{Normal POV}
(Wednesday, November 11, 2020-11:30 am)
[Isle of Berk; Raven Point Park]
Hayden spoke with Gabriel shortly after getting off the phone with Troy, and of course, the man did not mind Hayden staying with him one bit. So yesterday when the after party was over, Hayden left with Gabriel to get to his apartment with all the things he would need to return to Syria with. The night wasn't as bad being away from his parents' place, and Hayden told Gabriel the reason he wanted out of their house. Gabriel understood entirely and said that Hayden would always have a place to stay with him. Hayden knew that twelve hours from now, he would be back with Troy, and honestly; he couldn't wait. Hayden spoke to Troy this morning and learned Troy would be on a ten-hour patrol with the platoon, and one of the Lieutenants from another group. Hayden wouldn't be able to talk to him between flights, but that was okay; it wouldn't matter when Hayden got to Syria and could hug Troy. Hayden decided to go to the park at 10 am, and thus far, has been here all this time to just reflect on the last few days. Hayden was sitting on a park bench, staring out the lake before him.
"I thought I might find you here," came a familiar voice. Hayden turned to see Avery standing there.
"Hi, Avery," Hayden greeted.
"Mind if I sit with you?" Avery asked. Hayden shook his head and moved a little so she could take a seat beside him.
"Thought you were working like the others," Hayden said.
"Nah, it's my off day, but the others are meeting here for lunch at 12 since the weather is perfect for November," Avery smiled. "Maybe you can join us?"
"Well, I gotta be at the Berk Transportation Station for 1:30 to catch a chopper back to the mainland. Fort Archian sent one so I wouldn't have to take the hour ferry ride," Hayden informed. "I guess I have time to hang until 1 pm," he added.
"That's great. And hey, your deployment is almost over," Avery beamed.
"Thank the Gods," Hayden sighed out, sitting back on the bench.
"Not easy to be over there?" Avery inquired.
"It's not as bad the news crews make it out to be. Yeah, it gets a little heavy now and then, but most of the time; we're sitting around looking for something to do," Hayden enlightened.
"Really?" Avery blinked.
Hayden nodded. "Most of the missions are recon; just gathering information. A few of them are unpin and rescue. Guards or patrols might be long, but sometimes we just sit around in one area and watch things. Hell, there were a few instances where we hung with the locals; families working, kids playing. No; it's not as awful as everyone believes," he assured.
"That seems nice, but I meant as in not comfortable dealing with any losses," Avery reiterated. Hayden flinched a little, glancing off to the side, and then casting his eyes down. There had been other deaths in the Alpha Company besides Kristopher Hunters, Tucker Wayver, and Sydney Ostberg. The company started with one hundred and forty-eight people, not including the officers, and now it was down to one hundred and twenty-two. Twenty-six warriors gone, and Hayden knew that could change in the blink of an eye. The Inferno Platoon, in total so far had lost five over the last fifteen months. There was Kristopher Hunters, the leader. Then, Tucker, Sydney, Sonny, and Kody. Two shots to the chest on the left side killed Kody two months before Hunters died, and Sonny died after being stabbed in the chest, but his death happened on the chopper ride back the base. Hayden was brought from his thoughts by feeling Avery's hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have asked,"
"No, it's okay. It's…War; it happens even if we don't like it. Unfortunately, we all know the ultimate price we might have to pay for freedom and peace," Hayden remarked, then he looked out to the water again.
"No, I meant that I shouldn't have brought up losing people you were close to when you just lost your grandfather," Avery said softly. "Is that why you came here before you end up going back; to remember him?"
Hayden nodded once. "Poppy always used to take me here when I was little. We'd have picnics, feed the birds, watch the clouds go by and see what pictures we could see. I had some of the best years of my life with that man,"
"I know, Hayden. There were many times that we all came with you two; it was always a fun time running around the playground, and he'd get us ice cream before we left. Odin bless him for being able to handle all of us at the same time," Avery chuckled a little. Hayden did too.
"Yeah…" Hayden agreed, though, his chuckle half of one and sad. Hayden wished he could talk to Troy, but he knew his boyfriend was already on that ten-hour guard and would get off of it just before Hayden arrived back in Syria. Right now, it was going on lunchtime, and the rest of friends would be coming shortly.
"Your singing was incredible on Friday; we never knew you could," Avery said, trying to change the subject.
