=Normal POV=
[Friday, 5/31/2019; 7:30 pm]
[Berk High School]

As expected; after a couple of days back on the medication, sleeping, and eating normally again; Hayden was doing much better. Hayden returned to school on Monday happy and smiling; this wasn't to say his depression was gone, but at least he was in control once more. On Sunday, the 26th, Hayden, and Trayden went out on a date; it was to the park for a picnic, but Hayden loved the simpleness of their relationship in these situations. The two of them watching a movie together at home was enough to make both happy. Sunday was their seven-month anniversary of dating, so that was a good time. Hayden had his first appointment with Rachel and got set up to be one of her patients.

Rachel was able to obtain all of Harry Anderson's notes and file on Hayden, so that made things a bit easier to get Rachel up to speed on where Hayden's last session with Dr. Anderson had gone. The first meeting with Rachel and Hayden happened on Wednesday at 3:00 pm and Trayden went too since Hayden felt nervous and scared because it was still a new person to talk about his past with, and a new office to adjust to. Hayden had been accustomed to Dr. Anderson's before he retired.

The session went well, and Hayden admitted that after it was over while walking to the car with Trayden that he felt good about this arrangement and wanted to keep it going. Trayden was very proud of his boyfriend and glad that Hayden felt like things were going to be alright finally despite the sudden switch in offices and psychiatrists. It was more than that, though; Hayden was truly coping with everything, healing mentally, and starting to feel like his old self before his parents died. It was true that nothing could erase that pain, losing his folks, but Hayden was able to manage things better even if there would be some harder days.

This was the same for anything that happened in foster care too. What happened to him would never be forgotten as it was part of his life, but now it was in the past, and Hayden had to remember to keep moving forward and remember the good times. And if bad ones snuck up; Hayden needed his family and friends at his side to make a new good memory. At least, that is what Rachel suggested at the end of the first appointment. Final grades were in as of Thursday, and every one of the friends had passed and were set to graduate on Saturday, June 15th. Graduation preparations would start next week on Monday, the 3rd of June and continue until Saturday afternoon at 12:00 pm.

The day of Saturday practice ended at noon to give the graduating students time to get home, have lunch, shower, get ready, and return at 3:00 pm for the ceremony at 4:00 pm; the times had changed to allow for families to go out and not have such a late dinner. Of course, before graduation took place, there were still two big events to happen; Senior Prom on the 7th of June, and the talent show, which was tonight. Hayden showed up at 6:00 pm to check himself and the group in but was wondering where the rest where. Originally, the show was supposed to start at 4:00 pm, but something went crazy with the scheduling of the Chorus performance, so the talent show was pushed back to 6:00 pm. Not that it mattered to Hayden; he had gotten used to last minute changes.

"Hayden," Trayden hurried towards him at 7:30 pm

"Hey, there you are. We're on at 7:45 pm, was starting to think I'd have to do this alone," Hayden chuckled a little.

"We might still have a problem, babe," Trayden stated.

"What do you mean?" Hayden asked.

"Syrus helped his dad move something, lost his grip and got his hand crushed. Nothing severe, but he can't play tonight," Trayden informed.

"Okay…That's not…Awful. Tyler knows those parts; he could play Syrus's section," Hayden stated. "When the heck did all this happen? I just saw all of you at 2:30…"

Trayden continued talking while leading Hayden to where the rest of the friends were, which was outside of the auditorium and in the hallway that led to backstage. "Ford is suffering allergies; he can't see the notes to play. Alyssa's dealing with cramps because her period started this morning, so she can't dance. Rylee isn't feeling well, Mindy has a sore throat. Hailey and I are both fine…We're fucked tonight, babe; there's no way we can pull it off," he sighed.

