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

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

There was so much pain in this world without everything changing like it did. He was glad that Josh trusted him enough to help soothe it a little. He was right though. He was right to worry. Hayden was a wildcard. Soren had watched him freeze up and throw up. He’d heard him screaming. He heard about the hard times. He saw the look he gave nothing. He didn’t know what was going on, and he was sure it was not really his place to ask, but he couldn’t see why Josh would worry. “You’re going to be fine. You say Jacob is going to need me, right? Well, Hayden is going to need you.” He pushed open the door to the apartment building and held it open for Josh. “If anyone can help him, it’s you.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh wasn’t so sure he’d be fine, he was withdrawing his own emotions and bottling them, so shouldn’t matter how he feels. But it does. Hayden was going to need him and he was going to be there for him, be strong for him. It was the least that Josh could do. Considering.. nope. Don’t go there. “I hope so.” Josh replied as he nodded his thanks for the door. He headed towards the stairs and began the long journey to the top floor. “I’m not sure which room they’re in so should we start with mine and then check yours?”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Worry. They were all worried, and it was an acceptable kind of thing. Soren was worried about the whole world. He was worried about everyone in this apartment. He was worried about soldiers and officers. He was worried. “Sounds like a good plan. They’re likely together. We can show off our goodies to make them feel better.” He smiled out of hope. Out of necessity. He smiled because if he didn’t, the world would be too bleak. He hated that. They did not have room for a world made of gray. He pushed open the door to the fourth floor and held it open for Josh again. “After you, partner.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh looked at Soren for a moment, and then he chuckled. If books can make someone feel better about a loved one dying then perhaps the world is not so bleak after all. “Probably. Jacob seems to be a big help to Hayden and I’m grateful for him.” Josh said as he nodded once more. “Thank you.” And he stepped onto the fourth floor. Josh walked down the hall and looked at Soren. “Here goes nothing.” He said, stopping.. more like freezing in front of his apartment door.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Soren stopped at the door too. He wished that he could do something for his friend. So he did. He set the box down and took the key from Josh so that he could open up the door. “You can do this,” he whispered as he pushed the door open. “They both love you.” He hoped that could be so sort of reassurance. If their love couldn’t bring them closer together, then it was going to be a bumpy ride. He picked the box back up and stepped inside the apartment, waiting for Josh to continue.
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh watched as Soren set down his box, took the key from Josh’s hand and unlocked and opened the door. He took those whispered words and held onto them. He knew that they loved him, but.. love could only do so much. He entered the apartment, setting the books down near the door. The living area was empty so he headed to the bedroom and paused. Inside on the bed were four figures. Two adults and two babies. “Soren.” Josh whispered, calling his partner in. “Look at this.” He said, his heart swelling a little in joy.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

After Josh entered, Soren closed the door and set his own box of things down as well. He looked at the sparse room and agreed that if everyone was living like this, there was no reason not to start disseminating what they had in the warehouse. When it was ready, they could tour it and everyone could pick out what they wanted. He had such great intentions. This was going to work. He looked up at the whisper, now attuned to finding Josh’s voice. He stepped into the bedroom and stopped. How cute was that? The four of them were curled like they were one large mass with Hayden and Jacob as the outside ring and the babies as the inner. Soren could not help but drop all of those sad and hard feelings in favor of this one of delight. He stood next to Josh and whispered, “Did you know that we had children? Because I don’t know about you, but I did not know we were at that stage of our relationship.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

All the bad that had happened vanished as he looked at the good in front of him. The sight was heart warming and he couldn’t help but smile. His eyes shifted to look at Soren and shook his head. “I didn’t know that. Apparently we do now. I told you Jacob liked you, he found kids for you.” Josh teased softly. He knew he had to talk to Hayden but right now? That little circle was adorable. “What say we join them and just.. relax for a little then go from there?” Josh asked as he looked at the bed.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Soren almost laughed but didn’t so that he did not wake anyone up. He shook his head and quietly refuted, “No, sir not all my kids. That one,” he pointed to Kai, “is clearly yours. Look at Hayden.” Hayden looked like he and that little boy were an inseparable pair. “Congrats, we are fathers now.” He did laugh, just a little as he patted Josh on the back. They needed this. Then needed this adorable moment of nothing but love. He nodded. “I agree. I think we absolutely should join them.” His hand slipped away, and he moved to the very edge of the bed next to Jacob. He and Josh were not about to have a lot of room on this bed built for two and now was going to house four and some littles. That did not matter. He gently lowered himself onto the bed, curling around Jacob. Much of him was hanging off the bed, but that was okay. Enough of him was close enough. He kissed his sleeping partner’s shoulder and the back of his neck before nestling against him.
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

