=Normal POV=
[Friday, 9/21/2018; 12:10 pm]
[Berk High School]
It was still the talk of the school almost two weeks later about what Hayden did in lunch hour to Marcus. It wasn't anything awful, and all Hayden did was defend his friends and himself from a bully. Hayden and Marcus did get brought into Aaron Ogglebert's office with Amy Mayden present to explain what happened. Hayden ended up with two days of detention for the physical side of fighting, but Marcus got five days for bullying and attacking Hayden not once, but twice. Also, Marcus was on the verge of suspension if he didn't cut out the bullying. However, Marcus pleaded that he was a changed man and admitted Hayden's words were eye-openers to him. Marcus had to apologize to Hayden and Trayden as part of his punishment as well.
Alicia's birthday party on Saturday the 15th had been fun, and most everyone came or at least made an appearance for an hour or two. Even Hayden went and had a decent time. Monday the 17th; it was right back to school. Now, here they were on Friday the 21st and the first half of the day had been easy going. The friends were in lunch, chatting it up and eating as they always did. There was already talk of trying to get together to plan a sleepover from tonight to Saturday or Saturday to Sunday. However, Trayden thought it might be a good time to start showing Hayden that was different from Brad; things had just been a little crazy with the start of school.
Trayden assumed that Hayden didn't want the others knowing about their little talk on the 31st of August about having mutual feelings for one another. Otherwise, Hayden would've talked to Trayden outside with them present. It was safe to say that Hayden might get nervous if Trayden asked him right there at lunch about going on a date. To be on the safe side of things; Trayden got his phone out to text Hayden.
12:10 pm
What are you doing tonight?
Trayden waited as Hayden checked his phone and then looked at him for a second before replying.
Hayden's Cell, 12:12 pm
Same thing I do every night. Homework, dinner, shower, probably bed or work on the song for the talent show and then bed.
Trayden had completely forgotten about the song for the talent show and the fact they had all agreed to do something new so one could steal it this time. Had Hayden been working on it by himself? Nevertheless, Trayden didn't want to get sidetracked with why he started texting Hayden. Typing his message; he sent it off.
12:13 pm
Oh, well, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go to dinner with me tonight on a date?
Hayden's Cell, 12:14 pm
Sure. When do you want to go? I usually finish homework around 4:30-5ish.
Trayden beamed. Hayden said yes! Well, he said sure, but same thing! Smiling, Trayden replied.
12:15 pm
How about we go for 5:15? I'll pick you up, and we can go to a nearby restaurant?
Hayden's Cell, 12:15 pm
Sound great. Where are we going?
12:16 pm
Where would you like to go?
Hayden's Cell, 12:17 pm
Surprise me XD
12:17 pm
You got it :)
Hayden's Cell, 12:18 pm
Can't wait
12:19 pm
Me either. Let's just hope the rest of the day goes by fast now lol
Hayden's Cell, 12:19 pm
Seriously lol I should have requested harder classes. I guess I don't mind, means I get to be with you ^/^
12:20 pm
I'll second that lol XD
The bell rang as everyone began to get up and head for the door. "So we on for today or Saturday at 4 pm at Tray's house?"
Trayden blinked. When was this discussed? When he was texting Hayden? "Wait, my house?"
"Uh, yeah? You offered it like five minutes ago…" Alyssa reminded.
Oh, shit… Trayden thought. "I'm sure that won't be a problem, but I'll double check with my parents and let you know by the end of the day,"
"Sounds good," the friends replied or nodded.
"If not his, we can do mine. Gabriel and I finished the basement," Hayden stepped in now having seen that Trayden wasn't paying attention.
"Alright, Hayden's place if Trayden's folks say no. Wait, don't you have to ask Gabriel first?" Alicia wondered.
"Gabriel doesn't care what I do as long as it isn't illegal; he's always been that way. Us having a sleepover isn't gonna stop him from having a few beers and watching the game on TV," Hayden laughed a little. "See you later," he added before headed down the D-Hall, to turn left on A-Hall for Math. After that; the rest of the friends split off to get to their classes.
. . .
[2:30 pm]
The friends met in the student lot to either get their cars or be picked up if they were getting a ride.
"So what's the verdict, Tray?" Tyler inquired.
"Parents are going away for their anniversary this weekend, and I'm stuck babysitting. So my house is out, and so am I," Trayden muttered.
"Well, that sucks," Bryan informed.
"Why do you have to babysit? Isn't Dex 17 as of July? And Aria now 15 as of like, the 5th of this month?" Mindy wondered.
