Age 24...
Usually, Vincent would never be caught dead in a coffee shop by himself for the fear of someone trying to talk to him, but he's decided that he is going to be a good boyfriendâas much as it ruins his intimidating image.
Hayden is unfortunately working his first Saturday shift, so Vincent thought it would be sweet to surprise him with lunch. However, is Vincent secretly trying to go to his firm for a different reason? A million times yes. Vincent wants to scope out his coworkers who keep making Hayden feel like shit after working there for over a year. It's as if Hayden wants to prove something to Vincentâthat he can withstand all the petty crap and rude comments and still have a successful job, but truthfully, Vincent would never want Hayden to be in that toxic of an environment when he had to vie so hard for happiness in the first place. If Vincent sees one mean glare today, somebody is getting tripped and Vincent isn't going to shed a single ounce of guilt.
Vincent pulls his phone out of his pocket to dial Hayden's number as he waits for the line to shorten. He holds the phone between his cheek and shoulder to fish his card out of his wallet, but is left bewildered when Hayden's phone goes to voicemail. Just when he is about to call again, the barista shouts to take the next customer's order.
Vincent quickly steps up and tells the barista everything that Hayden would wantâa hot chocolate, a sweet pastry, and a sandwich on sourdough breadâbefore quickly adding a coffee to the order for himself. Vincent doesn't want to be a cheesy motherfucker, but he can almost imagine the way that Hayden is going to light up when he surprises him at his workplace.
Vincent takes a seat in one of the soft-padded chairs as he waits for his order. He quickly calls Hayden again to see if he's busy, but he gets no answer.
Vincent rolls his eyes with a laugh, knowing that he could be on a call with one of their friends.
See, Hayden does this thing where he has to call at least one person from the friend group every day. He has a schedule that rotates between Leo, Asher, Sawyer, Cecilia, Jordan, and even Kai. Vincent just knows that his friends are sick of hearing Hayden's voice, but he's sure that they find it sweet too because Hayden is undoubtedly the glue that keeps them all together when they are separated in the world and their daily lives.
If Vincent is correct, though, Hayden is supposed to be bothering Leo today. Vincent quickly calls the up-and-coming quarterback.
"Hello?" Leo says.
"Yeah, hey," Vincent replies.
"Damn, is it a special day or what?" Leo laughs. "I'm actually getting a call from the Vincent Russell? The king of being antisocial?"
"Yeah, yeah, shut the fuck up. Looks like all the sacks you took last week are messing with your head," Vincent teases.
"Ouch, man," Leo laughs loudly. "Way to remind me of one of the worst games of my career."
"You're the golden boy." Vincent rolls his eyes. "You'll bounce back. You always do."
Leo finds it so funny that Vincent can absolutely annihilate the shit out of you with his words and then sneak in something slightly encouraging that he will never admit to saying again. Vincent certainly is one of a kind.
"Thanks, Vincent," Leo chuckles. "What do you want?"
"Why do you assume I want something?"
"Because I know you."
"Fair enough," Vincent shrugs. "I was wondering if you've heard from Hayden today."
To be frank, Vincent doesn't know how everyone but Sawyer and Cecilia hasn't caught onto their relationship yet. Hayden is actually really bad when it comes to keeping quiet and being subtle so Vincent thinks his friends are either about as smart as a pile of nails or just can't fathom the idea of either of them in a stable relationship with each other...which is a fair argument. But sometimes Vincent has to call the same friend that Hayden called to find out where his boyfriend is or get insider information, so the fact that nobody has made that connection yet is just a tad bit sad. How they don't know that the two live together yet is beyond Vincent.
"Oh, Hayden?" Leo questions back. "Yeah, I was just talking to him about half an hour ago."
Vincent quickly checks the time on his watch before saying, "Wait, don't you have a game soon? How the hell are you talking to me?"
"Well, when Hayden thinks that your schedule revolves around him, you don't really have a choice," Leo snickers. "I was busy when he called me but he threatened me when I said that I needed to hang up, so I had to miss a pre-game interview and listen to him go on and on about his theory that American football was invented by cavemen."
Vincent snorts, "Yep, sounds reasonable."
