=Normal POV=
(Monday, 1/13/2020; 9:45 pm)
(Barbarchi City, Archipelago)
(Trayden's Job)

Trayden and Hunter chatted throughout the night when Trayden didn't have customers to handle. The topics were light and appropriate for the setting, Hunter had a few drinks, but obviously wouldn't get smashed. Hunter had only been there for about an hour, and he would drink slow since he hadn't come out with the intention of getting drunk, just to see Trayden and talk to him. Trayden did offer to Hunter that if he drank harder or had more and ended up too drunk to drive, Trayden would take him home or to his own apartment to spend the night and then in the morning, Trayden would bring Hunter to his truck. Hunter let Trayden know it was sweet of him, but Hunter was not a big fan of getting overly drunk because that's when bad decisions would be made as there was no clear thoughts. Hunter admitted with his desires involving Trayden that he wouldn't want to accidentally do anything to make Trayden uncomfortable, and this was something Hunter did with his other friends too, never getting to drunk to no longer be in control. Trayden admired it, and told Hunter that he too was not a huge drinker.

Right now, it had picked up just a bit, but not to the point Hunter and Trayden couldn't keep talking. Trayden was enjoying it because the time was passing faster when his focus was on Hunter and their conversations.

"So, did we ever actually set plans for tomorrow aside from hanging out?" Hunter inquired gently.

"We said usual of food, couple drinks, movie, chatting, and…Extracurricular," Trayden smiled.

"I knew that, but I meant food decision, what movie, and time," Hunter clarified with a light laugh.

"Well, for time-wise, depends on when I wake up and get stuff done. My apartment desperately needs attention, also have to do laundry and shopping," Trayden informed.

"Hypothetically, what time would you say you'll wake up?" Hunter asked.

"Provided I get out of here at a reasonable hour, say 1:30ish, then go through my normal after work things, and asleep before 2 am…I should be up between 8 and 9 am," Trayden shrugged.

"Well, I dedicated my tomorrow to you, handsome. You can message me when you wake up if that's easier than trying to pre-plan a time tonight," Hunter said.

"I originally dedicated tomorrow to hanging with you, but realized I can't let the chores or shopping sit until Sunday," Trayden chuckled.

"I could come hang at your place if that's better than trying to plan to come to mine. I don't have any chores to do, so I could come see you while you do everything or I can help too," Hunter offered. Trayden was a little surprised at the suggestion, Hunter had never been to his apartment before and it sounded like Hunter just wanted to spend the day with him no matter what was being done as long as they were together. Trayden desperately hoped he wasn't blushing at how sweet that was. "You know I don't like to be bored or sitting around. Even like this, I'm not bored because I'm talking to you face to face. It's different if I were sitting at home just texting people.

"I mean, if you really want to spend all day with me while I shop and do chores, that's fine with me. What are we doing after I get all my work done? Staying or going to your house?" Trayden wondered.

"Either is fine with me. It's not like we live far apart and I'm content as long as I'm with you," Hunter stated.

"True. Suppose we can stay at my apartment, I don't think you've been there yet," Trayden mentioned.

"Nope," Hunter nodded. "What are we doing for food? Order out? Eat in?"

"Well, assuming we're together for lunch and dinner…I clean everything while doing laundry in the morning, and then go shopping last because I can just grab a bite to eat while I'm out. We could grab takeout for lunch and…I can cook for dinner?" Trayden suggested.

"Oh, very curious to try your home cooking. The others have highly recommended it," Hunter beamed at the idea.

Trayden blushed a bit. "It's nothing special, but I'm sure their high review is because most of them live on ordering in, drive-thru, microwave, or oven food…" He rolled his eyes. "I think the only ones who can cook are me, Madison, Hailey, Fisher, and…Ethan? Oh, Addilyn too. But Fisher, Addi, and Ethan only cook easy and basic things," He added.

"I get it, don't worry. I can cook, but I stick to easier items since it's just me. If I'm hosting a meal for whatever reason, I'll go a bit more extra, but we're talking…Diner style, not full restaurant level unless it's Thanksgiving or Christmas. Devon, Bryan, Chelsea and…Nicole are the good cookers of that group," Hunter informed.

"I don't mind cooking. Any favorites? Or allergies?" Trayden questioned.

"No allergies and using your own words against you, surprise me," Hunter grinned.

Trayden laughed a little, and nodded. "I guess I'll text you when I wake up then," Trayden remarked calmly.

"I'll anxiously be waiting," Hunter replied. "For the text and all the fun," He winked as Trayden blushed a little more. "Did my text help at all, out of curiosity?" He wondered after a few moments.

Trayden knew which one Hunter was referring to, of course. The one about being ready. "It did," Trayden responded as looked towards the door to find his and Hunter's friends walking by and making the choice to come inside. "A lot in fact,"

"What's wrong?" Hunter asked seeing Trayden's slightly annoyed face.

"The others are here. All of them," Trayden sighed. "I was enjoying the private time with you,"

"Well, it's a bar, handsome. We're not exactly alone here and it's a public space," Hunter smiled.

