=Normal POV=
[Friday, 8/31/2018; 3:00 pm]
[Berk; Haddock/Forger House]

Hayden should never have questioned Gabriel at all that day in the truck driving home from the city because he'd been right. Hayden thought he needed distance to figure things out, but that was far from the truth. No, Hayden didn't need space to ponder his feelings for Trayden; he only needed the distance to realize that he already knew. When Hayden went to Trayden's on the 3rd; Hayden instantly hugged Trayden, and the two talked for a few minutes. Hayden got to his and Gabriel's place to start packing for the trip while Gabriel made the arrangements. Not even a week into the vacation; Hayden felt withdrawal from Trayden. Hayden found that he didn't like the extended time away and being unable to talk to Trayden. It wasn't always about comfort or security, no; Hayden genuinely loved their conversations together.

Yes, Trayden offered Hayden comfort and a safe haven when he was scared, nervous, or upset. Hayden liked being held by Trayden to calm down. But there was so much more than that. And Hayden realized that his feelings for Trayden were real because of something very distinct. When Hayden clung to Trayden during those breakdowns; it was only for the feeling of being safe and comforted, knowing Trayden would protect him. However, there were other things that gave Hayden a different reaction; such as them just talking any time about anything or the kiss they shared at Junior Prom, and even the harmless flirting Trayden did. All of that gave Hayden a happy feeling where he smiled, blushed, and his heart would race and beat hard.

Finally seeing the differences; Hayden realized that he always knew his feelings were real, but he psyched himself out and ended up putting too much thought into things. Hayden was sure now that he did like Trayden; he had a pretty deep crush on him. However, there was still hesitation. Hayden's last crush didn't go that great, and it scared him to try again. But…Hayden was still working through that on his own and with some help from Gabriel. Hayden decided that he would tell Trayden how he felt, but there would be a catch, and Hayden hoped Trayden understood.

In other updates, Olivia was locked up in an all-female prison for twenty-five to life, and she had to register as a sex offender if she ever managed to be granted parole. The jury found Olivia guilty for repeated sexual assault of a minor; there were other small charges involved, but the bottom line is that Olivia was going away for a while. Trayden and his family did come to see the hearing, so did all of Hayden's friends. As soon as the judge's gavel hit the desk after sentencing; Hayden cried in relief and that it was finally over. Watching Olivia get hauled off in handcuffs by two officers was probably one of the most significant weights lifted off his shoulders.

Today was the big End of Summer Celebration. Hayden spent all week preparing for it by making sure the house was cleaned top to bottom and handling all the yard work himself. Gabriel was impressed; he hadn't seen Hayden with this much energy or enthusiasm since the teenager's 17th birthday. Hayden took it upon himself to buy some drinks, snacks and made a few food dishes that he hoped the others would like. Nobody knew Hayden knew how to cook. Hayden set up the tables outside and set out chairs for people to sit. The backyard was also ready for the sleepover portion later that night. At the moment, Hayden was working on building the fire ring and had entirely lost track of time.

Gabriel got up from the couch when he heard the doorbell go off. Rising to his feet; he answered the door to see Hayden's friends were standing outside with their gear for the party. Even the parents were there, so Gabriel was feeling happy about that because it meant he wasn't by himself in watching a bunch of teenagers. Of course, Gabriel figured the adults weren't staying overnight, but it'd be nice to have some older attending guests to talk with while the teens had their party.

"Welcome to the Haddock/Forger house," Gabriel chuckled with a smile. "That's what Hayden calls it; kind'a grew on me," he shrugged. "Come right in. Hayden's out back finishing up the preparations," he informed. Slowly, but surely, everyone filed into the home.

"Your house is lovely!" Rachel beamed happily.

"Thank you. I think it was one of the ones Hayden picked out for me to check," Gabriel mentioned. "Three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, massive backyard," he added. "That was shockingly the only think Hayden requested we have, and that live in the Raven Point neighborhoods. Says it's his favorite place in all of Berk, all of Barbarchi actually," he laughed a little. "I'm sure Hayden will give ya a tour later. For now, let's get you out back to set your stuff down,"

Gabriel led the group through the house and towards the sliding screen door in the living room. Gabriel slid it open and let everyone come out. What was a bit comical, though, Hayden didn't even notice; he seemed very fixated on whatever he was doing.

