a little harder. Trayden finally woke, he moaned a little and opened his eyes slowly to see Hunter sitting on his bed. "Hi there," Hunter greeted.
"Hi…" Trayden replied softly as he yawned and pushed himself to sit upright, then rub his face and eyes. "What time is it?"
"5 pm," Hunter answered. "End up falling asleep earlier?" He smiled.
"Yeah, I guess so," Trayden nodded. "Last time I saw on the clock was about 2 pm, I had been messaging you,"
"Were you tired?" Hunter wondered.
"A bit after cleaning everything, then I guess the shower helped me relax," Trayden shrugged. "I suppose I should get up, the others will be arriving soon…"
"They're already here, love," Hunter informed. Trayden's eyes widened a bit.
"You let me sleep?" Trayden questioned quickly.
"No, no…I just got here. I was actually last to arrive, accident near my house and I had to go the long way around," Hunter responded. "But the others got here ten minutes before, and were trying to knock, text, and call, but you weren't answering. When I arrived, I know you had said you could have your headphones or the music on and to just come inside. The door was locked, and those of us with keys didn't have them on hand,"
"How'd you get in then?" Trayden asked.
"Your spare hidden in the plant," Hunter admitted. "I know you said only to use it in emergencies and we were worried as to why you weren't answering the door or messages and calls, so I felt it was worth revealing that I knew you had a spare…And yes, most of them were jealous that you didn't tell them or said you weren't hiding a key anymore, but I made them let it go," He explained softly.
"Oh…So where are they?" Trayden got himself out of bed and stretched a bit.
"I told them you wouldn't want to wake up with an audience, so they are waiting in the living room," Hunter revealed. "Go on and wake up a bit more, then join us. I'll get everyone set out,"
"Okay…Thank you, and I love you," Trayden smiled tiredly.
Hunter gave him a light kiss. "Love you too," Then he left the room and met up with the others.
"Is he okay? Why was he sleeping?" Rachel immediately asked.
"He's fine, Mrs. Raseri. He just ended up falling asleep after cleaning the apartment, then showering." Hunter told them. "He's up now and will join in a few minutes," He added before moving to the kitchen to start getting things out so Trayden wouldn't have to tire himself again. It was a joint party, so Hunter was co-hosting.
By 5:15 pm, Trayden finally walked into sight. "There you are, son," Dustin beamed, arms wide open to greet his eldest son. "Happy birthday, my boy,"
Trayden smiled. "Hi, Dad. And thanks," He hugged his father back, then it went on to his mom, siblings, Blake, Natalie, and all his friends. Hunter got it all too, and everyone wished them both a happy birthday. Hunter finished getting everything out, and then he and Trayden organized things for easy access. "Alright, I think that's everything," Trayden told Hunter.
"Then start the music and let's get this party started," Hunter nodded. Trayden grabbed the remote and got the music going, then set it to a decent volume that would let people enjoy it, but still talk, and not disturb any other tenants in his building. With the music on now, everyone started going about normal partying fun. Talking, eating, and maybe a little dancing. Trayden and Hunter tapped their solo cups together and took a drink, then they shared a loving kiss before intertwining their hands and joining in on the festivities.
. . .
(8:00 pm)
The party was a blast, but it always was for any event that everyone was together. Delicious food, good music, great fun. Few gifts were given to the birthday boys, mainly from family members. The presents were gift cards, or maybe new clothes, or other little things they Hunter and Trayden liked. Hunter and Trayden had said they didn't need or want anything because they were just happy to have everyone together. There was cake, ice cream, and other little dessert treats. It was getting later now, and people would be leaving soon. It was a Sunday, and everyone basically had school or work tomorrow morning.
"I know we said no gifts, but I got you something anyway," Hunter told Trayden as everyone was winding down, sitting or standing, a good portion of the guests were finishing up getting sober.
"But I didn't get you anything," Trayden pouted.
"You didn't have to get me anything. Having you is enough," Hunter chuckled.
"Well, too bad," Trayden stuck his tongue out. "I'm getting you something tomorrow,"
"Best keep that tongue in your mouth lest I find a way to keep it busy so you can't be a smart-mouth anymore," Hunter grinned.
Trayden giggled a little, he loved their playful and sometimes very perverted banter. "Oh, I'm so scared," Trayden teased.
"Dear Gods…You've become a monster. You were so innocent when I met you," Hunter gasped, acting surprised that Trayden was rising to the challenges or giving good comebacks.
"Exactly. I was innocent until I met you, then a month later…Almost right on this couch, I let you take it away…" Trayden smiled as Hunter blinked. "So who is to blame? It's not what I've become, it's what you created," He smirked.
"Oof, he's got you there, Hunt," Thaxter laughed with the others.
"My creation? Sounds so good when you say it, babe," Hunter leaned over and hugged Trayden. "I'm so proud!" He faked sobbing with joy as Trayden rolled his eyes. "So, I can take full credit for helping you out of your shell?" He asked
"Yeah, yeah. Take your win," Trayden nodded.
"I will…" Hunter paused. "As soon as everyone leaves and we take this from birthday party to private anniversary celebration," He added.
Trayden's cheeks burned red. "Gee, babe, just announce it to the whole of the Archipelago that we're gonna have sex tonight,"
"Can I?" Hunter beamed with excitement. "It's not like everyone in this room didn't already figure out that we were going to do it. I'm the only one who showed up with an overnight bag." Hunter reminded.
"You know…I'm starting to think you purposely say it aloud just to brag that you got me out of my shell and the only man to ever get to date and sleep with me," Trayden commented.