"Yeah, right," Leo scoffs back playfully. "But, I don't know. Something weird happened."
"What do you mean?" Vincent asks, furrowing his brow.
"All of a sudden it sounded like some weird commotion was happening in the background of Hayden's call," Leo explains. "I kept asking him what was going on and then he just completely stopped talking. I heard some screams in the background and what almost sounded like an alarm, but then the phone went dead. I kind of just chalked it up to Hayden being dramatic for a second, but I don't think there has ever been a time where Hayden's big mouth is just absolutely speechless, you know? I asked my mom if she could go down to the firm and check on him, but she is swamped with work." There is then a demanding yell from Leo's side of the call. "Sorry, Vincent. I really gotta go and get ready for warm-ups."
"Nah, I get it," Vincent smiles half-heartedly, not knowing what to make of the information Leo just told him. "Give the Seahawks hell and good luck."
"Thanks, buddy. I'll talk to you later. Bye."
Vincent wishes he could say he wasn't concerned, but Hayden always answers his phone, so when he doesn't, Vincent has the right to feel his heart sink. He quickly checks his boyfriend's location and sees that he is still at work, which should ease his mind but doesn't.
A barista calls out Vincent's name. He swiftly gets up to grab his goods but stops dead in his tracks when he catches sight of the television next to the pick-up area.
The headline running along the bottom of the screen is imprinted in his mind and causes his body to get hotâmaking his skin prickle and his mind pound.
Breaking news: Raging flames at the Valiant Accounting building downtown.
"Turn the T.V. up," Vincent demands, a lot harsher than intended.
"Sorry, sir, butâ"
Vincent turns toward the male barista who gulps at his cold and unwavering stare.
"Turning the fucking T.V. up."
The command is easily followed and Vincent attaches his eyes to the news reporter on the screen.
"âNobody quite knows when exactly the fire started or what could've started it, but the fire department is having a hard time keeping it concealed," the reporter explains as the building in the back is covered in wisps of red and orange. "This building is also home to the child daycare center for employees at Valiant. Although the representatives of the child center did a great job at evacuating, there is still a missing child trapped in the building. Almost the entire first floor and lobby are ablaze, which makes it hard for anyone to enter the building and any employees inside to exit the burning maze. As of right now, we only know of one other man who is stuckâ"
Vincent thickly gulps and has to stabilize himself on the counter in front of him as dread spikes his bones. He can almost hear his pulse beating in his skull.
"Can I get you some wateâ"
"Fuck," Vincent says brokenly before turning his back and racing away.
"Sir, your order!"
Vincent bursts through the door, the hot weather almost biting him in the assâas if taunting him. Vincent doesn't think a single second before running down the block toward all of the hideous smoke billowing from down the street. Starting his car and dealing with traffic could be a matter of life...and death for the man he loves. The thought is too much to bear and makes Vincent's stomach churn as painful footsteps hit the pavement and his heart is on the verge of combusting.
In record time, Vincent makes it to the scene, overwhelmed by the blur of everything that passes his vision. Firefighters are zooming by, reporters and cameras are gathered around and filming those who are notably frightened by the lick of flames destroying the building, and investigators are racing to the area to question bystanders and victims about where it could've possibly gone wrong. Vincent is almost hyperventilating at the combination of stress about the safety of his lover as well as already huffing from the distance he ran.
He doesn't care about the annoyed comments he gets from the people he shoves through or the people trying to yell at him for advancing in the restricted area, but he is eventually stopped by a group of firemen when he is close enough to feel how dangerous the heat of the fire is. And the worrying part is that he doesn't care how much pain he has to go through to get to Hayden, as long as the brunette still has a beating heart by the end of all of this.
"You can't go any further," says the burliest man of them all, who is only an inch taller than Vincent.
"Don't tell me what to fucking do," Vincent spits, trying to surge forward only to receive multiple hands that clamp down on his arms. He knows full well that he is being unreasonable but so much fear is clouding his mind.
"You cannot go in, dude," another explains. "Our best bet is to suppress the flames from the outside and then try to infiltrate the building."
"And how fucking long is that going to be?" Vincent sneers. "You know damn well as much as I do how much smoke inhalation someone can endure, so if you guys aren't going to do your fucking jobs while my boyfriend is stuck in the building, then stay out of my way."
