(Haddock Residence)
No one knew what to say. Out of everything the people not in the Haddock family witnessed, the most shocking was seeing Viola smack and backhand Hunter hard enough to cause an imprint and split his lip open. Even Caitlyn was shocked and now worried for her elder brother who she had never seen get so cold in her entire life. Hunter's eyes went void of all emotion, blanket almost as he packed everything he owned and wanted to take with him in a matter of ten minutes then firmly stated that it would be the last time Viola ever saw him and she couldn't get back what she had done. The worst part, Hunter didn't say where he was going; only that anywhere was better than the house. While Hunter had packed his things, Viola and Salvatore had it out bad.
Though, it was mainly Sal yelling at her that he couldn't believe she would strike their son and who cared if he was bisexual because at least he was happy. Viola knew she was wrong; she knew it the minute Hunter remarked with his words of calling her a bitch and she also realized she hurt him and now he'd never forgive her, and she wouldn't see him again.
"I think it might be best if we leave kids," Gregory stated in the silence in reference to Fisher, Heather, Eddie, Drew, Audrey, Renee, and Travis. Shane nodded in agreement with his parents. "Sal, are you going to be alright, my friend?"
"I-I don't even know. My wife just kicked out and disowned my son after hitting him. Now, Hunter's gone off Thor only knows where and likely more upset than when he found out Audrey terminated the pregnancy of hers and Hunter's child," Sal stopped a moment, "That wasn't meant to bring up old memories, Audrey, just reference," he added.
"It's okay. Hunter and I both moved past that, but we'll never forget," Audrey replied.
"I just hope he's okay," Renee said softly, "I've never seen him look so cold before,"
"Mom! How could you do that to him? Do you know how hard it is for someone to come out of the proverbial closet? How hard it was for Hunter to tell us all that. Who cares if he always goes to Dad, that's just where he's comfortable. Dad is another male, maybe Hunter felt weird talking to you both about the fact Trey and him had sex and admitting to wanting one another," Caitlyn scolded.
"It's not just this, Caitlyn. He goes to Sal about everything," Viola replied with a cracked tone.
"So what! Hunter is right, you don't support anything he does or wants to do! Dad does so who's fault is it that he gravitates towards Dad when he has a problem. It couldn't have been easy for Hunter to have to tell us he's bisexual when he knows half the world is against it, or that a drunken night led to Trey and him realizing they liked each other, or that night ended with him cheating on Audrey! Either way, Hunter knows you won't support him so he doesn't tell you anything. You went to too far!" Caitlyn shouted.
"Caitlyn is right, Auntie Vi. You didn't support him, you kicked him out, told him he wasn't your son. Then hit him twice. You split his lip open, that's...Wow, I don't have words for it. You hurt him bad and it will be a miracle if we manage to get a hold of him at all for the next twenty-four hours. I've already tried," Shane mentioned.
"We did as well," Travis said with Heather raising her hand up.
"I tried to, and now it's going right to voicemail, so he's purposely ignoring calls by turning his phone off," Fisher stated softly.
"I didn't mean...everything I said to him. I just got so worked-" Viola started.
"You said you meant everything and that's why Hunter said what he did! That he hoped you meant it because not you can't take it back and won't see him again. I just can't believe you were that heartless to him so in the same words you used. I don't know who you are but my wife wouldn't hurt the family like this," Salvatore stated as he returned inside and went to Hunter's room, the man sat on the bed and cried knowing how hurt Hunter was and having no idea where he'd go. Caitlyn only shook her head and went to her room as well, still trying to contact Hunter. Everyone else left quietly as Viola sat on the couch with her face in her hands.
"What have I done..." she whimpered out.
(A Week Later)
Salvatore was a worried father, nothing at all from Hunter and it had been a week. Literally, they were back to Sunday again. Sal tried calling the military bases to see if Hunter was at any of them but everyone replied that they couldn't give out that information. Hunter's phone was still off and no matter where they looked, even at the bars and motels, they couldn't find Hunter anywhere.
