=Normal POV=
(Monday, June 17, 2019-9 am)
Well, everything ended up working out a few days ago when Hayden realized that Troy's only chance of survival on the 13th was for Hayden to propel himself down the mountainside and get them both back up by working together to pull their combined weight. Commander DonovanBludvist loved hearing the tale, and said that Hayden did everything he was supposed to in such a time-constricted situation. Hayden didn't like having to explain everything to Vincent, Ryan, Kristopher, and Donovan, but there wasn't much he could do because recruits, as they were at the time; weren't supposed to launch rescues on their own in case something terrible happened to land both in trouble. However, Hayden did everything exactly how a rescue team would have done, and he got bonus points for the teamwork used had it been a situation that they were on their own. Troy was beyond grateful to Hayden, and in all that terrifyingness, Troy realized that he did like Hayden back, and planned to tell him as soon as they were alone. Troy wasn't sure what the next step would be; he assumed dating, but perhaps it wouldn't be a good thing to rush into that without testing the waters first. However, nothing could go anywhere until Hayden was aware, so that is what Troy was looking for his opportune moment to reveal
As of Sunday, the 16th at 3 pm, Hayden and Troy were full Infantry Marines along with their Company. Currently, everyone was waiting to find out their stationing orders, but nothing had been told to them yet. As such, the Warriors were stuck on base until further notice. Gabriel, Cole, Dustin, and Rachel had come up for the graduation, but had to leave by 7 pm Sunday night. Troy and Hayden promised to update them as soon as they knew what was going on. Initially, the orders for stations were set, but it seemed something came up to change them and the matter had not been resolved thus far. The Marines were in their barracks, sitting around and hoping to get some answers today. The request seemed granted when someone yelled out; Warriors! Front and Center, now! That was Kristopher Hunters's voice; the Platoon leader. Without wasting time, the Warriors formed up outside and remained silent.
"For the time being until stationing orders are sorted out; you are all free to return to your islands. We're hoping to have this matter resolved within a few weeks, so be prepared for your phone calls," Kristopher announced to Inferno.
"Sir, yes sir!" the Platoon replied together with a salute.
"Very good then. On your way. Dismissed," Kristopher walked away. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at the news, then broke off to start preparing to leave Fort Archian to get home. For Troy, this was perfect because now he would get to talk to Hayden.
. . .
[Island of Berk; Raseri House]
(12:20 pm)
Gabriel and the Raseri family were thrilled to get the call that Hayden and Troy were coming home for a bit before getting stationed. However, none of them could leave work, so the boys were left with taking a taxi home. Thankfully, it would allow them to have a little peace to talk before the inevitable celebrations began that had been promised by Rachel to welcome them back. Hayden and Troy unpacked their things and relaxed in the central room after getting done and having an early lunch. It was nearing 12:30 pm and Troy saw no better time than now, before Cole got off school, to talk to Hayden about things.
"Hayden, do you remember what we said we'd discuss when training ended?" Troy stated as Hayden looked at him.
"There's no rush, Troy," Hayden reminded.
"I know, but I figured things out and since we're alone right now; we might as well talk before we're hounded by everyone enjoying us being home," Troy admitted. Hayden sat up and faced Troy fully. "So, the bottom line is this, Hayden," Troy began as Hayden tensed seeing the serious look in Troy's eyes. "I like you, as more than a friend,"
"Y-You do?" Hayden questioned, surprised at the answer.
Troy nodded. "That's what I said," he laughed a little. "And I thought that since it's kind'a new for both of us; we should take it slow?"
"That's actually what I was going to suggest if this ended up becoming a thing," Hayden agreed.
"Okay, good. Whew; that's out of the way," Troy sighed in relief. "Maybe we can start with just going on a couple dates, not in a relationship, and test the waters?"
"I'm alright with that. And…We aren't telling anyone about this until we get together, if we get that far?" Hayden asked.
"Oh, absolutely," Troy smiled. "So since we know we're probably confined here for the night with my parents and your uncle being overjoyed to see us home; how about we get dinner on Wednesday night around 5:30 pm?" he offered.
"I'd love to," Hayden responded with a smile in return.
"Perfect then. Meet by my car for 5:15?" Troy asked.
"It's a date," Hayden nodded to him.
. . .
[Berky's]
(Wednesday, June 19, 2019-5:45 pm)
As planned, and with a small excuse to leave the house without giving away what Troy and Hayden were doing; the two teenagers went to a fast food place for dinner. After all, there was no reason to do anything fancy on a first date. Troy and Hayden reached their destination and walked inside to the counter.
