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

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh looked over and felt the hand on his leg and sighed himself. "Thanks." He said with a small smile as they reached their destination. His eyes drew from the road to look at Soren as he spoke again. "I know. I just.. I'm worried about him. I'm glad he has Jacob though, especially in those apartments. I fear what would've happened if he didn't have anyone he knew or trusted there." Josh admitted as he got out of the truck. "Let's get this stuff going." Josh agreed as he set to work getting more of these cells ready.

Jacob looked at Rachel and smiled warmly. "We'll see what we can do about getting you things to read or listen to." Jacob said, adding that to their growing supply list. He moved inside and looked into the living room to see the little boy. "Well. If you need any help with him while his parents are gone, we're creating a support group with all the people on this floor so we won't be lonely while our family members are gone." Jacob said, looking at Theo with a smile.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

Soren did not know Hayden very well, but he knew enough from the last few days to feel like he definitely agreed with that fear. He, Josh, and anyone that they could rope into it worked at getting the cells at this checkpoint set up as quickly as possible. This set was so much faster than the last now that they knew they plans. They had the plans with them even if the engineers and architects were off working on other things as well. They were practically a well-oiled machine despite having only just now been created. By the time they finished, Sorem was tired, but he was sure they could do another. “You ready for the next set?”

“Yeah, it’s already pretty boring.” She looked at Theo, this little baby just under a year old. This was a terrible time to have just had a baby. “Thanks for coming by I guess.” Hayden wished her good luck as they left and sighed. “That’s not a great situation. Both parents being soldiers? That’s got to be rough. Okay, so that’s everyone on this floor. Should we traverse to other floors?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh worked hard to get this checkpoint set up as he wanted to get done. It went a lot faster this time around and eventually they were finished. Josh was just as tired but he knew they had to get this all done before they could rest for the night. "I'm ready." He replied, heading towards the truck. He was determined to finish this. "Let's get moving." Josh added as he slipped into the passengers side of the truck.

Jacob nodded as he heard her, and then they left as the door shut. He glanced at Hayden and sighed. "No. But that is exactly one of the reasons what we're doing is a good thing." Jacob said as he nodded. "Let's go to the third floor." Jacob agreed, turning and heading for the stairs. He opened the stairwell door and gestured for Hayden to go first and he'd follow him onto the stairs.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

Checkpoint and cells. Done. It was, of course, record time from the other two that they had done. Now that they had done two, Soren felt like their people were capable. “Okay, we’re gaining more people as we go, which is great by the way, but it means that we can afford to split into two groups. We can get more done faster that way, and I would really like to go now. We have a whole bunch more, so let’s keep moving.” He split the group in two, keeping Josh in his own group of course. He sent the other group backtracking to work from the first one the other way around. That way the two groups could work towards each other and stop whenever they ran into the other. “Let’s move.” Soren moved that truck to the next checkpoint and they did it all over again.

Hayden and Jacob moved to the third floor. This had the same number of apartments of course. On the first row, they met a handful of people. Rachel’s family was actually a family of five. Rachel (14) was watching the baby upstairs while Harry (12) was watching Carrie (11), John (7), and Hugh (4). It was easier for them when they had their grandparents who were being shuffled off somewhere else. Next door, they met Noah who used to be a tour guide in Seattle to show off all the interesting places around. His wife was a soldier. Phoenix’s husband was a soldier, and she was a wedding planner who was bored out of her mind. She also wanted the rooms to look better. Devon was having a hard time accepting that his husband was going to be nonstop in this dangerous world. He tried his hardest not to cry the entire time, but he failed. Lastly was Frida, a food critic, who felt that they needed to spice up their lives. She was engaged to a soldier. Hayden could only imagine who else they would meet.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

This checkpoint went up even faster than the last and they had several more people joining. As Josh looked to Soren for a little leadership even though they were the same rank, he appreciated the older man’s knowledge. Once the groups split, Josh stayed with Soren’s group, they headed to the trucks and to the next checkpoint. The two groups worked quickly and it seemed like they were getting even closer to being done. “Only a couple more I think.” Josh commented to Soren as they finished the next checkpoint and got ready to head to the next one.

