=Normal POV=
[Wednesday, 5/16/2018; 11:45 am]
[Berk High School]

Unfortunately, it seemed the friends weren't making much progress with apologizing and making it up to Trayden for how they acted on Monday when he had cheered Hayden up. The friends spoke about the situation on Monday night over Skype, in a group chat where Trayden or Hayden wasn't added in. The friends discussed the entire matter about helping Hayden, but also why they kept getting touchy about Trayden taking the active role. It was evident that Trayden had a severe crush on Hayden, so there were something that only Trayden could pull off, such as the flirting on Monday. But the rest, no; that could have been anyone stepping up to tell Hayden he had to regain control of his life and stop letting fear take over him. All the friends knew that was the case, but still; when it came down to show they were there for Hayden too, they froze up, and Trayden stepped in.

It was no wonder that Trayden and Hayden were close as friends. Hayden trusted Trayden, opened up to him so much that Hayden didn't care if he broke down in Trayden's arms anymore. And during panic attacks, Hayden seemed to seek Trayden's comfort. Trayden knew all this; he had it confirmed by Hayden himself that he made Hayden feel better and felt safe with him. Trayden wasn't going to tell the others that; he'd planned on it at first, but after Monday's display of not even knowing such information, Trayden decided against it thinking it would make things worse if they knew that Hayden did cling and latched to Trayden as someone who could offer comfort and security. The sad part is Trayden explained all this to them without ever mentioning that Hayden affirmed the information during the sleepover in April.

Trayden told them straight up what the situation was like, and still, the friends didn't seem to get it. But Trayden worried that if he told them right out, Hayden sought comfort and security in Trayden; it would only increase the jealousy more, so he wasn't going to tell them. Trayden felt like he couldn't because it would just make the friends mad again. Trayden was extremely hurt that for once in their friendship, despite all the joking before; it didn't seem they played along when it came to Hayden. That's what bothered Trayden the most. They cracked jokes all the time, during the sleepovers, and what not. But when it came to doing it to cheer Hayden up; the group took it personally. That hurt Trayden; his friends acting in such a way.

Regardless; he wasn't just going to take an I'm sorry from them like last time. No, Trayden wanted proof it was going to stop. Tuesday was spent the usual way it was, but Trayden was quieter at lunch and mainly keeping his attention on Hayden and only speaking to the others if necessary. However, unknown to the rest, even Trayden; Hayden could tell something was different among the friends; he could feel the tension and slight hostility in Trayden's responses. During the practice, the group got their routine done, down, and were in complete sync for everything. Today, though, Hayden had to work on the other big thing; getting the singers past their stage fright. Hayden thought about it all night, but he managed to think of something that might work.

"What are we working on today, Hayden?" Mindy inquired.

"Getting past stage fright," Hayden replied after taking a drink of his water bottle.

"How you gonna do that?" Devon asked.

"By showing you there is nothing to be afraid of when it's something you haven't done before. However…If I fuck up; I'll record your voices and let you lip-sync at the talent show," Hayden said.

"Um…Fuck up what exactly?" Syrus wondered.

"Doing something I haven't attempted since before puberty…So not even sure I can anymore," Hayden informed. "If I can't do it; I'll let you lip-sync. If I can, though, tomorrow at lunch; all of you are performing live with me. Already have permission from the principal," he stated.

"Wait, that's not fair," Alicia said quickly.

"Who said life was fair. This is what you wanted to do; you asked for my help, and this is how I'm giving it," Hayden remarked as he felt someone tap his shoulder. "Hi, Miss. Mayden," he greeted.

"Ready?" Amy asked. Hayden nodded as Amy handed him a microphone with a smile. Amy gave a thumbs up to Nadine in the office. The receptionist smiled and started whatever she was supposed to. The friends were confused. In the cafeteria, music started as others started getting curious and looking around. The music playing was none other than Celine Dion's To Love You More. Amy stepped back as Hayden flipped the microphone on when the queue for lyrics to begin was heard.

"Take me back into the arms I love. Need me like you did before. Touch me once again, and remember when; there was no one that you wanted more," Hayden started. He wasn't singing in a girl-ish voice either; this was just his version, hitting the notes appropriate for him that still sounded semi-close and professional. "Don't go; you know you'll break my heart. She won't love you like I will. I'm the one who'll stay, when she walks away," Hayden stood up now, moving away from the table and towards middle of the room. "And you know I'll be standing here still…"

Hayden took a breath. "I'll be waiting for you, here inside my heart. I'm the one who wants to love you more! You will see I can give you. Everything you need. Let me be the one to love you more!" he sang out. And shockingly, his voice went pretty high off its usual tone, but it still sounded amazing.

