Fandom The Day The World Changed { The Last of Us 1x1 with icedthemoon }

[EquineGurl23]

The Day The World Changed

Infected crops changed the world when a fungal infection (Cordyceps) turned people into infected. The infection starts with stage 1 runners and gets progressively worse for the person. The world changed on 09/26/2013 and a pair of childhood sweethearts living in Seattle get caught up in the chaos of outbreak day. They go on to live in the new Seattle Quarantine Zone and one of them joins the newly formed FEDRA that controls the zone.

A 1x1 The Last of Us Rp with icedthemoon​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Spoiler: Joshua

Portrayed by David Gandy

The world was wonderful to Joshua, especially today, September 24th 2013. He was driving them to the Seattle Aquarium for a date and he was going to finally ride the Ferris Wheel. Josh had a fear of heights, and anything higher than a seven rung step ladder was too high for him. His goal had always been to go on the Ferris Wheel and today was the day. He'd have Hayden with him and there was nothing that would stop him from doing what he'd been wanting to.

Joshua and Hayden were childhood sweethearts that had gotten together in their junior year of high school. Josh was a track runner that was rather reserved and his best friend was Hayden. They had been close before they started dating and only grew closer as they got older. Josh had taken a job at a local cafe in Seattle and found a small apartment to rent. He'd offered to rent it with Hayden as well.

It was a step in the right direction as the two had talked about marriage before. He looked beside him to Hayden and smiled at his boyfriend, excited to have a good time. Eventually they pulled into the aquarium and Josh found a spot to park. He got out first and held open the door for Hayden with a smile. "Ready to go see some sea animals babe?" Josh asked, holding out a hand for him.
​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Spoiler: Hayden

portrayed by liam o’brien

When Hayden Gaines was fourteen, a friend told him that being gay was the reason that he was going to be miserable for the rest of his life. “Why can’t you like girls? Someone like Ari or Bella.” They were wonderful girls, and Hayden loved them in the way that he loved all of his friends. However, he could never love them the way people thought he should. He simply did not like girls like that. This never really bothered him, because he was happy with his life. He was happy to have all of his friends, especially his best friend Joshua. Josh was athletic, even in his kind of reserved way. Hayden went to every track meet to support him. He really loved Josh.

No one could ever have been happier when best friends turned into boyfriends. His family already adored Josh almost as much as he did, so there was never much problem there. Family dinners and vacations already included his plus one. When he told his family, his sister Kyra rolled her eyes and asked, “Is that supposed to be new?” But she congratulated them anyway. She was the first person to tell him to live that happy life even if it was supposed to be harder and miserable. They did not have to suffer like everyone thought. When he moved in with Josh in that cute little apartment, Kyra helped him move what little furniture he needed to take with him and all of his nerdy little comic books and what not that he brought home from his job at the little comic and gaming store. His life was perfect. No one could ever be happier.

Hayden took Josh’s hand and stepped out of the car. “I am ready to see the sharks.” He loved sharks. They were majestic and fierce, two things that he always wished that he could be. With his free hand, he closed the door and turned to face his boyfriend. Giddy. Even though he had lived in Seattle his entire life, the aquarium was one of those places that he would never tire going to. That was why he was studying to be a marine biologist. His family could not afford college, so he was saving up money slowly, but any time he could, he was reading and studying so that he was prepared. He was close to be able to go. He had already saved up so much. He got a scholarship from a local organization. It was planned and ready. He could start in the Spring semester as long as everything went well. “And the jellyfish. And the stingrays. And the otters.” And really all of it.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh remembered when he first asked Hayden out. It was probably the most nervous he'd ever been. He had never thought about liking his friend that way until he'd reached fifteen and realized that not only did he like guys, but he liked Hayden. He liked his smile, how nerdy he was over his comic books and was just as into them even if he didn't seem like it. Josh remembered that Hayden would be at every track meet, supporting him which just made Josh love him all the more. The last five years had been a wonderful dream to Josh, working during the day and trying to help Hayden with his studying.

Josh knew that Hayden wanted to become a marine biologist, knew that he loved sea life of all kinds, but especially sharks. It made watching shark movies rather entertaining at night. He smiled as Hayden took his hand and chuckled hearing that. "I'm not surprised love. You've always loved sharks the most." He said as he led them to the front desk. He bought their tickets for everything, including the Ferris Wheel. He was determined to get on it and handle it. He had a surprise for Hayden at the top that had been sitting in his pocket for the last week. This date was the perfect opportunity to do what he's been wanting to do.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Really, Hayden should have been used to the nervous kind of feeling that wracked through his core every time he went on a date with Josh. He should have been used to any time they decided to go to the movies or go out to dinner somewhere fancier. But he wasn’t. He doubted he ever would be. Even though they lived together, and he came home to Josh every night, he was so excited over little things. Once, he stayed with his parents over a weekend, and when it was time for him to go back home to Josh, those nervous butterflies were so abundant that he almost thought he was getting sick. He was living a dream.

