=Normal POV=
[Friday, 5/18/2018; 11:30 pm]
[Archian City; Gabriel's Apartment]
It had been a great night thus far for Hayden and Trayden. Shortly after the little talk where Trayden offered to go with Hayden to his psychiatry sessions, and Hayden said that he would think about it the idea during the time that he wasn't going to therapy until after the Summer was over since there was quite a bit going on in his life at the moment. There was Olivia's trial starting in June, Hayden having to deal with finals and the one-year anniversary of his parents' deaths. No, there was too much happening and Hayden, and his psychiatrist both shockingly agreed to push appointments back until September 2018, when Hayden started school again as a Senior.
After the minor, serious talk, Hayden and Trayden got their food and started eating once Hayden took his second pill. The two set the pizza box and mini chicken legs up in the living room while flipping on the game systems to play while eating. Hayden was typically someone who played systems, but now and then he didn't mind. Also, it was just him and Trayden, so playing consoles was a little easier than when everyone tried to play at once. The two boys were having a great time, just hanging out, eating, and playing. Gabriel was still out but told Hayden things were excellent, and he was visiting a couple of friends who got hurt that he was in the military with.
Of course, while all this was happening; Hayden's mind was still on his growing feelings for Trayden. Hayden knew that this wasn't just a latch on type deal; he felt something for Trayden. And he knew that because it was a feeling similar to what Hayden felt for Bradly Holgerson a year ago. But there was hesitation and doubt since Bradley broke Hayden's heart. Hayden didn't know what to do, and considered talking to Gabriel about it, but wasn't sure on that idea yet either. For now, Hayden just wanted to get through the rest of Junior Year and the Summer. Maybe after all the madness passed; he'd be able to focus more on these new feelings he felt for the first friend he'd made since coming to Berk.
Both Hayden and Trayden set their phones off to the side, charging at the nearest outlet to them. Hayden was only messaging Gabriel. Trayden was getting texts from all the others and an occasional one or two from his parents to ask how things were going. Of course, those messages stopped around 10:15 pm. The friends were still trying pretty hard to get Trayden to talk to them, but Trayden wasn't having it.
"I swear, they just won't quit," Trayden muttered. "11:30 at night, and they've been trying since like, 7 pm to get me to answer,"
"What do they want?" Hayden wondered.
"Asking how the sleepover is, what we're doing, stuff like that. It's just them being nosey," Trayden sighed.
"Ignoring everyone?" Hayden chuckled a bit.
"Yeah, but this is getting ridiculous," Trayden said.
"Might be because of what I said to them after you went to your car…" Hayden admitted.
"What did you say?" Trayden blinked.
"Kind'a told them off a bit, in a nice way," Hayden shrugged. "They started showing their jealousy, and I just told them why I'm closer to you than them,"
"How'd they take it?" Trayden questioned.
"Well, never really heard the response because you came back and offered to take us both here. They were just all hurt and jealous that you have my number, make me smile, that we talk a lot; the usual. I explained that you gave me your number and after the History thing with Mr. Fungis I texted you. I mentioned they were welcome to have my number too, but they never asked for it, so I didn't know if they wanted it," Hayden explained. "And I don't ask people for theirs, just a thing with me,"
"Hey, I won't knock it. I think I got everyone's phone numbers when we started doing group sleepovers or had projects for school. Sorry, that they're riding your ass too now," Trayden mumbled.
"I'm gay, I don't mind ass riding," Hayden grinned a bit.
"Thor almighty, you are a little pervert," Trayden blinked.
"Made ya smile, though, didn't it?" Hayden smiled now.
"Heh, yeah; it did. Thanks for that," Trayden nodded.
"Any time," Hayden replied. "Don't let them get to you, Tray. I told them right off why I'm closer to you. Because all the times I'm upset, they sit there and do nothing. You're the only one who takes action, you listen when I talk, and you offer comforting words a shoulder to cry on, then find a way to cheer me up. I said that not only did you tell me you were here for me; you proved it,"
"And they said nothing to that?" Trayden arched a brow.
"Well, Alyssa tried to cut me off saying that they listen, but I shut her down by stating that anyone can listen; it those who try to help that make the difference. I told them that hard truth that a lot of people since my parents died said they were here for me…And proved the complete opposite. So you can't just tell me that I can trust you; you have to prove it. And so far, you, Tray, are the only one who has managed that. And I told them that straight up cling to you because of the Olivia thing. After that, you came back, and we left," Hayden mentioned calmly.
