=Trayden's POV=
(Tuesday, 12/24/2019; 9:00 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Trayden's Job)

I loved being able to hang out with Hunter last Thursday. It was more than just two friends deciding to meet up, have dinner, and talk. No, we were getting to know one another better in a casual setting involving food, a couple beers, a fire, and background music. What I loved the most was how easy we could talk. I'd never told anyone, aside Hunter now, what happened with my ex-girlfriend and how I realized that I was gay. My family, and friends only knew that we got into a big fight when told her we weren't ready to live together yet. I was surprised Hunter was so open about how he knew he was attracted to males, and his intentions in wanting to be my friend. I knew that we were definitely friends and that random hookups out of boredom or being drunk could happen, as long as I wanted it and was ready. I think the best part, though, was Hunter telling me that he didn't mind helping me come out of my shell. I know my other friends wanted to help too, but their way was jump in. Hunter advised not doing that, and mentioned I could ask him or talk about anything.

I ended up staying at his house all night, just because we were up having a good time. We didn't get drunk, ended up eating a little more, watched some comedy special and movies. We listened to music and talked about some of Hunter's ideas for the new strip show after the new year. And what was completely unexpected is that we ended up making out a bit during one of the movies. Hunter apologized, but I told him not to worry about it because I didn't mind and enjoyed it. We got back to the movie after that. I went home around 9 am after Hunter and I had breakfast together. When I got to my apartment, I got my phone on the charger and then took a shower. By the time I got out and to my room, I saw all the messages I missed from when it had died. It was mostly my friends asking where I was because they knew I was off at 8 pm the night before. I ignored it and spotted just one from Hunter, thanking me for coming over and stating he had a great time with me, hoping we could have more times like it. I wrote him back that I also had a wonderful time, was sure we would do it again, and hopefully soon too. I added that I was going to get some sleep.

Hunter had sent back that he hoped I slept well and message him when I got up. I said he would be the first one I texted, then I crawled into bed and knocked out pretty fast. I enjoyed my two days off, staying in contact with Hunter and saw my friends on Saturday. I didn't tell them about hanging with Hunter, alone and all night Thursday and staying over until Friday morning. I knew my friends meant well, but I didn't want them making a big deal…Or getting upset that Hunter was making an effort to see me, but not let them to tell the story of what happened seven years ago. I did tell Hunter I wasn't going to tell the friends, and he said I made a good call with choosing not to say anything to avoid a problem. I worked Sunday, Monday, and now I'm working tonight, here on Christmas Eve.

It was busy, but not awful. I'd be here until 10 pm, that's when we closed for the night and then tomorrow, the bar would be closed. Always closed on major holidays, but not the nights before them, we just shut down earlier than usual. The idea of finding another job was more than probable because I know that Tristan and Davin, after lying to the boss and being put on Friday and Saturday to cover me, quit on Sunday in the middle of peak business. Another worker was going vacation for two weeks, and someone else is out on a broken leg. We're more short-staffed now than before and we can't seem to get new people in. I already know that work is going to be ridiculous and I don't want to deal with it again. I'm sick of being tired, never having time, and basically not having a life. My days consist of sleeping so I'm not tired for work, coming home to sleep because I'm tired, and on my days off, I do so much that I feel like I didn't even have the day off because I'm still tired.

I sighed heavily after making a drink for a customer, and gave it to them, then I added it to their tab and lazily leaned on the bar. I was just watching everything, bored out of my mind and knowing there was still another hour of work, then closing stuff. I likely wouldn't get home until 11:30 pm. I felt a buzz in my pocket and pulled my phone to see who was messaging me, and smiled when I noticed it was Hunter.

Hunter's Cell, 9:02 pm
How's your night going? If you're bored, I'm having a friendly X-mas eve party and extending the invite for you to come :)

Now, I really wished I wasn't at work. I tapped the box and began to type my response.

Long, and yes, very bored. Wish I could come, but at work til probably 11:30ish :(

It didn't take Hunter long to reply back, though, unless he got super busy, it never took him long to respond to me. I smiled and opened the message to read it.

Hunter's Cell, 9:03 pm
Aw, that sucks. Who opens on holidays? Even Greg closed the club tonight and tomorrow.

We tried to get the boss to close, but we're positive he's refusing because he's mad as hell about how short-staffed we are. It's worse than last time I told you about it -.-

Hunter's Cell, 9:05 pm
Damn. What are your plans for tomorrow? Aside the obvious family stuff lol

Family stuff from 9 am to 6 pm, likely. Then probably back home to shower, and relax before work on the 26th. I go in at 3 pm, no telling when I get out because it's never on time.

I saw the chat bubble pop up, and then had to set the phone away because people were coming to the bar for more drinks and the bar was my place tonight Sighing, I got to work and wondered if Hunter was trying plan another time for us to hang out that I was absolutely down for. The time continued to tick by as I got through everyone and was left alone for the moment. It was now 9:21 pm, I took a few sips from my cup of ice water and leaned back, grabbing my phone again and seeing the reply from Hunter he sent before I had to serve customers.