Jacob was surprised at the family of five, and he found it pleasant speaking to each occupant of the first section on the third floor. The other side started with a family of four. Gaige was the father, their mother Ada was an engineer for FEDRA and he had two young twin sons aged 12. Oscar and Paul. The next door had a young woman around Josh’s age named Layla, her new husband was a soldier as well, she was about two months pregnant. Next door to her was a teenager about 17 and both his parents were soldiers, his name was James. Then a single man named Isaac whose wife was a soldier. And the last door held Penelope, an older woman who’d once been a seamstress for a local clothing store and if she had fabric, she’d make them all clothes if they wanted it. Jacob and Hayden were back at the stairs and Jacob sighed. “Second floor?”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

They were moving so quickly. Soren was frankly proud that they could do so much in so little time. For being a practically new organization with a whole new situation, he was impressed with how well everything was coming together. If they got this up quickly enough, maybe they could even start going out and saving people. They were throwing up checkpoints like professionals. Of course, they were the professionals now. After a while, he took a moment to rest by Josh. “How are you doing?” He asked as they were moving to the next checkpoint.

“Second floor,” Hayden agreed. They moved to the second floor to see who they could meet there. The first apartment housed a woman in her forties. She was an elementary school teacher named Eliza Goolsby. Her husband worked for FEDRA. The next was an older gentleman named Harry. His wife was a data specialist with FEDRA, though he was not sure if she was getting to do that now that everything had changed. In the next apartment was a younger woman named Evelynn who was a Disaster Housing Inspector for FEDRA. She currently was not at work primarily because she was at home taking care of her two month old baby. Her husband, Randy had the same job, that was how they met, and was currently working. The next two apartments were the wife and fiancé of FEDRA soldier brother twins. Nora and was married to Ian. Kayla was engaged to Richard. Neither of them had children, and though Nora wanted kids, she was questioning that decision now. Hayden stretched at the end of the last apartment on that one side. “One and a half more floors to go.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh, not having any prior experience in anything like this, was happy at how quickly they were doing this. Perhaps they would be able to save more lives because they were getting this set up so fast. As they took a moment to rest, he looked over at Soren when he asked him. "I'm.. okay. Tired, er well actually exhausted but we've got more checkpoints to put up." Josh admitted as he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm just not used to this kind of work I guess."

As they made it to the second floor, Jacob was surprised at the different people they were meeting, but he had a smile with each person he met. As they made it past the first five rooms, he stretched too. A small yawn slipped out on accident and he sighed. "Yep." Jacob agreed with a smile. The first door was Alison, her husband was a FEDRA commander who was sent to Seattle along with the other generals and commanders. Beside her was Marcus, who was engaged to a FEDRA scientist, After him was a small family of three, Julie was the mother of fifteen year old Hugh, and her husband worked as an engineer for FEDRA. Beside them was Jason, who was engaged to a FEDRA officer and lastly was Luis who's wife worked as a data analyst. "One more floor to go." Jacob said once they were back at the stairwell.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

“You know what I think?” Soren asked as their break was coming to an end. “I think you are doing better than I could have expected from anyone. You see all these people with us?” He pointed to the men and women who were working with them. “They have massively stepped up in a time of crisis. Just like you. But they needed someone to lead them, and those big wigs like General Fontaine and even Cap are too busy doing big wig things to do that. So that’s us. You and me. And you just came in with no previous knowledge or experience and are killing it.” He nodded towards their people who were heading to the last little bit to go. “So let’s keep killing it for just a little longer. We are saving lives, Josh. I never thought that I would ever do anything that important.”

As they made their way to the last floor, Hayden also found himself yawning. It was so late in the night, but he knew that this was important. “Once we get this part done, then it’s going to get easier. I know it.” He was pretty sure he was trying to convince himself. The first half included an actually empty apartment this time which the neighbors explained was because two soldiers lived there and therefore would likely be gone all the time. The first neighbor, and also the very helpful one who already knew much, was an older woman named Norma who had been married to Sabien all very many years he had worked for FEDRA. He was a general. The next was a family of four with Whitney and her two children Michael and Christian. They were twins. Their father worked for FEDRA. The next was a younger woman who was probably in her early twenties, and she looked absolutely strung out. Her name was Anna, she had not slept in days, and Hayden was certain that she saw the same kinds of demons that he did. Her boyfriend was a new soldier too. She was not handling it well. The last in that row was Waylon, a farmer who couldn’t farm. He was not loving having to stay in this apartment while his husband was off doing whatever it was that they enlisted him to do. Hayden was feeling the weight of all of these people heavily on his shoulders. “I sure hope we can do some good with them.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh looked at Soren as he talked and felt a flush come to his face. He didn't think he was doing that good of a job. "Really?" He said before he looked around at the men and women that were working with them. He turned back to Soren and smiled a little bit, feeling that welling of pride in his chest. "Thanks Soren, really. I really needed to hear that." Josh told him before nodding. "Alright, let's finish this up, we've got a little bit left to get done." Josh said as he headed towards the last bit.

