=Normal POV=
(Saturday, 9/9/2017-8:00 pm)
(Archian Island, Berk)
(Haddock Household)

Everyone was seemingly having a good time as the night progressed. All the talks were about completely random topics while enjoying drinks and still eating available food. Cake, and desserts were now set out as well. Everyone had noticed that Nicole snuck off to a quieter spot of the room they were in; they wanted to bring her back over, but Heather said that was how Nicole tended to be in larger groups, so they left her alone to, sort of, get used to being with more than one or two other people. It was a change from what she was used to, so it made sense she needed to take things in. And that's exactly what Nicole told Hunter when he decided to make sure she was alright. The others had left her be for quite a while, and they were on discussions he didn't really care for, so he decided to be good host and check on one of the guests who seemed a little lonely. The two had a nice chat before they both got dragged back into the celebration for Karaoke, and that's what everyone had been doing for the past hour or so.

There was a variety of who performed; some by themselves, others in pairs. Then there were some who hadn't. Hunter and Nicole were among the few who hadn't. Hunter stated early on that it wasn't his thing, and Nicole just hadn't bothered to jump in since as soon as one performance finished, another started right away. Nicole really just watched; it was more fun that way. Another song was about to start when Glenn entered the room with someone else, assumingly, Hunter's father, Spencer Haddock.

"Hi, Dad," Hunter greeted him. "How was your meeting?"

"Longer than necessary," Spencer sighed some, but kept a small smile. "How is your evening?"

"Musical, at the moment," Hunter responded with a chuckle.

"Ah, sounds interesting. Glenn and I might join you," Spencer laughed.

"You mean that as in watching, right? Because I don't know if it's wise to let you two sing…" Hunter paled. "Last time, the both of you were wasted…And mom almost killed you both,"

"Hey, your mother loved when I would sing for her," Spencer huffed.

"Yeah…That was for her, as in just you two. Please don't scar my friends," Hunter almost begged.

"Fine, fine," Glenn waved it off as if to say not to worry.

"We're used to it, Hunter," Shane grinned.

"I was more worried about Nicole, who has never had to witness my father and godfather trying to fit in with our parties like they were teenagers again," Hunter rolled his eyes.

"Oh, it's fine, Hunter. Not much scares me; I've seen some interesting sights in my seventeen years," Nicole informed.

"I almost didn't even see you, lass," Spencer smiled. "New friend, son? I've never met her before," he added.

"This is Nicole Strondsen, Dad; she just started at Berkian Academy on Monday, and is an old and good friend of Heather's from Berserker," Hunter stated. "Nicole, this is my dad, Spencer Haddock,"

"Pleasure to meet you, Nicole," Spencer shook her hand gently.

"You as well, sir," Nicole returned the gesture.

"Oh, none of that Sir or Mayor Haddock stuff here. If you're here as a friend of Hunter's; then I am Spencer," Spencer laughed some. "No need for the formalities, lassie," he assured.

"I'll remember that, si-," Nicole paused. "Spencer," she corrected. "That's how I was raised until instructed or permitted to address someone as otherwise. Especially someone of your stature,"

"Well, you've been instructed and granted permission to call me Spencer, so don't worry about being so formal," Spencer replied softly.

"Understood," Nicole nodded with a smile.

"We'll join you after, laddie," Glenn stated before walking out of the room with Spencer. Hunter shook his head a bit.

"I'm so sorry," Hunter told Nicole.

"I've have much worse interactions that were awkward, so don't worry," Nicole told him calmly. Hunter smiled, feeling a bit better now.

"So, who is up next?" Raelyn inquired while the friends glanced around at one another.

"What about you, Nikki?" Heather suggested. "You haven't gone yet, and you sing really good,"

"That was a long time ago," Nicole reminded.

"Yeah, but you don't lose that kind of talent. Come on," Heather tried, not wanting her friend to feel left out.

"You know I gotta be in the mood to sing," Nicole laughed a little.

"How can you not be with all this?" Mindy smiled.

"Gotta be in the mood, good be the right song to get me into it. Like a starting point; that's just how I am," Nicole shrugged as she checked her phone and took a drink from her soda.