Vincent is never like this. He would never say something that harsh to a stranger, especially ones that only want the best out of this, just like he does. But for once, Vincent is unknowingly letting emotion guide him instead of rationality. The emotion inside him is tearing his brain apart.
The tall fireman shoves his hand into Vincent's chest as he remains uncooperative and unrelenting.
"And when you are trapped in the building as it crumbles to pieces, we aren't going to be the ones responsible for your death. Sit the fuck down and let us handle it before nobody makes it out alive."
Vincent finally backs down but doesn't stop shooting the team of firemen death glares. Someone leads Vincent to the nearest bench and turns him away from the scene as if he doesn't keep peeking over his shoulder and praying for Hayden's arrival.
The next few minutes that tick by only feel like agonizing hours to Vincent. He's so goddamn worried and restless that everyone's speech around him sounds distorted, passing through one ear and out the other. Vincent puts his head in his hands, willing himself not to get emotional as he waits for Hayden to pull through...because he always does.
All of a sudden, the crowd's eyes shoot toward the entrance of the building and mutters of disbelief fall from the lips of watching civilians.
Vincent stands up and whips around to finally spot that beautiful skin of Hayden's that is covered in ash and scorch marks as he emerges from the burning building. Hayden is missing the entire right side of his pant leg, but Vincent notices the same fabric bundled up in his arms as the ravenette races toward his lover whom he will never take for granted again after this moment. Everyone gasps in shock as a small head of girly pigtails is unveiled when the carefully swaddled pant fabric falls down and reveals the missing child Hayden is carrying. Hayden sets down the little girl, whose family comes racing toward her worriedly, as Hayden falls victim to harsh sputtering and coughing.
"Hayden!" Vincent shouts, sprinting faster to the exhausted man.
Hayden, despite his disorder, looks up through his blurry vision to find Vincent. He reaches out to his boyfriend, but can't make it to Vinny without his legs collapsing. Thankfully, Vincent is there just in time to catch Hayden. Vincent throws his arms around the shorter and accidentally breathes in his smoky smell, but he doesn't care. God, he doesn't care at all because he's here, he's safe, he's breathing, he's alive, and he's still his.
"Don't you ever fucking scare me like that again," Vincent manages, tightening his hold. He kisses all along the side of his head in relief, and although Hayden loves the comfort, he is just barely conscious. "You don't have to be t-the damn hero," Vincent continues, his voice cracking as it finally sinks in that he came so close to losing his best friend.
"Vinny," Hayden says weakly, his limbs gradually losing the fight to stay awake.
"What? What is it?" Vincent asks, trapping Hayden's face in his hands carefully as if it's the most precious piece of art.
"It h-hurts," Hayden falters, letting a cry push past his lips as surprising tears drip from his bloodshot eyes. "It hurts so b-bad."
"What?" Vincent says patiently but worriedly. "Where does it hurt? What hurts, Hay? Tell me, Hay."
"My leg," Hayden says, his voice crumbling with every word he speaks.
Vincent holds Hayden up as the man becomes heavier and heavier in his arms. Vincent doesn't even realize that Hayden slips into unconsciousness as he examines Hayden's leg with the missing pant fabric. The horrid sight almost causes Vincent to vomit, even though he doesn't get easily nauseated and has quite a strong stomach. He now understands why Hayden is in so much excruciating pain.
From Hayden's ankle to his upper thigh, the flames seem to have seared Hayden's body. His skin is entirely unrecognizable, littered in hues of angry red, pink, and even some of his flesh is painted in black. Vincent wishes he could forget the smell, the literal sound of Hayden's body sizzling like a mere piece of meat, and the fluid that oozes from the area as his body doesn't understand how to deal with the trauma. The welts and mountainous blisters on his skin cause Vincent to get teary-eyed because there is no way he could watch Hayden endure this much pain and still be okay. He is going to have nightmares for weeks, probably years, because no matter how much he tries in the future, he can't protect Hayden from everything and that's going to leave Vincent deeply scarred.
"Hayden," Vincent whispers into his hair worriedly because he hasn't even released a single mewl of pain since he brought up the horrific injury.