"You know what I mean…Just us being able to talk in between customers. You know they're coming over here to be close to both of us," Trayden sighed some. Hunter understood, the two of them were having nice talks and enjoying it just being them. With the others there, the conversations would have to change to keep suspicion down about them hanging out tomorrow. Trayden knew that Hunter's coworker friends wouldn't care or mind that Hayden was dedicating a full day to hang with Trayden, but the others that Hunter and Trayden knew from school would likely make comments or be quietly jealous that Trayden was taking the first off day he's had in twelve days to be with Hunter all day.

"Hey, guys!" Tyler greeted.

"Hi," Trayden replied once he turned to face them once reassuring that he didn't look bothered by them deciding to come in just because they saw him and Hunter from the window. Trayden knew that's what it was because Shane pointed it out first, then they moved to the entry door. "What brings you in tonight?"

"We got together to go out for dinner at the casino, then roam around a bit. It's a nice night, so we decided to walk in the park and came this way to get back to where the cars are parked. Figured we'd come see you, and then spotted Hunter. Here we are," Alyssa smiled wide.

"Much calmer than Friday," Ethan chuckled.

"It's a Monday. Things pick up more on Thursday," Trayden informed. "You drinking or eating?"

"No to food, but a drink or two won't hurt," Devon shrugged. Trayden took their orders, making the drinks afterword and sliding them towards the group.

"So, what are your days off this week, Trayden? We were all hoping to hangout, grab lunch or dinner together like we used to before your schedule got all crazy," Hailey chuckled.

"Tuesday and Sunday," Trayden answered. "My Sunday was claimed by my parents," He added before having to go to the other side of the bar to take care of customers.

"We were in the middle of talking," Tyler stated.

"Doesn't matter, Ty. You're still in the bar he works at, and we're not his only customers," Hunter reminded. "He can't just stand here and talk with us,"

"How long have you been here?" Thaxter questioned.

"8:30ish. I saw that it was slow when I was walking back to my car after a run in the park, and Tray appeared immensely bored. I decided to come in and chat with him," Hunter shrugged before taking a sip of his beer.

The friends talked casually among one another while Trayden handled customers. After a little bit, Trayden returned. "You seem increasingly annoyed," Shane mentioned.

"Just tired," Trayden replied calmly.

"I imagine so. You've worked twelve days straight," Hailey said.

"And hey, you can enjoy tomorrow off. We'll have a chill day with you," Fisher offered.

"Maybe next week, or earlier on Sunday before I go to my parents' place for dinner." Trayden told them, wiping things down, restocking a couple alcohols, and putting clean glasses away that were dried. "I'm taking tomorrow to go shopping, clean the hell out of my apartment, and do laundry. It's stuff I've put off because of all the working and I can't any longer. Maintenance is coming around the complex this week to check everyone's heating as there have been outages since December all over the place, so definitely need to have the apartment clean because they report to the complex managers, and owners," He explained.

"Well, let us know!" Addilyn smiled.

"Will do," Trayden nodded. Trayden couldn't say he felt bad about somewhat lying to his friends, even Hunter confirmed they were nosey and would get jealous if they knew the state of things between Hunter and Trayden hanging out as friends, but also engaging in sexual activities because not only did Hunter want Trayden, but had also offered to help Tray get used to things with a male. Besides, it wasn't a complete lie, Trayden would be using tomorrow to clean, shop, and do laundry. He just didn't mention that Hunter would be with him during it all.

One of the servers made her way to the little entrance of Trayden's area, they all the rule of not just walking back there to get their own drinks when the bar was fully seated because Trayden was a fast bartender and people going back there while he was working on serving customers messed him up and were liable to be run into by accident. "Tray?" She got his attention after he'd delivered a drink and was turning to the register.

"What's up, Nat?" Trayden replied as he was tapping things on the register screen to cash out the order he'd done, then got change and set it in front of the customer before facing her. Trayden noticed Natalie, Nat for short, looking shy and down at the ground. "What's the matter?"

"I need a couple drinks for that back table in my section…But I was wondering if you could deliver it to them?" Natalie asked softly.

"Why?" Trayden found himself asking, though, he felt like he already knew the problem.

"They're just making me uncomfortable…" Natalie sighed. "Offers to take a break and sit with them, trying to keep me at the table…"

"Are they touching you?" Trayden inquired seriously.

"Yes…When I'm serving other tables and my back is turned," Natalie nodded. "It's always the same guys, they come every few nights and always sit in my section…"

"Why haven't you told Andy about this?" Trayden wondered.

"Can't find him most of the time," Natalie replied.

Trayden rolled his eyes and sighed. "I'll take care of it. What drinks do you need?" He smiled afterward. Natalie smiled a little and told him what she needed for the table, and then Trayden made them up and got them on her tray. "Watch the bar for me," Trayden stated before heading out to take the drinks to the table for her. Reaching the spot, Trayden set the drinks down in front of the person who ordered it.

"Where's Natalie?" One male asked.

"Taking a small break," Trayden said simply. "There you go. Would there be anything else, gentlemen?"

"Hey, hey. No need to be so formal," Another guy informed with a smile.

"I'm just doing my job," Trayden replied. "Enjoy your drinks," He added before turning to walk away. However, he felt one of them grab his wrist and Trayden looked at who it was.