"Hayden," Gabriel said. No response. "That boy and his music on full blast…" the man sighed as he whistled getting the attention of Skullcrusher and Cloudjumper. "Get him, boys," the dogs anxiously rushed towards Hayden, nudging against him together.

"Hey, what are you two doing?" Hayden asked, pulling his headphones out.

"Welcome back to Earth, kiddo," Gabriel chuckled. Hayden looked up to see him, and then everyone else.

"Never left, but you know I can't hear anything when my headphones are in," Hayden smiled some. "Didn't think it was 3 pm already," he added. "Hi, guys and girls," he greeted.

"Hey," Trayden was first to approach. "What, uh, what are you working on back here?" he asked seeing the square-shaped hole Hayden was digging.

"Hayden, what did I tell you about digging holes in the backyard? You're gonna make neighbors think you're burying a body," Gabriel sighed.

"First off…Graves are typically rectangular and six-feet deep; this is a square and not even a foot deep. Secondly, and probably most important; why in the name of Odin do you think I'd be digging a hole to bury a body? You think I've been sneaking out and killing people? Who do you think I'd go after; I don't have enemies. None that I'm aware at least. I mean…I know I've got a little temper now and then, but come on? Really?" Hayden inquired.

"Bit of a temper?" Gabriel arched a brow. "Who the hell you tryin' to fool, boy? You got your father's temper and your mother's smarts. When you get mad; you have the wrath of the Gods behind you to either scare the shit out of someone or sarcastically outsmart them into questioning everything about their life to find out where they went wrong," he remarked. "And don't even get me started on if someone is dumb enough to attack you…"

"Oh, come on…That was ONE time…" Hayden muttered. "Guy woke up thirty minutes later…"

"It was one hit, Hayden. One hit," Gabriel rolled his eyes.

"He hit me first, and to be fair; I warned him not to get in my face…" Hayden mumbled a bit.

"Should I even ask?" Dustin blinked.

"15 years old, some kid Hayden went to school with wouldn't stop giving him a hard time. One day; this guy got bold and started physically bullying him after his grandmother on his mother's side passed away. Hayden warned the guy to stop, and he wouldn't. Guy shoved Hayden into a locker and Hayden knocked him clean out with one punch. Not like instant, though…One of those hits where you stand there for a second wondering what the hell happened before you try to take a step and just hit the ground," Gabriel stated.

"Hey, I told him to stop because I wasn't in the mood…" Hayden remarked, leaning on the shovel's handle. "Never bullied me again, though, did he? And I didn't get in trouble because he put his hands on me first, that makes it self-defense,"

"Didn't he end up one of your friends?" Gabriel asked.

Hayden nodded. "Yep,"

"So…Back on topic here, what are you doing?" Alicia pointed to the hole. Hayden set the shovel aside and pulled a car over with several types sizes and shapes of flat rocks. Hayden started laying them around the outside of the square in a randomized setting. After five minutes; it was done.

"A homemade fire ring, minus the ring part," Trayden said. "Nice work," he stated.

"Thanks. Last minute idea," Hayden mentioned. "All those staying over can set your stuff over there for now; we'll set up later on before it gets dark around 7:30 pm," he informed. The friends nodded and did so smiling; this would be fun. Attending their annual End of Summer Celebration at Hayden's house would be new, and so far, very fun. While the teens set their stuff in the place Hayden said to put it; Gabriel had the adults set any food or drinks down on the tables. "So…Everyone turns out for this event, huh?"

"Families only stay until nightfall, but yes," Devon nodded.

"Well, alright then. I'm glad there's enough food to serve at least sixty people," Hayden laughed a little. Trayden liked seeing this side of Hayden; it seemed his mood had drastically changed since Olivia was locked up.

"Shall we get introductions out of the way?" Gabriel suggested. "Well, It's just us to anyone who isn't a Jorgenson or Raseri…" he shrugged.

"We'll go down the group," Dustin offered.

"Works," Gabriel nodded.

