=Normal POV=
[Monday, 2/26/2018; 6:50 am]
[Berk High School]

"So you ever gonna tell us why you rushed off three weeks ago?" Alyssa wondered, looking at Syrus and Alicia.

Yes, it had been three weeks since everything happened between Hayden and Olivia. The friends didn't know what happened; they only saw Syrus get a phone call and leave with Alicia. Trayden also hadn't said a word because the group got suspicious on why Trayden never came back from the bathroom for the rest of the day. Trayden just told them that he wasn't feeling well, and called his father to pick him up. The friends bought it, but it still seemed like he knew more. Syrus and Alicia knew what had happened. Also, it was floating around the school that the cops had shown up too and that something went down in the gym or locker rooms, but other than that; nobody but those involved knew what took place.

"Family stuff," Alicia mentioned.

"Last time you said that-," Rylee began.

"Butt out, guys," Trayden remarked, surprising his friends. "It's their business," he added. Syrus and Alicia mouthed a thank you to him as Trayden nodded.

"You weren't even here," Hailey stated.

"Doesn't matter. It's was a family matter, and that means Syrus and Alicia have to tell you anything if they don't want to. Telling friends is a choice, not a requirement," Trayden huffed. He was mostly doing this because he could see Hayden afraid of others knowing that he was overpowered by a woman and raped countless times by her. Hayden left early that Thursday, and never came on Friday. Syrus and Alicia only said that he had a dentist appointment. The truth was that Hayden was so upset about everything, he refused to go to school. Trayden knew that because he messaged Syrus to ask if Hayden was okay.

"True, sorry," Katie said.

"It's cool," Syrus waved it off. Hayden was leaning on the breezeway wall, his head down.

"I can't believe it's the end of February already," Ford smiled.

"Seriously," Tyler nodded in agreement. "We're almost seniors!"

"You will be seniors; I am graduating this year," Bryan reminded.

"But you'll still come to visit me, right?" Alyssa asked.

"Duh," Bryan replied.

"It's gonna be awesome," Trayden chuckled. "Oh, speaking of awesome things…" he added quickly. "My birthday party is on Saturday," he reminded. "You know you're all invited, and it's a sleepover,"

"Sweet," Tyler grinned.

"We're in," Rylee said.

"Same," Hailey nodded.

"Dev, you can bring Miya if you want," Trayden informed.

"I'll talk to her," Devon responded.

"I'll be there," Ford interjected.

"I gotta work, but I'll stop after around 4:30," Evan mentioned.

"I'm in," Katie giggled. "Can I bring Verena?"

"Of course; she gets along well with Aria," Trayden remarked with a smile.

"Alyssa and I will be there," Bryan chuckled.

"How about you two?" Trayden looked at Syrus and Alicia. "You know Hayden is invited too,"

"We know, but gotta check with mom and dad first," Alicia stated. The warning bell rang as everyone began dispersing to get to their first classes of the day. Syrus hung back with Trayden as the others kept moving ahead while Devon and Evan left. Bryan headed for B-Hall.

"What's up?" Trayden asked when Syrus kept him from walking right behind their friends.

"Probably should have mentioned it when you met him and birthdays got brought up, but Hayden's birthday is the same day as yours. Well, the 29th, but it doesn't come this year," Syrus informed.

"Huh, ain't that something," Trayden blinked.

"Mom and dad were gonna do something for him, but we don't know if Hayden will even take part. Thanksgiving and Christmas were both busts. Hayden didn't leave the basement; he didn't even eat…We think it's because they were his first holidays without his parents," Syrus said.

"Stands to reason that his 18th birthday wouldn't be any different on top of everything else he's been through," Trayden nodded, understanding as he looked ahead to see Hayden walking with his head down, but was looking at his phone screen. Trayden noticed he was looking at a picture. "Hang on…" Trayden got a bit closer and saw him seeing a photo of his parents with two dogs; both were big, brown and white wolf-dogs. "What happened to the dogs?"

"Huh?" Syrus asked.

"Hayden's looking at a picture of his parents with two dogs. What happened to them after the deaths and Hayden went into foster care?" Trayden wondered.

"I, uh, don't know. I didn't know Uncle Spencer, and Aunt Valarie had pets," Syrus confessed.

"How could you not know?" Trayden inquired.