Heather tapped her chin a moment or two without Nicole noticing her when she got up to look for a song. Heather found something and let it start, grabbing on of the microphones. "I didn't know what you were going through," Heather began as Nicole looked up from her phone, watching. Heather smiled at her, continuing. "I thought that you were fine, why did you have to hide?" Heather looked at Nicole now, as if telling her to join in.

Nicole sighed some, rolling her eyes, but smiling. "I didn't want to let you down, but the truth is out. It's tearing me apart…Not listening to my heart," Nicole began from her spot. Spencer and Glenn returned, silently sitting down to not interfere on the performance. "I really had to go…"

"And I would never stop you," Heather continued.

"Even though we've changed," Nicole sang as Heather offered her hand to Nicole, who took it. Heather instantly pulled her up next to her and handed her the second microphone.

"Nothing has to change," Heather followed Nicole now as they faced one another.

"And you can find me in the space between. Where two worlds come to meet. I'll never be out of reach." Heather offered her hand again, as the two connected them in a friendly sense. "Cause you're a part of me, so you can find me in the space between. You'll never be alone, no matter where you go. We can meet in the space between," Heather and Nicole sang together. There was a pause after that as the two smiled and disconnected hands now.

"And nothing can stay the same. It's growing pains," Nicole continued, stepping a few spaces away from Heather, but she only followed to hug Nicole from behind while still being on her side.

"Be proud of all the scars; they make you who you are. Oh. I know you have to stay," Heather stepped away a bit.

Nicole faced her. "But I'll never really leave you,"

"Nothing has to change," Heather continued.

"Even though we've changed!" Nicole sang out.

"And you can find me in the space between. Where two worlds come to meet. I'll never be out of reach. Cause you're a part of me, so you can find me in the space between. You'll never be alone, no matter where you go. We can meet in the space between," the two of them sang in unison and faced one another.

"There are no words left to say," Nicole smiled, reaching for her hands.

"I know you gotta find your place," Heather connected hers in front of them, smiling as well.

"But this is not the end," Nicole assured in song.

"You're part of who I am," Heather held Nicole's hands tightly as the two face the friends, still holding one set of hands.

"Even if we're worlds apart; you're still in my heart. And it will always be…You and me! YEAH!" Heather and Nicole sang out, touching their foreheads together.

"You can find me in the space between!" Heather looked at Nicole now.

"Where two worlds come to meet." The girls sang together again.

"I'll never be out of reach." Heather smiled.

"I'll never be out of reach!" Nicole repeated. "No!"

"Cause you're a part of me, so you can find me in the space between," the girls continued, getting closer to one another again.

"You'll never be alone," Heather beamed.

"No matter where you go," Nicole followed gently.

"We can meet…In the space between!" Nicole and Heather sang out loudly, holding the note. "Yeah!"

"No matter where you go…" Heather put her arm around Nicole's shoulders and pulled her close.

"No matter where you go," Nicole linked her fingers to Heather's as they were in front of their midsections.

"We can meet…In the space between…" the teenagers finished together softly. The music faded and stopped as the girls rested their heads against one another(Song was "Space Between" from Descendants 2 by Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson).

The friends, Spencer, and Glenn started clapping and cheering. "You go girls!" Travis called as Raelyn was whistling.

"So, in the mood yet?" Heather teased.

"I can't believe that's the song you used," Nicole shook her head as they let go of one another and Heather set her microphone down.

"It's the last song we did together before I moved. Seemed fitting now that we're back together," Heather giggled. "Now, you get to stay up here and perform by yourself because I think they should all get to hear it," she added.

"That's devious and I love that you did it. I'll sing again after," Nicole gave in. Heather clapped that Nicole agreed to sing again, but one her own this time. For now, Nicole had technically done a performance, so she felt to leave it open for others to go before she did again.

. . .

(10:00)
(Strondsen Home)

It was a good time; Nicole could admit this was fun and hoped to be able to hang out with all of these people again. She definitely didn't feel as awkward as she had when she arrived. Nicole did perform one other song before everything got put away, and the party just continued. At 9:45, it was decided that people should be getting home. Myra, Devon, Heather left together and offered to take Fisher home. Shane and Addilyn were picked up by their father, Samuel Jorgenson. Hunter took home Raelyn, Travis, and Minden since they were in the same area. The last on his drop off was Nicole, and she gave Hunter the address before they got back on the road. Then they were on their way.