"Well, you know my family. I'm Dustin Raseri; this is my wife, Rachel. And these are our five children; Trayden, Dex, Aria, Eliot, and Cole," Dustin started.

"Silas Jorgenson. My wife, Felicia, and our kids; Syrus and Alicia," Silas stated.

"Colby and Ashlyn Hofferson, my parents," Alyssa said.

"Benjamin and Holly Thorston, our parents," Rylee and Tyler said together.

"Vincent and Kelly Grimborn," Katie smiled. "My parents and my mom is Bryan's step-mom. My uncle Brenden was a bit busy, so he couldn't come to meet you but sends his greetings. Oh, and you know my boyfriend, Andrew already," Andrew waved with a smile.

"I do," Hayden replied.

"I'm sure you remember me, Hayden; Hannah Grimborn. I handled your surgery," Hannah smiled. "I'm Katie and Bryan's aunt, but this is my daughter, Verena; she's three years younger than Katie,"

"I've met her before, at Trayden's birthday party," Hayden nodded. "And I remember you too," he added.

"And I'd let you meet my brother, Richard Grimborn, but he sadly passed away overseas about three years ago," Vincent mentioned. "He was in the Army,"

"I'm sorry to hear that…" Hayden said sympathetically, understanding what it was like to lose family.

"My parents are away until tomorrow at 4 pm," Mindy reminded. "But my mom is Kristen Guarder. My father passed away from cancer when I was 11,"

"I'm…Sorry for your loss too, Mindy," Hayden said gently as Mindy just shrugged and smiled a little as if to say; it happens sometimes.

"I'm Stuart Ingerman, and this is my wife, Isabella. Ford is our son," the man as Ford's father introduced.

"Mine and Hailey's parents passed away, but you know me, my wife, Miya, and Hailey," Devon said.

"And my parents are away, but I'm still here," Evan smiled. "Dad's name is Everett Trapp, and mom is Ariana Solberg because she went back to her maiden name; they divorced when I was 15 but shared custody of me. I primary live with my dad in Waterlands Town," he shrugged a little.

"Well, I'm Hayden H. Haddock, and this is my Godfather and unofficial uncle, Gabriel Forger," Hayden said. "Also…Silas and Felicia are my aunt and uncle on my dad's side. Sy and Alicia are my cousins," he added.

"Question…" Trayden put his finger up. "I've never heard you introduce yourself with the middle initial of H…What's it stand for?"

"Oh, it's just my middle name," Hayden enlightened.

"I figured," Trayden laughed. "But I meant what is your middle name?"

"It's horrendous, but if you can figure it out; I'll kiss you as the prize," Hayden smiled.

"Really…Well, I think I'll take that challenge," Trayden remarked with a grin.

"What if any of us guess it? Do we get a kiss too?" Syrus blinked.

"I mean…I didn't know you swing that way, cuz, and you're family…So that makes it incest. I'll kiss your cheek, but that's about it. And the rest of you are in relationships…I guess you can have hugs? Or maybe a cookie?" he shrugged a bit.

"Works," a few smiled, nodding.

"Now…How about we get this thing started?" Hayden asked.

"Well, we're not staying; we just wanted to see where our kids would be since we haven't met you or your family up until just now," Ashlyn Hofferson smiled.

"We're staying," Rachel motioned to herself and her family.

"We are, but I believe Hannah has work tonight, so we're babysitting Verena," Kelly informed.

"No problem," Gabriel said. "The kids will be safe here," he assured. After that, Hannah, the Hofferson, Thorston, and Ingerman families departed with Gabriel leading them out through the house. The friends looked back at Hayden, smiling.

"This is new for me to do, but I think I covered everything you guys and girls talked about that you have at this thing. I got appetizer/snacky foods on the table; there are beverages in the fridge over there. I gotta set up my laptop for music, and then I think everything is done," Hayden chirped.

"Don't forget to give them a tour, laddie. No one has seen the house yet, and we moved in two months ago," Gabriel laughed a bit.

"I thought you did that while walking them in?" Hayden blinked a few times.

"Your party, your job. I'm here as supervision," Gabriel sat in one of the chairs, holding a beer in hand.