"Nothing from the lad?" Gregory asked as he'd come over to visit his friend. Audrey, Heather, and Renee were over to see Caitlyn knowing she was upset about not having her brother be home. Every time they saw his room so empty, it hurt a little more knowing he wasn't just on a trip but rather gone for good.
"No. The bases won't tell me, and I don't have any idea where Hunter would go," Salvatore sighed heavily.
"Well, it's the military, Sal. You should know they won't just tell you where someone is over the phone. You'd have to go there, and at that, you don't know which base he could be working at. You know it changes," Gregory informed.
"He's not in the Berkton bars or motels; we checked them all. We called the Archi City ones, and still nothing there. Just like last time, we checked everywhere he could be, and he just vanished," Caitlyn mentioned to Greg.
"Well, I'm not sure how much comfort it will offer but remember last time that after two days, his CO showed up with the military police saying Hunter hadn't reported to work. It's been a week now and no visits so Hunter must have let them know he needed time off or he's been showing for his job. So Hunter has to be okay," Gregory stated.
"Aye, it's some comfort," Sal replied.
"You know, it just dawned on me. There is one place we didn't check because it's not in the city or Berkton," Audrey offered as Caitlyn and Sal looked at her quickly. "Treyden's. That's who know how to find him when Hunter figured out about the abortion and that's who Hunter went to immediately after learning Cait and I being paired for that baby project. Trey lives in Bashwick, fifteen minutes from here but with Hunter that upset, I think he'd go somewhere he knew wouldn't turn him away. Who better than the man he's in love with?"
"Of course! Why didn't we think of it sooner?! Hunter would go right to Treyden, someone he cares about and trusts who has the room for Hunter to stay for a while. Dad, call Trey. We have his number now," Caitlyn exclaimed. Sal grabbed his cell phone and dialed Treyden's number.
(Fury Residence)
Yes, Hunter was at Treyden's because he didn't know where else to go after everything that happened. Hunter arrived a week ago after leaving his parent's house, Trey instantly knew something was wrong too and hurried to find out. Seeing all the bags in the truck, he understood that Hunter left his home and then noticing the marks on his face only filled Trey with anger that someone hurt Hunter over coming out. Hunter told Treyden and his father everything, of course they wouldn't turn him away so Hunter was set back up in the guest room with help from Theo and Andrew who also knew what was going on too. Treyden was appalled to discover that Viola struck Hunter twice. The slap mark had faded, still some signs of light bruising though. The backhand mark was completely bruised and the lip scabbed over now.
Treyden knew Hunter was hurting; he'd fallen in to somewhat of a depression but still taking care of himself and going to work every day. However, when Harry saw the marks, it sparked a huge problem. Treyden remembered it well.
/Flashback/
It was the Monday morning following Hunter being kicked out and disowned by his mother, the man was still upset and the pain fresh. As expected the abuse marks showed on his face when he walked into work, and Harry Andersen saw him.
"Lieutenant Haddock, forgive my language here but what the fuck happened to you!?" Harry demanded upon seeing Hunter after he clocked in.
"It's...a long story that I don't want to get into right now. I came by to let you know my residence for the time being has changed, I'm living with Master Sergeant Treyden Fury. My...mother has disowned and kicked me out for being bisexual, these," Hunter motioned to his cheeks, "are from her," he finished.
"Your mother gave you those bruises. Lieutenant, is there...abuse going on in your home?" Harry inquired.
"No, sir. Its the first and only time she's struck me because she didn't like that I said I was bisexual, she doesn't support it just like she hates be being in the army. I came out so to speak, and she flew off the handle. There are tons of witnesses to that. I'm not...pressing charges or anything, I just packed my stuff and left. Treyden is letting me stay with him until I figure something else out. An apartment or something," Hunter, informed.
"I see. Very well, I'll make a temp residence change in your file. However, as a personal request because I know the hurt and pain in your eyes, Lieutenant Haddock, if you start feeling depressed and like hurting yourself. I want you to see the psychiatrist and if you hurt yourself at all, we will press charges and we can do it without your consent because it's the law and considered assisted suicide if she did something to make you feel like your life isn't worth living because of your sexuality. Is that understood?" Harry stated firmly.