"Yeah…But parents still don't like them home without an adult and someone with a car in case of emergencies, especially because it's longer than one night," Trayden mentioned. "Dex will be getting his license soon; he's taking Driver's Education in January,"
"Wait…Your parents' rule is that they have to be supervised with an adult and someone with a car?" Hayden asked as Trayden nodded. "Why don't you bring them to my house for the sleepover then? Gabriel is there, so are all of we, and there's plenty of vehicles if something happens. And it lets you join the festivities," he suggested.
"Huh…I did not think of that. I'll ask them once I get home. Thanks, Hayden," Trayden smiled. "Is there gonna be enough room for everyone?" he wondered.
"Oh, don't you worry about space. Remember, you haven't seen my basement yet because it wasn't done," Hayden chuckled. "See you later," Hayden headed towards his car.
"Well, alright then. Sleepover is at Hayden's on Today? Saturday? Still at 4 pm?" Devon called to Hayden.
"Saturday; I'm got other plans tonight," Hayden replied before starting the car, pulling forward, and heading out of the lot. The friends dispersed and left the school.
. . .
[5:15 pm]
Thankfully, Rachel and Dustin were fine with the idea of Trayden taking his siblings to Hayden's house on Saturday night and thought it was very nice of Hayden to include the kids. Trayden whipped through his homework, showered, and then left his house to go one street over to pick up Hayden for their first date. Thankfully, his parents weren't leaving until about 7:30 pm since Dustin had to work until 6 pm. Trayden got out of his car and went to the front door, knocking a few times. Hayden opened the door and met Trayden there.
"Hey," Trayden greeted.
"Hi," Hayden smiled.
"Ready?" Trayden asked as Hayden nodded.
"Be back later, Uncle Gabe!" Hayden called into the house.
"Have fun and be safe!" Gabriel called from down the hall. Hayden closed the door and walked with Trayden to the car. Like a gentleman, or trying to be cute; Trayden opened the door for Hayden.
"Thank you," Hayden slid in, and Trayden closed the door before hurrying around to the driver's side. The two males buckled and then Trayden started to drive to their location.
Reaching their destination by 5:25 pm, Trayden parked as the two boys headed inside Hooligans; this was just a fast-food place, but Trayden remembered one of his and Hayden's conversations where Hayden mentioned loving this place, and they could eat inside, so why wouldn't it be good for a first date? Hayden and Trayden entered the building and waited in line to order. Not more than a few minutes later; they stood before the counter where the cashier, a young woman with the name tag, Lyla.
"Hi! Welcome to Hooligans. Are we dining in or taking out this evening?" Lyla greeted with a friendly smile.
"Dining in, please?" Hayden said with a smile. Lyla tapped something on the screen and looked back at them.
"What can I get for you?" Lyla asked.
"You first," Trayden told Hayden now. "And don't be shy either,"
Hayden giggled a little. "I'll do the number five, please?" Hayden replied.
"Sure! What three pieces of chicken would you like?" Lyla inquired.
"Two legs, and one wing, please," Hayden said.
"And how about for your two sides?" Lyla smiled.
"Uh…Mashed potatoes and…I guess mac and cheese? The biscuit comes with it, right?" Hayden inquired as Lyla nodded while handing Hayden a medium-sized cup. "Thanks. You're up, Tray," Hayden informed.
"I'll do the same as him; mashed potatoes and broccoli, please?" Trayden stated to Lyla, who tapped the buttons to add the order in.
"Will there be anything else for you tonight?" Lyla wondered.
"Not at the moment, thank you," Trayden mentioned.
"Okay, your total is $12.48," Lyla said. Trayden handed his card over the counter to Lyla; she slid it and then handed it back with the receipt. "Here's your cup, and it will be right up for you," she added.
"Thank you," Hayden said as he and Trayden walked towards the drink machine "And thank you for getting dinner, but next one is on me," Hayden chuckled a bit.
"I paid for dinner because I invited you out; that's how I was raised, at least," Trayden got some ice and then held up cup under the Pepsi, then pressed the button to dispense the soda.
"Well, I believe in either taking turns or going half," Hayden stated while filling his cup with Mountain Dew. "Just a thing my parents told me they used to do. Dad believed the same thing you do, but Mom felt that if two people like one another and going on dates or dating; then it should be the effort of both participants," he added.
"Seems we have different views on it, but somewhat similar," Trayden looked at Hayden while they went and found a table to sit at in the far back corner.
"I suppose it doesn't matter; both would be considered correct," Hayden shrugged.
"Order number 507," Lyla called out.
"That's us; I'll get it," Trayden went up to the counter, getting the tray. "Thanks," he said to Lyla; then returned to the table and sat down once the tray was on the table. "How is psychiatry going?"
