=Normal POV=
(Sunday, July 12, 2020-5:30 pm)
[Berk Transportation Center]
Finally! After eleven months our of the eighteen-month tour in Aleppo, Syria; Hayden and Troy were on their two-week leave! It started as soon as the two lovers landed on the mainland, which had been an hour ago now. Hayden and Troy quickly grabbed the next ferry out to Berk, and the Raseri family as well as Gabriel had been informed during a layover that the two Warriors were on their way home and when they'd be arriving in Berk. Dustin, Rachel, Cole, and Gabriel were there and waiting. Unfortunately, so were Spencer, Vivian, Avery, Drew, Hailey, Rylee, Tyler, Fisher, and Shane because Gabriel opened his big mouth to them. Gabriel hoped that Hayden wouldn't be too upset as Gabriel hadn't had time to warn him. Troy and Hayden got off the ferry with their bags and headed for inside the central area; that's when Hayden saw his folks and former friends there.
"Shit," Hayden groaned.
"What's wrong?" Troy inquired.
"My parents and ex-friends are here too. Gabriel must have said something by accident," Hayden muttered out with a sigh.
"Do they know we're a couple?" Troy wondered.
"I don't think so. I said you my friend back in April, when you had been sick after that twelve-hour guard, but also added you were more than that; I don't think they caught on because they never knew I was gay. Hell, they didn't even know I was bisexual. I guess you could say that I didn't come out to them because I don't think they support it, so I never said anything at all," Hayden looked down.
"Hey, it's no big deal. Some people don't come out for fear of being judged. We hid it from the Inferno Platoon for months until the day you got hurt saving us all," Troy smiled. "They think I'm your friend, then that's all they have to know unless you want to tell them at some point when you feel ready. There is no pressure, Hayden. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to; it's your decision, and I will support whatever one you make. We acted like nothing was going on before, and we can do it again. So, here's the plan; they think your apartment is the one Gabriel is staying in. You go home with him, then after they leave; walk a few streets over and join my family and me,"
Hayden hugged him as Troy lifted his bag just enough to block the kiss he gave Hayden on the lips. "Can we enjoy more kisses like that tonight?" Hayden asked as Troy laughed a bit.
"Of course," Troy nodded. "Come on, we better get in there," he motioned. Hayden and Troy walked beside one another and into the waiting area/ticket sales.
"I see them!" Rachel squealed with joy. Troy and Hayden were both still in their uniforms and making their way towards the group anxiously awaiting to see them. After all, next month it would mark a year that they had left for their tour, and in just a few more days; Troy and Hayden would celebrate one year of dating together. Once within hugging range, Rachel threw her arms around Troy. "Oh, my baby!" Hayden chuckled as he shook his head and went to see his parents, Gabriel and ex-friends. Rachel suddenly let go of Troy and stopped Hayden. "And where do you think you're going? You get a hug too, sweetheart!" Rachel embraced him tightly.
"It's…Good to see you too, Mrs. Raseri," Hayden wheezed out.
"Rachel, darling; perhaps let the boy breathe?" Dustin offered quickly. Rachel let go of Hayden as he took a few breaths and then Rachel kissed Hayden's cheek.
"I'm so thrilled you are both back! Even if it's just two weeks. What shall I make for dinner?" Rachel asked as Hayden looked at Troy for help.
"Hayden is…going to go home with his uncle tonight, Mom. B-But he promises to come over for supper another night," Troy said quickly.
"Ah! No problem," Dustin caught on as Gabriel had informed Dustin of the situation about Gabriel telling the others his apartment was really Hayden's. "You let Troy know when you're coming over, Hayden. And it's wonderful to have you back home, lad," Dustin offered his hand to shake Hayden's, which Hayden returned with a smile and nod.
"And thank you for all the help you gave me, Mr. Raseri," Hayden informed.
"Anytime, Hayden," Dustin nodded.
"Do I get a hug or handshake?" Cole questioned. Hayden laughed a bit.
"How about what we do in the Marines? A little bit of both," Hayden suggested as he put his hand up and Cole connected his to Hayden's, then Hayden pulled Cole in for a hug, but their hands stayed attached in front of their chests. After a minute, Hayden stepped back and let go, then faced his boyfriend. Troy brought his hand up and Hayden put his to Troy's as they hugged. Troy snuck a kiss on Hayden's cheek that the others couldn't see."I'll see you in a few days?" Hayden hinted, meaning hours instead of days.
"Just shoot me a text," Troy chuckled.
"Will do," Hayden nodded as he headed over to Gabriel, who instantly grabbed Hayden into a tight hug!
"WELCOME HOME, LADDIE!" Gabriel announced. Hayden was sure he heard something crack for the force of Gabriel's embrace.
"Thanks, but can we not break my bones? I don't think my commander will approve of me returning injured," Hayden chuckled. Gabriel let go and smiled broadly.
"Oh, neva yew mind! I haven't seen you in person since last AUGUST!" Gabriel reminded and bopped him on the head.
"Stop, you see me all the time on Skype," Hayden rolled his eyes.
"It's not ta same!" Gabriel mumbled.
"I suppose not. Come on, we'll finish this outside so we're not taking up space in here," Hayden suggested. Without much argument because Spencer, Vivian, and the ex-friends didn't want to upset him; they all exited the main building and went outside.
. . .
[Gabriel's Apartment]
Thankfully, Gabriel had slipped Hayden the key to the apartment, so when they reached Hayden's place; it looked more realistic that Hayden was opening the door to his residence. Walking inside, Hayden followed his instincts to the master bedroom and placed his things on the bed, then taking a few moments to change into something comfortable like jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt, but Hayden's watch and dog tags remained on his person when he came out and saw everyone sitting around there.