Jacob couldn't believe how many people there were, and he was grateful there were only four floors. He looked at Hayden as they finished the first half of the last floor. "I think we can, and even if not, at least they won't be alone." Jacob said as they started the last half. The first door was an older woman who's son was a commander for FEDRA and he'd pulled some strings to allow her to stay as his family. She could get around, but in the world now, it was safer for her with him. The next door was the wife of a soldier who was newly pregnant, about two months in. The third apartment belonged to a man about Jacob's age and his husband, who was a data specialist for FEDRA. The fourth door belonged to Hunter, a young teenaged boy and his mother was a FEDRA scientist, and the last door belonged to A family of five, two twin boys aged 7 named Jim and Frank, and an older girl named Paulina and their mother Jenna. Their father was a soldier. Jacob stopped at the stairwell with a sigh. "Well. We have quite the list of stuff but everyone seems very nice here at least." Jacob said as he opened the stairwell door. "Back to the fourth floor?"​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

They made it to the last checkpoint where the other team also joined them part of the way in. Putting this last one up took much less time since everyone knew what they were doing, and they were good at splitting up the work. It was dark, everyone was exhausted, but they were done. Finally. Soren clapped team members on the back, complimented and thanked all of them, and found the closest high ranking person to give the information to. Eventually, he and Josh were relieved. This was such a long day. “How do you feel?” Soren asked Josh when they were allowed to go back to their apartments and rest. “We got a lot done, and now we get to go home.” A new home.

The last two floors took a toll on him. They took more energy than the first two, and he had so little to give before. The bottom floor especially demanded more from him. The last few apartments, Hayden was smiling and saying all the right things, but primarily he was letting Jacob take the lead, because he could not pretend like what he was seeing was something he could share with everyone. It’s because he was tired he kept telling himself. He was exhausted, and sleep deprivation does that to a person, especially someone with so much stress. Was he stressed? Of course he was. He was dreadfully stressed. By the time they made it to the stairwell, he was barely holding it together. Now that it was just the two of them, he could mutter under his breath the things that Jacob told him to remember. He grabbed Jacob’s hand so that he knew what was real. Breathe. Breathe, Hayden. “Tomorrow, we figure out who we need to talk to in order to start getting some of this done. Tomorrow. After we sleep.” As they made it up most of the stairs, Hayden paused. There were only a few left before their floor. “Do you think-“ He bit his lip, afraid to speak about what worried him. “Do you think they’ll be home soon?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

As Josh and the others finished up the last checkpoint, he was beyond exhausted as he looked at Soren when they were relieved. "I'm ready to go home and relax." Josh admitted, as they turned to head towards their apartment. "I'm ready to hug Hayden and pass out." He added as they reached the apartments, and Josh pulled the door open for Soren before he turned to head up the stairs. They'd made it to the third floor when right in front of them turning onto the first step of the stairs to the fourth floor was their partners. Josh took the last few steps as he heard Hayden's question. Before Jacob could answer, because he too was exhausted, arms wrapped around Hayden with a laugh. "Honey, I'm home." He said, pushing his head over Hayden's shoulder to kiss his cheek. Jacob startled but didn't jump and instead he looked back to see Josh and Soren. He didn't say a word, instead Jacob turned and crossed the distance to wrap his arms around his partner with a small laugh.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden jumped, absolutely startled by the sudden touch and voice. There was a solid second or two that he had no idea what was going on, and the fact that something snuck up on him like that was mildly terrifying. But he knew those arms. He knew that beautiful voice. He knew this man, and there was nothing to be afraid of. He leaned into the kiss before twisting around and shoving his entire body into Josh. This was not just a hug. He missed Josh so much the whole day. “How did you do that? Come right when I was asking for you?” He clung to Josh with every ounce of love he had, and that was very, very much. Even if it sometimes got lost in the fear now. It was a hard two days. Soren smiled at his own hug that he was getting. He couldn’t say that it was exactly unexpected, and he certainly was not unwanted. It was new still. He loved that. He wrapped his own arms around Jacob and held him close. “I believe you and I have a date. You and me and what was it? Not leaving the bed the whole night?” Hayden burst out laughing from where he buried himself in Josh’s chest. He was exhausted and it was a little weird to think about but honestly not that weird really. A lot of things didn’t matter so much when the whole world changed so drastically. Soren grinned at the others and winked. “Shall we?” He asked ready to go back to the apartment.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh was startled a little himself at the jump before he felt the lean into the kiss and then saw Hayden twist around and his body was shoved into Josh's. He wrapped his arms around Hayden and held him as close as he could. "I heard you. So I came to you." Josh said, kissing the top of his head as he held him tight. Jacob looked up at Soren and smiled as he hugged him and felt the arms around him. He loved that Soren held him close. "Absolutely we do. So what are we waiting for?" Jacob said as he pulled away just enough so he could keep walking up the stairs. Josh rolled his eyes with a chuckle as he shook his head. "I don't wanna know what your plans are for the night with my brother." Josh told Soren as he looked down at Hayden. "Let's go home love." Josh said, moving just enough away so he too could walk up the stairs.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