Hunter's Cell, 9:10 pm
Sounds fun. I'll just be with Greg, well, him here. Easy dinner, small desserts. Anyway…I was wondering if I gave you the heads up now if you'd be able to pull getting New Year's Eve & Day off. I always throw a huge party and want you to come. I invited our other friends too already, they all said they can.

If I put it in the time off book now, I could likely swing getting it off. I know most of the employee do ask for it off and if the boss doesn't have anyone to work, he won't open anyway. Yeah, I absolutely wanted to be able to go.

I could work some magic for you ^.- And sorry, for delay. We hit a mini rush and I'm stuck behind the bar tonight.

Hunter's Cell, 9:23 pm
Yay! My whole night will be better if I have my mega cute new friend there. Maybe I get can get a New Year's kiss for once in my life? XD

I blinked a few times. Hunter had never been kissed on New Year's eve before? I had in the past with relationships, if I was in one when the new year came around. Well, I certainly didn't mind kissing Hunter, and I could forever claim being his first New Year's kiss.

Maybe I can get my first New Year's kiss with a guy too ;)

Hunter's Cell, 9:25 pm
I suppose we'll just have to see what happens, won't we? XD Also, I really want to see you again and hang as just us. If you're not totally exhausted after family stuff tomorrow, would you want to come over for a bit? If I'm being overbearing, let me know and I can back off so you're not uncomfortable. I know you're new all this and don't want to make you feel rushed or pushed.

Oh, he was so sweet. I know Hunter wants to have sex with me, and while I don't know if I'm ready for all that just yet, I also admire that he's treading carefully so he won't scare me off. I don't think it's possible at this point when he was so blunt and forward about intentions and very hopeful possibilities regarding us. I can't lie and say I'm not curious about sex with a male and oddly enough, I have a part of me that says Hunter isn't some random guy. Hunter is my friend, and he's gay. Hunter would know to take things slow with me. I guess I just don't want to charge into this without maybe talking to Hunter first. He said it had to be my choice and I had to want it or he wasn't going to cross the line of friendship into a hookup. I should reply to him before he thinks he did something wrong.

Suppose so indeed lol. You're fine, Hunter. I promise if the day comes where you go too far, I'll let you know. Until then, please, don't worry. I am new to this, and you're the only guy who has been this way with me. I'll never get used it if it doesn't happen, right? I rather go through it with someone who cares as a friend than some stranger who might not have any regard for me and how I feel about things. I trust you. Also, I'm glad that you want to see me again and have it be just us. I wanted to see you too. I'll come over for 6:30ish?

I felt like what I said was okay and I did mean it too. I did trust Hunter. I would never get used to things if I didn't experience them, and I would prefer to do that with a trusted friend who already understands I'm nervous and still in my shell. Hunter has proven in the few weeks we've known on another that he wants me to come out at my pace and willing to help however he can. I looked at the screen when Hunter's reply came through.

Hunter's Cell, 9:27 pm
I'm honored you trust me and promise to never break it. I'm glad you remembered what I said about not jumping in with a stranger, that never ends well, especially if it's your first time. I said I'd help you, and I meant it. We're friends, so we'll do this however you want to. I'm happy to be the one you've chosen to go through it with. Remember, you set the pace and always your choice. *wink* And 6:30 is fine! I'll let you get back to work now. Can't wait to see you!

As open, forward, and perverted as this man was, I couldn't deny that Hunter was a sweetheart and definitely had a way with words. I trusted the things he said, and I trusted him as a person. I wasn't sure how to take what he just said. Was it in the sense of helping me out of my shell? Or us moving at my pace and preparing myself to be ready for us having sex? Should I ask him? Or am I just taking it the wrong way?

Going to be honest, no sure how to take what you said just now and don't want to assume the wrong thing. So I'm just going to say thank you for being an amazing friend, your welcome for choosing & trusting you, and can't wait to see you either :)

I really wasn't sure what else to say, and I hoped that he wouldn't take offense to me not knowing how to take what he said. At least I admitted to not knowing, though and stated I didn't want to assume anything without knowing. I saw that Hunter read my message, but the chat bubble for typing didn't appear. Well, he did say he was going to let me get back to work. I guess I'd do that then and maybe he'd reply later on when he knew I'd be out? I slipped my phone away and decided that while it was quiet right now, I'll just start cleaning things, doing some of the closing stuff to save time for when 10 pm hit and have to do it anyway. It was better than standing around. 9:30 pm struck as my boss yelled for last call and we were closing in half an hour.

. . .