"When I'd just turned 8, and Alicia 6; my dad and Uncle Spencer had a huge falling out. The two of them stopped speaking to one another; I don't even remember what it was about. It was bad enough that Uncle Spencer took Aunt Val and Hayden out of Berk and moved to Archian City a little after Alicia turned 7. Up until last October when Hayden came to live with my family…We hadn't seen Hayden for about nine years. But…I don't recall them having pets, so must have happened after the move," Syrus explained.

"So Hayden would be the only one who knows where the dogs ended up?" Trayden asked.

"That's my guess," Syrus nodded as they reached the classroom and entered. Trayden thought a moment; he needed to call his mom later. Trayden took his seat as Language Arts began.

. . .

[10:15 am]

Language Arts, Math, and Science were easy enough to get through, but now it was time for Physical Education or Gym. Trayden changed into his gym clothes and stepped off to the side, but not before glancing at Hayden to make sure he was alright; he had a hard time in the locker room because of what happened. Trayden got his phone and pressed the contact ID for his mother; then put the device to his ear.

"Hi, son. Everything okay?" his mother answered.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" Trayden asked.

"Not at all. My next appointment isn't until 10:45 am. What's up?" his mom wondered.

"I wanted to know about those dogs you and dad adopted back in August," Trayden started. "Where did they come from?"

"Hysteria Animal Shelter. "Katie's mom, Kelly told me about them when I mentioned looking for a dog. Why?" his mom questioned.

"What's the story behind them?" Trayden pushed.

"Um, they were found together hungry, weak, tired, and dirty. We only adopted the one, but the day we brought him home; the dogs had refused to leave one another, and there was no identification for them either," his mom informed. "They were found with a black cat too; it had green eyes and half a tail,"

"What happened to the cat?" Trayden questioned.

"Not sure, son. Call the shelter and ask," she offered.

"Alright, thanks mom," Trayden said. "See you later, love you,"

"Love you too," then Trayden hung up. Trayden looked up the name and number for the shelter; then he placed another call.

"Hysteria Animal Shelter," came a female's voice.

"Hi…I was wondering if I could speak to Kelly Grimborn, please?" Trayden asked.

"One moment," the voice said; then there was a click.

"Kelly Grimborn. How can I help you?" Kelly answered.

"Mrs. Grimborn, hi; it's Trayden Raseri. I'm…Friends with Katie and Bryan at school," Trayden began.

"Hi, dear. Everything okay with Katie and Bryan?" Kelly inquired.

"Oh, yes! They're fine…I had a question for you. The dog my mom adopted from you, is the other one still there?" Trayden wondered.

"Yes, the cat is still here too," Kelly replied. "The only thing we found on all of them were their collars, but no record of an owner. The names were…Cloudjumper, Skullcrusher, and the cat was Toothless. Do you know who owns the animals?" Kelly inquired now.

"I-I might…Has…Katie or Bryan mentioned at all to you about a new student who started at the end of October 2017. Well, his parents died, and…he showed me a picture of his parents with the dogs and cat. Hayden was put into foster care…And he said he didn't know what happened to the animals," Trayden said, only lying a little bit.

"Oh, the poor dear. Well, he's welcome to take his pets any time," Kelly informed.

"Thank Thor. Would…I be able to get them? I wanna surprise Hayden for his birthday," Trayden admitted.

"Sure," Kelly chuckled.

"Thanks…Awesome. I'll come by on Friday to get them," Trayden smiled.

"Alright. Bye, Trayden," Kelly said, and Trayden hung up the phone again. Trayden knew exactly what he was going to do, and he hoped it would cheer Hayden up. Trayden hurried to get into the gym since the bell was about to ring; he had his whole plan working in his head.

. . .

[Friday, 3/2/2018; 4 pm]

[Berk; Raseri House]

"Trayden, you've been very quiet tonight. Is everything okay?" Dustin asked.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm okay, dad," Trayden replied. "I…Was wondering if one of you would take me to the Hysteria Shelter, where we got Cloudjumper…So I can get the other dog and cat he was found with," he said. Dustin and his wife, Rachel, stared at him.

"What's all this about?" Rachel, Trayden's mother, questioned.