It may have been the exhaustion. It may have been the stress. He didn’t know what it was, but Josh’s words moved Hayden so much that he almost cried. Josh was his hero. He had always been and would always be his hero. He knew it, because it was part of his core. He loved Josh so much. He walked with Josh up the stairs, following behind Soren and Jacob who were just too cute for words. If Hayden weren’t so clingy right now, he might have needed a moment to handle the beautiful that was his brother and his neighbor. As they reached the end of the hallway, Soren bowed to them all. “Goodnight my wonderful neighbors. It has been a pleasure, but all I have been able to think about for hours is being with you, so…” He waved to the people who became his family in just a few days and he opened the door to his new home. Hayden rolled his eyes, but he was so happy that he didn’t actually care. He just wanted to be with Josh. He missed him so much. So he opened their door.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh smiled as he held onto Hayden while they walked up the stairs. He watched Jacob and Soren and he loved how together they were. It was something he'd been wanting for his brother for a while. As they got to the end of the hallway, he looked over at them and nodded. "Good night you two." He said with a smile as he followed Hayden into their room and shut the door. "So my love, what fun things did you and Jacob get up to today?" Josh asked as he looked at Hayden with a smile on his face.

Jacob looked at Soren, blushing softly as he followed him to their door. He heard his words and smiled as they entered their own apartment. "Mm. I've missed you all day today." Jacob said as soon as they were alone, leaning up and kissing Soren like they had been apart for months and not hours.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden looked off to the side as he thought about his day. “We were sad, we talked about sharks, we talked about being in these boring rooms, and then we decided that we would make a list of things that we needed. Then we decided that we probably weren’t the only sad and bored people, so we met literally everyone else in this apartment complex.” He leaned into Josh’s chest, resting his head against him. “There are so many people here, and they need us. So that’s what we’re going to do. While you save the world, we’re going to save these people.” He looked at his engagement ring and smiled so wide that it might have hurt his face if he weren’t so tired.

Soren wrapped his arms around Jacob as his kissed him back like they were some sort of fairytale romance. Maybe they were, and he loved that for them. He lifted him up and spun them around before putting Jacob back down again. “I’m sorry we took so long to get back here.” He kept their faces close as he spoke. “We are trying to get as much ready as possible. FEDRA is taking over the government. They stopped working on a cure.” He kissed him again, because the information was important, yes, and Jacob felt way more important than that.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh listened to Hayden as he heard what his partner did while he was gone. He smiled warmly as he listened, nodding as he felt Hayden lean into his chest, head against him. "That sounds like a wonderful thing. These people are lucky to have you here to save them. Anyone particularly interesting?" Josh asked as he rubbed Hayden's back, noticing him looking at his engagement ring.