"The sad part is that I've been telling them this for a while," Trayden sighed.
"Well, maybe hearing it from me too will get them to open their eyes," Hayden offered. "I know they are my friends, and won't hurt me. So I trust in that much, but I can't say I trust in the fact that they would be here for me,"
"I understand, don't worry," Trayden nodded to him. "So what now? It's only like 11:30, maybe a little after.
"I might get some sleep…The pills bring it on," Hayden yawned.
"Go on. It's been a fun night, and we have tomorrow too," Trayden informed. Hayden nodded as he got up to flip the handle lock and deadbolt. Hayden used the bathroom and got into his sleeping bag. Trayden was right behind him after making sure the pizza and chicken were put away. Trayden flipped the light and used his phone as a guide to his sleeping bag.
"Night, Tray," Hayden said softly.
"Goodnight, Hayden," Trayden replied.
. . .
[Saturday, 5/19/2018; 10:15 pm]
Saturday morning involved breakfast made by Gabriel, who came in the night before around 1:45 am. Most of the day after breakfast was packing things up into boxes and stashing them on the far side of the living room where there wasn't any furniture and couldn't get in the way. Gabriel kept his bedroom stuff in the bedroom, and kitchen items that weren't in constant use got left in Gabriel's room too. The apartment was empty except big pieces and things still being used.
Hayden, Gabriel, and Trayden ate the rest of the pizza and chicken legs for lunch. Trayden's friends were still trying to get ahold of him, but Trayden was ignoring it. He was spending this weekend with Hayden, and would deal with the others some other time; he was sure it was an attempt to talk and apologize. Trayden didn't mind, but still, these things should be saved for face to face confrontations. Gabriel decided to go out with some friends for dinner and to hang out; this left Hayden and Trayden along a second time to enjoy their sleepover. Hayden and Trayden cooked together; it was a simple meal; spaghetti and meatballs.
After cleaning up a bit; the boys decided to play a few rounds of Yugioh, and then a couple of console games too. The time ticked away until 10 pm as the boys were sitting back on the couch to relax and take a small break.
"I gotta say; this has been a fun time," Hayden informed.
"Right? I'm glad you had a good time. Back to your aunt and uncle's tomorrow, though. What time do you want to head back?" Trayden inquired.
Hayden shrugged. "Any time is fine. Maybe after lunch? I think Gabriel said there was more to pack tomorrow, but he has to get more boxes,"
"That's fine with me. I certainly don't mind spending more time with you," Trayden mentioned as Hayden blushed a little, but it was hidden by the low lights in the room. "What now? I'm not tired yet," he smiled.
"Me either, which is weird because I normally do get sleepy around this time," Hayden informed. "Do you want to play another game?"
"My eyes need a break from the screen, but you got a nice collection. You're good at console games," Trayden complimented.
"For the very few I play," Hayden smiled a bit. "I still prefer card or computer games,"
"Hey, everyone has their thing," Trayden chuckled. "You think your voice is good to sing again come Monday?"
"Should be, I'm still gonna give it a break over the weekend, though. To make sure," Hayden responded.
"Seems reasonable," Trayden said. "So, wanna sit up and talk then? Any word on Gabriel coming home?"
"Said not to wait up for him if we're tired, and too make sure we lock the door," Hayden stated. "But I locked it after the pizza delivery anyway," he added. "And yeah, we can just chat," he smiled. "What do two gay guys talk about at sleepovers?"
"Wouldn't know," Trayden lifted his hands a little. "None of the others are gay, or even bisexual; it was only me until we met you,"
"Guess we both get to learn then," Hayden smiled lightly. "Uh…Do you, uh, like anyone right now?"
I could tell him the truth; that I like him. But I don't want to make things awkward for the rest of the sleepover. I could say I'm not sure, or still figuring things out? Yeah, that sounds better. It's not entirely lying if I say that. Trayden thought as he looked at Hayden. "I might, still kind'a figure things out. It's…Hard to know for sure, you know?"
"Somewhat. The one guy I liked, well, loved I guess, ended up breaking my heart so…" Hayden glanced down a bit.
"That's exactly what I mean for me," Trayden informed. "I had a boyfriend for like a year and a half, and once we finally had sex; he broke up with me. I know what liking someone feels like, love even, but hard to let myself give into it again,"
Hayden nodded. "I feel you there. I struggle with that on more levels than just a male interest; I barely trust anyone,"
"But you've come pretty far since the end of October 2017, when we met you. You don't just sit at the table all curled up in yourself. You talk a bit, eat with us," Trayden reminded.