"So we only have you, Hailey, Katie, Alicia, Tyler, and me?" Hayden inquired as the group nodded. "Yeah, we're fucked…" he stated. "There's no way we can do it. Tyler could play Syrus's guitar parts, Tray could sing, and I could do drums, but Hailey by herself can't sing the sections because it was written to be done with the tones of Alyssa, Hailey, and Mindy. Alicia doesn't sing. On top of that Mindy has a sore throat, Rylee is sick, and Alyssa is having girl problems," he muttered.

"Hey!" Alyssa frowned.

"You know it's true," Hayden retorted.

"And we can't pull in Devon, Evan, or Bryan…" Katie said "Because they've already graduated and this is a student show,"

"I think we better just back out now, our slot it coming up in like, ten minutes…" Ford mentioned.

"We can still sit and watch everything," Mindy said, though, her voice was almost gone.

"Sorry we can't do your song, Hayden…We know you worked hard on it for us…" Hailey said softly.

"Don't worry about my song, guys. We tried, and your health is more important. No big deal," Hayden shrugged. "Might as well stay and watch the rest anyway. Go on; I'll drop us out," he stated. The others nodded and smiled a bit as they headed off to join their families in the crowd.

Hayden went to find the talent show coordinator to tell him that his group wasn't performing due to unforeseen circumstances. Hayden couldn't help but think about how much work everyone put into getting ready for this, and he knew they were upset that all of it was going down the drain. Hayden knew he had the recorded version of all the music on his phone, even the backup singing by himself. Hayden always made the first version, all he did for his friends was teach them what part they had to do. Hayden could go out there and solo it, and probably still win. But it would be his win, not everyone's, and he didn't want to do that to them.

Hayden approached the stage manager, still mulling over the idea of performing. "You're up next. Your group ready?" the woman asked. Suddenly, a thought sprung forward as he smiled.

"Actually…There's gonna have to be a slight change…" Hayden informed.

. . .

[7:45 pm]

"Where is he?" Gabriel inquired when Hayden didn't come out with the rest, nor after they explained deciding they couldn't compete due to all the sudden mishaps.

"I dunno. He said he was gonna drop us out and we'd watch the rest of the show," Alicia said.

"Next up we have a slight change to the schedule. The group, Dragon's Roar, unfortunately, is unable to perform due to some unforeseen circumstances. Standing in their place is one member of the group who didn't want their hard work to go to waste. Singing solo; I give you Hayden Haddock!" Amy announced.

"What?!" the friends sat up quickly, staring at the stage as Hayden came out and Amy handed Hayden the microphone. Of course, they weren't mad; just really confused.

Hayden stood there smiling, holding the microphone in his right hand. "Originally tonight. My friends and I were going to sing to sing a song that I wrote for us. Unfortunately; as life tends to throw curveballs beyond our control, we're unable to perform it due to some getting slightly injured or sick. However…" Hayden paused now. "I don't want the work they've done to go to waste, so I've decided to get up here tonight by myself and give you something that they did for me,"

"Huh?" the group of friends blinked.

"I started at this school two years ago in October 2017, and when I came; I didn't have any friends. I was a broken mess, and I didn't believe there was any way to put the pieces of my shattered life back together and fix me. To get me back to who I was. But I was wrong. Through endless attempts; there is a group of people here tonight who basically forcibly inserted themselves into my life," Hayden laughed a little.

"Over these past two years; these friends I've made have become people that I entrust with my very life. Now…These friends have all said different things to me, to help remind me that I'm not alone and that I can't ever give up…" Hayden looked at his friends, boyfriend, son, and Godfather.

"Somehow, I managed to turn the things they've said to me into a song, so they inspired this and all credit for the work goes to them. I'm just the person who made it into a song that will forever remind me that near or far; I'm never alone, and that is what I will be performing for you tonight." Hayden finished before looking back at the person controlling the music and giving the nod to go ahead. The room had fallen silent, genuinely curious about this song that Hayden wrote based on the words of his friends which inspired him to write into lyrics.

The music began very softly as Hayden stood still, his eyes closed at first. After a few moments of just music, Hayden took a breath. "I found myself today. Oh, I found myself and ran away. But something pulled me back. A voice of reason I forgot I had. All I know is you're not here to say, what you always used to say, but it's written in the sky tonight…" Hayden's eyes opened, falling onto his friends instantly.