"Yes, sir. I'm...okay, just going to take some time is all," Hunter replied.
"I understand and you're going to get questioned a lot about those marks so for a safety measure, I want you to let me take a few pictures as proof and fill out a report that you were hurt off the base. It will go in with that situation I mentioned about pursuing abuse charges on your mother if you hurt yourself or start feeling depressed because of it all," Harry requested. Hunter only nodded as the process began.
/End Flashback/
Treyden had been with Hunter when that was explained, later that day Theo and Andrew found out too. So now the abuse was on file at work and if Hunter got low because of it, they were going after Violafor it. Trey supposed he couldn't blame them, something like this could be enough to get Hunter depressed and hurting himself because Hunter broke down for an hour when he showed up at Trey's door asking if he could stay for a while until he figured something else you. Trey only brought him inside while Dustin offered to get the bags. Hunter cried in Treyden's arms and then calmed down enough to tell them everything about coming out. Trey and Dustin couldn't believe it, they knew people were against homosexuality but for a mother to strike her child over it? It was dispicable.
Today was a day that Hunter was just sitting around quietly, Theo and Andrew were over trying to cheer him up, but it wasn't working. Trey understood the hurt and pain; it wouldn't just go away in a week. Suddenly, Treyden's cell phone rang, and he glanced at the caller ID. "It's...your Dad, Hunt? Do you want me to answer it or no?" Trey asked softly.
"You can, but if ends up being her, hang up. You can tell my Dad, though, I'm just not in the mood to talk right now," Hunter replied while being curled up on the couch, shoes off, and laying his head on the pillow.
"Hello?" Treyden answered calmly.
"Treyden, thank Thor you answered. Ha-Have you seen or heard from Hunter in the last week? There was...a big fight between his Mom an-" Salvatore began, and Treyden sighed.
"Calm down, Mr. Haddock. Hunter is here and has been since last Sunday; I know what happened," Treyden informed.
"Thank Odin. Is...he alright?" Salvatore asked.
"He's accepted and coping with it, alright might be stretching the truth," Treyden admitted. "It's gonna take him a while to be okay again. His mother hit him twice and disowned him; you don't just be alright from that," he added.
"I just...want to make sure he hasn't hurt himself. Last time he was this upset, he had been drinking for two days," Sal reminded.
"There wasn't a last time for this, Mr. Haddock. Hunter was upset for an entirely different reason, this, hurts him a lot more," Treyden stated. Then Dustin came in the room and offered his hand for the phone while motioning that Hunter had his face on the pillow again and shaking a little, crying again.
"I'll talk to Salvatore. I think Hunter needs you more right now, son," Dustin said. Treyden handed his father the phone and went to Hunter to console him the best he could by holding him and rubbing his back. "Hello, Mr. Haddock," he greeted while leaving the room.
"Hello again, Dustin. I just want to make sure he's okay; I know my wife hurt him deeply," Sal sighed.
"I know, Hunter told us everything after crying for an hour. The marks are healing nicely, almost faded and he's been going to work every day since it happened. Theo, Andrew, Treyden, and I have been helping the best we can. Also, Major Andersen is aware of what happened too, pictures were taken, and a report filled out but has not been filed with the authorities as Hunter doesn't want to press charges on her," Dustin enlightened.
"Why did a report need to be filled out?" Caitlyn inquired lightly.
"Because Hunter was living at home the time that it happened, the military considers it abuse. Hunter went into work the next day after it happened, Harry insisted on taking pictures and filling out a report and urged Hunter to seek psychiatric help if he started having thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Also, Harry said he would file that report Hunter signed if he hurt himself at all," Dustin explained.
"What he means, Sal, is that if Hunter hurts or tries to kill himself because of being disowned, kicked out, and abused by Viola for being bisexual. Harry will file the report with the pictures as evidence to the authorities. Vi will be arrested for one or all charges of abuse, a hate crime against the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender community, and assisted suicide. She will face a judge, probably get put away for a few years too. It's seriously a thing, but she's safe because Hunter chose not to press charges. If anything develops mentally because of what she did, the military will get justice for him," Gregory stated when Sal had said he didn't understand.