"Eh…" Hayden raised his shoulders a little. "It's…Going, but not very far,"
"You still lock up when it comes to talking about things that happened in foster care, don't you?" Trayden asked as Hayden nodded.
"Yeah…I thought that with it being a year; I could do it, but…Not so easy as I'm finding out," Hayden admitted. "The music keeps me calm, but it's like my voice leaves me,"
"I understand; it's not easy to talk about, Hayden. You went through hell, and I don't even know the half of it, I'm sure," Trayden informed. "If it's any help; my offer to sit with you during sessions is still on the table,"
"I've been considering it lately," Hayden said, surprising Trayden a little. "I feel like maybe I freeze because I don't want to possibly open up more charges on the abuse and deal with court…"
"Well, Hayden; you don't have to press charges. And it's been about a year, so there wouldn't be any proof or much of an investigation," Trayden reminded. "You could talk about it and not have to worry,"
"I guess that makes me feel better, but still…" Hayden trailed off a bit. "I have an appointment on Monday at 2:45 pm…Would you wanna come with me?" he asked.
"Sure. Wait, how does that work if the office is in the city?" Trayden blinked.
"Oh! Doctor Anderson has an office in Berk, but he's only here on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 pm to…I think 6 pm," Hayden informed.
"Well, that's convenient," Trayden smiled.
"I thought that too. Do you want me to pick you up in the morning? We can go right after school?" Hayden offered.
"Yeah, that's fine. Not gonna lie, been dying to see how that car drives as a passenger," Trayden chuckled.
"It purrs with a smooth vibration," Hayden smiled now. "You'll love it," he added while forking up a bite of his mac and cheese. Unknown to them, Bryan and Alyssa were also out on a date, grabbing food from Hooligans in the drive-thru. While pulling out of line once getting their stuff, Alyssa looked inside to see Hayden and Trayden sitting by the back window on the right side, laughing and smiling while eating together.
"Oh, my…Is that Hayden and Trayden?" Alyssa asked as Bryan slowed down a bit and looked into the window.
"Holy Odin, yeah; it is," Bryan nodded.
"I wonder what they're doing out? I thought Hayden said he had plans tonight?" Alyssa looked at her boyfriend.
"Maybe his plans were with Trayden," Bryan suggested.
"Gods…Do you think they're on a date?" Alyssa questioned curiously.
"It's possible," Bryan shrugged. "What are you doing?" he asked upon seeing Alyssa get her phone out.
"I'm gonna text the others?" Alyssa said.
"Don't do that. It's obvious that if they are on a date, they didn't want anyone knowing or one of them would have said something at the school what their plans were. We don't want to upset them, so don't say anything, babe. Telling the others would just make them text Tray and Hayden off the hook for answers," Bryan informed.
"Yeah, " Alyssa nodded. "You're right," she agreed. "Come on, let's go," she said. Bryan smiled as he headed out of the parking lot. Back inside, Trayden and Hayden continued to enjoy their first date.
"You know the others are gonna be wicked jealous, right?" Trayden laughed. "Me showing up tomorrow morning with you in your car?"
"I have no doubts," Hayden nodded. "But that's their problem, not mine," he shrugged again.
"True," Trayden replied as they both were quiet, eating their food. After a few minutes, Trayden looked at Hayden now. "I…Never did thank you for what did for me against Marcus,"
"Don't even worry about it," Hayden waved it off. "I don't deal in bullies as someone who was bullied for the longest time over my figure and size. I was short until I turned 17; that was my growth spurt I guess. Well, one of them," he added.
"Still, thank you…I-I don't know what Marcus's problem with me is…" Trayden said, looking down at his food.
"He's your ex," Hayden said as Trayden's head snapped upward with shock in his green hues.
"How did you-," Trayden asked.
"I was by the door that day in gym when everyone was changing. Your stall wasn't that far away, and I saw Marcus go in there. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but I unintentionally heard everything," Hayden admitted.
"Only you heard?" Trayden asked as Hayden nodded.
"Yeah, no one else was around," Hayden assured. "Was he trying to get you back or something?"
"I have no idea. If he was; I didn't notice or care because I won't be with him again," Trayden remarked. "I still can't believe he kissed me…"
"He thinks he's a big shot and can have anyone he wants," Hayden informed.
"Tell me about it," Trayden sighed. "What did you mean you'd humiliate him?"
"That was just an empty threat. I could humiliate him if I wanted, but it would also reveal to everyone he is your ex, and you said you didn't want that getting out yet, so I can't do that to you," Hayden mentioned.