"Pretty sure that is all thanks to you for always getting me engaged in everything you guys do. I guess it just started to become comfortable and the norm for me," Hayden shrugged some.
"It has become a habit, which isn't a bad thing. Means you're comfortable around us, but me more so," Trayden grinned a bit. Hayden laughed some, playfully shoving Trayden. "Alright, what about you? Got a thing for anyone at school?" he asked.
Hayden looked down bashfully. "Ma-Maybe," he replied. Trayden blinked a few times. Hayden liked someone? "Trying to figure things out, like you," he added. "Not sure what to make of it, to be honest. I know there's something, but not sure if it's gonna go anywhere from where it is now. I'm sitting back and just waiting I guess is the best way to put it. Still hesitant and scared to let me like someone because of what happened with Bradley. Not the raping or abuse thing, but everything before when he waited for me for so long and then when I finally returned it; his feelings changed,"
"I get it, don't worry. Guess we're in the same boat here," Trayden said.
"The guy you might like, what's he like?" Hayden asked.
"Oh, he's...Shy, but smart, talented, good heart, and has a great sense of humor. I think he's cute," Trayden informed. "How about you? What's this possible guy like?" Trayden smiled.
"Funny, smart, kind, outgoing, good-looking," Hayden revealed lightly.
"So…Where is this mystery guy; I only ever see you with our friends," Trayden questioned. Hayden hesitated on responding; he didn't want to say anything to Trayden about possibly liking him until he knew for sure. Hayden didn't want to lead Trayden on as Bradley had done to him a year ago. "Well, I mean, you don't have to tell me; you do have your own life," Trayden smiled.
Hayden sighed. "It's you," he said quietly, his voice barely audible.
"Oh, well, that's," Trayden started, then it processed what Hayden said; that it was him. "Wait, what?" he looked at Hayden quickly. "What did you say?" Hayden pulled his knees up, resting his chin on his folded arms that sat on his kneecaps.
"It's you," Hayden repeated more clearly. "The guy I'm talking about possibly liking is you, Trayden," he confessed. Trayden sat there, wide-eyed and very surprised. However, he didn't want Hayden to feel entirely rejected by his silence, so Trayden composed himself.
"Hayden? Hayden, look at me," Trayden said as Hayden glanced over, feeling very shy and embarrassed. "It's okay," he smiled. "Because the guy I'm talking about is you," Hayden's head rose, slightly full and shocked eyes showing on his face.
"Y-You like me?" Hayden asked. "Well, no…You said before you were trying to figure things out,"
"I…Already know how I feel about you, Hayden. I started liking you a little after the Olivia thing; when you began to trust and open up to me. I…Haven't said anything because, at the time, I didn't know you were gay and didn't want to freak you out. Also, I figured having feelings for someone was likely not on your top list of things to do or have…" Trayden admitted.
Hayden stared a moment. "Okay, yeah…That makes a lot of sense," he finally agreed. "It's funny…Back when Gabriel returned, and I was here with him that first day after leaving school; he asked me if I had a thing for you and I said no originally,"
"What changed?" Trayden questioned.
Hayden shook his head. "I don't know…Just…Started feeling something one day. And…I've been trying to figure it out since. I wasn't going to tell you until I knew, but it's not as easy as I thought to keep things from you. You just give me that aura that I can tell you anything…"
"You know you can; I'll never judge you, and try to help if I can," Trayden nodded.
"I know…" Hayden replied. "But even telling you this…I meant what I said at the start of the conversation; I…Still don't know how I feel. Yes, there's something there, but…" he sighed.
"Hayden, it's alright. You don't have to return the feelings; I'm not gonna be upset if you don't. I'll still be your friend regardless; you have my friendship for life," Trayden stated.
"It's not that I don't return them; I just…Don't know what to see them as. I'm trying to work out if I like you because I like you in a crushing sense or if it's just part of that latching and clinging thing…I wasn't going to say anything until I knew just how strong the feelings ran, but…Since we ended up on the topic; it just felt right to tell you," Hayden informed. "Plus…Still ridiculously hesitant because of…Well, you know already,"
Trayden understood. "Well, I'm glad you did, Hayden. So you know how I feel for you, but you're still working things out with your feelings? Is that right?" Hayden nodded. "Okay, so you take your time then. I'm not going anywhere while you do. Like I said, still your friend no matter what. I promised you that I'd always be here for you and I won't break that over something like this. And yes, I do know why you're hesitant. Just remember that I would never hurt you like that jerk did because I too have been hurt by someone I once cared for, so I wouldn't do that to someone else,"
"You take all the time you need to figure things out, and when you know; you and I can talk more about it and decide what will be next for us. Okay? No rush," Trayden said as Hayden nodded to him.