(11:15 pm)
(Trayden's Apartment)

Surprisingly, closing went well. All patrons started to finish the drinks they had, then pay their tabs and leave the building as long as they weren't too intoxicated. If any were, same rules applied that we'd either call a cab, or we had a transport van to take customers to the motel just a few buildings down, and drop them off. I took care of cleaning and closing the bar, then helped out with washing tables, and putting up chairs so the others could get to the final sweep and mop. We were done at 11:00 pm, got the Merry Christmas from our boss and that he'd see us on Thursday, then we clocked out and all headed home. My drive was easy, and it dawned on me that I never even checked my phone until I was through my apartment door and taking it out of my pocket along with my wallet and setting them on the counter next to the keys I tossed down. I'd look after, I needed my shower, and something to eat.

I set my phone to charge since I kept a wire in the kitchen, then kicked off my shoes, locked the door, and headed for the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, I was done with everything. I'd shaved to avoid it tomorrow morning when I inevitably ended up sleeping until 8-8:30 am. Less work tomorrow morning. I exited the bathroom in my pajamas and returned to the kitchen to make something quick for dinner. I settled on some leftovers from the other day, cheesy rice with broccoli and grilled chicken. With my food, and cup of juice, I plopped down in one of the chairs to eat at the counter. I began to eat and was checking through my phone, all the notifications I missed from being at work since 2 pm. Mostly from friends just seeing how I'm doing, then my parents to remind me about tomorrow. Few emails, but nothing I needed to see. I returned to my text messages and found a new one from Hunter that just came through. I felt a small wave of nervousness hit me as I tapped it to open fully and read what he said.

Hunter's Cell, 11:45 pm
Were you not asking me to be the one you went through all this stuff with? O.o I'm not opposed to the idea, but just want to be sure what it is you're suggesting, or asking when you say that you rather go through getting used to things with a friend rather than a stranger. Which, I totally commend your reasoning. I'm not sure, though, what you're referring to when you say, 'getting used to things' or 'going through it'. Maybe I'm the one who assumed something or took it out of intended context lol ^.^ So, perhaps we should clear the air here to avoid any miscommunication. What did you mean when you said I'm the only guy who does this with you, and that you won't get used to it if it doesn't happen, so you rather do it with someone who cares as a friend instead of a stranger? I told you, I'm pretty down for and with anything. I'm simple and straightforward. I mentioned previously that I know my other friends inside and out, that can be taken many ways too. I know when they are asking for something subtly or they'll just make it known. I can read them without ever having to wonder if I'm assuming what they want, or taking it the wrong way and out of context. But you're the new friend who I don't know as well as I do the others. And until I get to know everything there is to know about you, you're gonna have to be forward with me in some topics.

Conversations like these ones, so we don't end up where we are with you not sure how to take what I said, which was stated based on the way I took what you said. Because I took it as you asking me to help you experience certain things that gays do to get you out of your shell. So for blunt, I assumed you were hinting at wanting to have sex because you trust me not to be like a stranger who wouldn't care that you're new to it all and just wants to fuck you like a normal hookup. Again, if that's what you were going for, I don't mind. I just don't want you be overwhelmed with anything and make a rushed choice before you're ready. You know I want you, I told you that last time we hung out. But I also told you that I wasn't going to overstep the boundary of being friends and I definitely don't want you to think or feel that I'm sweet-talking my way into sleeping with you. Because I'm not! Nothing of the sort, no pressure or seduction. And absolutely no hard feelings if you're not interested at all. I told you that I am your friend, and despite what I may do with my other gay or bisexual friends, I'm not expecting the same from you. Our friendship, just because you're gay, doesn't have to have any sexual ties to it. I'm not going to try to get you in my bed while drunk, or call you out of boredom to have sex. Not unless it's something you want to do. I have no objections as long as it is what you want and you're ready to do those things.

If it is what you want, like I said, we can go at your pace. All that aside, I hope this clears up my side of things of why I said what I did. So, the question now is what did you mean? :)

Well, with all that, it seemed my theory was right. Hunter did say what he did earlier because he felt I was asking to sleep with him, but also mentioning that he understood I was new to things and we could go about things at my pace. I figured this meant that maybe he was suggesting we could do things, like foreplay, to lead up to eventually having sex. It was a thought for another day, and right now, I'm not entirely sure what I meant earlier. Was I asking Hunter to be the one to who helped me get used to things? I mean, dating isn't scary. I've done that with girls. The part about being with guys that makes me so nervous is that I've never done anything intimately with a male before and when you're dating, things would eventually reach that point. And I'd rather experience pleasure and sex with a trusted friend who would move at my pace rather than a first time boyfriend who would expect that because I'm dating him, I'm completely ready for all parts of a relationship and would know what I'm doing. That is definitely not the case.

I saw the time change to midnight, and I yawned. I was too tired to stay up and figure all this out right now. I'd get some sleep and try in the morning, then let Hunter know before I went over to his house. Hopefully, it wouldn't make things awkward between us. I finished my food, set the dishes in the sink for tomorrow morning, used the bathroom and then went to my room. I set my phone to charge on the nightstand, made sure an 8:30 am alarm was set just incase I slept later than I expected to, crawled into bed, covered up and let sleep take me a few minutes later.