Fandom Snapshots From The Past { The Last of Us 1x1 with icedthemoon }

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden smiled and blushed just a little bit. Yeah, sometimes he did feel special. When he was with Josh, he almost felt like he was on the top of the world. They could do anything if they conquered it together. Anything. He smiled though narrowed his eyes. “Well, I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here.” He pointed down and then laughed. “Okay maybe not that exact spot but here beside you. Forever. Because it’s you and me. We’re Josh and Hayden. Hayden and Josh. Best friends forever. Partners in… I dunno. Everything?” There was nothing he ever felt so strongly about than this. “We’re gonna grow old and you’re still going to have me here to tell you that you can do one more lap!” He giggled at the thought. They had a long time until then, and he was so excited to live everything in between with his best friend.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh laughed as he heard that though what stuck with him was their names. Hayden and Josh, together. As one. Best friends forever. Partners. Maybe.. more? He shook his mind free from that train of thought and looked at Hayden. “You and me.” He agreed before he laughed harder. “Oh good. I want to be seventy and still running around listening to my favorite cheerleader. Maybe even have a son running alongside me that you can coach.” Josh said with a smile as they rounded the far turn to head back to the parking lot. He’d never thought that far ahead but having a son, one that he could run with and teach. And one who would know the positive cheering from his best friend? That would be pretty great he thought.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden never thought about the future like that. He never thought about children. His mind suddenly gave him an image of Josh running with this little boy right beside him. Someone equally as fast and determined. He kind of loved that image of the two of them. “A little Josh? I bet he’d be so cute if he’s anything like his father.” This huge smile crept across his face as he was overwhelmed with the sudden fantasy like it was a memory. “Now you’re not seventy you’re like… forty max and you’ve got this little Josh who’s a young man, maybe our age now, with you. He’s so adorable. And he looks up to like you’re the best thing ever.” Because he was. “And you’re a world famous running team. No one can beat you. And I’m on the sidelines clapping the whole time. Never missed a meet. Never. Because how could I deny my two favorite people in the whole world? Especially when I practically trained both of you? It’s really all me who did this.” He chuckled at his own joke.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh looked at Hayden as he chuckled softly, hearing his words and smiled at the image. "A little me? I don't know if the world could handle that." He said though he loved seeing the huge smile on Hayden's face. "Forty? With a little Josh beside me running with me. We'd be unstoppable as a pair, trained by the worlds best coach." Josh said softly as he looked at Hayden, bumping his shoulder against Hayden's. "See? We'll be best friends forever and always because I need my coach with me. No matter how old I get."​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden chuckled. “The world would be so lucky to have you and a little you. Maybe when you’re like… I dunno like 25, you’ll have this little baby you who runs around and is trying to catch you but can’t.” His laugh grew as he thought about it. “Or like maybe you’ll have a kid as old as we are now so you’ll have to be old then and you and I can be out here at this park telling him how you used to be the best of the best.” Hayden leaned his head against Josh for just a moment. "Used to be because you’re old now and you’re maybe number three in the whole world.” He giggled as their lap was coming to an end. “But no matter what, I’ll be with you. And apparently your son you’ve had with some unnamed girl.” He shook his head and chuckled. ​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled softly as he heard that, chuckling a little bit as well. "I think that maybe having a kid our age, and being older training him. And what do you mean used to be?" He asked as he felt the head lean against his for a moment. "Thanks buddy. I appreciate that. I think I'd stay as the top in the world even at forty." Josh said with a grin as they came to the parking lot. "Always. I need my cheerleader at my side always. Even if I have a son beside me." He said with a smile as he led the way back to his mom's car.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

It was so silly to think about. They were only fourteen. How were they supposed to start planning for when they were that old? “You’ll still always be my favorite runner,” Hayden announced as they were near the car. “So you’ll always have me.” He smiled as they opened up the door. As cute as the idea was of having this little Josh around with them was, and that was very cute, Hayden didn’t love the idea of Josh being with this unnamed person. It sort of made him uneasy to think about this other person being so important to him. Important enough to have a child with him. He smiled as they got in the car, and he pushed that thought away. “We’re back!” he announced happily as soon as they could talk to Josh’s mom. “I’m thinking about acquiring a stopwatch somehow. Do you think I can borrow one from the labs?”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled as he heard that announcement and grinned. "I'm glad I'll always have you." He said as he got into the car with Hayden. Claire looked back at them and smiled. "Welcome back. And I'm sure we can find you a stopwatch Hayden." She said as she thought about it. "I think your father has one still. He used to run in high school." Claire added as she got the car into drive and headed towards Hayden's house. "Wait. Dad ran too?" He asked, shocked as he looked at his mom who nodded. "Yep. He was a track star too, though he doesn't talk about it." She said as they drew closer to Hayden's.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden was so excited about this knowledge. “It runs in the family?!” He grabbed Josh’s hand and raised it up high. “It’s in your blood, Josh! No wonder you’re so good at this.” He laughed with so much happiness now that they learned about it. “Okay, your job is to get me that stopwatch if you can find it. I think it’s time we start really testing what you can do.” As they made it to his house, he was smiling like nothing in the world could ever be better. After their conversations today, he felt a little more sentimental. He pushed against his best friend and hugged him. “Bye,” he whispered almost sheepishly and then ran into his house.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled as he felt his hand grabbed and he bit his lip, laughing. "What can I say? I've got Dad's genes." He said with a giggle as he nodded, knowing he would be able to coax his dad's stopwatch from him. As they got to Hayden's house, he smiled as he hugged Hayden back. "Bye." He whispered back as he watched Hayden head out. The rest of the week went smoothly and he did manage to get his dad's stopwatch from him so they could start timing his runs. Friday afternoon came, and classes had just finished, Josh was nervous as he packed up his backpack and looked over at Hayden. "I don't think I've ever been so nervous as I am right now. What if I don't make it?"​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