"Out of curiosity, and I'll take the hit upside the back of the head for the sarcasm…But who is doing the supervising here if you're drinking?" Hayden inquired. Gabriel put a finger up to retort but found that he couldn't. Gabriel huffed a little.

"I wasn't planning to get drunk…And I won't hit ya. Glad to see you acting like your old self more, even if most of it is sarcasm," Gabriel stated. "Go on and have your fun. The adults and I will hang here," Hayden nodded as he led the others back inside the house.

"Guess we can start back to front. This is the living room, dining, and kitchen area. The living room has a fireplace and wall mounted TV. Kitchen sink and cabinets in that back corner, there's a dishwasher too, but the door was built to make it look like a cabinet. The oven is separate from the stove, and a double one. The stove is five-range and sits across from the sink on the center island, which has a little seating to eat at. Uh…Full dining room is over there on the right. The table seats four like that, but Gabriel and I can pull it out more to seat six, eight, twelve, sixteen, or twenty," Hayden started.

"That's awesome; it's so open and spacious," Alicia smiled.

"I know; I love open concept. It's great for entertaining," Hayden nodded.

"Down this small hallway has everything else. Over here on the right of us are two of the bedrooms and one full bathroom. Gabriel's room is this one, closest to the front of the house. Bathroom in the middle and the guest room is across from Gabriel's. Uh…Straight of us is the main entrance. This hallway on the right has a half-bathroom, and the last two rooms are to the third bedroom, and master suite," Hayden informed.

"Wait…Doesn't Gabriel have the master?" Tyler asked.

Hayden shook his head. "No, I do. I have more stuff than Gabriel does, so he thought it would suit me better to have a larger space,"

"And I thought there were only three bedrooms…With the master, there's four," Rylee added.

"I call it three bedrooms because only three are used as bedrooms. The fourth bedroom is my art studio," Hayden clarified as he opened the door revealing the space to them. "I went to mom and dad's house to get everything out of the old room; I'm glad it all fit even though this room is smaller than the original. Might work better," he chuckled a little. "And…This is my room," he closed the art room door and went to the next one to the left. Hayden opened it revealing a small hallway to walk through; he led them in so they could see better.

"It's nice," Trayden smiled.

"Thanks; it looks better now that I arranged everything. And this door on…What would be your right while walking in is the master bathroom," Hayden opened it so they could view the space. "Oh, and these doors over here is the walk-in closet," he pushed the doors inward to reveal and closet.

"It looks amazing, Hayden. You did all this yourself?" Syrus inquired.

"Took a week or so, but yes. Gabriel was busy with the rest of the house, so this fell on me. Not that I minded; I like my stuff a certain way. Mom used to tell me I was OCD; I'm just organized…It's easier to find things," Hayden replied.

"Where's all your music stuff? Or is it still in the city?" Evan wondered.

"It's in the basement here; I haven't gotten around to unpacking it yet since I just went and got it last week before the final court hearing. Gabriel and I went to the city at like 8 am; the packed it into his truck before going to the courthouse. Everything is still packed up; I'll likely get around it tomorrow after everyone leaves, or on Sunday," Hayden stated as everyone left the room while he closed the door. "I'd show you the basement, but it's unfinished. So just beams, floor, walls, couple windows…Not much,"

"It's cool. Hey, what's this room?" Devon questioned.

"Oh! Laundry/Mudroom, and an entrance into the two-car garage," Hayden said.

"Sweet; this is a nice place, Hayden," Bryan complimented. "Gabriel said it was one of your picks,"

"Gabriel did things the old-fashioned way of driving around to look for apartments or houses, checking the newspaper…I introduced him to using the internet and making everything easier," Hayden laughed a bit. "Yeah, this one of my choices to try. I saw the pictures of the huge backyard and kind'a fell in love with it,"

"Nothing wrong with that; you gotta love where you're gonna live," Trayden agreed.

"Damn it…I went into my room to get my laptop and forgot…" Hayden turned back around and went to grab his computer. "Okay, now we can go back outside," he smiled. The group followed him out of the house and returned to the backyard. All of the friends were glad to see Hayden look so happy; it was a significant change from when they met him last October when he started at Berk High School. And already; this party seemed like it was going to be a blast, so they couldn't wait to get started.