"Hayden's parents owned those animals. I saw them in a picture that Hayden showed me," Trayden said. It was a small lie, but who would ever learn the truth. "Hayden told me that he didn't know what happened to them when he went into foster care…I just…Feel like it's the right thing to do to give him his pets back,"

"Well, it would be right to return him the pets he thought he lost," Dustin nodded. "But would the Jorgensons be able to accommodate two dogs and a cat?" he wondered.

Trayden nodded. "I already talked to them. And they said they'd be happy to let Hayden have his dogs and cat. We're…Trying to surprise Hayden, for his birthday. Surprisingly; Hayden and I share the same day, the 29th," he admitted. "I want Hayden to come to the party here on Saturday, and he can be surprised to see the animals; I-I think it would cheer him up,"

"That's very sweet of you, Trayden," Rachel smiled. "But will Hayden come to the party?"

"I think he will," Trayden nodded. "Might take a little convincing, but he will,"

"Well, then after dinner, we'll head for the shelter. It's only 15 minutes away," Dustin mentioned. Trayden got back to eating; he couldn't wait for this. All he needed to do now was convince Hayden to come.

. . .

[Saturday, 3/3/2018; 1:40 pm]
[Berk; Jorgenson Home]

Trayden had completely forgotten that March 3rd was also Devon's 21st birthday, but it worked out. Devon, Hailey, and Miya were coming for Treyden's party from about 2 pm to 6 pm; then the 3 of them were going to duck out for a family dinner. Evan managed to be able to leave work early, so he'd be coming at 2 pm too. Everyone else would arrive shortly, but Trayden wasn't there to greet them. Trayden had gone on to the Jorgenson house to convince Hayden himself to come. Trayden reached the house and knocked on the door knowing that Felicia and Silas were home, so was Hayden.

Silas opened the door. "He's downstairs," he advised. Trayden nodded and smiled as he headed right down and located Hayden sitting on his bed.

"Hey, Hayden," Trayden greeted. Hayden looked up, lifting a hand to acknowledge he saw Trayden. "What are you doing down here alone when there's a party happening at my house? Didn't Sy and Alicia tell you?" Hayden nodded. "You not feeling well?" Hayden shook his head. "Then what's up?" Trayden smiled.

"Not a party person…" Hayden revealed.

"Hey, come on; it's not that kind of party," Trayden stepped in a bit more. "It's just some friends getting together,"

"I-I don't have any friends," Hayden put his head down.

"That's not true…" Trayden frowned. "I consider you my friend," Hayden turned his head a bit, peering at Trayden.

"I'm…Not a good friend and I don't think the others like me very much…" Hayden confessed. "I'm not the guy I used to be…"

"That's the point of growing up, Hayden, we all change. But…One of the best things about changing is that if you don't like; you can always go back. It's your life; you're in control. You be who you want to be, and those who care will always be at your side," Trayden chuckled. "I think you're a great friend, you just have to give yourself a chance, open up a little, and know you're with good people,"

"The others like you, Hayden; we're just…Trying to be here for you and help however we can while still giving you your space. I just happen to be the more outgaining one in the group next to Devon, Evan, and Bryan. Ty and Ry are a crazy pair. Alyssa doesn't take anyone's flack, Heather is kind'a the same way, but was shy when we met her. Ford is wicked shy, and always nervous about things. Katie is quiet but has her moments," Trayden informed gently. Hayden sighed a little, looking down with his arms around his legs.

"Hayden, we all got something about us that makes us who we are and fit together well. To us, you're just the new, timid kid who went through some stuff and needs a good support system that we're happy to be if you let us," Trayden continued. "We're not going to hurt you. I don't know how you were hurt, but all I care about is making sure it doesn't happen again. We want to help, and let you know that we're here for you,"

"I-I want to believe you, Trayden…I-It's just hard to-," Hayden started.

"I know, so stick around and see it for yourself. There's no rush, so take your time. I promise that once you have us; you're stuck with us for life," Trayden smiled as he offered his hand to Hayden. "Come on; the party awaits," Hayden looked at Trayden, then sighed and let go of his legs before getting up off his bed.

"Okay…" Hayden agreed as Trayden smiled.

"Well, let's get going then," Trayden invited. Hayden followed Trayden upstairs.

"Going to the party, Hayden?" Felicia asked as Hayden nodded to her. "Okay! Love you and see you tonight," she added. Trayden brought Hayden outside and to his dad's car, and they loaded inside. Trayden smiled and backed the car out and headed down the road to get to his house.

. . .