“You don’t have to do the Ferris Wheel if you don’t want to.” After Josh purchased the tickets he pulled him to the side. “Honey, I know you want to be able to do that one day, but it doesn’t have to be today.” There was nothing worse than forcing yourself into something that made you uncomfortable, and he hated the idea that Josh was going to do something like that for him. If he never rode that Ferris Wheel again, he was okay with that. He loved it, yes. He adored the view of the city and the water, but he would never subject that to his love.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

If there was anything to know about Josh, it was that he was determined. If he set his mind to something, he did it. It might take time before its finished or done, but he does it. He loved being able to take Hayden places, to be able to spoil him and love him. It was as if everything in the world was perfect and nothing could go wrong. He loved this life he had so much and he was planning on never letting it go. Josh felt Hayden pull him to the side and he he heard Hayden's concern. "My love. I will be fine to do the Ferris Wheel today. I promise. I can feel it, today's the day." He told him, smiling and kissed Hayden's cheek.

"But first, we have some sea life to go sea. Hey? Sea what I did there?" Josh chuckled, taking Hayden's hand and leading him into the aquarium. The first place they went was the center, the giant whales hanging from the ceiling and the clear glass floor that showed fish swimming under them. Josh had been here so often, but he still loved coming. It was peaceful and he loved seeing Hayden's face every time they came. It just made everything worth it to Josh.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

“Oh my god. I love you, but you are actually the most ridiculous and cringe-worthy person I have ever met,” Hayden whined as he followed after him. That determination was one of those things about Josh that made Hayden adore him. He was afraid of heights and worked so hard to be able to ride this Ferris Wheel. It truly was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. Followed by the giant whales hanging at the beginning of their journey. They were magical. Every time he saw them, he always slowed and stared with delight and amazement.

“Josh,” he breathed as he was unable to tear his eyes away from the magnificence of them. He stared another moment before he finally ripped his gaze away and grinned so wide at his boyfriend that one might think this was his first and not millionth time at this aquarium. “Let’s go somewhere magical.” He all but sprinted away, hand firmly in Josh’s to keep them together. As much as he loved every part of this place, there was nothing in there that he would want to experience alone. He moved quickly through the crowds of people, laughing as he ignored the looks they got from the families who were perhaps not as progressive or accepting. It didn’t matter. This was like his second home. Many of the employees knew him. When he was younger and had more time, he volunteered there every weekend. This was his favorite place.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh had heard him and chuckled at the whine. "And yet you keep staying around." He said with a smile. He looked around the area and he loved seeing Hayden slow and stare at the whales with amazement. That face just made him fall in love with Hayden all over again. He heard him breath his name and watched him stare at the whales for another moment before Josh heard him say that they should go somewhere magical. Josh felt him basically sprint away. It was a good thing Josh was a track runner, because he had no issue with keeping up with his boyfriend.

He saw the looks from families and he shook his head with a laugh. He was too enamored by his boyfriend to care. Joshua knew that Hayden would come here when he was younger to volunteer, he'd joined him a couple of times but it wasn't as interesting to him. Josh was more interested in land animals versus sea animals. He loved the Seattle Zoo himself and had volunteered there when he was younger. "You know babe, maybe you should've tried out for the track team with this sprint of yours."​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

He slowed as they moved away from the center. He found himself coming almost to a crawl as they found themselves in one of the many hallways. He had already read every bit of the information on these walls, but he read so much of it again each time they came by. Sometimes, he could add in other information. That was, of course, when he was not busy talking about other things. “You know as much as I do that Coach was too busy making me do all sorts of other things since I was always there. We’re lucky he didn’t decide I was part of the team.” He laughed at the memory of how often he got roped into things when he was at the track meets. He swung their arms as they walked. “So. Where to first?” His eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at Josh. “Where do you want to go?”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh slowed when Hayden slowed and he glanced at the information on the walls, but he'd read it often enough that he knew it just as much. He looked over at Hayden when he spoke again and chuckled at that. "This is true, I'm surprised Coach didn't just make you an honorary member of the track team." He said with a smile. It had been just one of many reasons that Josh had fallen even harder for Hayden. He felt their arms swing as they walked and he glanced over at his boyfriend. "Hmm. Sharks?" He asked, seeing the other's eyes sparkling with excitement. He preferred the sharks over the other sea animals, but he loved them all anyway.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden would go anywhere with Josh. He loved every part of this place. But the sharks were his favorite. He loved to see them all. He knew each by name he came so often. “Okay, yeah. Let’s go see the sharks.” He squeezed Josh’s hand and pulled them both that way. He was so far beyond prepared to tell Josh random facts that he learned. He loved sharing his knowledge with Josh. Everything was perfect in their lives. Nothing could ever make this worse. He all but ran through the halls and rooms, laughing as he pulled them around other families. They may have been 24, but sometimes when they were here and together, he felt like they were fifteen and newly in love again. Running around and giggling like school boys. That was how he knew that Josh was the one. That feeling never went away. ​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh was more than happy to let Hayden pull him towards the sharks. His enthusiasm was catching and Josh found himself laughing and running with Hayden. This was what he loved, feeling like they were fifteen again, young and in love. Now they were older and still very much in love. Joshua was Hayden’s and he was more than okay with that. In fact, he knew they’d never be separate, not really. They’d always be together. Once they reached the sharks, he looked at them swimming around and would listen to Hayden talk about them.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