Vincent receives no response.
"Hayden," he says again softly, almost beggingly.
When he doesn't hear Hayden's sweet voice at the second request, he pulls away to find that Hayden is senseless and limp in his hold.
Vincent's eyes widen in horror.
"Hayden. Hayden, look at me," Vincent insists, tapping his cheek to find that his skin is losing its warmth. "Hayden. You're okay. Just open your eyes for me." No response. "H-Hayden, come on. Come back to me. Hay, please," Vincent begs, trying to convince himself that the man is okay, but deep down he knows he's not.
Vincent's knees harshly hit the pavement as Hayden's body falls into his like a lifeless doll. Vincent doesn't even realize he is screaming until his throat starts to burn because he is so overloaded with emotion, panic, and distress that his only coping mechanism is to block out all the noise until he can only hear something similar to eerie white noise. He can see the flashing light of an ambulance and feels EMTs trying to pry his boyfriend's limp body from his arms, but the only thing he can focus on is the way his breathing speeds up and the corner of his vision going dark. Vincent just briefly catches sight of his boyfriend's body on a stretcher as the doctors around Hayden start to panic.
"He's going into shock!" An EMT shouts. "His heart rate is starting to drop. We need to get to the hospital quickly before it's too late!"
That news is Vincent's breaking point.
Vincent has never endured anything like this before, and because his body isn't used to the devastation, his blood pressure drops. Soon enough, both Vincent and Hayden are seeing black as they are restless, trapped in the unconsciousness of their minds.
âââ§âââââââ§ââ
After a long ten days at the hospital, Vincent and Hayden are finally back home. Hayden is fast asleep on the couch. Vincent is seated on the floor in front of his peaceful boyfriend as he stares off into nothingness. Their fingers are gently intertwined because neither one has been able to get over the feeling of the other's safety after this giant, traumatic mess.
Vincent would be lying if he said he got more than five hours of sleep since the incident. Worry has been plaguing his mind throughout Hayden's recovery, especially when he learned that Hayden endured such substantial burns that he had to be rushed into surgery and get multiple skin grafts because his cells were so severed and damaged.
Hayden was always in and out of sleep during his stay at the hospital while Vincent stayed at his side and attended to his every need. Vincent got sick of seeing the numerous doctors that entered the room, but he was grateful for how closely they watched Hayden's health. To be fair, though, Vincent's stoic face kind of scared the staff so they were prepared to do extra for the patient. The doctor gave Hayden a list of rules for what to do after his hospitalization, but it didn't even matter because Vincent was going to do everything for Hayden anyway.
Vincent has also been taking the heat of worried phone calls from family and friends, but he is utterly exhausted by managing everything and making sure that he is there for Hayden. Even still, he can't sleep, and the only time he even came close to it was when he felt safe with Scott being in the hospital room right beside him.
Hayden slightly shifts and Vincent turns around to gauge his lover's face. The slant of his eyebrows and slight breaths that push past his lips make Vincent observe the serene features and wish for nothing more than Hayden's ease. Vincent then looks forward once again as he peeks at the flickering candle on the coffee table. The enchanting flare would be beautiful if the couple didn't go through what they did. Now, it only feels like a punch to the face.
Suddenly, Vincent feels a hand in his hair. He turns and catches Hayden's sleepy eyes opening with a shy smile plastered on that pretty face of his.
Hayden uses his hand in Vincent's hair to guide his boyfriend's head closer. Vincent's eyes drift shut before their lips even touch. The tenderness of their kiss distracts from their uncomfortable positions, but Hayden wouldn't have it any other way.
"Go back to sleep," Vincent whispers against his lips.
Hayden pulls away and rests his head on his pillow, his gaze panning all around the beauty of Vinny's face. He tucks a hair behind Vincent's ear, letting out a weak giggle at the way Vincent's face unintentionally screws up at the loving action.
"You should take your own advice," Hayden counters in a raspy tone.
"I can't," Vincent confesses, examining the cute slope of Hayden's nose.
Hayden slightly pouts and looks at the bags under his best friend's eyes. Vincent can read the concern in his expression and sets his chin on the couch in front of Hayden's face to hopefully distract them from their proximity.