As Josh heard Soren, he looked at the bed. Seeing Kai and Hayden like that, a clearly inseparable pair already, made him smile. “Yeah, you’re right. Though it seems that Jacob laid claim to that one.” Josh said, gesturing to Theo. Then he moved towards the small bed built for two. Now holding four and two littles. Josh moved over towards Hayden, slowly crawling onto the bed and laying behind him. Like Soren, most of him was off the bed but he curled enough around Hayden to fit fine. One arm wrapped around him and he kissed the back of his neck. Jacob felt the kiss but shifted a only a little in response.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden did not even shift as Josh joined him. He had been so tired before. These days were long and hard, and he finally found some peace with Kai. Even though he did not physically respond, his mind was settled even more having Josh with him there too. Everyone who mattered most was there on that bed with him. If he were awake, he might have thought about his mother and his sister. If he were awake, he might have thought about their father and Logan. If he were awake. But he wasn’t. He was asleep, yet he could tell that the core of his support was all right there with him. Soren did not plan on actually falling asleep, though he was awfully tired. He closed his eyes and laid there in a contented rest.
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh did not intend to sleep, his mind was still too turbulent to do so completely. So instead he closed his eyes and laid there. It was quiet in the room for a while before a faint whine was heard. Kaiden was waking up, shifting on the bed and whining softly. He blinked open brown eyes as he looked around. A head appeared over Hayden’s shoulder and Kai froze. Blue eyes met brown as he looked at this other person. Then the person smiled at him, which made Kai smile. He used his little hands to push on Hayden, trying to wake him up so he could meet this new person too.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Little pressure on the front part of his body beckoned for Hayden to come back to the world of the waking. Slowly, he opened his eyes and breathed in this beautiful moment. At first, he saw Kai who was pushing on him. “Hey little guy. Have a nice nap?” As he asked, he realized several things at once. He felt so warm and cozy. He felt too right. Also, Kai was looking at something behind Hayden. So he shifted his attention to the presence of someone against his back, and he knew almost immediately who it was, especially when he looked behind and saw that Jacob too had obtained a big spoon. He lifted a hand and gently captured Josh’s face as he lifted his own to press their cheeks together. “Josh,” be breathed out in a whisper with the biggest smile he had in a while. “You’re back.” He pulled away enough to kiss his cheek before looking back at Kai. “Kai, you see this man? He’s my favorite person in the world. He’s a real life superhero.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Kai looked at Hayden when he woke and at first he nodded, because he understood the nap part. He tilted his head when he saw Hayden pay attention to the new man. At the kiss, Kaiden thought they were like mommy and daddy. “‘Osh?” Kaiden asked, eyes blinking as he giggled. Superhero? Like in his books! Kai’s eyes widened as he giggled again. Josh smiled at the hand that captured his face, felt their cheeks press together. “I’m back beautiful.” He replied, not allowing his sadness to dampen the moment. He was no superhero. The noise was enough to wake up Jacob who realized he had someone around him. He looked back and smiled warmly. “Welcome back handsome.” He whispered, looking at Soren.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden nodded. “That’s right. Josh. Josh, my love, this is Kai. Emily’s little boy across the hall.” He stretched a little, but he was so unbelievably comfortable and peaceful in this moment that he did not want to move too much. “Would you believe we were giving her a chance to take a nap? We seem to have gotten a bit tired too.” He laughed and reached out a hand for Kai’s. “Everyone is a bit sleepy, huh?” He pointed behind Kai at the still sleeping Theo and the only barely waking Jacob. Soren, who was drifting enough not to have really noticed their words except for that they were having them, was drawn back to the present with Jacob’s movements. “Why thank you.” He gently shifted away, his legs retreating to the ground for support, and he lightly coaxed Jacob to roll more onto his back so that he could more easily kiss him.