Hayden shrugged. "It not exactly something I made public knowledge,"
"But still; it was terrific," Avery smiled at him.
"Thanks, I think. I don't really feel like I'm good at it," Hayden informed. Avery's hand rested on Hayden's gently as he looked at her surprised.
"You are amazing at it, Hayden. You know; I really missed you when you took off a couple years ago…" Avery trailed off, blushing a little. "I worry about you when you're over there in Syria,"
"Y-You don't need to; I know what I'm doing," Hayden assured. Avery moved a bit closer as Hayden tensed a little. All of a sudden, Avery leaned in and pressed her lips to Hayden's. Instantly, his eyes widened, and he pushed her back while getting to his feet. "What in Thor's name are you doing, Avery!?"
It was then that Avery realized what she did, and bit her bottom lip. "I'm sorry! Hayden, I'm so sorry! I-I don't know what came over me,"
"Why would you even think it's okay to kiss me!?" Hayden yelled.
"I know, I'm sorry! I really am! I just…I've always liked you, and seeing you so miserable; I-I don't know. I just did it," Avery tried.
"Avery, I am GAY and have a BOYFRIEND!" Hayden emphasized both words for her. "Gods, Troy is going to flip out…" Hayden raked his hands through his semi-long hair. Avery stood up with her hands out.
"No! No, don't tell Troy, Hayden! Please?" Avery pleaded.
"You expect me not to tell Troy that one of my friends who knows I'm gay and is taken but likes me anyway kissed me?!" Hayden asked.
"Please?! He'll be furious, and I-I don't want to get yelled at by him; Troy is…Scary when it comes to anything regarding you," Avery begged now.
"No kidding? I know he's protective. Troy loves me, and he doesn't want me to get hurt again given the circumstances of how we met when I was in this same park about to shoot myself in the side of the head because everyone walking out of my life and abandoning me!" Hayden remarked.
"I swear I won't do it again," Avery grabbed his hand. Hayden pulled his from hers and backed up.
Hayden shook his head. "Troy told me he didn't trust any of you, and I should have listened!" Hayden glared as Avery bit her bottom lip, trying not to cry.
"Hayden?" Hailey asked. Hayden looked over to see the friends had arrived. No; he wasn't doing this, and he wanted out of the park now. Hell, he wanted out of Berk. Hayden grabbed his phone and dialed a number while putting it on the speaker to make sure he had everything.
"Kongur here," a voice answered.
"Cody; it's Hayden," Hayden said.
"Hey, LT! What's up?"
"Have you arrived at BTC yet?" Hayden inquired.
"Uh, yeah. Just landed about fifteen minutes ago. You still coming at 1330?"
"Change in plans. I need you at RPP to pick me up," Hayden stated.
"Raven Point Park? Sure, where ya at?"
"Edge of the lake where the playground is. How fast can you get here?" Hayden wondered.
"About five minutes once I get in the air. Why the rush? Has something hap-,"
"Pretend its an immediate extraction out of enemy territory and move your ass, boy. I need out. Chopper, NOW! That's a direct order, Lance Corporal Kongur!" Hayden demanded.
"Aye, sir, Lieutenant Haddock!" the call ended second later as Hayden pulled out his boots, hat, and ACU coat.
"Is everything okay?" Shane wondered.
"No; it's not. Sorry, I won't be staying for lunch after all. Perhaps after the tour ends; we can all hang out. Shane, let Gabriel and parents know that I had an earlier departure than planned and I'll call them later," Hayden said as he kicked off his sneakers, and slipped into his boots; tucking in the pants and lacing his boots up. Hayden got his coat on, then put his hat on his head while putting everything else away and closing his bag before putting it on his shoulder. After all that, the sound of a chopper nearing was heard.
"Hayden, please! I'm so sorry. Don't tell him, please? We can just pretend it never happened, and he doesn't have to know." Avery pleaded.
"No, Troy and I don't do that to one another. He's my boyfriend and my best friend. Our friendship and relationship are based on communication and trust! If you didn't want this coming out, then you shouldn't have done it. What kind of friend are you? How dare you ask me to lie to Troy and keep this from him to cover your ass! I just…Can't even believe you right now, or deal with this. And I sure as hell don't know if I can forgive it a second time as you've already hurt me once before!" Hayden stated. The chopper landed as Hayden walked over; it was a small one, built for four or fewer people. Hayden tossed his bag in the storage area, then climbed into the co-pilot spot. After Hayden got the headset on and gave a thumbs up to his friend, the helicopter lifted into the air and was gone heading to the main island.
