=Normal POV=
(Wednesday, 12/25/2019; 8:15 am)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Trayden's Apartment)

Much to Trayden's shock, he was up at 7:45 am, before his alarm. The sleep was decent and after going about his normal morning routine, Trayden allowed himself to sit on the couch and relax. In forty-five minutes, he would have to leave to get to his parents' place for 9 am, so Trayden figured that now would be as good a time as any to think about the conversation with Hunter in texts. Trayden took a breath and read over everything a second time, starting from when Hunter asked Trayden wanted to come over after leaving his parents' place to hang out for a few hours, aware that Trayden had work on the 26th, so a late night would not be happening. Trayden saw where the messages between them became unclear as far as what was being said and Trayden blamed himself because he probably should have checked what he was saying first, or at least, understood what he meant when he said it. Right now, Trayden didn't know what he was going for when he told Hunter what he did.

Now, Trayden knew from Hunter's reply last night that Hunter was basically okay with anything regarding this situation and what happened clearly depended on Trayden's explanation of what he meant. Hunter was fine with being just friends, and he was also good with them being friends that had sex now and then. Not a friends with benefits arrangement, just random opportunities that arose and the desire was mutual. Then there were some drunk sessions too, but Trayden assumed that was previously consented before drinking began in a fashion that it was agreed on to have sex while drink if things went down that way. Regardless, it didn't apply to himself because he was the new friend and Hunter stated that he wouldn't do those things with Trayden unless he was okay with there being random sexual encounters in their friendship.

Trayden supposed that he had this much figured out that he didn't mind that. It was just sex between friends who were single. Trayden felt like if one of them were in a relationship, the boundaries would be respected and random sex would be off the table. Unless the relationship was open, but Trayden assumed that was the only way it would still happen. Trayden's situation of uncertainty was about doing sexual things at all because he'd never done that with another guy. Women, sure. But not men. Even while he was bisexual, Trayden never experimented with males in any form of physical contact. Maybe hugs or handshakes between friends, but that was the extent of it and pretty normal. So Trayden now needed to figure out what it was he meant when he told Hunter that he trusted him and would rather go through everything with a caring friend rather than a complete stranger.

It seemed that Hunter was willing to be that friend, as long as it's what Trayden actually wanted and was ready for. And that was another aspect to consider, Trayden didn't know what he was ready for because he'd never done it. Kissing seemed to be okay, since Hunter and Trayden had shared a few, and even made out once for fifteen to twenty minutes. Beyond that, Trayden assumed it could venture into touching, groping, foreplay, and obviously, sex. Those things hadn't been attempted, and Trayden felt nervous about it, but not with Hunter who was constantly reassuring him that it would be okay and that it would fade as he got more comfortable with being gay. Hunter was the one who kept telling Trayden to take his time and adjust, unlike the rest of his friends who said jump in and just do it. Hunter advised against that, and Trayden trusted his word.

So that excluded trying to do new things with strangers. And if Trayden chose to do this with a friend, the only one he trusted to guide him through things was Hunter. Trayden knew he could go to Hunter with questions about stuff, but there was a difference in being told how it worked, and then actually doing it. Trayden could learn everything about being gay by asking, but it wouldn't mean anything if he didn't experience it. And Trayden was sure that if he did these intimacy things, the nervousness would fade because it would be done and nothing to worry about how it would go or what it was like. Hunter was willing to help Trayden with all this, and move at whatever pace Trayden chose to go at. With everything being considered, Trayden felt confident that Hunter's assumption of how he took Trayden's words was correct. And subconsciously, Trayden did want to experience everything with Hunter, so that's why he obviously wrote his message the way he had.

Trayden knew what he wanted to do, so now, he needed to find the courage to message Hunter back and confirm that what he said last night is what he wanted. Might as well do it now and pray that tonight at Hunter's wasn't awkward or tense. Taking a breath, Trayden grabbed his phone and pulled up his messages with Hunter, then tapped the reply box, beginning to press the keys.

Morning, and Merry Christmas! I'm sorry that I didn't answer last night, I started to read it and ended up falling asleep in the middle.

Trayden figured he'd get into this casually, and see where it went. The quick vibrating in his hand made Trayden look down to see that Hunter replied.

Hunter's Cell, 8:35 am
Oh, no worries! I knew I sent it late, by accident. I actually had it all typed out around 9:45 and forgot to hit send because my uncle was having a crisis with his laptop and then a couple friends popped over to chat and drink. I had kept checking the lock screen to see if you'd replied and didn't see one, so I got scared that I made you uncomfortable or upset with my assumption. But I saw that I didn't press the button when I opened our messages to apologize and hope you would forgive me. I facepalmed and sent it, but realized you might have already gone to sleep given what time it was. And Merry Christmas to you too! :) Did you just wake up?

Trayden couldn't help but smile, the poor guy was terrified to scare him off with his open forwardness. Thankfully, Trayden didn't mind at all, and admired it.