"Hello, welcome to Berky's!" greeted the cashier cheerfully. "Will you be dining in or taking out this evening?" she asked.
"In, please," Troy replied.
"What can I get for you?" the female, Olivia, as the name read on her tag said.
"Do you know what you want, Hayden?" Troy inquired.
"Well, I haven't been here in ages; everything is different," Hayden admitted with a smile.
"The fish sandwich combo, please. No pickle or lettuce, and medium size," Troy ordered.
"Okay, and for you?" Olivia redirected the question back to Hayden.
"I guess I'll do the Berkian Single with cheese combo. Only lettuce, mayo, and ketchup. The medium as well, please," Hayden said.
"Alrighty. It's going to be $15.29," Olivia smiled broadly. Troy handed the cashier a twenty before Hayden could even get his wallet out. The woman gave Troy his change, then their cups as she went to get the things for the order.
"I thought we were paying together," Hayden mumbled.
"I guess this means that you can foot the bill on the next date we go on," Troy chuckled as Hayden rolled his eyes, but smiled. Within five minutes, Troy and Hayden had their drinks, and were seated at a table in the back across from one another with their meal.
"This is kind'a nice," Hayden stated while they were unwrapping the sandwiches.
"I am enjoying it too. First date you've ever been on with another male?" Troy asked.
"First date period," Hayden said bashfully as Troy blinked at him in surprise. "I know; pretty pathetic that I'm nineteen and just going on my first date,"
"No, not really. I see it as you took the time to make sure of things regarding yourself and feelings for another. There are so many people out there who get a crush, and jump into it, then end up heartbroken when it doesn't work out because they didn't take the time to get to know someone first," Troy informed.
"You're referring to the fact that you and I became friends first?" Hayden looked at him.
"Of course. Most good relationships start and last because the couple has time in as friends before lovers. It gives the basis of knowing one another, and seeing if two people can mesh their personalities together; all that stuff. You admitted to crushing on me since February, but you took until April to understand that you're actually gay, and your feelings for me. Likewise, I spent a few months doing the same and we started this because we are both sure of our feelings for each other, and we have the friendship of eight months behind us too," Troy enlightened.
"Huh, does sound less pathetic when you put it that way," Hayden laughed a bit. For the remainder of the date, Troy and Hayden enjoyed their food, and talked about work-related things. The two genuinely loved the time they were getting together, and after eating the sandwiches and fries, then taking a small break, they got ice cream that Hayden paid for. After they finished that; the teens left Berky's to return home.
. . .
[Raven Point Park]
(Tuesday, July 16, 2019-12:15 pm)
Tomorrow would mark a month since Troy and Hayden started going on dates to test the waters of a possible relationship between them, and make sure the feelings didn't just fade away. It had been one of their concerns that they liked one another, but started dating and things changed, so that's why they decided to take it slow with going on dates in a romantic sense to see how it went. Thus far, there were no problems and the two wanted to continue it after a discussion last week about just checking in to make sure it's what they both wanted. As Troy and Hayden were both comfortable with their feelings for each other, Troy decided to push the envelope by asking if Hayden wanted to be his boyfriend. Troy had it all planned out for today while they were at the park on another date. The two went on one or two a week for any of the daily meals, and even went to a movie once, but today they decided to do lunch in the park. Troy wouldn't take Hayden to The Cove because he didn't know how Hayden would feel being there again after last October when he wanted to kill himself.
Troy and Hayden selected a quieter, shaded spot away from the majority of citizens walking around, then they set out the blanket to sit on. Troy and Hayden sat down and pulled out their food for lunch; grinders, chips, couple treats, and of course, drinks.
"Gods, it's such a beautiful day," Hayden remarked cheerfully.
"I know, right? And to think we had all that rain for two days; I'm glad the grass dried out," Troy replied as he handed Hayden one of the grinders.
"Thanks," Hayden smiled as he began to open it while looking around.
"You expecting someone else?" Troy chuckled.
"No, just making sure my parents and ex-friends aren't around. I really don't feel like seeing them," Hayden sighed.
"Will you ever forgive any of them?" Troy wondered.
"I don't know, maybe? It would take a lot considering the last time I tried to believe my parents were sorry, well, you saw how that ended up," Hayden reminded. And Troy did too; he didn't like knowing that Spencer put his hands on Hayden, and hurt him. Hayden confessed that his father grabbing him so hard and refusing to let go was painful. Hayden had contemplated very briefly on pressing charges, but decided against it.
