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

Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

It was a hard question, because the answer could break this time they were sharing. Josh could say so many things that might set Hayden off again. Hayden knew this to some degree and was instantly afraid once he asked the question. He still asked. He so often still did something when he thought it might go poorly. But. It didn’t. Josh said both. Both like the wedding happening and the one that was not. Was it not? “We needed suits,” he answered plainly. “For both weddings?” He let the words sit between them. He wanted an explanation. He wanted to know why there wasn’t a second wedding if it was supposed to be happening. He wanted to know why they were waiting. Why this Josh was only here now. His Josh. But he was shrouded in the other one. Hidden away by something worse than he could ever know.

Soren grinned. “Now that’s really something. That’s amazing! In this world, new life is wonderful.” Once Jacob moved away from the hug, Soren pushed himself in too. He loved Logan, and this was just as great to him. “So what you’re saying is we need to find you baby things. Or baby proof things. That’s not so bad either.” He laughed as he moved away.
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh blinked, hearing his words and knew that there was no real good answer here. He could say a lot of things and any of it could cause problems. “Of course. I told you we’d still get married.” He replied, moving his head to glance at Hayden. He did want to marry him, but things just, keep getting in the way. He wasn’t sure how Hayden was going to respond and that was the worst part. He didn’t like feeling like he was walking on eggshells to talk to his partner.

Logan laughed as Soren hugged him too. He hugged him back of course. “Thanks guys. And yeah, I guess we need to do that. We’ve got the spare room that we need to turn into a nursery. I’m sure we can find baby furniture and stuff to bring there.” Logan said as Jacob nodded happily. “Of course! I’m sure those warehouses full of stuff have baby furniture right love?” Jacob asked, looking at Soren.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

When? That was the question Hayden really wanted to ask. When are you going to have time to get married? When are you going to want to be married? Because if this was a sure answer to whether or not Josh wanted it, then when? Hayden also sat up. He could not hide like none of this was happening. Like the last two years were all a bad dream. Not all of it. He looked down at Kai and then glance over at Theo. “Oh.” He could not say anything else without the fear of it sounding like he wanted to start another fight. Maybe he did. They had to stay quiet with the kids. “I want…” Come on, Hayden. Don’t do this. “I wish…” He closed his eyes and the first thing he saw reminded him why they were in this position in the first place. He hid it well. He opened his eyes and willed that to go away. “I am happy for them.”

“Of course! We have so much furniture in those buildings. I have been trying to get more of it out and move it to different people, but it’s so hard to maneuver around-“ FEDRA. “operations.” Close enough. “Maybe we can take you and Holly on a tour soon so that you can grab what you want.” That never worked before, but it could work this time. “come on, let’s see what else we can find for you guys.”
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh heard those words, and it was like.. he was being questioned. “What do you want from me Hayden? What do you wish?” Josh asked, his voice even and low. He didn’t want to start a fight but he didn’t know how to make things right if he doesn’t know what went wrong. “I’m happy for them to.” He added, softly. His eyes looking down at Theo as he subtly moved his body so it wasn’t as pressed against Hayden as it had been. Distance. On accident or on purpose, he didn’t know.

Jacob looked at Soren and smiled, hearing him. “I wonder if we can use the fact that he’s Josh’s brother in our favor? Gain entry that way?” Jacob asked as Logan browsed the store. It was a decor one but he saw the cutest wall sign that said ‘nursery’ on it and he snagged it, tucking it under his arm before looking at them. “Thanks guys. So much.” He said with a big smile.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

I want you. Hayden looked away, down at Kai and at other store fronts in the mall. For reasons he could not explain, Hayden felt like this question was an interrogation against him. Like he was a suspect in a crime. If they didn’t have these little ones asleep, he might have said something that would have started an argument. And it would have. He knew it. “Do you really want to get married?” Because he couldn’t stop. At least it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. As it would have been.

Soren thought about that and pointed to Jacob. “That is such a good idea. They’ll do anything for him. It’s because he works too much.” He follows Logan and smiled. “Of course, man. We’d do anything for you. Now that’s adorable. What else can we find?” He wheeled them through the shelves and aisles. There were so many paintings and wall art things in one section. Lamps in another. “Anyone else confused by these things?” He pointed to the lamp where the base was a giraffe but where there should have been a head was the lamp shade.
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

His eyes widened slightly at those words. And he could feel his defenses going up. “Of course I do.” He said, maybe a little colder than he’d intended but he always got that way now. Hide in the shell. “I told you that I’ve just been busy. We have several new soldiers that need to be trained, and patrols to organize. I’ve just..” been busy. Josh kept his voice low, but he could feel his temper boiling under his skin.