The first thing he did when they reached the sharks was get lost in their magnificence. He slowed their chaotic movements as soon as he could see them behind the glass. He searched for each one just to make sure everyone was there. Some were missing, but that was normal. There were a million reasons they could be in the back. Josh’s hand firmly grasped in Hayden’s, he pulled them closer to the giant wall. “Did you know,” Hayden began, which was a telltale sign of the info dump beginning, “that coconuts are more lethal than sharks? They statistically kill thirty times more people than these guys.” He smiled as he watched them swim by. “And and and lawn mowers on average have 70 fatalities per year. You know how many sharks have on average per year?” He watched one swim right in front of them. “Two. Two a year. That’s it.” His eyes followed one particularly large shark as he swam by. “You’re not at all that dangerous, are you big guy?”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh felt Hayden slow them down and he could see his boyfriend getting lost in the sharks. He felt the firm grasp he had on Hayden’s hand and he was pulled to the giant wall. And there were the three words that preluded an info dump from his partner. The moment Josh was going to hear facts related to sharks. He listened intently about how coconuts and lawn mowers kill so many more than sharks do. He was surprised by the fact that sharks kill only two a year. Josh watched as a larger shark swam by and heard Hayden. “It’s surprising how small that number is. I guess Jaws was wrong in how dangerous sharks are.”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden laughed at his boyfriend’s words. “Jaws is an unrealistic perspective of a very real fear of the unknown. Things that are big and scary because of culturally misguided viewpoints are frequently misrepresented in media and thus become frightening phenomenon and lead to little kids backing away from the glass at an aquarium when he sees the big teeth.” He ended his brief rant by pointing towards just that. He watched as the kid cowered behind who Hayden assumed was his mother but still stared in awe. “That could be love if anyone would ever let them.” He sighed and looked back at the sharks. “Misrepresented. Misinterpreted. Only scary because they’re different and unknown.” He turned to face Josh with a smile that spoke to the even larger amount of love he had for him than the sharks. “Like us.” He took his other hand and squeezed it tightly before leaning in to kiss him. Right there in front of all those people. ​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh heard Hayden laugh at his words which made him blush a little bit. He knew that he’d opened up a rant from his boyfriend but he didn’t care. He found them interesting and listened completely, turning and looking at the kid Hayden pointed towards. He could see the kid hiding behind his mother most likely but still staring in awe at the sharks. Misinterpreted, misrepresented. Much like them. Hayden had it down to a science. He looked at Hayden, seeing the love in his eyes and Josh smiled at the comment. “Just like us.” He replied, feeling the tight squeeze to his other hand. Josh, not one for embarrassment, kissed Hayden back, pulling his hands from his boyfriend’s and putting them on his cheeks, fingers pushing into hair as he put just a little more into the kiss. Let people watch and stare, he wasn’t ashamed of this, of their love. Eventually he pulled away, but only just enough to breathe. “I love you Hayden Gaines. So much.”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Just like that, the world disappeared. No more sharks swimming in front of them. No more scared and in awe little kids. No gawking passersby who thought this some sort of indecent display of affection. It was just them. His life was so good. He had a great family. He had a job that paid him and treated him well. He had a passion that would never die. And, of course, he had an amazing boyfriend who would always be beside him no matter what. Never ashamed of them. Never bothered by anything, because his love outweighed it all. When Josh stole his hands away, Hayden gently wrapped his own around his partner’s sides until he was holding onto his back. He smiled liked he did every time Josh kissed him. “It’s because of the shark knowledge, isn’t it?” Hayden teased. ​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Like every time he kissed Hayden, everything else around them vanished. He did that on purpose, kissed him that way. Josh didn't care, and so he made sure to let Hayden know that he wasn't ashamed. That he loved them, loved their relationship, loved him. He felt Hayden wrap his arms around Josh's sides and around his back. When he'd pulled away and told him he loved him, he heard Hayden's tease. "That is exactly why I love you. It's all that shark knowledge. I just can't help but get drawn to you every time I hear you talk about sharks." Josh teased back, kissing him gently before pulling away. "So, what other sea animals would you like to sea?" He asked with a chuckle.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden was just about to kiss him again, because he was just so in love with this beautiful man, when instead he rolled his eyes and groaned. “You really are lucky that I love you. These sea puns are going to be the death of me.” He let his hands drop and grabbed one of Josh’s. “Come on, ya goof. I want to watch the otters play.” He began to walk away, and his eyes were drawn to a couple staring. He was not ashamed either. But he was also not very brave. They had been together so long, and he absolutely loved being together, but sometimes the constant eyes on them made him uncomfortable. He held his breath and looked at Josh. Josh who was his best friend, his partner, his boyfriend. Never ashamed. Never afraid. He could be like that. He raised his head up higher, smiled, and more confidentially walked out of the shark room and towards the otters.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh just chuckled hearing the groan from his boyfriend. "I am extremely lucky that you love me. But I guess I should shell-f these puns so I don't kill my love." Josh couldn't help himself as he laughed, taking Hayden's hand. "Oh so I'm a goof now? Okay. Let's go sea the otters." He replied, smiling. He could see that Hayden noticed the couple staring at them and Josh just held his head up. He walked beside Hayden with confidence, knowing that the eyes on them made Hayden uncomfortable, and his eyes flicked to Hayden and smiled. He wasn't afraid, in fact he ran forward, defended those that needed it. Joshua was a protector, a fighter, and he was confident. As they walked to the otters, he noticed that Hayden held his head higher and they both walked confidently to the otter section.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