"Avery. What the hell did you do?" Drew asked after the area went quiet.
"I did something foolish," Avery closed her eyes.
"Such as?" Rylee wondered.
"I-I kissed him," Avery admitted. The friends' eyes widened at the confession. Avery kissed Hayden, and had wanted him not to tell Troy? No wonder he was upset, and just bailed to return to Syria.
. . .
(11:47 pm)
[Aleppo, Syria; Sector Myrkur]
Getting to the Archian Outpost; Hayden was actually glad to be back. Gods, he really had needed to get out of Berk after everything at the park. Hayden was exhausted, and still upset about what happened with Avery, but all he wanted was to be in Troy's arms after everything this past five days. The loss of his grandfather, the overwhelming depression from being in his parents' house, and now this with Avery. No; he wanted away from Berk and to be with his boyfriend. A Jeep dropped Hayden off just outside the M1 Barrack as he held his backpack on one shoulder and sighed. Finally, Hayden opened the door and walked in to be greeted by everyone who was still awake even though it was almost midnight.
"Hayden!" they cheered, and even the girls scrambled over to welcome him back. Troy was before Hayden instantly.
"I've missed you, Hayden…" Troy whispered as everyone began to back off to give the two lovers some space.
"I've missed you as well, Troy," Hayden replied.
"How are you? Is everything okay? Holding up alright?" Troy asked with his hands on Hayden's shoulder. Hayden's face fell some as Troy frowned.
"Holding up, but not okay. I miss my grandfather, and I'm tired," Hayden revealed as Troy kissed his forehead. "I just…want to be held…and sleep if that's not too much to ask?"
"Not too much at all, Love. Why don't you take off the hat, coat, and boots? Go use the bathroom. Let Bludvist know you're back, and then come lay in bed. I can hold you until you fall asleep," Troy suggested. Hayden nodded as he took his phone from his pocket and set it on his nightstand.
"There is…Something I want to talk to you about," Hayden confessed as Troy stared at him.
"Alright, go ahead," Troy invited.
Hayden shook his head. "Can I tell you tomorrow after I've gotten some rest? It has to do with earlier today before the flight back when I was at the park. And I promise I will let you know tomorrow; I'm just…mentally and physically exhausted, Troy. Like, it's actually starting to make me feel sick," he said. Troy kissed him softly and nodded.
"Then we can speak tomorrow, babe. Just tell me if I'm going to like this or not so I can prepare for the information?" Troy inquired.
"You're going to hate it, and probably get pissed," Hayden admitted.
Troy sighed some. "Alright. Well, I'm sure whatever it is; we can get through it together as we always do," Troy assured. Hayden kissed Troy's cheek.
"One of the many reasons I love you," Hayden smiled a little, then left the barrack to use the bathroom. No sooner than three minutes passed as Hayden's phone vibrated on the nightstand. Troy glanced over to see a Skype message from; Shield_Maiden5100{Avery}. Troy saw the battery dipping into the red, so he put it on his own charger. However, Troy caught sight of what Avery had written since Hayden's phone was set up to show previews before unlocking the phone to reply.
Hayden. I know you're upset with me because of what happened at the park. You're right; I had no right to kiss you, but please…don't hate me. I just got…caught up in my feelings for you, and I didn't mean for it to happen. Please, forgive me? I'll do anything. Please, message me back when you get this? I really am sorry…
Troy's eyes widened. Avery KISSED Hayden?! Is that why Hayden seemed so upset right now, on top of losing his grandfather. And is this what Hayden was going to tell him? Hayden mentioned that something happened at the park, and Avery is saying she kissed him there. Also, Hayden noted Troy would hate what he said and would be pissed. Well, Troy was mad. However, not at Hayden, he wasn't. Troy wanted to know everything first before he went getting pissed. Besides, Hayden might not like knowing Troy found out about this by looking at a private message that wasn't meant for him. Troy took a deep breath and relaxed as Hayden returned five minutes later, finally kicking off his boots. Hayden took off his outer coat, and hat before laying in bed. Troy smiled as he kissed Hayden's cheek, and held him tightly.
"I love you, Troy," Hayden yawned.
"I love you too, Hayden. Rest now," Troy replied. Soon, Hayden was knocked out there, and Troy remained next to him until he fell asleep as well.