Jacob smiled into the kiss and he laughed when Soren lifted him up and spun them around. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Soren and smiled softly. "It's okay, you had a job to do." Jacob said, seeing how close their faces were. "They are? Oh. No cure. That's not good." Jacob said quietly but then his words froze as he felt Soren kiss him again. Jacob kissed him back before he pulled away, taking Soren's hand and walking backwards towards the bedroom. "I think I've been patient enough.. but this bed is calling.. to me." Jacob said, dropping Soren's hand, winking at him before he turned and took off towards the bedroom, and slipped onto the bed, flat on his back as he quickly pulled the covers over himself completely, waiting with a grin on his face.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

It was not a perfect day. The first part was difficult, but he had Jacob. Then he had Josh when he shouldn’t have. And then Josh was gone again, but he still had Jacob. Maybe that was how this would go. He would wait for Josh to return, but he would have his brother. He would never have to be alone. Right? “We met a lot of people. A lot of partners of soldiers and officers. People like me and Jacob. A lot of kids too. There are a lot of kids who got shoved in here. I’m just hoping that we can still find a way to give them a good life.” He smiled as he thought of that little boy in the first apartment they went to. “And,” his smiled interrupted his words, “and I met this little one. Josh, he was so cute. His name is Kai. Um, Kaiden actually. He’s only one, almost two, and he has the most beautiful little smile.” He reached up and touched Josh’s face. “It reminds me of your smile. He had me read this book to him. It was like he already knew exactly what he wanted.” He got lost on the memory of the little boy up against him as they read. It was strange how right that felt. “His mom’s name is Emily. She’s very sweet.”

Every worry about the world, every hard decision they had to make, and every struggle they faced dissolved as Jacob led him to their bedroom. Then he was gone, and Soren was laughing, because Jacob was such a beautiful person. He was funny and so, so smart. Soren made his way into the bedroom and laughed again at the blanket lump that he found. “Well, seems like I’m alone now. That’s just so sad.” He threw off his boots. “I wonder where that handsome man went.” And his socks. “What do you think little room? Did you see a devilishly handsome man come by?” Dropped the vest. “No I’m not talk about me but thank you room.” Took a stretch break. “No? Oh, well I guess this bed will be all for me then. Once I’m no longer in these grimy clothes of course. I would hate to ruin that perfectly good mattress.” Which meant the shirt and the pants had to go too. All that was left was what he slept in the night before, so it shouldn’t be too weird. Probably.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Joshua listened to Hayden as he talked about some of the people he met. Kids, and partners. That sounded about right. He listened and then he saw the smile as it interrupted his words. "He sounds adorable." He said, before he felt the hand touch his face. "Really? That sounds wonderful. I'm sure you were more than happy to read to him." He said before he nodded. "I'd love to meet this little boy who captured your heart so clearly." Joshua said as he looked at Hayden.

Jacob had heard Soren laugh and he hid under the blanket. He heard footsteps, and then the laugh again. Jacob heard the comments, hand over his mouth as he tried so hard not to laugh himself. Each one was funnier than the last, and by the last one, he couldn't stop the giggle. The blanket shifted a little as he did but he wasn't revealed yet. Jacob hadn't even changed out of his own clothes, but he was too busy having fun to think about that just yet. Then, in a silly voice he spoke. "The mattress would hate to be ruined." He said before he giggled, laughed, but didn't pop out from under the blanket just yet.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden’s smile never faltered as Josh talked, but a light blush spread across his cheeks. “Maybe you can later? When you’re not busy saving the world?” He thought about that little boy across the hall. His cute little smile. The way Hayden felt like they were already bonded after having just read one book. He was certain that tomorrow, they were the first people he was going to go see. He would have loved to take Josh with him. Nothing would have made him happier. He could see him and Josh sitting down with Kai sitting between them as they read a book. Maybe he and Josh would take turns reading it to him. Switching between pages or characters like his parents used to do. Hayden kissed Josh’s cheek. “I am sure he would love you.”

Soren, in only his boxers, stretched his arms up high and then to each side. It really did feel nice after such a long day. “Yes, I knew the mattress wouldn’t want that. No worries, dear mattress, for I have rid us of the perils of a hard day’s work.” He looked at the blanket lump and laughed again. “You know what this means, don’t you? It means that now I must join you all by my lonesome since that handsome man vanished. It really is too bad. I was thinking about him all day. Who knows what we could have done if he stuck around.” He moved closer to the bed. “Alas, I must be alone.” And then he plopped himself on top of the blanket lump.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh saw that smile never falter when he talked, and he saw the light blush on his face. "Perhaps one day I can. I'm hoping once we get things up and running, I can step back." Josh said, smiling wide as he felt the kiss on his cheek. "I'm sure I'd love him, especially if he's already capturing your heart." Josh said as he kissed Hayden's forehead. "Now, I don't know about you, but I could go relax on a soft bed. I've missed you." Josh said, smiling at Hayden wider.