Been up since 7:30. I was checking messages after breakfast and saw that I'd never replied to you last night because I fell asleep reading it. So now that I have…No need to apologize or ask forgiveness because it didn't make me upset or uncomfortable and you didn't scare me off. Figure I'll set you at ease with that and you won't be twitching with anxiety all day first lol

Hunter's Cell, 8:36 am
Thank the Gods XD That I didn't scare you off and thank you for settling my anxiety…

You're welcome. And thank you for the message itself because I didn't even realize what I said could have many contexts until you informed me of how you took it. I've literally spent the last fifteen minutes scolding myself in embarrassment that the reason I didn't know how to take your response because it was based on how you ended up analyzing my message. It is entirely my fault and I am so sorry if I made things awkward for you or us being friends because you had to break all that down in a text…

Hunter's Cell, 8:38 am
Don't sweat it, Tray! Lol. Seriously, it's okay. And no, nothing is awkward. I realized that you said something and maybe didn't know how it sounded given the conversation we were having. That's why I broke it down, so you'd see why I gave you the response I did and that we could clarify what you were going for while also leaving the reminder that I did about being okay with things if you had meant it the way I took it. As long as it's what you wanted and understanding that we'd move at your pace.

I keep forgetting you don't know me like you know the others. And I keep forgetting because we get along so great as friends that it's like we've been friends for many years…Hope that's not creepy?

Hunter's Cell, 8:40 am
Not creepy, but cute, like you. ^.- Honored that you feel that way about us and I totally agree with it as well. Guess that means we connect good and I'll be able to figure you out in no time lol

I'm not difficult to figure out, but I suppose I should work on making sure my messages only convey what I want it to and not be open to various interpretations…

Hunter's Cell, 8:41 am
Lol. Tray, it was an honest mistake and we've all done it. The important thing is that I saw the confusion you relayed and went back to reread, wondering if I took it the way you intended it to be taken. Had I not done that, I was fully assuming that we'd be messing around tonight when you come over and that could have caused you to be uncomfortable and things to be awkward. I know you're new to this, as I said last night, and I know that I can't assume with you like I do my friends until I know you better. I was dead serious when I told you that I don't want to scare you off. I like you, you're wicked hot. Your shyness and innocence are cute and a major turn on. Point is that I like being your friend. I don't want to mess that up, but miscommunications or interpretations like that to a recently come out gay as yourself, is how scaring off happens.

Trayden saw the time and got off the couch, making sure he had his charger from the kitchen and moved to slip the wallet into the back pocket, then get his shoes on. Trayden snaked the keys off the countertop and looked over Hunter's message again. Trayden wasn't sure how to take the like you comment. Trayden knew Hunter liked being his friend, but what did he mean by liking him cause he thought Trayden was hot and it was a turn on for him that Trayden's shy innocence is cute? Trayden supposed he needed to take a page from Hunter's book here and not assume that it meant what he thought it did. Trayden left the apartment, locking the door and heading down the hall to get to the elevator. Once inside, Trayden hit the ground floor button and prepared to reply to Hunter.

Sorry for the delay, on the move to get to my car to go to my parents'. And yeah, I guess that is the important thing. I mean, it might have taken me by surprise but I wouldn't hate you for it. Like you said, honest mistake and I'm not one to get immediately worked up because I know that results in an unclear head and you can't say or do anything while mad, upset, or confused. So, I'd probably only leave to get my head together, then ask if we could talk to work out what happened and why. I don't just walk away without good reason, and I typically always give the other person or people involved the chance to explain. Know what I mean?

Hunter's Cell, 8:45 am
Absolutely. Totally get it. I'm the same way, actually. Another thing we have in common :) I don't walk out of people's lives unless I've been made to by them. My parents being a prime example lol Did I want to leave? No. Was I given much choice? Also no. I never walked out of my friends' lives, we lost contact after I was forced to leave my phone behind and didn't have a way to reach them. And obviously, my parents told them lies to make them think I didn't care…But you know, I get what you're saying. And it sets me at some ease to know that even if something did happen by accident because of a misinterpretation, you'd give me a chance to explain and we could talk to work it out.

Trayden exited the elevator and headed out of the complex and into the parking lot to get to his car. Unlocking it and moving inside to sit down while debating to just come out and say that he did mean what Hunter thought Trayden meant, Trayden got his seatbelt on and slid the key into the ignition while taking a breath.

Glad I could set you at ease twice today. Also, I suppose we've beat around the bush of where this whole thing started…

I did mean what you assumed I meant.

It's what you asked me last night and I fell asleep. I saw it all this morning and texted you with the intention of answering your question, but as usual, we somehow end up getting distracted on other things in the same topic. But yeah. I, uh, gotta get going to make it to my parents' on time, so I'll be quiet until I arrive, but I'll message you when I get there. Bye for now!

Trayden let out the breath he'd be holding, then sent one quick message to his parents that he was on my way, and then set the phone down in the cupholder before backing out of his spot, and heading to his parents' house.

. . .