"I won't deny that's mostly why I do it. But seriously, everyone knows, babe," Hunter informed.
"Why not just tell people I'm yours then?" Trayden suggested.
"I'd love to tell everyone that you're mine," Hunter stopped a moment. "But I can't because it wouldn't be accurate,"
"How is it not? You're not sharing me and I'm not with anyone else," Trayden asked.
"Being mine would mean you're with me, forever, and I don't make that call," Hunter said.
"How do you not?" Addilyn wondered. "It's not like you're gonna leave him,"
"I have no intentions of doing that, but I'm not the only one who could end things. Tray could, if he felt like things weren't working out. I'm just saying, things can always change. The subject of us staying together is not solely mine to make," Hunter stated.
"I mean, technically, you could make that call," Shane shrugged.
"Yeah, just ask him to marry you," Tyler added.
"Choosing to ask his hand in marriage is my decision, yes, but that's all it would be. It would be Trayden's choice to accept or not, so again, us staying together is not entirely up to me," Hunter repeated.
"Its not like Tray is gonna leave you, so you're basically stuck together," Blake chuckled.
"Well, when he confirms that he will never leave me, I'll have him move in and say he's mine forever," Hunter chuckled.
"I'll never leave you," Trayden giggled, laying his head on Hunter's shoulder. Hunter kissed his forehead and held his hand.
"I'm happy to know that. So you'll move in then?" Hunter wondered playfully with a teasing grin. "You technically already have a room there, a few sets of clothes, and a key," He joked.
"Oh, haha, babe," Trayden snuggled against him. "You know how I feel about the moving in," He reminded.
"Yes, yes…You prefer to wait until engagement or marriage. Not that I hold it against you; I admire such a moral, and I feel the same way. My memory isn't that bad, love," Hunter gave him a squeeze as Trayden nodded. "So you'd move in with me if we were engaged?" He asked to confirm.
"Mmhm," Trayden sounded.
"And since you've said you'll never leave me, I assume the day I ask you to marry me, you'll say yes?" Hunter questioned.
"In a heartbeat," Trayden agreed. "Well, maybe two heartbeats. I feel my heart would skip a beat out of shock first," He laughed a little.
"We should be heading home, let the lovebirds have the rest of their night," Rachel teased.
"Aw, but mom! I wanna see what Hunter got Trayden first. That's where this whole conversation started," Ava giggled.
"Oh, that's right!" Alyssa nodded.
"What did you get for Trayden, Hunter?" Natalie inquired curiously.
"That depends if Tray wants it now or later," Hunter replied, looking to his boyfriend. "Your call, babe."
"Is it anything inappropriate or that I'm going to smack you for?" Trayden felt he should ask.
"It's a secret," Hunter winked.
"We're not supposed to have secrets," Trayden challenged.
"Hm, true. Guess I'll whisper it to you and then you can be the judge if everyone sees it or not," Hunter adjusted a bit to sit up and turn his back to everyone else, no one thought it was odd because they assumed Hunter had it in his back pocket or something and couldn't get it while sitting back on the couch. Hunter leaned forward to get close to Trayden's ear while pulling something from his hoodie pocket. "Let me call you mine forever, Trayden…I only need one answer to make that happen…" Hunter whispered setting something small in Trayden's hands. Trayden's eyes met Hunter's with a bit of shock, then he looked down to see a white box in his hands. Trayden opened it up to see a black band ring with a circular diamond at the top, then rainbow gems going down on either side of the diamond. Trayden raised his eyes to look back at Hunter, shock evident, but Hunter only gave back a loving look.
Trayden couldn't believe it. Hunter was proposing to him, after only thirteen months of dating? And yet, Trayden felt he shouldn't be so surprised because going over the conversation they just had; it was easy to see Hunter started the whole conversation with having a gift for him. All the words that came out of Hunter's mouth were referencing to forever, living together, engagement and marriage. Trayden only had one answer for Hunter, and as promised, when Trayden felt his heartbeat again after it skipped, he fought not to get overly emotional as he smiled.
"Yes," Trayden responded gently. Hunter leaned in and kissed him deeply. Trayden returned it fully and then Hunter slid the ring on his finger. The kiss broke as Hunter took the box away again and put it in his pocket. Hunter shifted to sit back again and look at Trayden.
"So, what do you think, babe? Is it acceptable for them to see what I got you?" Hunter asked casually.
"Yeah, it's fine," Trayden informed.
"Okay, so let us see!" A few said together.
Hunter flipped his and Trayden's hands around so that Hunter's was now on the bottom and revealing Trayden's on top. It was not hard to miss the gift that Hunter had sneakily already given Trayden in that little scene of whispering that no one heard. The engagement ring sat proudly and in plain sight on Trayden's left-hand ring finger. There was shock and squeals of delight for reactions among the guests. It was very clear that Hunter had proposed to Trayden, and that Trayden said yes. While everyone was cheering and talking about the moment, Hunter and Trayden were just staring at one another with joy and love.
"So…Now will you move in with me?" Hunter wondered.
Trayden nodded to him. "I will,"
Hunter leaned over. "I love you,"
Trayden met him in the middle. "I love you,"
The newly engaged couple shared a passionate kiss, knowing that everyone would be leaving once the hype of an upcoming union wore down a bit. The guests were aware that Hunter and Trayden would want some time alone to enjoy their betrothal bliss on a day that belonged to them for their birthday and also their anniversary of dating. Beyond tonight, it would likely be normal life while planning the big day, taking them along another path towards their future.
