=Normal POV=
(Thursday, 12/19/2019; 12:30 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Trayden's Apartment)

Eleven days had passed since Hunter and Trayden had dinner together at Arc Burger, then surprisingly kept the evening going when Hunter offered to help Trayden with his car issues. More of a shock was Trayden learning five of his friends knew Hunter from nine years ago, and were best friends with him since the time of Pre-School. Overall, it was a good night for everyone. Trayden's friends still wanted the story from Hunter, but the issue was conflicting work schedules. Alyssa, Fisher, Shane, Rylee and Tyler usually got done with their days around 5 pm, while Hunter was already at work for 3:00 pm to prepare for the night. Trayden and Hunter texted often when they were available too. It was usually just the topics of basic conversation and checking in on how their days were going. Ethan had started at Wild Fantasies on Monday the 9th, it was just a general orientation-type of start, though. Filling out paperwork, submitting legal forms of ID, then being taken on a tour, getting told rules, expectations, and how things worked.

Ethan seemed to love the work a lot, so it was safe to say that he'd be keeping this job and have it down in no time. Ethan had joined the crew at a good time, as they were about to shut down for a month after the new year for those renovations and a lot of the dancers would be working exclusively at Hunter's house to make new routines, so Ethan really only had to learn some of the old ones for the sake of it being a random time that they did it to give the customers some nostalgia. And Hunter got the joyous pleasure of teaching some of the performers how to pole dance in that time off too. All in all, everyone was doing well in their lives.

Today, Trayden work, but was still sleeping off the night before when he didn't even clock out until 4:30 am. By the time Trayden got to his apartment; he kicked off his shoes at the door, removed his phone, keys, and wallet from the pockets, used the bathroom, then instantly crashed on the couch without ever making something to eat, showering, or changing clothes. Trayden had been exhausted, and was only just now starting to wake up to his phone vibrating on the table near the couch. "Ugh…" Trayden groaned, cracking an eye open to reach for the device that had not stopped going off in the last ten minutes. It was Trayden's guess that he had been sleeping so long and his friends were worried why they hadn't heard from him yet.

Getting the phone into his hand, Trayden managed to get the other eye open to see everything on his phone. Exactly as he suspected, missed calls, texts, and a couple voicemails. Sighing Trayden noticed it was nearly 1 pm, and if he wasn't mistaken, he had work at 4 pm. This left him little time to actually wake up, shower, and eat something before he had to leave at 3:45 pm to get to work. Forcing his body to move, Trayden set the phone to charge while he got up and went to the restroom. After exiting that space, Trayden grabbed himself a cup of coffee and breakfast bar before returning to the couch. It would be enough until Trayden actually made himself breakfast, or in this case, lunch. Trayden sat down and took a few sips from his mug, then opened the wrapper to the granola bar to take a bite while beginning to go through his missed notifications.

Trayden took all of ten minutes to understand that his friend were just making sure he was okay. Trayden got some messages from his parents too, just checking in and reminding him about the holiday plans. However, Trayden was about to set the phone down after replying to everyone, another message came through and Trayden was pleasantly surprised to find that it was from Hunter. Opening the text, Trayden began to read.

Hunter's Cell, 12:45 pm
Hey! I Realized that we haven't been able to talk much because of work, curse adulting! But I wanted to check in, see how you're doing…And inquire if and when I can see you? Not that texting isn't great, but I'm more of a…Face to face communicator. Hope you're having a good day!

Trayden smiled softly, and blushed. Hunter really was a sweetheart in Trayden's eyes, and Trayden absolutely wanted to see him again. Trayden wasn't sure what they'd be doing, but Hunter didn't specify an activity, just inquiring when he could see him. Well, Hunter had said if and when, so Trayden interpreted that Hunter was asking if Trayden wanted to see him, and if so, when. Trayden had no problem seeing Hunter again, so there was never a need to ask if and Trayden would tell Hunter that. Trayden tapped the reply box and started typing.

Curse adulting indeed lol. Work has been crazy busy. I'm ready for a vacation, but other than that, doing good. As for your inquiry, you don't have to ask if you can see me :) I happily accept hanging out with you when our schedules allow it. Working tonight at 4, then tomorrow and the weekend 5 pm to…Let's just put it anywhere between 12 am and 2 am with how things have been lately. No idea for next week, schedules come out on Sunday, but again, with how things have been, it's not set in stone lol.