"You're kind'a cute. Have a shot with us?" The male offered.

"No, thank you. Can't drink while I'm working," Trayden stated. "Can you let me go, please?"

"But we want you to stay. Maybe we could have some fun," Another suggested.

"Sorry, you're not my type," Trayden remarked calmly, jerking his wrist free.

"What is your type? I'm sure we could become it," One commented.

"My type is guys who respect boundaries, and keep their hands to themselves," Trayden said before turning a second time and beginning to walk towards the bar, and then he felt one hand smack his butt, and another grab at it.

"He's got a nice ass," A guy snickered.

Trayden faced them again, attempting to stay calm as he really wanted to sock these guys in the face. "I appreciate the compliment, but it doesn't change that I've shot you down twice because I'm not interested. In the future, I advise you keep your hands to yourself because the next time you grab at me, I will retaliate." And then Trayden walked away to get back to the bar and return Nicole's serving tray to her. "Continue serving the customers in your section, but stay away from that table. Stand out of their reach if you're taking an order at one of the tables surrounding theirs and if you need to get to another table that crosses theirs, go around. If they try to flag you down to place another order, you inform them that they need to come see me up here at the bar," Trayden told Natalie firmly.

"Okay…Thank you," Natalie gave a small smile.

"You're welcome," Trayden replied as Natalie headed off to keep working and Trayden sighed heavily.

"Everything okay?" Hunter asked softly.

"Absolutely," Trayden smiled to him and went about making sure his customers were all set. As the time moved forward, it was soon 10:30 pm. Trayden kept about his work, but was watching Natalie too. Trayden could see that the males from that one table were done with their drinks and just sitting, but their eyes were on Natalie, waiting for her to come to them to reorder. Most servers did it, even himself, stopped at every table or customer to ask how things are and if a refill is needed. Finally, As Natalie was about to leave a table next to theirs, they got her attention and she faced them, but kept her distance. Trayden watched the scene of the males seeming confused, but when Natalie walked away, they got up and came to the bar, standing at an open space.

"Hey, bartender," One male summoned, snapping his fingers to get Trayden's attention. Trayden completed what he was doing and strolled over with a smile.

"My apologies for making you wait," Trayden said calmly. "What can I get for you this evening?"

"Our server told us that she couldn't take our order and we had to come see you," Informed the male who had grabbed his wrist earlier.

"Ah, yes," Trayden nodded, acting as if he forgot.

"So, why did we have to come see you?" Another guy asked.

"Change your mind about having some fun?" One grinned.

"If I refused your first two offers, what makes you think I've changed my mind?" Trayden inquired.

"Whatever…Our girl told us we had to come up here and see you, so why? Isn't it the server's job to handle table orders?" Said one of them.

"She purposely ignored us, I want to speak to a manager," Claimed another.

"You're speaking to the manager," Trayden responded. "My server has done nothing wrong, she's doing exactly as I asked of her." He informed with a smile.

"You told her to ignore us?" One stated in surprise.

"It's bad for business when your treating your customers unfairly. I'll report you to the department of business labor," Another threatened.

"I assure that there is no need for that!" Andrew quickly strolled up next to Trayden. "I'm sure we can remedy whatever happened, gentlemen," He added with a smile. "I'm Andrew, owner of this establishment," Andrew introduced. "Trayden…Get back to work and let me handle it. We'll discuss this later," The man said firmly.

Trayden rolled his eyes. "All due your respect, boss…I'd like to finish what I started and handle it myself,"

"I believe you've done quite enough," Andrew said. "Now, what seems to be the problem?" He turned towards the three males with a smile.

"Your manager here told our server to purposely ignore us, and when we got her attention to place another order, she said we had to come see him at the bar," One folded his arms over one another.

"Trayden, you're not even a manager…" Andrew sighed. "I do apologize for my bartender's actions," He faced the males again. "And I will make it up to you by comping your entire order this evening,"

"Well, that's nice and all, but like we said…It's bad for business to have employees who think they're all that and do what they want," A male mentioned.

"He brought us our last round of drinks and was very rude," Added another. "And threatened us,"

"In the interest of your business, sir, he should be fired," Commented another.

"But we'll let this whole thing go if he apologizes," Said the first male who remarked on bad business.

Andrew faced Trayden now. "Trayden…Apologize to the customers, please?"

Trayden glanced to the three males, then he folded his arms over one another and closed his eyes. "No."

"Trayden. I'm not asking anymore. You apologize to them, right now, or I have no choice but to terminate you," Andrew demanded. "You're usually my star employee, it is beyond me what's gotten into you lately. Being rude to customers, inserting yourself as a manager and telling my employees what to do? I'd love to know why this has happened, and we'll talk about it later. But for now, please, just apologize. You know the golden rule here, the customer is always right."

Trayden opened his eyes again, looking directly at Andrew. "Then fire me, Andrew," Trayden invited. "But I will not apologize to them. I've done nothing wrong that warrants an apology. All I did was take action where you failed to do so," Gasps were heard around the area at what Trayden said, and while it was shocking, what everyone wanted to know was what happened.