"I'm thinking about telling the others anyway; they're getting too suspicious with why Marcus gave me crap in the first place," Trayden mumbled.
"Only tell them if you're ready, Tray. You know it won't stop at you saying that Marcus is your ex; they'll ask you to tell them everything regarding the relationship. So if you aren't ready to tell them everything, don't push it. You'll only hurt yourself if you do. It's…No different than me telling them things. I could tell them about Brad, the abuse…But I know I'd have to tell them everything, and I'm just not ready to do that yet," Hayden stated gently.
"I've been trying to prepare for it. I know they know I'm gay, and they accepted that with ease…But having a secret boyfriend for a year and a half that I had sex with one time? I don't think they'd take to that so well. More so because I hid the relationship, and haven't told them all this time even after it ended," Trayden sighed.
"If they are your real friends; they will understand why you didn't say anything. Blame it on Marcus; he was just as secretive as you were about it. Honestly, it seems like you were only quiet because he didn't want it getting out, so it is his fault. And as for why you didn't say anything after the breakup; you can say you wanted to put it behind you because it was in the past and no longer mattered, or that it straight up hurt and pained you more to talk about," Hayden suggested. "That's why I don't say what I've been through; it hurts,"
"I think I'm just gonna tell them tomorrow at the sleepover; get it out of the way, and tell them not to bother me about it," Trayden confessed. "Besides, maybe I'll have an easier time doing it with you there," he smiled some.
"You're always here for me; I can do the same for you," Hayden replied. "I was kind of thinking about telling them some stuff, not in huge detail, but the things that happened in different houses…And who Brad is. I feel like maybe if I can do it with friends first, doing it in therapy might not be so bad,"
"Whatever you wanna do; I'm with you," Trayden said.
"I appreciate that. I think I'll try with just you at the office, though, and see if I can get through at least one thing," Hayden nodded. "Well, we should probably eat more before it gets cold. Besides, you have to be home for 7 pm, don't you?"
"Yeah. Parents leaving for their anniversary weekend," Trayden chuckled. "I'll still talk to you, though,"
"I had no doubts about that," Hayden replied. The two males continued to eat until they finished around 6:05 pm; then cleaned up and headed for the car. During their meal, of course, they continued to talk about random things like school and the fact they were graduating in June 2019.
"What now? We still have an hour," Trayden asked once they were in the car.
"Oh, I have a fun idea that kills time. Head for the Berk Isle Park," Hayden said. Trayden nodded as he backed out the car and drove to the park. Arriving a mere five minutes later, Trayden parked as Hayden got out and Trayden followed him. Hayden grabbed his hand and ran towards the swings. Hayden got on one of them and started swinging lightly. Trayden grabbed the other one and did the same, smiling.
"You enjoy coming to the park at night to swing?" Trayden inquired.
"It's fun, but I don't ever come alone, and we needed something to kill time until you have to go home," Hayden mentioned. Trayden guessed he couldn't argue with that logic, it was a nice idea and let them have fun and be alone. Around 6:50 pm after swinging and talking more; they left to get back to Trayden's car and return to their neighborhood.
. . .
[7:00 pm]
[Berk; Forger/Haddock Home]
Parking in the driveway, Trayden left the car on and walked Hayden to his front door; both of them were smiling.
"I had a great time tonight, Tray," Hayden said gently.
"Me too. We'll have to do it again soon," Trayden nodded.
"See you tomorrow night?" Hayden asked.
"More time with you? Wouldn't miss it," Trayden replied as Hayden blushed a little. "I better get home…Already getting the where are you texts from dad," he chuckled.
"Go on. You can text me," Hayden motioned.
"Okay. Am I…Allowed to kiss your hand or cheek?" Trayden inquired nervously.
"You are," Hayden nodded, blushing more. Trayden leaned in and kissed Hayden's cheek lightly before pulling away.
"Talk to you in about five minutes," Trayden said.
"Kay," Hayden replied. Trayden turned, heading for his car and then leaving with a wave. Hayden went inside the house, seeing Gabriel on the couch.
"Have a good date?" Gabriel asked. Hayden nodded, smiling, and blushing still.
"I'm heading to my room for the night," Hayden told him.
Gabriel chuckled a little. "Alright, night, laddie," he said. Hayden turned around and entered his room, flopping back on the bed with a wide smile at how he felt right now. The feeling was indescribable, and Hayden loved it. This was entirely different from when he had feelings for Bradley, and Hayden could already feel the hesitation on being in a relationship start to fade off. Hayden knew that Trayden was changing him, and his life one day at a time as he had been from the start.