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh smiled at Kai, who tilted his head before smiling back. He wasn’t as sure about Josh yet but only time would tell how things will go. “Hello Kai. It’s nice to meet you.” Josh said, reaching a hand over Hayden to gently take one of Kai’s. The little one tipped his head and giggled at the hand holding his. “‘Osh!” He said, shaking the hand. He looked back at the other two and nodded. “Sleepy Theo. Sleepy Jay.” Kai agreed. Meanwhile Jacob was slowly waking as he rolled onto his back, kissing Soren happily. Josh chuckled softly. “You four must have been doing exciting things to get this tired, but I’m sure Emily appreciated the nap.” Josh said with a small smile.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden smiled and nodded. “We certainly have been up to a lot. We knocked on every door. We battled stairs.” We battled inner demons. “Oh, and then we worked with Theo to say his first word. It was Kai’s name, which was the cutest thing I have ever seen.” Hayden peered over at the baby who was still curled against Kai as he slept soundly. “We should probably get you guys back to your own parents, huh? If you guys are back, then Theo’s parents should be coming back soon, and who knows how they are going to handle their baby being missing.” Soren probably would have kept kissing Jacob except for the fact that Hayden was right. They should get these little ones back to their parents. This was as good a time as any to do what needed to be done. “Hayden, I think you’re right. You got them both, or do you need help?” Hayden chuckled a little. “Well, I don’t have anyone right now.” He turned and kissed Josh’s cheek again. “Someone is in my way like he wants to keep these little guys forever. But when he moves, I’ve got it.” He grinned at Jacob and Soren. “You two look far too cozy to break that apart.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh smiled and nodded as he listened to Hayden. “You sound like you deserve the nap.” He replied as he kissed Hayden’s cheek. Josh heard the comment and then laughed softly. “Yeah, alright I get it. I’ll move out of the way.” Josh said, smiling at the kiss to his cheek as he shifted off the bed. Kai watched Josh move and then he looked at Hayden and yawned. He was still tired. “Bed?” He asked, tilting his head. He couldn’t get off the bed yet on his own, it was just a little too high. Jacob looked at Soren, and then over at Hayden. Yeah, it probably was a good idea to get those two back to their parents.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden followed suit and also slipped off of the bed. “Yep. Let’s go find Mommy and then it’s bedtime. Come here.” He lifted him up with a “whoop!” and placed him on the ground. “You’ll have to walk yourself, big boy. I have to carry this tuckered baby.” He reached over and scooped the sleeping Theo who did not wake up. Hayden wished he had that kind of endurance in his naps. He smiled at Josh. “I’ll be right back.” He shifted Theo so that he could hold him with one hand and held out his other for Kai to take. “You ready to go, Kai?” Soren shifted off the bed as well so that Jacob could get up if he wanted to. He was probably going to want to. Now that the nice moment was ending, Soren was worried again.
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Kai giggled as Hayden lifted him up and set him on the ground. He looked up at him and huffed a whine but nodded. Josh nodded with a small smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. Kai took Hayden’s hand. “Yep!” He said with a smile and was ready to walk with Hayden back across the hall. Jacob shifted and sat up, looking at Soren. Perhaps it was an older brother thing but he could sense something had happened. He waited, looking at Soren and then at Josh.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden walked them out of the bedroom and to the hall. “I hope you had fun today. Maybe we could do something fun tomorrow too?” He knocked on the door across the hall. “Would you like that, Kai? After we have slept and are feeling excited and energized again. Soren waited for Hayden to leave to finally let out a breath he had been holding. He moved so that he was sitting on the bed next to Jacob. He took his hand and sighed. “Today, was a hard day,” he started as he squeezed that hand. “A really hard day.” He did not want to step on Josh’s toes. He treaded lightly. Waited for him to inform the tone and mood of the conversation.
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Kaiden giggled and nodded as he looked at Hayden. “Yes! Fun!” He nodded as they came to his door. At the knock, the door swung open to reveal Justin. He had just gotten home and Emily had pretty much slept all day. “Who are you?” He asked roughly, eyes narrowed seeing him with Kai. “Daddy! ‘Ayden!” Kai said, looking at his father then at Hayden.