“You’re impossible!” Hayden cried as they reached the next zone. The otters were always a fun place to be, because they were always doing silly things. Or course, like any living creature, they sometimes were not in the mood to do anything entertaining. Sometimes they just laid there like they were aware people expected something from them and therefore they would do nothing. Those silly little attitudes were hard not to love. When they arrived, one was jumping into the water while another was running somewhere in the background. “I once went to this zoo with my mom when I was little, and they had this little slide that kids could go in and it would take you down a small part of the otter exhibit.” He pulled Josh close, wrapping his arm around Josh’s waist. “This little guy is watching the kids like they are the exhibit for a moment and then he swims up to the top of the slide and goes down with this kid. He did that a couple of times, playing with the kids. Sometimes he climbed up the slide to swim back down.” Hayden rested his head on Josh’s shoulder.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

"But you love me anyway" Josh told him as they reached the next zone. He loved watching the otters, especially when they did silly things. He watched the one jumping into the water and another was in the background running. Josh turned his head to listen to Hayden and he listened about the zoo that Hayden had gone to. The arm that wrapped around his waist pulled Josh close and he smiled, his arm going around Hayden's shoulders. "That sounds absolutely adorable." Josh told him with a small laugh, feeling Hayden's head resting on his shoulder. "Is there anything else you really want to look at before we tackle the Ferris Wheel?"​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden pulled away just enough to really face Josh. This was a big deal. A really big deal. A fear of heights was no joke. Hayden’s sister also had a fear, and he swore to her he would never make her or anyone else do something like that if they weren’t comfortable. “Are you sure you want to do this? Because I think it’s so brave of you to but only if you’re ready.” He kept his hand that was around Josh’s waist there as he pulled the other one up to his cheek. “Don’t like my excitement convince you to do things before you’re ready.” But a smile was already breaking across his face. He hadn’t gone on the Ferris wheel in a long time. “But if you’re ready, I am so ready.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Citizen of Seattle WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh felt Hayden pull away to face Josh and he knew what was going to be said. He knew that fears were a big deal, especially a fear of heights. "I'm sure love. I'm ready to do this." Josh assured Hayden, smiling at the hand that was brought to his cheek. "I'm not letting your excitement convince me, I'm ready. Let's do this." Josh told him, gently taking the hand on his cheek and holding it. He led the way this time outside of the aquarium and over to the line for the Ferris Wheel. The sky was changing, the pink and orange colored the sky as the sun was setting. The perfect setting for what Josh had planned. There were three couples in front of them and he took a deep breath. He could do this, no. He was going to do this.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Citizen of Seattle, WA | 24 | Current location ;; Washington State

He was excited. He was more than excited. He was ecstatic. The Ferris Wheel had the most beautiful view of the entire city, and he missed seeing it. He loved watched the cars go by so small below them. He loved watching the people. He had so many fond memories of this when he was younger going with family and friends. He wanted another amazing memory with the person he loved the most. He gripped Josh’s hand tight. “It’s going to be incredible. Don’t imagine it like being high. Imagine it like looking at the sharks in the aquarium.”
​