"Sorry about earlier with them cutting our chat," Hunter said.

"Oh, don't even worry. It was a party, tends to be a group activity. No fun if not everyone is involved," Nicole said, now sitting in the front seat after being in the back when the others had been in the car.

"Well, just because it's a party doesn't mean everyone has to talk to one another. Goers can have their own talks with other guests," Hunter shrugged a bit.

"True," Nicole nodded and yawned a bit.

"Tired?" Hunter asked.

"Little bit. Probably gonna go home, shower, put on some music and fall asleep," Nicole informed.

"Sounds like a good idea. Might copy you," Hunter chuckled. "You're pretty laid back, huh?"

"I'm not someone who needs a lot, we'll leave it like that," Nicole laughed some. "I prefer simple. What about you?"

"I guess I could say the same, but now and then a challenge is nice. A lot of stuff already comes pretty easy to me," Hunter replied. "No fun to skate through life, is it?"

"I'll have you know; I like skating. Specifically, Ice-Skating," Nicole retorted gently.

"Really now? That's pretty cool," Hunter smiled. "I'm kind of a klutz," he shrugged.

"What kinds of things do you like to do?" Nicole inquired, looking at him.

"Draw, create, work on cars," Hunter mentioned as Nicole arched a brow. "My godfather owns an auto repair shop and he got to be my babysitter," he chuckled a little. "Uh, and despite being a klutz; I seem to be really good at Basketball," Hunter stated. "I've been playing most of my life; it was a sport that Glenn got me into when he watched me over the summers while my parents worked. I've played on summer and school leagues since I was old enough to join them, probably six or seven," he smiled.

"And you've played all those leagues this long? That's like, ten years," Nicole responded.

"Well, starting high school; I do just the school league," Hunter nodded. "Can't wait for tryouts to start in the middle of October for this year's team," he added.

"Playing as long as you have, I'm sure you will," Nicole encouraged.

"Maybe you'll come to a couple home games?" Hunter wondered as they were getting closer to Nicole's place; it wasn't far from Hunter's, which they'd already passed the street for about three minutes ago. No, Nicole's house was about ten minutes from his house.

"I'm sure I can find time in my oh so busy schedule to watch a few," Nicole laughed a little as Hunter did too. "Sounds like fun,"

"I'm honored you'd make time just for me," Hunter turned onto her street and located her house, pulling into the driveway and putting the car in park.

"Well, I figure it as watching a friendly game of Basketball, or sit at home and wonder what I'm doing with my life. I think the first option sounds a bit more appealing," Nicole giggled some. "Hit me up when the first game is announced?"

"Probably hit you up more than just for the game date," Hunter said. "Just to talk and what not," he added. "You're in interesting person,"

"Not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not. I don't think I'm all that interesting," Nicole shrugged.

"That's because you've kind'a been alone all your life after Heather moved. You've got friends now, and if we didn't think you were interesting; we wouldn't let ya hang with us. So I'd be taking it as a compliment," Hunter chuckled.

"I suppose that's true," Nicole agreed with a little laughter included. "Anyway…Thank you for bringing me home, Hunter,"

"No problem at all. At least we live close to one another," Hunter responded gently.

"Yeah, that's a plus. I think I'm closer to you than the others," Nicole smiled.

"I guess you know where you can come if anything is ever wrong, need to get away for a bit, or just need a friend," Hunter returned the smile.

"I'll keep it in mind. I should get inside," Nicole unclipped her belt. "Thank you again,"

"You're welcome," Hunter replied as Nicole got out of his jeep, and closed the door. "Hey," Hunter leaned over as Nicole bent a bit to see him better. "If you don't end up going right to sleep and wanna chat; I'll be up to text,"

"Well, then I guess I'll message you after my shower. Night, Hunter," Nicole waved.

"Night, Nicole," Hunter waved back; then she headed for the door to her house. Hunter waited for her to get inside and close it before leaving the driveway to get back to his own house.

Inside, Nicole kicked off her shoes by the door and made sure it was locked before she made her way to her room, but not before stopping at her parent's bedroom and knocking. "Mom, Dad; I'm home!" she informed.

"Okay, sweetheart. Did you lock the door?" Ella called from the other side of the master room.