Jacob chuckled as he heard Soren’s response. “At least my brother will be good for something.” Jacob said, laughing a little bit. Logan looked back at Soren and grinned. He appreciated it. Both men looked at Soren and Logan shrugged. “It’s weird is what it is.” He agreed. In the end, he managed to find a couple pictures and a baby blue lamp. “Should look at the baby clothes.” Logan suggested as they headed out of this store.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden sighed. Of course. Always of course. This was how it was every time he asked. And he asked frequently. He no longer believed that this was something that Josh wanted. How could he? Did Josh even love him anymore? “Soren is a commander too…” He kept his voice low so that it did not sound like the accusation that it was. He was trying not to fight. And yet. Yet. He would not say the rest of what he was thinking. Not here. Not now. Maybe later.

Soren offered his hands for anything that became difficult to carry with everything else that Logan found. “Oh! We passed that kid clothing store before we got here.” He felt very accomplished actually knowing something about the place. He moved with the rest out of the store and pointed to one a couple of fronts down. “I’m sure it’s got baby clothes in there too.”
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh heard those words, even in that low voice and bit his lip. “Soren isn’t.. he doesn’t have the same..” Soren and Josh worked well together, and they would always work well together, but Josh. He was working on climbing through the ranks, working up and doing everything he could to keep this place safe. “I can’t win.” Josh muttered, turning his head from Hayden and looking out at the mall. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

Logan looked at Soren and grinned, hearing him. “Awesome!” He said, nodding his head. Jacob walked beside Soren, ready to help Logan carry things if he needed it. The kids store wasn’t too far away and Logan was kind of eager to check it out.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden knew there would be excuses. There were always excuses. Always. He hated that. He hated that no matter what happened, there would always be another excuse. He could not look at Josh, so he didn’t. He didn’t want to look at anyone. “You never do.” Not anymore. He willed himself not to show how much that truly upset him. Maybe it did anyway, but there was nothing else that he could do. The heaviness kept him down. It was better that way. Or at least he told himself so.

Soren had never been so excited to go look for baby clothes. It was not something he ever saw for himself, and he didn’t really think this was something that would happen, but he was excited for Logan. Logan was one of his favorite people. If this made him happy, then it made Soren happy. As they entered the store, he quickly scanned to see where the youngest clothes were. “Over there,” he pointed towards the back. “I think that’s the way it’s set up by age.”
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh clenched his teeth, his eyes narrowed as he heard Hayden’s words. “How can I if you don’t talk.” He said simply, no other expression or emotion. If he didn’t have Theo in his arms, this might’ve gone a different direction quickly. “You know Hayden. This is a two way street.” He added, before he stood up. He couldn’t sit there anymore. Josh moved carefully, so he didn’t wake up Theo. “I’m going for a walk.”

Logan had never thought that he’d have this since the world changed. He’d lost the nurse he’d been dating, Jen, and in two years he managed to find a lovely woman. He’d always wanted kids but didn’t think it would happen. But now? He was so happy. Logan looked where Soren pointed and he nodded enthusiastically. The young man walked that way, his footsteps quickened as he did. Jacob looked up at the bench they could see, and saw Josh standing. Oh boy. He wasn’t sure if he should go check on them or not.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden wanted to tell himself no. Wanted to say that all he ever did was try to talk to him, which was true for him. He was always trying to tell him something, but Josh was never home. Never. “That’s unfair, Joshua.” He finally looked at him. What was there to see? Whatever had become of his fiancé? Fiancé. Sure. That didn’t even feel right. “Fine.” There was nothing he could say to change Josh’s mind, so there was no point in trying. He looked away. Go like you always do.

Soren should have checked on the two they left outside with the way they were as of late, but he was enjoying this with Logan far more than he thought. As he followed him back, he was pointing out random clothes. “Should we get neutral clothes? Is that a thing people do when they don’t know if they’re having a boy or a girl?” He picked up several. “Just go with dinosaurs and call it good?” He grinned.
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh paused in his steps and looked back. “You don’t listen to me. So how is it unfair.” He said as he bit his lip. He was torn between walking off and maybe trying to talk to Hayden. There was such a disconnect and he didn’t know anymore who had caused it or what to do to fix it. He noticed Hayden look away and he clenched his jaw. He turned around and walked back, sitting down again. “I’m here. Talk to me.” He said softly.