Trayden left the phone to charge, but not before turning the ringer on, and got started on fixing himself something for lunch. Trayden whipped up two grilled cheese sandwiches and a side of chips before sitting back down to eat. After a few bites, his text alert sounded and Trayden peered to the table to see a reply from Hunter.

Hunter's Cell, 1:05 pm
Well, if I don't have to ask…Next time, I'll just demand to see you when our schedules allow it. ^.-

Trayden had to laugh a little and started his reply.

Totally fine with that. Took my teachers forever to figure out that I responded better to being told rather than asked. Lmao.

Hunter's Cell, 1:08 pm
That is the best thing I've heard all day. Everyone here looking at me like I'm crazy because it was utter silence until I laughed at what you said. And now I'm being teased for apparently only perking up in mood when I get to talk to you. Ha-ha. Oh well, whatever. I'm not ashamed to admit I get all excited when I hear from you.

Trayden definitely blushed after reading the message, and as he was about to reply, he saw the chat bubble with three dots pop up. Trayden decided to wait a few moments and see what else Hunter might say.

Hunter's Cell, 1:09 pm
Guess seeing you this week is out lol. I'm only working until 7 tonight, then 3 pm to lets say 1 am, Friday and Saturday. Sunday off. I basically set my own hours.

Trayden did want to see him, and then it dawned on him that he was only working until 8 pm and Hunter was off at 7 pm. Maybe they could hang out after 8 pm, if Hunter didn't mind. Trayden tapped the box and started thumbing his response while also eating the rest of his first grilled cheese, then taking a drink from his water bottle.

Lucky you. I wish my schedule would go back predictable. -.- My boss better figure something out, these shifts are starting to get to be too much. What do you plan on doing with your night after work?

Trayden hesitated pressing send, but eventually did after debating that his question didn't sound too pushy. The reply was almost instant as Trayden checked the message.

Hunter's Cell, 1:11 pm
Probably shower, eat dinner, work on work stuff. Just finding music, possibly making a few routine mixes for the new year. How about you?

Same as you. Shower and eat something…Or would you maybe want to hang out tonight?

Hunter's Cell, 1:12 pm
Didn't you say you had work the rest of this week? O.o' Not that I'm not opposed to the idea, but it'd be rather late and not much is open after midnight except clubs and bars.

Trayden blinked a bit at the response. I didn't tell him I was off at 8 pm? Oi vey, get it together, Tray… He sighed at his mistake of not mentioning why he suggested hanging tonight, then started tapping the screen.

I see now that when I mentioned working tonight at 4 pm, I never said that I was off at 8. That's why I wondered if you still wanted to hang and see me. I'm not working late tonight, but if it's too late for you, we can always try next week?

Hunter's Cell, 1:13 pm
8 pm is not late! Gods, not at all. I'm down to chill with you when you get off work, absolutely! ^_^ If you want, we can order something for dinner and eat here around 8:30ish. You could even just come right to my house after work, shower here? I don't mind, promise not to sneak peeks at your cute butt :p Sorry if I'm overzealous, but I got really excited when you suggested hanging out tonight because you're off work early.

Trayden's cheeks heated up with an intense red color at Hunter throwing into his answer to hanging out with showering at his house and promising not to peer at his cute ass. Trayden didn't see how it would hurt to go right from work to Hunter's, be able to have dinner with him again and hang out, just them. Trayden decided that he would do it.

I don't mind your excitement. It's kind'a nice to know someone other than my parents and siblings get excited to be able to see me lol! For the rest, okay. I'll bring a change of clothes and leave them in my car. And if we're ordering food in, I insist you, at least, let me pay you back half of whatever the total ends up being…Deal?

Hunter's Cell, 1:16 pm
Listen, hotshot…I get excited just waking up in the morning knowing the cute guy I'm currently talking to is in my life as my friend, and that our meeting was because you found my wallet and personally went on a mission to return it to me in person. I mean that, Tray. I'm seriously happy our paths crossed because of my clumsiness and your committed honesty.

Trayden was surprised by the confession, but he honestly felt the same. Trayden was beyond happy he decided to return the wallet in person. Trayden noticed the typing symbol come up on Hunter's side of the messages, so he watched the screen until it popped up.