"Thanks for understanding," Hayden smiled a bit.
"We'll keep this little conversation to ourselves, okay? But, uh, you should know that the others know I like you. Your cousins cornered me and forced it out of me…That was back before I knew you were gay, and also why they are getting ridiculously jealous about how close we are. They know you're gay now, so it's possible for you and me to develop feelings for one another. Make sense?" Trayden added.
"Yeah, things make a lot of sense now," Hayden nodded. "Still, thank you for giving me time to figure things out," he blushed a bit.
"No problem," Trayden smiled as his phone vibrated and he checked the alert.
Syrus's Cell, 10:35 pm
Hey, wats up? How's the sleepover w/ Hayden goin? :)
"Who is that?" Hayden asked.
"Your cousin, Syrus," Trayden mumbled.
"Are they still trying to find out what we're doing?" Hayden rolled his eyes. Trayden nodded, opening the message and tapping the box to reply. "I have an incredibly devious idea…" Trayden arched a brow.
"Normally, I would worry…But I've never seen this side of you, so I'm genuinely curious," Trayden remarked. "What did you have in mind?"
"They think something is going on, right?" Hayden wondered. Trayden nodded to him. "What do you say we play a little on that?" he grinned. "Reply with; Wouldn't you like to know?" he added. Trayden smiled some and did so.
10:37 pm
Wouldn't you like to know?
Not more than a few moments later; there was a reply.
Syrus's Cell, 10:38 pm
Come on, dude. U can't still be mad at us 4 last Monday, can u? I got every1 ova. Call us; we wanna chat a lil.
"This was the response," Trayden showed Hayden the screen. Hayden put out his hand for the phone as Trayden blinked and gave it to him, watching as Hayden prepared a text, but not send it yet.
"Come here," Hayden told him gently. Trayden moved closer as Hayden adjusted Trayden's arm over his shoulders and Hayden laid on Trayden's shoulder, snuggling up. Hayden tapped the camera button and turned it to selfie mode. "Smile," Hayden told him. Trayden understood now; he adjusted himself a bit more to make it seem like they were cuddling up.
"Wait…I got an idea for another one that should throw them for a loop," Trayden said, taking the phone and setting it to take another picture. "Make it look like we're kissing," Hayden smirked almost, nodding and positioned himself, and then Trayden adjusted put his head on an angle and covering Hayden's mouth, but when Trayden snapped the photo; it looked like they were making out. Hayden even held onto Trayden's shirt so that it would look more intense.
"Alright, let's send both of those with the message I typed already," Hayden chuckled. Trayden tapped the send button and sent the message off.
"This is so evil…" Trayden stated as they fixed themselves and laughed together.
"Teach them not to assume shit. We play our little joke and tell them the truth on Monday," Hayden chuckled.
"So not only are you a pervert, but you're a devious thing too. I think I just started to like you more than before," Trayden said softly. Hayden blushed a little but smiled. "Tired yet?"
"Not really. Feel like watching a movie?" Hayden asked.
"Sure," Trayden nodded. Hayden flipped to the movie channels, and they started browsing the options. Only wishing they could see the looks on their friends' faces when the message came through.
. . .
[10:45 pm]
[Berk; Jorgenson Home]
"Get anything back yet?" Alyssa wondered as Syrus reached for his phone and saw a reply from Trayden.
"Yep, right here," Syrus replied as he opened the message and gasped, eyes widening. "Oh. My. Gods…"
"What, what is it?" Alicia inquired, getting closer as Syrus showed her. "OH MY GODS!" she yelled, shocked.
"What did he say?" Mindy wondered. Syrus turned the phone around for them to see the message in full.
Trayden's Cell, 10:45 pm
We're a little busy right now ;) -Hayden & Trayden
And then clear as day; there were two pictures. One of Hayden and Trayden cuddling together on the couch and another of them kissing. Everyone's eyes widened, entirely shocked and had no idea what to make of it. Did Trayden tell Hayden how he felt? Did Hayden like Trayden back? Were they dating now? Nobody understood, and it was clear that neither Hayden or Trayden were going to call and tell them since they were a little lip-locked at the moment. But they were sure as hell going to ask as soon as Trayden and Hayden returned to Berk tomorrow afternoon or night.