"Alright, I have to know why you call came to the transportation center?" Hayden wondered.
"Your uncle mentioned it to us that he had to leave to meet you, and we decided to come too since we haven't seen you since April 2019," Spencer informed.
"I had a good reason for not wanting to see or speak with you two," Hayden retorted with his arms folded over one another.
"Hayden, that was a year ago; you can't possibly still be mad," Vivian sighed.
"I think you will find that I can do whatever I want," Hayden paused, "Provided it's legal," he added afterward. "You had zero right to grab me the way you did, Dad,"
"You wouldn't tell us what we wanted to know," Spencer reminded.
"And what makes you think anything has changed?" Hayden inquired, then his cell phone rang. "Sergeant Haddock here," he answered without looking. "I can barely hear you, Lieutenant Hunters," he rolled his eyes. "Yes, Raseri and I both made it back to Berk in one piece; the storm only delayed us an hour," Silence a moment. "How should I know? It's your responsibility to know where you put your documents. I'm on leave," he said. "No, you made me your second in command because I've got the skills to be a leader, which I basically am to Inferno, so why do we have you again?" he grinned and put it on speaker.
"Zip it, Haddock or I'll make you do PT when you get back,"
"Tell me why you think that bothers me when I had the best scores in the entire Alpha Company?" Hayden asked.
"Huh, good point. Come on! Commander Bludvist will-Hey, Commander Bludvist. What brings you by?" Hayden facepalmed and rubbed his eyes.
"Left file cabinet, the fourth drawer; should in the folder labeled; IPMR" Hayden informed.
"See, Commander! I have Staff Sergeant Haddock's mission notes from last night right here,"
"Who are you on the phone with, Hunters?" Hayden couldn't help but snicker. Kristopher was in so much trouble.
"Who am I on the phone with? Oh, just Haddock; he wanted to let me know that he and Raseri made it back safely,"
"Haddock, what did Hunters call for?"
"Sorry, Hunters," Hayden stated. "Lieutenant Hunters misplaced the report I made about last night's recon mission with Viking Squad, Commander Bludvist,"
"Your honesty is appreciated, Staff Sergeant Haddock. Perhaps when you return, you can help your Lieutenant get organized,"
"A task I would not mind taking on, sir. Don't be too hard on him now," Hayden smiled.
"No promises. These were vital documents to something big we're working on, and your squad risked your lives to get the information. They can't afford to be misplaced. When you get back, be ready for things to get a lot busier, harder, and more dangerous. You'll be going on a lot of high priority, classified operations. It's time to show these enemies what we're made of,"
"We warriors aren't afraid of a little hard work to ensure the safety of our home. As those of us in Inferno live by, sir. Feel no fear, know our pride; for Odin and Island, we'll end your life," Hayden informed.
"Could not have said it better myself. You're a warrior through and through, kid. Proud to be serving beside you,"
"As with you, Commander. We'll come back and be ready to raise Hell. Have a good night," Hayden said.
"You as well, Sergeant. Enjoy your two weeks," Hayden ended the call. "Man, Kris is in so much trouble," he shook his head. "What?" he asked when he saw them staring at him after the conversation.
"Should I even ask why your CO said you and your squad were on a life-risking mission?" Gabriel arched a brow.
"Probably not," Hayden replied.
"You didn't get hurt, right?" Avery questioned.
"I didn't die, and we'll leave it at that. Sorry, but there are some things I can't tell you," Hayden shrugged.
"But-," Vivian tried.
"I can't, Mom. All you get to know without me getting into a world of trouble is that a number of the operations I run are a matter of Archipelago Islands Security," Hayden informed. "You need not worry; I know what I was getting into when I chose Infantry as my job,"
"Hayden, as a former military man myself; I know that those missions are reserved for SOF's," Gabriel reminded.
"What is S.O.F?" Fisher inquired.
"Special Operations Force. Every branch of the military has a significant group, about the size of a Battalion, with highly advanced training. It's to perform secret operations such as; airborne operations, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, covert ops, direct action, hostage rescue, high-value targets/manhunting, intelligence operations, mobility operations, and unconventional warfare. You gotta get outrageously high on the ASVAB in specific areas, have near perfect PT scores, etc. It's a lot of work," Gabriel mentioned as he looked at Hayden.
"Are you one of those things, Hayden?" Spencer asked.
"It's nothing you need to concern yourself with, Dad because it's none of your damn business," Hayden remarked.
"Hayden. I'm getting sick and tired of you not giving answers!" Vivian said firmly.
"Stay sick and tired then. I don't have to tell you anything!" Hayden glared.
"Enough, Hayden. You ran away from home in 2018, you joined the Marines…You did all these things that nobody understands! Why won't you tell us?!" Spencer yelled.
"I didn't run away; I moved out! And what do you fucking care?! I did not come home for two weeks after being at war for eleven goddamn months to deal with this, again! Be lucky I've told you anything at all!" Hayden said.
"Hayden Haddock; you will tell me right now why you took the gun out of the safe and house two years ago!" Vivian rose to her feet.
Hayden went to the master room, grabbing his bags quickly and heading for the apartment door. "Not another step, Hayden. You've put it off long enough; tell your mother and me why you-," Spencer began.
"I WAS GOING TO KILL MYSELF!" Hayden raged as the room fell into a dead silence. All eyes widened and mouths dropped open in shock, except for Gabriel's. "See? I knew you couldn't handle the truth. I took the gun to The Cove to kill myself, then backed out after finding a new reason to keep living. There you go; I told you. Now leave me alone!" he opened the apartment door and raced out. Hayden couldn't deal with this; he wanted out now. He needed Troy.