"Yes. I'm gonna go take a shower now. Night, love you," Nicole replied before moving through the kitchen and living room to get to her room, where she had her own bathroom. Nicole grabbed her night clothes and headed into the bathroom for her shower. Fifteen minutes later, she got out and dried off before getting dressed. Nicole cleaned up the bathroom a bit, brushed her teeth and hair, then exited to sit on her bed and set her phone to charge while thinking about what a fun night it had been. Ten minutes passed as she was reading a book when her phone vibrated on the nightstand table, glancing over, Nicole saw that there was a message from Hunter. A smile came to her lips as she placed her marker between the pages and reached for her phone to see what Hunter has said.

Hunter, 10:30 pm
Home, showered, in bed. Are you still up? :)

10:31 pm
Same, and yes. Have a nice shower? Lol

Hunter, 10:31 pm
Nothing beats a shower at night to wind down. How about yours?

10:32 pm
Pleasant :) Reading now until I fall asleep.

Hunter, 10:33 pm
Big fan of reading? :p

10:33 pm
You have no idea. I turned my closet into a library. It's one of my favorite things to do on rainy days or before bed.

Hunter, 10:35 pm
Nothing wrong with that. I like books as well; it sounds like your collection might have me beat, though. I'll have to see it one day. Maybe you'll let me borrow a few? I've read everything I have.

10:36 pm
My closet is a small reading nook and book storage. I'd be happy to show it to you, and I don't mind borrowing as long as I get them back. My books are my children lol

Hunter, 10:37 pm
Totally understand. I'm with my inventions/creations. Well, I promise to take good care of your children when they are in my care. So, what book are you reading right now?

10:39 pm
Harry Potter series, book 1. I know it's been out forever, but I actually never got around to reading them or seeing the movies. But I'm big into fantasy, so I decided it would be a long series I could enjoy.

Hunter, 10:40 pm
I won't judge. I think I made that series my required summer reading through middle school. First book released when? '97? Hadn't even been born yet. Good series though. I have all the movies too. Maybe we could marathon them over the course of a weekend or something. Obviously, not you spending the night, but something to do when there's no school? Or maybe during vacations?

10:43 pm
That sounds like a fun time. Uh, maybe we…Do a movie night every time I finish one of the books? I mean, if it doesn't interfere with your games or practices?

Hunter, 10:45 pm
No, no. I'm sure we could work around it. That sounds like a great idea. Let me know when you finish the first one, how far in are you?

10:46 pm
Chapter 10. I try to do a chapter or two every night, and I just started when the school year did. Now that the move is over and I'm settled; I can finally read again.

Hunter, 10:47 pm
Nothing wrong with that, nice system to have. Also, can I just point out that I love you fully typing out your messages and not using that text-talk crap? Lol

Nicole had to laugh to herself before replying to him.

10:49 pm
Spend all this time in school, seems silly to not write full messages when having a normal conversation. I could see sending a quick message with abbreviated words or whatever, but talking like we are now? No, there's no excuse for not writing everything out.

Hunter, 10:50 pm
Oh my Gods, I'm so glad you think the way I do. Finally, I have a friend who understands! XD

Nicole smiled, she didn't think such a thing would make him so excited, but hey; some people were easily amused and simple to please. Hunter seemed to be one of those types and Nicole didn't mind.

10:52 pm
Yeah, I guess you do now lol. Well, I think I'm gonna get some sleep, Hunter. I almost just dropped the phone on my face. Talk to you tomorrow?

Hunter, 10:53 pm
Absolutely. Message me whenever. Or I can message you first. Whichever :)

10:55 pm
How about whoever wakes up first messages first? Lol

Hunter, 10:56 pm
Done deal. Night, Nikki! XD Not sure if I'm allowed to use that. If not, just say so and I'll stop.

10:57 pm
I don't mind. It's just a nickname from Heather, and she had been my only friend at the time. You're my friend too now, so it's cool. But I call dibs on calling you Hunty?

Hunter, 10:58 pm
Fair enough. Lol. Alright, night. Rest well!

11:00 pm
You too. Night, Hunty! XD

Nicole set her phone down and returned to her book until 11:30 pm and then she finally set her marker in and put the book down. Nicole used the bathroom once more, turned out the light and got comfortable in bed. Not long after, she turned on her right and fell fast asleep.