=Normal POV=

(Monday, April 1, 2019-11:30 am)

Troy and Hayden were officially Archipelago Islands Marines. Yes, they both graduated yesterday and were now packing up personal belongings to go home. It was announced by Drill Sergeants after families and guests left the graduation celebration that all Marines had ten days of leave before needing to report back to Fort Archian for their Marine Combat Training, or School of Infantry. Troy and Hayden were in the two-month SOI group with the rest of the Inferno Platoon. It was technically fifty-nine days, but the sixtieth was another graduation to mark them as Infantry Marines. After catching a bus, and ferry to Berk; Rachel and Cole were at the North Berk Docks to pick up Troy and Hayden, and what a reunion it was too! Rachel hugged both of them, then after making sure the boys had their things; the group of four was back at Troy's house. Hayden was so glad to lay down on the bed he was using at the Raseri Household.

"Comfortable?" Troy chuckled.

"You have no idea," Hayden sighed out contently.

"Soak it up while you can. In ten days, we're back to cots," Troy teased.

"Ugh, kill it why don't you?" Hayden remarked.

"I'm just playing with you, Hayden. I'm about to lay down myself and take a well-deserved nap," Troy flopped onto his bed and stretched a bit to relax.

"With you on that one," Hayden nodded with a smile.

"See you in a couple of hours," Troy informed.

"See you in a bit, bud," Hayden replied. Troy rolled over and knocked out within fifteen minutes of the silence. Hayden tried to settle enough to sleep, but couldn't; there was too much on his mind. Mainly, Troy. 'Gods, how am I supposed ever to tell Troy that I'm gay, and like him?' Hayden pondered to himself while staring at the ceiling. 'I gotta talk to Uncle Gabe,' Hayden decided, then yawned as he began to slip into unconsciousness.

. . .

[Berkian Ristorante]

(Wednesday, April 3, 2019-6:00 pm)

As soon as Hayden informed Gabriel that he was back on Berk until the tenth of April; the man made it well-known that he was kidnapping Hayden so they could catch up and grab some dinner together. Hayden didn't mind one bit since he missed his uncle, and needed to speak with him about the Troy situation. Gabriel picked Hayden up from the Raseri's, and they spent all from 2 pm to now just talking about how life had been since the last time they spoke, and also anything that hadn't been mentioned because they were short on time. Gabriel and Hayden were seated and ordered their drinks and appetizers. Gabriel noticed how quiet Hayden was all of a sudden, and it made him wonder if something was bothering his Godson/Nephew.

"Something on your mind, laddie?" Gabriel decided to ask after the waiter walked away.

"Yes, and no," Hayden admitted.

"Anything I can help with?" Gabriel offered.

"Possibly, I don't know," Hayden closed his eyes with a sigh.

"Talk to me, kiddo," the man smiled.

"Alright. So, while I was away training; I realized that I'm…Gay," Hayden revealed as Gabriel's eyes widened a bit.

"Oh, that's wonderful, lad. Was beginning to wonder why you weren't batting eyes at Avery when she very clearly liked you and had no shame in flirting. I had a feeling you being gay might have been the case," Gabriel chuckled as Hayden arched a brow.

"You know; I'm not even gonna touch with a ten-foot pole," Hayden remarked with a roll of his eyes.

"Sorry, Hayden. I know they aren't your favorite subject, but they've all been worried about you. Your parents too; you really should try to talk with them about what happened. They know about the hacking and work thing," Gabriel mentioned.

"It doesn't matter if they know now when I tried to tell them months before that it wasn't me, and nobody listened or believed me," Hayden looked away.

"I know, and the pain of the betrayal is what's holding you back. All that aside; you were talking about your problem?" Gabriel invited.

"Well, being gay isn't the problem; I'm not ashamed of it or anything," Hayden started.

"Then…?" Gabriel urged for him to keep going.

"It's who I developed a crush on in Boot Camp. However, this feels more of like, but not love if that makes any sense?" Hayden continued.

"And you're afraid that this person might not return your feelings?" Gabriel said as Hayden nodded to him. "Well, lad, the first thing you need to know is if this male is gay, or at least bisex-," he began.

"I already know Troy is gay, Uncle Gabe; he's told me before during one of nightly talks before shipping to the main island," Hayden sighed.

"Wait a second. Troy is the guy you like? Troy as is Dustin and Rachel Raseri's son Troy?" Gabriel put his hands up quickly to stop Hayden.

"Yes, I like that Troy. The man gives me butterflies and makes me blush. My heart beats fast around him. Troy is…Well, friggin amazing, Uncle Gabriel. I ignored all the feelings I got, but they grew stronger the night of my birthday. The remainder of training; I understood I was gay and accepted it. Yesterday, right before the graduation ceremony; Troy and I were talking about being done, and how far we're going…It just hit me hard that I had been crushing on him, and now, I like him, but he's…my best friend. Do you see my problem?" Hayden put his head down and arms over it.