(9:15 am)
(Raseri Residence)

Trayden arrived at his parents' home just a few minutes late because he did send that message to Hunter, but blamed traffic. Trayden happily greeted his mother and father, then his younger siblings who still lived at home. Only himself and brother Dexter were in their own apartments, but Dexter was rooming with two other friends he'd known forever. Trayden brought in his gifts for them, and his mom informed that they were just waiting on Dexter, who was having some car trouble but messaged just moments ago that he was on his way and would be there for 9:30. Trayden was enjoying a cup of coffee on the couch while his parents watched the news and weather, his siblings were anxiously awaiting to open presents, but were told to wait for their brother.

While sitting there, Trayden suddenly remembered that he never messaged Hunter back. Grabbing his phone, Trayden checked the screen to see a message from Hunter. Tapping it, the screen opened and Trayden started to read.

Hunter's Cell, 8:50 am
I knew you wanted me ;p

Well, I didn't know I wanted you until after we hung out last Thursday and you openly admitted you wanted to sleep with me!…And then we ended up making out…

Hunter's Cell, 9:15 am
XD I'm hard to resist, or so I've been told. I've wanted you since the night of our date when we kissed in my garage. Not going to lie, it usually takes a lot more touching and groping to get me turned on, but that kiss with you was enough without the extra stimulation ^_- If we had known each other better, I might have taken you right against your car.

Trayden had to stay composed to not raise questions from his parents, but he couldn't believe Hunter just revealed that! And their kiss was all it took to get him aroused, when it normally took more with others? Trayden cursed this man for being so ridiculously hot and smooth that mere text messages of the things Hunter wanted to do to him was enough to cause sparks of arousal in his groin that he needed to keep down.

If we're being honest…I guess maybe I wanted you after that night too and just didn't realize it because I'm new, shy, and didn't want things to be weird between us…I've had attraction to males while bisexual, but have never wanted any of them sexually before…

Hunter's Cell, 9:17 am
And after I told you that I wanted you, the worry you had about it possibly not being mutual was gone. Like I told you, nervousness to things will fade the more you get into it. It's only scary because, as you said, you've never done anything with males before. And its different than being with a female, as I've been told by bisexuals who have fucked both. Now that you've lost your attraction to females, and are gay…Those feelings of curiosity are getting stronger, but you're still hesitant. And you will, unfortunately, continue to be until you go all the way and do everything. Once you do something once, you're no longer new to it

Trayden suspected that all along, but it was a different perspective from someone else.

I figured that might be the case. So it's still what my friends have said, just do it.

Hunter's Cell, 9:18 am
No, no. Never you mind what they told you to do. Yes, the fear of doing things with males intimately will fade once you end up doing it all, but the key word in what I just said is 'end up' doing it. I told you, Tray…This isn't something you want to do without being sure, under pressure, and rushing it. Never, ever push yourself to do something before you're ready, it will only hurt you. I get not wanting to be nervous anymore, but you have to be ready to take on what that entails. Once you cross that first time, there is no taking it back and no do-overs. So I implore you, as a friend and the person you're saying you want to do this with, that you PLEASE ensure this is what you really want to do. New gays get overwhelmed quickly and make hasty decisions when they aren't actually ready, and do it for the wrong reasons. I'm not telling you that to pick on you for being new to it, or scare you, but I've seen friends go through this with strangers and I don't want to see it happen to you. I know I'm not a stranger to you, and you know I'd never hurt you, but I don't want to see you do this and end up hating the experience because you weren't ready and regretting it the rest of your life. So please…Just make sure this is what you want. If you find quiet time today, think about this and what you're asking. And when you are certain of your choice, let me know, then we'll talk about what's next. Okay?

Trayden was surprised at how serious Hunter got, but he supposed that he should have expected it. This was a big decision and Hunter just wanted him to be sure of his choice. Hunter didn't want to do this if Trayden was absolutely positive he wanted it and was ready. Trayden felt like it more about the readiness to do what they'd be doing. This was obviously not Hunter's first time, but it would be Trayden's and if anything happened, Hunter would blame himself. So really…This request to make sure was for both of them. Hunter didn't want Trayden to do this for the wrong reasons, then regret it for the rest of his life. And Hunter didn't want to be the regret, he was only being a good friend and probably doing for Trayden what he maybe wished he'd been able to do for the friends he mentioned.

Okay, I will. Brother just got here, so I guess we're doing presents. I'll message you in a bit?

Hunter's Cell, 9:20 am
Thank you. I'm only pushing you make sure because I care about you like I do all my others friends, and I have made them also be sure of their choices. Not I was their first, mind you…But as the one who has been gay the longest, most of them have turned to me about taking a step forward in things. Even those random hookups me and my friends have, I always check with them before we actually do anything. And as I've told you; as long as it's what you want and you are ready. Always make sure, and also know that you have the power to say no, change your mind, and decide that you aren't ready. And a good partner will always understand, go at your pace, and help if they can. :)

Now, go on and spend time with your family. I'll be here.

Trayden smiled as he shut off the screen to his phone, and put it away in his pocket, then got up to greet his brother once everyone else had. It was going to be a good day, and nice because Trayden would get to see Hunter later. Even if they didn't do anything, Trayden enjoyed being around Hunter and loved that they were such good friends in so little time of meeting one another.