Jacob kept an eye on the two and saw Josh sit back down. Logan was excited and looked at the different clothes. “I was thinking the same thing, different shades of clothes. Oh look at this one. It’s adorable.” Logan said, grabbing a onesie with blue flannel top and black bottoms. “How cute would they look in this?” He asked, showing Soren.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

“Why?” He shouldn’t have said it. He should not have let his pain determine what he did next. He brought his gaze back to him as he sat down. “So that you can ignore it and leave? Go do whatever patrol or training or whatever is more important than actually listening to anything I have to say?” He should have stopped there. At least he stayed quiet so that his words would not wake the children. “You say you want to get married, and then you take on the night patrol and stay overnight to finish something. You come here to find a suit for someone else’s wedding, someone else’s, Josh, and you find the one I have always wanted, and it’s almost-“ magical. Normal. Perfect. He shoved a fist into his mouth to calm the rising voice. When he spoke again, it came out in a whisper. “Do you love me?” There was no stopping what already came tumbling out of his mouth.

Soren picked up a few, putting down the ones that did not seem good enough for his soon to be brother-in-law’s kid. He had just picked up a shirt and pant set in a pale green when he looked over at Logan’s. “The most adorable,” he answered. “How can you say no to flannels?” He nudged Jacob. “You can’t. It’s too cute.”
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh looked at Hayden, hearing his words. There was more to those words. He lowered his gaze, looking at Theo. “I…” Josh’s voice was quiet. “It’s not as.. I’m just trying to do this for you.” He said softly. But he could see why picking a suit out for someone else’s wedding was hard. He kept pushing their own off. Constantly. He didn’t know what to say, and he saw him put a fist in his mouth before speaking again. “I do love you. I’ll always love you. How about this. I’ll speak to the General after Soren and Jacob’s wedding about getting ours set. Okay?”

Logan looked at the combo in Soren’s hands and smiled, before he nodded. “You have a couple bags right?” He asked. Jacob chuckled at the nudge from Soren. “You absolutely cannot say no to flannels.” He agreed, as he looked at a few outfits. “Oh isn’t this precious?” He asked, holding a pink dress with a built in white shirt. Logan looked at it and nodded. “It is. I love it.”
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

I’ll always love you. Hayden wanted to believe that. He desperately wanted to believe it. After times like today, when they were walking through the suits again like they used to, trying on the one that Josh found for him, and kissing in a fitting room like they had when they were teens, it was like they were young and in love again. He wished he understood what Josh meant by hi doing this for Hayden. How was any of this for Hayden? He raised a hand and placed it gently on Josh’s cheek. “I know it’s important for you to do this. I know you want to protect everyone.” Kyra, Chase, Ken all on the floor. “I love you. But I can’t wait forever.”

“These suit bags can hold plenty of clothes,” Soren answered with a grin. “Give me one second.” He ran out, literally ran, and grabbed the suit bag with Hayden’s suit. He did not interrupt the conversation and tried very hard not to stay too long. He ran back to Logan and Jacob with the bag so that they could start tossing in all the cute little clothes. “That dress you need.” Little clothes were just too cute. While Logan was looking at more outfits, Soren leaned in close to Jacob. “It was intense out there, but no one was yelling or storming off.”
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh looked at Hayden, felt the hand placed gently on his cheek. He didn't know how to explain why he did this. Any of it. He heard him and bit his lip. "I know you can't wait forever. I just need a little bit longer. I need to talk to the General. Okay? Just, please?" Josh asked as he looked at Hayden. He leaned into the touch on his cheek. He missed this, the connection they had. He paused his words when he saw Soren run to them, grab a suit bag and run away again. After that, he sighed softly. "I took the night off, why don't we bring these little ones home and spend some time together?"

Jacob and Logan both looked at each other at Soren's words and chuckled. Jacob watched him run off, and then come back a few moments later. When the bag was presented, Logan started grabbing all the clothes he liked, and ones he thought that Holly would like. While he was doing that, Jacob looked at Soren and sighed. "I don't know what I'm going to do with them. This can't.. this isn't healthy for them but neither want to listen." Jacob said softly.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden wanted this. He wanted this to work. He desperately wished that they could push past everything else and go back to where they were before. He wanted them to be that. It was a wish he had and would continue to have for so many years after. “Okay.” He could wait for a little bit longer. He could wait. “You took the night off?” That shocked him. When was the last time that Josh willingly took time away from his work? A long time. Hayden stopped counting the days, because the number was too high for his sanity. He chose to be away. For once. And he wanted to be with Hayden? He wanted that to be true, too, but it was terrifying. What would they even do together that long?

Soren took Jacob’s hand and rested his head against it. “I don’t think that we can make them listen. But this is better than it has been in at least months.” He shrugged. It was all he could do about it. He looked over at Logan and smiled. “I think you’ve gotten a whole lot of clothes. I think Holly is going to love that you got all of this for you guys.” He patted Logan’s shoulder. “I think we should probably get those four out there back before anyone gets too tired and fussy.” He meant both the adults and the kids.
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

He heard that okay, and felt his heart race a little, and knew he had to make good on his word. He was going to talk to the General after Soren's wedding. That was the plan. Then he heard his question. "Yes. I did." Josh said, looking at Hayden. He still felt uneasy at taking the night off, but he had to. And he wasn't going to get into trouble. He was one of the favorites for a reason.