Jacob heard that comment and he bit his lip, trying hard to not laugh. It wasn't easy, and he felt himself chuckle at the laugh. His eyebrows rose as he heard that comment, and tried not to let out the groan he felt coming. The moment he felt Soren's body plop on top of him, he laughed loudly. He squirmed and wriggled as he laughed. "Get off me, I'm being squished!" Jacob squealed as he tried to get out from under Soren while laughing still.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

Hayden tried to push away the thoughts of that little one, but it was hard. How could someone have made such a big impact in such little time? He did not know that was possible. Yes, he did. Didn’t Josh do the same thing to him when they met? That turned out to be the best thing he ever did in his life. Being engaged to his best friend was all he could have ever wanted. His smile seemed like it never ended. “I missed you all day.” He started walking to the bedroom. “But I know this is important to you. I love that about you.”

Soren tried to make sure that his weight was mostly on the places that were not on top of the blanket lump so as not to hurt Jacob. “Mattress, do you speak?” he asked as though incredulous. He wriggled a little where he was, still trying not to squish him too much. “How can this be?!” He finally rolled to the side, not able to contain the laughter in his body. After a moment, he was able to get himself under control. “Maybe I won’t be so lonely if my mattress can talk to me. Though, it does seem silly that the mattress does not like to be squished. Isn’t that what they are for?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh smiled as he looked at Hayden, following him to the bedroom. "I missed you too baby." He replied as he entered the bedroom, pulling off his shoes and pants, and replaced his shirt with a tank top he'd snagged from the apartment. "I appreciate that, I hope you know that." He said, sitting on the bed before he laid down, arms open for his fiancé with a smile.

Jacob had noticed that Soren had tried to not actually put all his weight on him. He heard the incredulous words and giggled under the blanket, feeling the weight above him wriggle a little. Jacob heard the laughter and once Soren was rolled to the side, Jacob pulled the blanket off himself with a big smile. "It's not the mattress talking, it's the man who was almost squished." Jacob laughed as he looked at Soren and he shifted further out from under the blanket and shifted so he was on his side, looking at him. "Are you still lonely?" Jacob asked, noticing the distance between them. "I could move closer if you are.." He added with a wink.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
Citizen of Seattle, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Washington State

In this moment, Hayden felt like he was living in a dream. It wasn’t a horrible one anymore. After the hours they spent meeting all of these wonderful people and ending the day with the most wonderful surprise of having Josh back, it was like the day was good. Not perfect. Not ideal. But good. Genuinely good. He replaced his clothes with his comfy pajamas that Josh got for him, a smile creeping its way onto his face as he did so. Finally, he joined Josh on the bed, curling as close to him as possible. He kissed his cheek quickly with a soft laugh. “I love you.”

Soren threw a hand up to his mouth as he gasped which only lasted so long before he was laughing again. “The handsome man! How unexpected!” He laid on his side, dropping his hand after a while so that it was now between them. He held his head up with his arms arm. “Well, now that you mention it…” He slowed his words and willed himself not to laugh anymore. “I am still lonely.” Don’t smile. Don’t smile. Don’t smile. “I was hoping to maybe have someone close to me…” Don’t smile and ruin this. “I’ve had such a long day you know.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, Former ER & Trauma Nurse | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Washington State

Josh had a neverending smile on his face as he looked at Hayden. Once things calmed down, he was going to spend more time with him. That was a thought that kept him going as he laid there. Once Hayden was on the bed, Josh wrapped his arms around him tight. The kiss on his cheek made his smile grow as he kissed his forehead gently. “I love you too. So much. Never forget that.” He said softly.

Jacob chuckled as he heard Soren gasp then laugh. He shook his head at the comment and then he heard those words slow. He paused, listening to him. “Oh. You poor thing. Having such a hard, long day. With my brother no less. What a shame. I guess..” Jacob started, shifting a little closer. “Perhaps I could be close..” Got a little closer, and an inch between them. “If that would make you feel better.” Jacob finished, but he left that inch between them, close but not touching. Not yet.​