"See me, as if you never knew. Hold me, so you can't let go. Just believe in me, and I will make you see; all the things that your heart needs to know!" Hayden continued. "I'll be…" the music lifted as he took another breath.

"I'll be waiting for you, here inside my heart. I'm the one who wants to love you more! You will see I can give you. Everything you need. Let me be the one to love you more!" there was a slight pause. "Some way, all the love that we had, can be saved. Whatever it takes; we'll find a way!" he held it a moment before things softened.

"He's going for it…" Trayden said, surprised as the others gasped. They remembered now, Hayden said he hadn't done this since he was younger, before puberty hit and his voice changed. The room was filled with anticipation for this; if Hayden could do it because not many could.

"Believe me; I will make you see. All the things that you're heart needs to know! I'll be," there was a pause of everything going silent and everyone watching. "Waiting for you, here inside my heart. I'm the one who wants to love you more! You will I can give you, everything thing you need. Let me be the one to love you more!" By some grace of Odin, Hayden did it. As he was holding the note; someone could tell that it was hard to do and that Hayden's breath was steadily beginning to run out. But he did it nevertheless. At the end; he pulled the microphone down, immediately went into a bow as the room erupted into applause and cheering for the performance.

Hayden returned to standing straight up, smiling a little and taking deep breaths. Hayden flipped the microphone off as he returned to the table; then gave the device to Amy. "That was mighty impressive, Hayden. I can't wait to see what you and your friends are cooking up for the talent show," Amy said before leaving the room. Hayden sat down, taking a drink from his water bottle. The others were staring at him.

"What?" Hayden asked, but his voice was different. Hayden's eyes widened a little as he brought his hand to his throat. "Ut-oh…" Trayden was first to snap out of it.

"What's wrong?" Trayden inquired.

"Might've overdone it…" Hayden croaked.

"What do you mean? What…Happened to your voice?" Alyssa asked

"I told you that I haven't been able to do that song since I was like 12; it's been six years…" Hayden said, but his voice was changing, as in starting to sound like when someone was losing it due to a sore throat.

"Why did you force it!?" Syrus asked quickly.

"I-I didn't! I didn't push or force anything in that," Hayden's voice cracked and went raspy. Quickly swallowing and wincing a bit as he did.

"But you admitted you couldn't do it after 12, Hayden…Even if it came easy, you inadvertently strained your vocal cords," Trayden said softly. "Just…Stop talking for now. Don't use your voice and the water should help soothe things. If not…Try something hot when you get to the house; tea with lemon or soup," he suggested. Hayden nodded to him, rubbing his throat a bit. "Stop, you're gonna irritate it more. But on a completely unrelated note; that was awesome," he smiled some.

Hayden shrugged. "No, seriously, Hayden; that was incredible," Katie said now.

"It wasn't Celine's voice, but you had your tones that made it sound great," Mindy nodded. Hayden mouthed a thank you to them, but he did have to watch his voice now. If he tried anything else before this healed; he could straight up ruin himself ever to sing again.

"You know him acing that song means we have to sing with him tomorrow, don't you?" Alyssa reminded.

"We won't be singing shit if Hayden's voice doesn't get better," Tyler pointed out.

"True…" Alicia nodded with a few of the others.

"If he doesn't try to sing or talk for a couple of days; he'll be okay," Trayden told them. "Alright, everyone just…Stop panicking. Don't make a huge deal out of something you don't know about. We watch things and see what happens between now and before the talent show," he retorted. "Worst comes to worse, and he doesn't recover by the talent show; I sing lead,"

"You hate crowds," Bryan informed.

"Hate, but not scared of," Trayden clarified. "I'm not letting all the practices, and hard work put in go to waste," he grumbled. Hayden noticed it again; the hostility in Trayden's voice towards them. Why was Trayden this way? Weren't these people his friends? Had something happened and Hayden didn't know about it. Hayden got his phone out and texted Trayden.

12:05 pm
Are you okay?

Trayden felt his phone vibrate as he checked it; then sighed and replied. Hayden couldn't talk, so he was texting. Hayden got the reply and looked.

Tray's Cell, 12:05 pm
Yeah, why?

12:06 pm
You seem hostile towards the others. I feel the tension between you and them.

Hayden didn't see why he shouldn't answer truthfully with his feeling about things.

Tray's Cell, 12:07 pm
Don't worry about it, ok? We just disagreed about something & had a lil fight about it.