Josh sighed, looking at Jacob and Soren. Jacob felt the hand on his and the squeeze, looking between the two. “Josh?” Jacob asked.. cautiously. “Jacob.. dad is.. dead. We.. found his body and Hayden’s mother at the downtown bombing site.” Josh said, his eyes down and facing his lap. Jacob’s eyes watered and he shook his head. “No. No. Not him..” Jacob said, turning and hugging Soren, tucking his head into his chest as tears flowed down his face.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

If Hayden had ever seen a solider, this man who opened the door was one of them. He had the right presence. “Hello! My name is Hayden. I live across the hall there.” He shifted so that he could point to the door. “You must be Emily’s husband. It’s so good to meet you! I’m not sure who you know from your work, but I’m Josh’s fiancée. Um, Joshua Smith if that helps.” He was so proud of that still. He absolutely could not wait until they could be married. “Jacob and I- oh, um, Jacob lives in that apartment next to ours and is Soren’s partner but I don’t remember Soren’s last name sorry, thought we would lend a hand in watching some of the littler ones today.” He gestured inside. “I hope that gave Emily a good break.” He crouched down so that he was eye level with Kai. “Hey little man. It was so good to hang out with you today. But I think your daddy would like you back now.” He smiled up at Justin. “And I have to get Sleepy Theo back to his parents. Maybe we can hang out again later?”

Soren wrapped his arms around Jacob as soon as he started to turn. He tried to shield Jacob from the cruelty of the world as he held him there. “I’m so sorry. I’m so so sorry.” Even if Josh blamed himself, Soren felt some of that blame as well. He made the bombing worse. He was part of planning it. He was part of FEDRA first. These were his people that killed their father. He glanced over at Josh with a sad smile. “I think he’d gone to get Hayden’s mother like the hero that he was too. That sort of thing runs in the family, I am learning.” He pressed his lips to the top of Jacob’s head. “He probably made her last bit far better than how it would have been if she were alone.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Officer, FEDRA Civilian | 24, 30 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Justin looked at Hayden, sharp green eyes staring at the man who had taken his son for the day. His attitude softened just slightly at the fact that they were trying to give Emily a break. Oh. Josh’s fiancée. Justin dipped his head in mild respect at that. “I appreciate you giving Emily a break.” Justin said, as he saw how happy Kaiden looked. Kai looked at Hayden when he crouched down and nodded. “Okay! Bye-Bye!” Kai said, arms wrapping around Hayden in a quick hug and then Justin scooped him up. “Thank you. Have a good night.” And with that, Justin dipped his head and turned to go back inside, Kai looking at Hayden and waving until the door shut.

Jacob’s body shook as he cried into Soren’s chest. He felt lips on the top of his head and heard his words then his breath caught. Jacob pulled back to look at Soren. “Logan..” He whispered, cheeks wet with tears. Josh bit his lip and looked away. He didn’t cry, didn’t move. The emotions still trapped in that cage. “I need to find him.” Jacob said before he thought of Hayden. Oh no. This was not going to end well.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Officer | 24, 35 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

And then he was gone. Just like that. No more Kai. It was just Hayden and Theo. He stayed there for a moment as the door shut in front of him, and all Hayden could think was that he did not like Justin. The way he started out so sharp. The way he felt no need to talk. The way he snatched Kai up like that. It was none of Hayden’s business. He knew that. He shouldn’t be so judgmental. Maybe today was just a rough day. With what they were having to deal with, it only made sense. He stood up and began to walk down the hall. “Okay, Theo. Your turn. Hopefully your parents will be more receptive.”

Soren moved his hands to Jacob’s cheeks, wiping away tears. He shook his head. “I am already looking for him. I’ve notified everyone at the gates about the family before. They’ve already been told to tell us if anyone finds someone matching them. Tomorrow, I am going to figure out how I can go find him. I don’t care what it takes.” He kissed Jacob’s head then looked at Josh. “And we’re going to find Hayden’s sister.” Hayden. “We just have to make it through tonight first. Josh. What do you want us to do?” He was not sure how much time they had before Hayden got back.
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