"So I won't give up. No, I won't break down. Sooner than it seems, life turns around. And I will be strong, even if it all goes wrong. When I'm standing in the dark, I'll still believe…Someone's watching over me," Hayden smiled softly now. The music began to pick up now as Hayden walked forward.

"I've seen that ray of light, and it's shining on my destiny. Shining all the time, and I won't be afraid; to follow everywhere it's taking me. All I know is yesterday is gone, and right now I belong; to this moment to my dreams!" the music rose again.

"So I won't give up. No, I won't break down. Sooner than it seems, life turns around. And I will be strong, even if it all goes wrong. When I'm standing in the dark, I'll still believe…Someone's watching over me," Hayden continued, his hand motioning out to his friends as whoever was controlling the lights set a spotlight or two to where Hayden was pointing, which was right up front.

"And it doesn't matter what people say. And it doesn't matter how long it takes. Believe in yourself, and you'll fly high!" Hayden raised his hand a bit. "And it only matters how true you are. Be true to yourself and follow your heart..." he put his hand on his heart as the music calmed a bit.

"So I won't give up. No, I won't break down. Sooner than it seems, life turns around. And I will be strong, even if it all goes wrong. When I'm standing in the dark, I'll still believe…!" Hayden sang as the music picked up again. "That I won't give up. No, I won't break down. Sooner than it seems, life turns around. And I will be strong, even when it all goes wrong. When I'm standing in the dark, I'll still believe…That someone's watching over…Someone's watching over…Someone's watching over me! Yeah, yeah! Oh! Ooh! Ooooh! Oh, oh! Oh, oh. Ooooh! Oh, ooh. Oh, oh. Someone's watching over me…" he finished gently. (Song is Someone's Watching Over Me by Hilary Duff from the movie Raise Your Voice.)

The room erupted into applause as Hayden smiled, taking a small bow before handing the microphone back to Amy, who came out to announce the next act; this only went on until 8:00 pm and there were only two or three more performances to go before judging and announcement of winners. Hayden moved behind the curtain and went backstage. First, he got his cell phone, and then he grabbed a water bottle and relaxed against the wall to take a breather.

"I…Can't believe he performed by himself," Ford blinked a few times.

"And he said all those things in front of the school…" Alyssa nodded.

"About us," Tyler said.

"Why'd he say we said all those things to inspire him? I mean…Yeah, we're always here for him, but Trayden did most of the work in breaking through," Hailey wondered.

"He said we deserved credit for his song…We didn't even know about it," Syrus stated.

"I think you guys missed the entire point," Devon remarked.

"What Hayden did was get up there and perform a song to show you the impact we've all had on his life since meeting him," Trayden informed. "Hayden performed anyway because he knew we couldn't do the original idea. And he didn't want us to feel like everything went to waste. So he made a song we inspired him to do and wanted everyone to know we are the ones who helped him make it. And in some way, we have said all those things. And what Hayden interpreted it as was that he knows he's never alone because he has us. Hayden wrote a song about how we've helped him by being in his life. And all we've done to help has gotten him to remember forever he's not alone so that he won't give up,"

"Well said, son," Dustin nodded.

"Now…Where is he?" Gabriel looked around.

"Maybe he went to the bathroom?" Rylee shrugged. The final acts continued through, but Hayden never joined them. At 8:00 pm, Amy took her place on stage, announcing the third and second place winners.

"And now, you're 2019 first place talent show winner…Hayden Haddock!" Amy called out. Hayden appeared from behind the curtain, accepting the small trophy and shaking Miss. Mayden's hand. "Well done, Hayden,"

"Thank you, but it was all thanks to my friends," Hayden smiled, looking their way. Hayden waved to them before walking down the side stairs on the stage.