"I can understand," Troy nodded.
"I guess no matter what; I can't hate them. I can severely dislike the things they do or say, but I still love my parents," Hayden shrugged.
"What about your ex-friends?" Troy questioned.
"Don't hate them either. I can't hate anyone; it's just not me. I know they all know the truth about the things that happened, but I don't know if I'm ready to see them yet. Everyone tossed me aside without a second thought at the time; no chances to explain, or they wouldn't believe me when I tried," Hayden closed his eyes. "I guess I'm waiting to see how far they're willing to go to be in my life, if at all,"
"Seems well thought out," Troy nodded. "To make them come to you if they really want to be in your life and make up for the wrong they did to you,"
"I suppose. It's confusing, but maybe I'm just scared fo them knowing the truth," Hayden stated.
"Your parents and ex-friends do know what happened, on all accounts thanks to my dad," Troy reminded.
"No, not of that," Hayden shook his head. "The reason dad got upset with me is that I didn't tell him why I had the gun. Turns out Avery and my former friends were the ones to find it at The Cove after I left it there. I'm afraid of them knowing that I took it to kill myself,"
"You shouldn't be ashamed of that, Hayden," Troy informed.
"How can I not be? I got low, weak, cowar-," Hayden started.
"No, Hayden. You got fed up and hurt. That's all that was, and you shouldn't feel guilty about what you wanted to do to stop the pain. Yes, it was a moment of weakness, but sometimes the only way to see how strong you are is to feel yourself at your lowest point. And it's okay that you hit rock bottom because guess what? When there is nowhere left to fall, the only place you can go is up. You rise, Hayden, and that's exactly what you did. Nine months ago, you were at this park, on your knees, and ready to die. Where are you now?" Troy asked.
"Alive, living with you, a job as a Marine," Hayden replied.
"Exactly. Alive was all you needed to say. You're living, not dead because you didn't let yourself give up. And don't say it's because I stopped you. You damn well know that if you wanted to; you could have pulled the trigger. You didn't want to die; you just didn't want to hurt anymore," Troy smiled with his hand on Hayden's shoulder. "Everything you have now is because you made it happen; you fought to have a future. You're fighting to find your purpose in life. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, Hayden. And you're stronger now because you survived your lowest point, so don't be ashamed of it, because it's only helping in defining who you are,"
"You think so?" Hayden asked.
"Look at all you've accomplished since then. You made a friend, me," Troy said as Hayden smiles some. "And you got me for life," he added as Hayden nodded understanding. "You got a job. You're a Marine. You learned you're gay, and you developed feelings for someone, also me," Troy smiled as his hand rested on Hayden's; effectively making him blush. "And you got one more thing too, if you want it that is,"
"What's that?" Hayden blinked, unsure of what Troy meant.
"You've got a boyfriend," Troy chuckled.
"I, we, uh…" Hayden stammered a little.
"Hayden, I'm asking if you want to be with me as boyfriend and boyfriend, lovers, a couple, in a relationship. However you want to put it," Troy stared into Hayden's eyes. "That's why I said it's one more thing if you want it,"
"I-I do! Yes, I want that! Well, you," Hayden said quickly, shocked that Troy asked him out. "I thought we were gonna talk about it first?"
"I don't think we need to. We're comfortable in all this; we were as friends who lived and trained with one another. I don't think that's about to change just because we have feelings for each other. Nothing has changed except the fact we're dating, but we still do everything together," Troy reminded.
"Yeah, you're right," Hayden nodded.
"So, you want to start this relationship with a kiss instead of a handshake like nine months ago?" Troy quirked a brow at his boyfriend. Hayden blushed, but he nodded. Slowly, Troy and Hayden leaned in while closing their eyes, and finally, their lips met in a soft kiss. It was short, but meaningful and both of them loved how it made them feel. After a few seconds, Troy and Hayden pulled away. Hayden's cheeks were flushed as he could feel his heart racing. Troy smiled, "Not bad for a first kiss?"
"No, totally perfect," Hayden responded breathlessly. And Gods, it was! Hayden's first kiss was with Troy, who was now his boyfriend. Nothing could be better than this; Troy and Hayden couldn't be happier to like one another, and now be together as a couple. Hayden honestly couldn't wait to see what else the future held for him, and Troy felt the same.