"Hayden, listen to me," Gabriel made Hayden look up. "Does Troy know you're gay?"

"No. I just realized it myself. When Troy asked me what I was; I told him bi-sexual since I didn't know at the time," Hayden informed.

"Alright, so Troy is aware that you would like either men or women; that's not a bad thing. As for your feelings for Troy, laddie, honesty is always the best policy; you have to tell him," Gabriel stated. "I know you're nervous and scared that it could ruin your friendship, but you'll never know if you don't speak up. If Troy doesn't feel the same, then it's just not mean to be; your feelings will eventually fade, and you'll move on. Troy is your best friend, and you two have a strong bond, so even if the feelings aren't mutual; Troy won't abandon you. Might need some time apart, but you'll be okay,"

"You think that?" Hayden asked.

"Of course. And hey, maybe he likes you back, and you two hook up as lovers. Either way, I believe that things will work out one way or another," Gabriel smiled. "Just go for it,"

"Okay; I'll tell Troy how I feel. But maybe…Not until after training is over," Hayden shrugged.

"Good idea," Gabriel nodded. "Now, let's enjoy some dinner!" the waiter returned with Gabriel's mini tacos, and Hayden's salad; both began to eat and continue talking about other things.

. . .

[Haddock Household]

(8:20 pm)

Hayden had no idea how Gabriel managed to convince him to at least see his parents, but the man did it. Hayden was sitting in Gabriel's car while looking towards his former home, debating on getting out and walking up to the door.

"Just show them you're okay, lad. Please? I know they are difficult, but they do love you," Gabriel tried. Hayden grumbled as he got out of the car and walked up to the front entrance, then knocked. Gods, Hayden wanted to run, now. As soon as Hayden was about to walk away; the door opened revealing his mother. Instantly, tears welled up in her blue/green eyes, shock and maybe relief take over.

"Ha-Hayden?" Vivian asked.

"Hi, Mom," Hayden said.

"Oh, my baby!" Vivian threw her arms around Hayden, hugging tightly. Moments after, Hayden was pulling into the house. "Spencer! It's Hayden!" she yelled. The office door opened down the hall, then quick and heavy steps coming at them revealed Spencer; standing in surprise.

"Son?" Spencer inquired.

"Yes, it's me," Hayden sighed now. Were they acting like it had been years when only six months had passed since he left? Well, six on the 7th; today was only the 3rd. "Uncle Gabe somehow convinced me to come see you, so here I am,"

"Where in the name of Odin have you been!?" Spencer demanded.

"Do you have any idea how worried we've been?" Vivian scolded afterward.

"Why haven't you called anyone?!" Spencer went next.

"Why are you living on the main island!" Vivian screeched.

Hayden could not believe this. Not even five minutes in this house, and they were already starting with him. "Why have you only spoken to Gabriel?!" Spencer glared.

"For the love of-Could you please stop?" Hayden finally spoke.

"YOU RAN AWAY!" Vivian sobbed.

"I moved out, and why do you care? You were going to throw me out after I'd just lost my job!" Hayden yelled back.

"We just wanted to teach you how the world works, son," Vivian tried.

"Vivian, don't baby him. The boy is nineteen. Hayden, why did you take the gun out of this house?" Spencer asked.

"Excuse me?" Hayden arched a brow.

"October 7th, 2018. Your friends found the family gun at The Cove and brought it to me. Your mother and I were here, and they saw you at Raven Point Park. So why did you take it?" Spencer inquired firmly.

"You couldn't handle the truth, and Thor knows you wouldn't even believe like with everything else!" Hayden raged. "I'm not having this out with you. Gabriel said you were all sorry, and that you care; it's nothing but a lie!" he turned to leave the house.

"Don't you dare walk out of this house! I am your father, and you will do as I say!" Spencer grabbed his arm.

"Ow! Let go!" Hayden hissed at the iron grip his dad on his arm. "You're hurting me!"

"You are staying!" Vivian cried.

"NO! LET ME GO!" Hayden refused.

"What in the beard of Thor is going on in here?" Gabriel asked when he entered and saw the sight. "Spencer! Let him go, now. You're a cop; you know this is illegal to do!" Spencer released Hayden, who quickly backed away while holding his arm.

"We want answers, and he isn't talking!" Spencer remarked.

"Physical force is no way to handle it!" Gabriel reminded angrily.

"I said it wasn't worth it and didn't matter! I knew it was a waste of time, energy, and breath coming here! Just take me home, Uncle Gabe," Hayden stepped out the door, apparently hurt by the ordeal.

"This is your home!" Vivian sobbed.