"And that concludes this year's talent show. Have a great night everyone, and drive safely!" Amy announced before shutting the mic off and departing. Hayden got out the doors first and stood off to the side to wait for the others. Upon seeing them, he smiled more.

"Hey, guys! Over here!" Hayden shouted.

"There he is!" Trayden chuckled as the group directed over to Hayden's spot now. Instantly, Trayden wrapped his arms around Hayden tightly, and kissed him on the lips. "I demand a copy of that song," he said after they broke apart.

"All of you will get a copy, don't worry," Hayden giggled as he laid his head on Trayden's chest.

"It was very well done," Evan informed.

"Kept your winning streak for twelve years," Gabriel laughed a little. "Your parents would be very proud of you, Hayden, as am I," he added.

"Oh…Come on, don't say that…You'll make me cry…" Hayden mumbled a bit.

"So cry. You know we don't mind," Tyler reminded.

"We've having a sleepover tomorrow night at my house. You in?" Trayden hoped. Hayden leaned up and got close to Trayden's ear.

"Only if you come to spend the night at my place tonight…" Hayden whispered. "I…Kind'a wanna celebrate the win in private with you…" he hinted.

"Yeah?" Trayden asked as Hayden nodded to him, blushing a bit. "Well, how can I say no to that. I'll come home with you. Pretty sure there's still a set of my clothes there from our last sleepover…" he mentioned.

"Oh boy…I see where this is-," Gabriel began.

"You shut up!" Hayden grumbled. "Just because you don't get any action doesn't mean I have to suffer!" the friends blinked a few times, so did the others, then they laughed. Even Trayden did. "You hush too," Hayden told Tray. "Or you get nothing…"

"Hey, hey! Come on now…That's not fair that I have to suffer because you're arguing with him," Trayden pouted a bit.

"You suffer without my touch anyway," Hayden shrugged. "We both know whatever you attempt to do to yourself is nothing compared to what can do to you, babe," Trayden blushed furiously. "You're addicted to the pleasure I provide," Hayden whispered now, planting a kiss on his boyfriend's neck, which made Trayden shudder a little. "Come on. As soon as we get home and I put Spencer to bed; you're mine all night…" he nipped Trayden's earlobe.

"Odin above, you're killing me…Let's go before my dick gets any harder and they see it…" Trayden asked.

"As you wish," Hayden held Trayden's hand. "See you guys tomorrow at Tray's," he stated.

"Uh, where you two going?" Rylee inquired.

"Ice cream," Hayden giggled cheerfully.

"I'll take Spencer home and get him ready for bed. And ya best be bringing me ice cream too," Gabriel stated.

"Sure thing, Uncle Gabe," Hayden nodded.

"Have fun!" Rachel waved as Hayden and Trayden quickly departed for Hayden's car.

"You are telling your parents you're spending the night, right?" Hayden chuckled.

"They know I am gonna because it's a Friday," Trayden said as they both got into Hayden's convertible; then headed off.

. . .

[8:35 pm]
[Berk; Haddock/Forger Home]

Hayden gave Gabriel the ice cream he wanted from the store; then went to say goodnight to his son before meeting Trayden in the bedroom. Hayden locked the door, finding his boyfriend coming out of the bathroom and wearing only his boxers.

"Got all ready for me?" Hayden asked.

Trayden blushed. "I mean, you're just gonna take them off anyway…Now there's less work involved,"

"I wasn't going to question it, babe," Hayden chuckled as he turned the dimmer down for the lights, letting the room have minimal light. Hiccup stripped off his shirt, shoes, socks, and pants before approaching Trayden and kissing him deeply.

"Mmm," Trayden moaned a bit into the kiss. Hayden backed Trayden up against the bed and pushed his boyfriend back; then crawled over him, balancing with the right arm. "Are we gonna be able to do this with your wrist like that?"

"I'll be fine, don't worry. I can still hold stuff, but not balance on it," Hayden smiled. Trayden nodded as Hayden kissed him again, and soon, the two began making out feverishly.