"But, he's not...feeling that way? Is he?" Caitlyn asked.
"Unfortunately, it's hard to tell right now. Hunter's mood has been pretty nonexistent since it happened other than a few crying sessions which Trey has sat with him through. Hunter gets up, showers, goes to work, comes home, eats, showers again, and then sits in his room. He keeps the door open, Trey and I check on him, ask he's okay, and he typically doesn't answer just shrugs or starts to cry. Like now, he's in the main room but upset, so Trey and their friends are trying to comfort him," Dustin answered honestly.
"Can you try to keep us posted, Dustin? And let Hunter know he can come back home, I told Viola she has no right to kick him out," Sal mentioned.
"I'll let him know, but I doubt he'll change his mind about retur-" Dustin stopped short.
"I'm never...going...back there...a-and she'll...never see me again! I don't care what she says...or what she...does but I'll never forgive her! Not this time, I made...my stance clear last week. She doesn't get the right to take back what she did and said to me. You can remind her that she doesn't have a son anymore, and as far as she's concerned or not, who the fuck knows anymore, but he's dead!" yelled Hunter's voice.
"Hunter! Wait, come back!" Andrew called. There was a door shutting heard close by.
"Dustin! What happened, where did he go?!" Sal asked quickly.
(Haddock Household)
Salvatore and Caitlyn panicked after Hunter yelled what he did, then a door slamming shut. "Dustin! What happened, where did he go?!" Sal tried.
"Hunter, please open the door. No one is going to make you go back, you can stay here as long as you want," Dustin's voice was heard after a few knocks on a door.
"Let me try, Dad," Treyden sighed softly. Another few knocks were heard now, "Hunt? Hey, it's okay. Nobody said you had to go back and see her. I think...your dad was just saying you're welcome to go home if you want because your mother doesn't have the right to kick anyone out. No one...expects you to forgive her, I sure as shit wouldn't. Please, open the door? You don't have to come out, but I want to make sure that you're okay. I don't want you to be alone right now. Please let met in, baby?" Treyden coaxed gently.
"Baby? Are they...together already?" Renee asked.
"No, they aren't together, but it's a form of comfort to Hunter to be spoken to as a lover would so he knows he's not alone and Trey is standing beside him through it all," Dustin informed calmly.
"Is it going to work? Will Hunter come out of the room?" Heather questioned. A moment later they heard sniffling, a lock flip, then a door open.
"I-I just want to be happy. Why...can't my mother want...that for me too? She...hates me...because I'm...different," Hunter sobbed out.
"I know. I know, baby. Some people just don't understand that love comes in all forms to all people, it doesn't matter if they aren't the same gender. You know how she is, Hunter and she'll never understand who you are. Some people can't change and are set in their ways. So let her hate all she wants, but know those who actually accept you will never leave your side. Your dad, cousin, aunt, uncle, godfather, our friends, your sister, my father even. And hey, you have me. Not only do I accept you but I love you too, Hunt and I'm not going anywhere. You will always have me and I'll have your back as a best friend, battle buddy, partner, and lover until the day I take my last breath," Treyden said to Hunter and then more sniffling was heard along with something that sounded like a small kiss. "I promise you that," Trey added.
"I think we should leave the two of them alone for now," came Theo's voice as the sniffling and crying got farther away.
"He'll be okay with time, Sal. Your wife hurt him pretty deeply, just about broke his heart and I feel only time and my son will be able heal the pain and fix what has been broken," Dustin said lightly. "I should go for now, I'll give you updates as I can but it might be best to leave him be for a bit. You won't be able to contact him, I know he changed his number and very few people have that right now so I'd wait for Trey to let you know,"
"I understand. Thank you, Dustin. Just let Hunter know that Dad and Caitlyn love him and are here if he needs anything at all," Salvatore stated. After that, the call ended and Salvatore sighed. It was to be expected and somehow, Salvatore knew that is what he's be told. That Hunter needed time to heal.