"Will you go back to sleep?" Vincent asks nicely. "For me, please?"
"I really have to pee," Hayden admits sheepishly.
Hayden moves the blanket off his body and grimaces when he tries to maneuver his injured leg off the couch. Vincent immediately reaches out to help guide Hayden's bandaged leg to the ground. Hayden nods gratefully before putting his hands on Vinny's shoulders. Vincent grabs Hayden's hips and helps him to his feet.
Vincent tosses his arm around Hayden's waist and helps him hobble to the desired destination, knowing that Hayden can't completely walk unassisted because of his now stiff knee joint.
Vincent easily flips the bathroom light on for his boyfriend before asking, "Do you need help?"
"If you don't mind," Hayden replies with red cheeks.
"Of course not," Vincent smiles softly.
After Hayden does his business and gets over the embarrassment of Vincent helping him through one of his most vulnerable times, Hayden is sitting on the closed lid of the toilet seat in exhaustion. Even the smallest of actions tires Hayden out because almost all his energy goes into healing his wound.
"We should probably change your dressing," Vincent offers, gathering the medical supplies and kneeling on the cold bathroom tile in front of Hayden.
Hayden watches nervously when Vincent unravels the ace bandage that covers the entirety of his leg. However, when Vincent reaches out to take the dressing pads off his boyfriend's leg, Hayden's hand shoots out and catches Vinny's wrist. Vincent looks at him in question, but Hayden turns his face away in shame.
"Can we just change it in the morning?" Hayden murmurs. "Also can you get me some pants?"
"I don't think pants are a good idea. The fabric will be too abrasive," Vincent explains gently. "Besides it needs to breathe a little so I say we go ahead and change it now."
Vincent tries to free his arm from Hayden's grip, but Hayden doesn't relent.
"Do you think my scar is sexy?" Hayden asks playfully, breathing softly as he closes his eyes.
"What?" Vincent is taken aback by the question, letting out a little chuckle.
"I have to joke about it, so it makes it less real."
"What do you mean?" Vincent questions, putting his hand comfortingly on Hayden's uninjured knee.
"I just...n-need to hear you say yes," Hayden confesses somberly. "It'll make me feel less...ugly."
"Hayden..." Vincent says, his heart hurting at the statement.
"I want to be strong like you and pretend that I'm okay with it, but I'm not." Hayden buries his face in his hands as he starts to sniffle. "I don't want it. I wish this wasn't a part of me and something so horrific that you have to look at every day. I'm so disgusting."
"Shut the hell up. I'm not having any of this shit," Vincent whispers, being careful of his boyfriend's leg as he wraps his arms around a sorrowful Hayden.
"I'm sorry your boyfriend looks like a m-monster," Hayden cries, clutching Vincent's shirt.
As much as it hurts his pride, Vincent says, "Baby, look at me."
Hayden looks up at the abrupt pet name, harshly wiping his eyes with his sleeve.
"That scar of yours," Vincent whistles suggestively, "is so sexy I can barely take my eyes off it. Damn, my boyfriend is hot as hell, but he just became the most attractive man on earth with that minuscule blemish of his. In the dictionary, the definition of sexy is Hayden Williams, and he looks especially pretty sitting in front of me right now. I'm surprised nobody has broken down the door to get their shot at how sexy, funny, attractive, and one-of-a-kind you are."
"You're just saying that," Hayden says smally despite the tiny smile on his face at Vincent trying to cheer him up.
"Maybe," Vincent shrugs. "But maybe not."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Hayden laughs.
Vincent shrugs innocently.
Hayden smiles as he grabs Vincent's hands and kisses his knuckles.
"But in all seriousness, Hay," Vincent begins. "Your scar doesn't mean anything to me. It doesn't make me think any less of you; if only more from all you went through and how bravely you saved that child even though I wanted to beat your ass for making me so worried. I don't think you understand that all I want is you here and breathing and saying dumb shit like if I think your scar is sexy."
Hayden snickers wetly, hugging Vincent's head into his chest. Vincent lets his boyfriend soak up the small emotional moment because he really has been through too much.
"Can you kiss it better?" Hayden cheekily says.