"This hasn't been my home since October 7th, 2018, and it never will be again," Hayden walked to Gabriel's car.

"I thought you wanted to fix things, not make them worse. If I had known this is how you'd be; I would never have brought Hayden here to suffer more. You better hope this didn't push him back to where he was, and that is all I have left to say to you right now," Gabriel left the house, closing the door, and starting his car before driving off.

. . .

After ten minutes of driving, Gabriel looked over to Hayden. The nineteen-year-old hadn't said a word since they left, and Hayden looked miserable while it appeared he was trying to hold back from crying.

"I'm sorry, Hayden. I…Truly believed that they wanted to make up for everything," Gabriel said. "Are you hurt?"

"Probably going to bruise. You know how hard he grabs," Hayden said quietly.

"How did this happen?" Gabriel inquired.

"I don't…Want to talk about it. Please? I just want to get to Troy's," Hayden closed his eyes and turned his head towards the window. Gabriel didn't say anything else, but he did catch a glimpse of Hayden lifting his arm to wipe away tears.

. . .

[The Raseri's]

(8:45 pm)

As soon as Gabriel's car parked on the side of the road, Hayden unclipped his belt and got out while moving to the front door, then walked inside.

"Hayden, you're back. How was dinner with your uncle?" Rachel smiled broadly as the Raseri family looked at him from their positions in the living room. Hayden didn't say anything as he briskly walked through to the kitchen, then downstairs into the room he was sharing with Troy. Hayden sat on his bed, then scooched back against the wall with his knees up and arms around them before ducking his head down and letting the tears fall freely. Upstairs, Gabriel entered the home as eyes fell on him.

"What happened?" Troy asked.

"I might have accidentally done something foolish," Gabriel sighed.

"Come tell us, unless it's personal?" Dustin asked while putting his folder down.

"It has to do with his parents," Gabriel began.

Troy stood. "How bad?"

"Keep an eye on him for a few days, and I don't know if he'll be willing to talk about it. Hayden refused to speak in the car," Gabriel hinted.

"Say no more," Troy left the living room.

"Hurt him that bad, did they?" Rachel frowned.

"Enough to make him cry, but I won't say more than that. I should get going for now," Gabriel sighed.

"We'll update you," Dusting nodded.

"Thank you," Gabriel then left the home while hoping Hayden would be okay, and feeling like this was entirely his fault.

. . .

[Troy's Room]

Troy wasn't sure what he'd be walking in on, so he was cautious. However, Troy peered into the bedroom and found Hayden sitting on the extra bed; sobbing quietly. Hayden skimmed the room to make sure Hayden didn't have anything he could hurt himself with. Assuring that wasn't going to be an issue, Troy closed the door and moved to sit on the bed next to his friend.

"Hayden?" Troy touched his shoulder. Hayden wiped his eyes and lifted his head where there were still tears threatening to fall. "Are you okay?" Hayden shook his head. "Do you want to talk about what happened?" Hayden started shaking a bit, trying not to cry again. "Alright; it's okay. Ssh. Don't cry; we don't have to talk about it unless you want to," Troy said quickly as he put his hands on Hayden's shoulders, and hugged him from the side. "It's going to be alright,"

Ten minutes went by before Hayden wasn't crying anymore, but he looked hurt; Troy didn't like seeing Hayden this way. Hayden, on the other hand, wasn't feeling so great, aside from what happened earlier with his parents. Hayden felt some abdominal pain, and nausea coming on. "T-Troy?" Hayden said.

"What is it, Hayden?" Troy inquired. Seconds after Troy asked; Hayden's stomach lurched as he wrapped his arms around his midsection and closed his eyes. "Hayden?" Troy asked as Hayden jerked a bit, and brought a hand to his mouth.

"I-I think I'm gonna be sick," Hayden forced out. Troy quickly got off the bed and grabbed the desk garbage can, then handed it to Hayden right before he threw up. It happened four to five times before there was a pause. "Ugh," before Troy could ask if Hayden was okay; Hayden threw up three more times.

"You good?" Troy questioned. Hayden managed a nod. "Why don't you grab a shower, brush your teeth, use the bathroom, then get some sleep?"

"I'll…Do that," Hayden held back from puking again. An hour later, Hayden was changed into pajamas and laying down in his bed. Hayden had thrown up twice; once in the shower, and again before he brushed his teeth. Troy suggested that Hayden just try and rest, but he'd be close by if Hayden needed anything. By 10:30 pm, Hayden had managed to fall asleep as Troy informed his parents that Hayden might be sick, and he was going to stay down there to help him out. Rachel and Dustin were okay with that and said to let them know if they were needed. 11:15 hit before Troy knocked out on his bed as well, but hoping Hayden would be better in the morning so Troy could find out what happened between Hayden and his parents.