Hayden read the reply a few times. What could they have disagreed about in two days? But that made Hayden think about Monday when the Trayden cheered him up. Trayden was joking around and claiming himself as awesome and better than the others. That's the thing, though; Hayden knew it was a joke to make him laugh. The others, on the other hand, seemed like they didn't realize it was Trayden playing around. They were quiet after it happened, and Trayden looked like he was in a hurry to get away from them.

Is…That what happened? Tray cracked a joke that the others took personally? Hayden thought curiously as he decided to ask right out.

12:09 pm
Is it that fact you got jokingly cocky on Monday at lunch to make me smile, and they didn't know you were playing around?

12:09 pm
Do they believe you think you're better than them?

Trayden received the message and was a bit shocked. How did Hayden figure it out so quickly? Regardless, he had, so Trayden couldn't lie. Trayden replied and sent it off.

Tray's Cell, 12:11 pm
Actually, yeah. That's precisely what happened. You're incredibly perceptive o.o' I love that you realized it was a joke and you've been around my sarcastic humor far less time than any of them. I've known them since 6
th grade, start of middle school. And we're always cracking jokes like that, ragging on each other. They took it personally, and we haven't talked since.

Hayden couldn't understand what it was like to be hurt by something like that because he always felt hurt and depressed, but for Trayden; Hayden could see that the friends' assumption bothered Trayden so much that the group hadn't spoken since Monday at lunch when it happened. Another message alerted Hayden to recheck his phone.

Tray's Cell, 12:13 pm
It's okay, don't worry about things. Friends fight now and then. :) I'm not concerned about them getting butt-hurt over a joke. I said my piece to them, and this is where we are now. I don't hate them, and I'm not holding a grudge, but I'm also not going to sit around and pretend that it doesn't hurt. Same time…I told them to leave me alone until they get over their jealousy.

Hayden blinked a little. What jealousy?

12:14 pm
What are they jealous about if you don't mind me asking that is?

Tray's Cell, 12:15 pm
That you & I are so close.

12:16 pm
What? Really?!

Tray's Cell, 12:16 pm
Sad, right? Like I said; it's cool. This is the 2
nd time they've gotten jealous, so I'm having a hard time believing the 'I'm sorry.'

12:17 pm
Can't say I blame you then. I probably wouldn't either. Have you told them what I told you the night of the sleepover during Spring Break?

Tray's cell, 12:18 pm
What? That I give off a comforting, secure feeling you cling to when you're scared or nervous?

12:19 pm
Yeah

Tray's Cell, 12:19 pm
No. I didn't know if you wanted me telling everyone about that. Plus…It would only make them more jealous. It's ok, Hayden. Seriously; I'm not worried about it. Glad at least one friend understands. In case you didn't know; that friend is you :p Still get a laugh that I've known you less time, fewer years than them, but you understand my humor.

Hayden smiled a little, glad that he was cheering Trayden up a little. The bell rang at 12:20 pm as Hayden rounded up his trash from lunch and headed for the exit with Trayden right behind him. Reaching History by 12:23 pm; the two males took their seats, and others started coming in and doing the same.

12:25 pm
Glad I'm able to cheer you up as you do for me.

Trayden chuckled a little, and now debating his next reply. While walking by the central office board of notices; there was an announcement about the Junior Prom on 8th of June at 5 pm. The Senior Prom was on Saturday, June 2nd at 5:30 pm, not that it had any bearing on Trayden since he was only a Junior. Bryan and Alyssa would likely go to Senior Prom, and Junior since Bryan was a Senior and Alyssa a Junior. Either way, Trayden was considering to ask Hayden if he wanted to go but didn't want to move in too much. Yeah, there was harmless flirting, being a friend for comfort and security, but going to one of the most significant events for a high schooler? Trayden felt he might overstep a boundary if he asked Hayden to go.

Trayden went to type some, erased it; then tried again. No matter how he started it; Trayden backed out because he didn't want to upset Hayden or scare him. Sighing a bit, which Hayden from across the room did catch; Trayden typed out something utterly unrelated to prom.

Tray's Cell, 12:26 pm
Guess we're just good at being here for each other. How's your throat feel?

Hayden smiled some, hiding his phone and replying.

12:27 pm
Still hurts, feels raw if that makes sense. Gonna have to try that hot liquids idea you said in lunch.

Tray's Cell, 12:28 pm
If that fails, try hot as you can stand it water with salt and gargle. My mom has me do that when I get a sore throat lol I know it sounds nasty, but trust me, it works.

12:29 pm
I'll have to give that a shot. What are your plans this weekend?

Tray's Cell, 12:29 pm
Not much of anything. How about you?