Vincent looks at his boyfriend unimpressed when he bats his eyelashes.
"God, I hate that I love you."
Vincent sighs but starts from Hayden's ankle, planting a line of kisses along the inner area of his leg, clear away from the dressing on his burn wound.
Hayden feels so lucky to have Vincent.
"Okay, can I change it now?" Vincent snaps sassily.
"Mhm."
Vincent carefully tends to Hayden's wound, constantly looking up at the man with a wink or grin to ease his mind. After about five minutes, the bandages are as good as new, and Vincent is half-carrying Hayden to the living room. He swiftly helps him onto the couch, covering him with a blanket before he sits in front of him just like before. Hayden yawns as he reaches out to hold Vinny's hand, ready to fall asleep until morning.
However, after a couple of minutes, Hayden opens his eyes to find that Vincent is still wide awake.
"Vinny, please go to bed," Hayden begs. "I promise I'll be okay."
"It's just...every time I close my eyes I'm reminded of how you fainted in my arms," Vincent admits. "I don't know...I definitely think it'll be a while for me to feel okay again, but if I'm always awake, then nothing can happen to you. I don't want to relive all of that ever again, Hayden. A-And they said your heart was starting to fail and I could've lost you andâ"
"Vinny, that's all over, though," Hayden smiles. "As you said, I'm still here."
"I know...it's just hard to forget."
"You know what? I can't sleep if you aren't up here," Hayden claims, even though he was sleeping just fine before.
"I don't want to accidentally hurt you," Vincent retorts.
"You won't," Hayden assures. "But I really can't sleep well when you aren't next to me."
Vincent thinks that his boyfriend is full of shit, but he takes the small amount of space in front of Hayden anyways. He rests his head on the same pillow as his boyfriend. Hayden happily snuggles closer, tossing his arm over Vincent's stomach and kissing the back of his neck.
"Can I tell you something?" Hayden asks quietly.
"Always."
"Don't be mad, but I really don't want to go back there," Hayden confesses.
"Where?"
"To work."
Vincent instantly flips over so he can look Hayden in the eyes.
"You want to quit?" Vincent clarifies.
Hayden nods, feeling ashamed but not breaking eye contact with Vincent, whose eyes are so welcoming.
"Oh, thank the fucking lord," Vincent sighs in relief.
"Wait...you're happy?"
"Of course I am, Hayden. You absolutely hate that place so how could I not be?" Vincent explains. "Accounting just isn't for you, and that's okay. You are only twenty-four. It's not too late to find out what you really want to do in life."
"But what about finances?" Hayden questions, thinking rationally for once.
"Yeah, I'm sure we will be tight on money for a while, but it'll all work out in the end," Vincent assures. "Please just get as far away from the cursed place as possible."
"It is cursed, isn't it?" Hayden snickers.
Vincent nods before saying, "After your physical therapy is over, I want you to branch out and do what you want to do, not what you feel obligated to do because you put an immense amount of pressure on yourself to be something you don't have to be."
Hayden opens his mouth and begins to sputter guiltily.
"Yeah, I know you," Vincent announces, rolling his eyes. "You can be a stripper for all I care. Just please be honest with yourself and find a career that you actually love. Don't worry about anything else. I will take care of it and I will take care of you for the time being. Now can you please fucking go to bed because it is three in the morning?"
"Only if you do."
"Fine, you bitch," Vincent scoffs in annoyance.
Hayden laughs brightly at the statement before he remembers something.
"Can you call me baby one more time?" Hayden whispers softly.
"Shut up. I'm sleeping," Vincent explains shortly with a smirk on his lips.
"But Vinnyyyyyyyy."
"I'm sleeping," Vincent repeats, smothering Hayden into his chest so the boy will stop whining.
"Maybe I just wanted this all along," Hayden beams, wrapping his arms around the bigger man.
Vincent rolls his eyes and then says, "Get your hand off my ass."
"Ugh, you're no fun," Hayden sulks, a happy grin on his lips as his eyes finally drift shut.
"And you are ridiculous."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment, dumbass."
After two weeks of living through a nightmare, Vincent and Hayden are finally getting a good night's sleep...even if it's nearly morning.