[2:15 pm]
[Berk; Raseri House]

Reaching the home, Trayden parked in the driveway and shut the car off. Trayden and Hayden both exited the car and headed inside the house. Trayden led Hayden towards the living room/dining space, which had been shifted a little to accommodate everyone.

"There you are," Bryan chuckled.

"Holy…You got him out of the house?" Syrus blinked, surprised to see Hayden there. Hayden flinched a bit, keeping his head down and stopping before coming into sight of the rest. Trayden stopped and turned back to Hayden.

"Come on," Trayden smiled. Hayden shook his head, nervous. "It's alright; it's only friends and my family,"

"I-I'm good here," Hayden said softly.

"But the party is in here," Trayden laughed a little.

Hayden shook his head. "I-I wanna go back," the others frowned a bit.

"Hayden…" Alicia tried. Trayden put his hand up to her, and she stepped back.

"Hayden, I know this isn't easy for you. We know you had a hard Thanksgiving and Christmas without your parents, and I can't even begin to imagine how you feel without them here for your birthday," Trayden said as Hayden lowered his head more, trying to hide his eyes with his bangs. "And I can't say I know them either, but as a son to my parents; all they want is my happiness, so I think I can say that your parents would want the same for you,"

"Yeah…Sounds like them," Hayden sighed.

"I know you're hurting Hayden, and you've been through more than someone your age should have to go through. I don't know what all that is, but I can tell it's a lot. Your parents want you to be happy, but how can anyone be happy being alone," Hayden looked at Tray slowly now. "You don't have to be; you've got people who want to be in your life. We don't expect you to open up and spill your heart, but we want you to know you're safe and that you can trust us; that you can let us in and we hurt you," Trayden said calmly as he offered his hand to Hayden.

"You don't have to be scared. Besides it's our birthday, pretty cool we ended up born on the same day, don't you think? Now I got someone who shares my pain of only getting a real birthday every four years," Hayden looked at Trayden's hand; then his eyes met Trayden's. "Come on; I want you to celebrate with me. I don't mind sharing my party with you. Odin knows we have enough food and drinks," he pushed. Everyone was quiet, seeing if Trayden could get Hayden to agree to stay. "It'll be a good time, trust me," after a minute of silence; Hayden put his hand in Trayden's.

"Okay…I'll stay," Hayden said.

"Great, come on," Trayden smiled as he held Hayden's hand still, bringing him into the room more. "I'm glad you chose to stay because I can't exactly bring your gift to the school," he chuckled.

"Pr-Present? Tr-Trayden…No, that's not fair," Hayden protested.

"How is it not? It's your birthday; gifts come in the territory," Trayden informed.

"B-But I didn't get you anything," Hayden tried.

"I got what I wanted from you," Trayden said as Hayden stared at him. "I wanted you to come to the party, and here you are," Hayden bit back a little, surprised at the confession. Trayden only wanted him to come? "Now…The rest of the party can wait for a second because I want you to have your gift now. I think it's just what you need,"

"You find a way to bring my parents back from the dead?" Hayden asked. Trayden blinked.

"Was that…Sarcasm I just heard out of your mouth?" Trayden asked. "Huh…So Hayden's just like me. Good to know," he laughed as he pulled Hayden into an open area. "And no, I can't bring your parents back…But I think I found a close second," he looked to his father now.

"On it, son," Dustin replied as he went to the back door and prepared to open it.

"You're gonna love this, I promise," Trayden vowed.

"What are you-," Hayden asked as Dustin opened the door and two brown and white dogs rushed in, right with them was a black cat. Hayden's words seemed to be caught in his throat as he was frozen in shock. "Cl-Cloudjumper? Sku-Skullcrusher? Toothless!" Finally, Hayden's legs gave out as he hit his knees hard and the dogs and single cat slowly approached him. Hayden cried as he put his hand out for the animals to smell it; then they instantly rushed into him, whining, and overly excited. Tears flowed from Hayden's eyes as he hugged the animals tightly, accepting all the licks and nudges from them.

Trayden only stepped back, watching the scene with a smile while everyone else was just surprised, and a bit confused. Trayden just shook his head, his way of telling them to give Hayden a minute. The Raseri family just smiled, nodding their head in approval as Trayden knew from the current state of Hayden that he'd done the right thing, and gave his friend the best gift he never expected.