Jacob sighed softly as he felt Soren take his hand and he smiled though at the head rested against it. "I know, but you're right. It's definitely better." He agreed. Logan looked at Soren and smiled wide. "I agree. And thank you." He said as he felt the pat to his shoulder. "Yes, let's get the four back home, I'm sure Emily's missing Kaiden." Jacob said as he made to head out of the store.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

He really took the afternoon off. He was awestruck really. He had no idea what to say. This was more than he could have thought possible with how they were recently. Hayden wanted to hug him. He wanted to tell him how much this meant to him. Maybe this was good. If he didn’t have Kai on his lap and Josh didn’t have Theo, he might have done it. Maybe. Or maybe not. The doubt crept too close to the front of his mind. He carefully leaned in and kissed Josh. “Thank you.”

Soren hefted up the bag again and gestured to the front. “Alright then, let’s get back to everyone. Hmm, I think you and I are carrying all the bags,” he told Jacob. They shouldn’t carry them with the babies.” He hoped that having the little ones was making it better for Josh and Hayden. He hoped a lot of things.
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh wasn't sure what was happening exactly, but he smiled at the kiss. He kissed Hayden back gently, before hearing his words. "You're welcome love." Josh said softly, as he looked over to hear the footsteps. "Sounds like our chaperones are coming back." He said, chuckling softly. He couldn't help it, it was what it felt like sometimes. Jacob chuckled at Soren as he nodded. "I'm pretty sure we are. I don't want them to have to juggle bags and kids." Jacob said as he led the way back towards them, Logan walking behind him with the few decorative items he'd found in his hands.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden followed Josh’s gaze, and he laughed. He missed laughing with Josh. His bottom lip got caught between his teeth. “Come to check to make sure you’re behaving.” He slid his eyes back to Josh, feeling the most normal he had in a long time. He was terrified that it would not stay, but he was going to keep it for now. He looked at the little ones. “Okay, I guess it’s time to get them back.” He very carefully stood up. Soren made it there then. “Hello, lovebirds.” He could try to get them back there. “We will be taking all of these bags. You will be taking those cute little ones. And Jacob will be taking all of these decorations he found. Isn’t that fun?”
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh heard that laugh and his heart swelled as he did. He chuckled, rolling his eyes at the comment. "Me? Yes. I'm the one that cannot behave." He said with a teasing grin. This was nice, and he'd take it while he could. He carefully stood up as well, looking at Soren, Jacob and Logan. Josh's eyes shot to the nursery sign in Logan's arms. "Did I miss something?" He asked, gesturing to it. Logan looked at Josh and smiled wide. "Uh. Holly and I, we're expecting." He said, his eyes twinkling as he stood there. "Congratulations brother." Josh said with a smile.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden’s cheeks flushed a light shade of pink. He looked away though not like he did before. He took in what Logan was holding, also wondering the same thing. His eyes widened with excitement and he had to control himself so that he did not wake the kids. “That is amazing,” he said trying to keep himself at a good level. “I wish the best for you.” He loved kids so much. “If you ever need anything, we are the first to ask, right?” Soren, hefting the majority of the bags, grinned. “We do have the resident babysitters here.” He started to move to the exit.
 
Joshua and Jacob Smith
FEDRA Commander, FEDRA Civilian | 26, 32 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Josh smiled as he looked at his brother and he was so happy for him. Logan smiled, hearing Hayden's words. "Of course. I can't for you to meet them." He said, nodding his head. He was definitely going to bring his child to meet his uncles. Logan and Jacob grabbed the rest of the bags and they all turned to head to the escalator to head down and out of the mall.
 
Hayden Gaines and Soren Truelson
FEDRA Civilian, FEDRA Commnder | 26, 37 | Current location ;; Seattle Quarantine Zone

Hayden wanted to take Josh’s hand, and he could not. He wanted to hook his arm underneath Josh’s and cling to his shoulder. He wanted to be Josh and Hayden. He felt like maybe they could be too, and that was so scary and so nice. This was almost like how it was when they were in high school, and he was crushing so hard on his best friend. These were the same things that he wanted then too, only the fear came from the possibility of being rejected. Though, now that he thought about it, was that not exactly how it was now? They all made it out of the mall and worked back through the civilian area. Soren looked at Josh and Hayden. “How are the babies doing? I hate for you guys to have to hold them out here longer? When we reach Logan’s apartment, I can go up and help him take everything. You guys want to keep going? I can catch up.”
 

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