Hunter's Cell, 1:17 pm
Trust me when I tell you that I will always get happy when we're texting, and all the times I'll see you in person. Face to face, is as I said, much more preferable. ^.- Now…Regarding dinner, anything you want in particular? Also, I'll accept you paying for half, with a condition of my own?

Trayden blinked, curious, and thumbed his short reply.

Dinner, surprise me. I'm not picky and don't have allergies. What else could you want? o.o You're already getting me in your shower lol

Hunter's Cell, 1:17 pm
No, I'm getting you in my guest shower. I have no objections to you using mine, though. But if you do, I can't promise not to peek or strip down and join you. My room, my domain…-Grins- Kidding, of course. I'd never do that to you, handsome. As for my condition, I was merely going to request a kiss from you sometime before the night ends?

Trayden's face felt hot from blushing at Hunter's joking remark about sneaking into the shower to join him if it was done in Hunter's shower. Trayden was sure that the very thought of Hunter being naked again, with him this time and not on stage, caused sparks of arousal in his nether regions. Trayden knew there was no harm in getting turned on right now, he lived along and didn't have to start getting ready for work until 3:00 pm. Trayden could very easily let the horniness of an image involving him and Hunter in the shower together, leaving all of what could happen to the imagination, take over and result in Trayden going to his bedroom to masturbate. However, Trayden was not going to do that because it felt wrong to do such a thing when there was nothing besides friendship between himself and Hunter. Trayden didn't even get aroused to Ethan's jokes, but somehow, Hunter's did.

Trayden wasn't opposed to doing things with Hunter because it seemed like Hunter was hinting that he wanted to, but wouldn't without knowing if it's what Trayden would want. So Hunter was respecting the boundaries that Trayden wasn't one of his stripper friends or some random hook up. Trayden didn't know if Hunter was into that, sleeping with his friends, or strangers. Regardless, Trayden just wasn't sure how to approach the subject because he didn't want to offend Hunter by assuming something or taking his jokes the wrong way. Maybe Trayden would just see how things went tonight with Hunter, as it would be just them. Looking back at his phone, Trayden should reply before Hunter thought he scared him off with the request. Trayden didn't mind sharing another kiss with Hunter, not one bit.

I mean…Not to get technical here, but if it's your house then aren't all the bathrooms within it's walls considered yours? Lol XD. And I suppose I can grant such a request ^/^

Trayden sent it off and then put the phone down to finish his food. Trayden picked up his used things and set them in the sink. Trayden checked the phone with a once over to see if Hunter responded and he hadn't, so Trayden went about beginning to clean up his apartment as he'd been lazy about it the last few days with the crazy work hours. Trayden did dishes, wiped tables, counters, and the stove, Trayden also swept the kitchen, vacuumed the rugs, tidied the bathroom up, and just made sure everything looked good. As Trayden went towards his room to grab a change of clothes for tonight after work, he heard the text alert, so he broke his original path and went to check the phone.

Hunter's Cell, 2:00 pm
Sorry for late response. My uncle was having a crisis with his register system, he's lucky I'm so tech-savvy…-.- Anyway, you make an exceptionally good point on the house thing where everything is mine. Lol! Also, can't wait for tonight now. Let me know when you're leaving work, I'll order the food so it can be delivered by the time you're here and out of the shower. Speaking of work, I should get back to mine before my boss decides to confiscate my phone because a hot guy has my attention XD

Can't wait either, and I will let you text you right after I clock out. Behave yourself and get to work! Being busy passes the time. The faster you get your work done, the faster we get to hang out lol.

Hunter's Cell, 2:03 pm
That is…So true. You make a compelling argument that I concede and give into. I'll see you in about six hours, hot stuff!

See you soon!

After Trayden saw the message he sent go from Delivered to Read, he set it down to continue charging and just decided that he might as well just get the shower and shave out of the way, then he could pack his bathroom items for the shower after work at Hunter's house. Trayden would have time to relax before work if he got it done now. Trayden got up and entered the bathroom, and started with the shaving first as he was becoming prickly on the face and hated how it felt. Trayden was smiling and absolutely was looking forward to getting to work, so he could be done with it that much faster to go see Hunter.