12:30 pm
Going to Uncle Gabe's. I'm helping him pack up his apartment.

Tray's Cell, 12:31 pm
Where's he going? O.o'

12:34 pm
He's moving, not sure where yet, but I guess he wants to be ready for when something comes through and he can move right in lol :p

The messages between them had to pause as Milton was looking their way, trying to catch them texting. Hayden and Trayden were good at hiding their phones because they were across the room from one another. Trayden by the window, so he could hide his phone on his side, and Milton wouldn't see that far over. Same for Hayden; he was close to the door and in the back. When Milton went back to the lesson, Hayden checked the message that came through when he couldn't look at it right away.

Tray's Cell, 12:34 pm
Smart idea. Sounds like you're gonna have a more exciting weekend than me XD

12:35 pm
Well, you could join me if you want? Gabriel doesn't mind me having a friend over, can't have a lot because he has a small apt. Wanna come to the city for the weekend, help me pack boxes? We can order pizza, have a sleepover?

Tray's Cell, 12:36 pm
I'll ask my parents if they don't mind me taking off for the weekend. You coming back to Berk on Sunday?

12:36 pm
Of course. Still got school for a few more weeks.

Tray's Cell, 12:37 pm
I'm sure they won't mind, but I'll ask when I get home. Thanks for inviting me :)

12:38 pm
I had fun at the Spring Break sleepover; there was just so much going on, though. Too many people all at once for the first time, if that makes sense.

Tray's Cell, 12:40 pm
I feel ya. It's intimidating if you've never done it before. I invited you because everyone should get to experience it, and also didn't want you to feel left out of the group. Show how friends have fun. But perhaps was a bit much for you. Sorry.

12:41 pm
No no, it's okay. I still had a good time. But, thinking that maybe I'll get a better idea and have more fun if it's smaller. When everyone is present you gotta do what everyone wants to do, and try to agree on one thing while keeping everyone entertained. That hard for someone who has never done this before. I wasn't into a lot of the things the others did, no offense to them. You and I share more interests. Figured I'd get the full experience if it's just us.

Hayden quickly realized what he said and felt a bit embarrassed, beginning to type again.

12:42 pm
I realize how utterly perverted that sounds to say when it involves two gay people XD

Hayden looked over at Trayden, who was trying not to laugh.

Tray's Cell, 12:43 pm
I'm in love with the fact you just said that. You're funny, and there's a hidden little pervert in there too; you have a sense of humor like me. This could be dangerous to have two of us as friends, and yet; I don't care. It's official; you're fantastic. Gods, this is gonna be a good time ;)

Hayden blushed a little but smiled. "Mr. Haddock, is there something more interesting that has your attention?" Milton said quickly. Hayden quickly slipped his phone under his leg as the man walked over.

"I mean…I could list several hundred, but it would take the rest of the school year," Hayden responded; his voice was still all messed up, but Trayden and a few others fought laughing out about his remark to Milton, so it came out as a snicker.

"That mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble one day. Hand over your phone; I know you've been texting. No one smiles down at their crotch for no reason," Milton stated.

"Maybe I like looking at myself. What would you know? You don't speak for the world. Also, it would be looking at my pants because they cover my dick. Pretty sure if my cock were out; I'd be arrested for public indecency. And what phone?" Hayden asked, lifting his hands.

"Very funny. It's obviously in your pocket," Milton accused. Hayden turned out his pockets, revealing nothing.

"Again I ask, what phone, Mr. Fungis? I'm not texting; I'm also not paying attention because I know all this already. Your history curriculum is severely behind Archian Preparatory," Hayden said.

"Well, don't take away from the students who don't know," Milton huffed.

"I, uh," Hayden cleared his throat. "I'm not the one who stopped the lesson to come over here and harass and accuse a student of something they aren't doing. You, sir, are the one wasting time with your paranoia,"

"Ooh…!" the class did together.

"Perhaps you should get back to the lesson, or risk termination when students ultimately fail because you didn't educate them; the parents have to come here, complain you aren't doing your job…And then boom, you suddenly don't work here next year because your attention is on select students instead of the knowledge you're employed here to teach all the students in your class," Hayden said, his voice a bit cold and clear as day now. Also, Hayden narrowed his eyes a little. "And don't even think about giving me detention because I've done nothing wrong,"

Milton and Hayden stared one another down, but Milton backed off, clearly annoyed by Hayden's remarks. Milton turned back to the lesson as Hayden sat back, relaxing. He saw Trayden smiling at him, and Hayden just winked as both of them looked front to get through the rest of class.