The week was pretty normal for Hayden. He was so excited when Josh brought him the stopwatch. It gave him a purpose other than being a cheerleader, though the time made it all that much more impressive. Friday came around, and he was nervous too. He always thought that was silly how that worked. “Joshua, no. You are not allowed to talk like that, remember?” He packed up his stuff as well and hefted his backpack over one shoulder. He never seemed to do the other anymore. “You are amazing. Best runner. And you’re going to make it. I promise.” He walked backwards towards the door to leave the classroom. “Now come on. I want to watch you do the coolest thing in the world.”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh looked at Hayden, hearing him and smiled softly. He appreciated his best friend so much right now. A blush crossed his face as he listened to him. “Thanks Hayden. That means a lot.” He said as he laughed, following his best friend out of the classroom. He was wearing shorts and a shirt today because he knew it would be a smarter decision for tryouts. He knew they’d let him know after because it wasn’t the biggest sport for their high school. “Okay. I’m so nervous still but I got this. Besides, I have my cheerleader and personal coach with me.” He said as they headed out of the school and to the track field where the coach and about five guys were standing. “Joshua Smith?” The coach asked as he nodded. “Alright. You’ll be up after Davis here.” He said. “Lachlan, you’re after him.” Josh nodded as he looked at the two near them. The one named Davis headed to the starting line to begin his run. Josh tapped his foot nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

“Don’t be nervous,” Hayden said though he knew it was much easier for him, the kid not trying out, than for Josh, who was actively going to be doing that. There was no way that he wouldn’t make it. Hayden had never met anyone so determined to have this as Josh. It was one of the things he loved the most about him. When they arrived, Hayden stayed a little off to the side. It didn’t look like anyone else brought their plus ones. He was sad for the rest of them, and there was a part of him who thought about cheering for them all. Then he looked at Josh, and he looked so nervous. Hayden was not about to let that happen. He dropped his pack and walked over to him, ignoring the other people. He took Josh’s backpack and anything else he might have on. “I can watch everything. I’ll be your pack mule.” He laughed at himself as he smiled at his best friend. He took one of his hands and laced his fingers through Josh’s. “Where does this thing end?” He watched long enough to figure out what they were doing. “Good. That’s the end? That’s where I’m going to be. You run as fast as you can to get back to me.” He let Josh go, dropped the pack off with his, and took his place being far too up close and personal with the tryouts. This was only the beginning of how much Hayden was all but part of the team. “Promise coach, you’re gonna want to see this.”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh wasn’t expecting Hayden to take his pack but he smiled at him gratefully. “Thanks.” He said as his eyes went to follow Davis around the track. He felt him take his hand and their laced fingers. There was something about running to Hayden which was extra motivating. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face as he nodded. “I’ll see you soon.” He said as he watched him head off. Davis finished his run and then it was Joshua’s turn. “Okay. Here we go.” He said as he made his way to the starting gate. He bent his knee as the signal to start went off. Then Josh was off, racing down the track. They only had about half the track they had to run. He raced hard, his feet pounding against the dirt as he looked over, seeing Hayden. That was his focus, his goal. So he ran.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden lied. He was not watching their things at all. In fact, he forgot all about their bags and things, because the only thing that mattered was Josh. He stood at the finish line, his face full of smiles that he was sure could never go away. Then he was off, and it was like every other day that Josh ran. Hayden watched with awe like he had not done this for a year. He watched his body seemingly reform to take up space somewhere new. Then he cheered. He didn’t mean to. It was so natural for him to start cheering as he went. He was natural for him to bounce and clap. It was also natural for him to hold out his arms. Come back to me, those arms begged of him. Run to me. He laughed as his fingers gestured like he was grabbing for him. “Don’t keep me waiting all day!” The words ended in a giggle. He forgot about the whole rest of the world.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh was running and the moment he heard the cheering, saw Hayden with those open arms and grabbing fingers, he hit second speed. His body was like a bolt, racing down the track faster than ever before. The coach and the other boys were wide-eyed as he ran. But his only thought was that he had Hayden waiting for him. He had this wonderful person who wanted to be his best friend. He slowed down a quarter of an inch away and slid to a stop over the finish line. A light panting as he smiled, looking at Hayden. “I think.. that was my best time ever.” He said softly as he grinned. There were two positions on the team open and he looked at the coach as Lachlan took his place. “Come on, let’s move to the side, so he can run.” Josh said, grinning as he stepped off to the side.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

He ran, and Hayden held this great pride in his friend that he could not describe to anyone if they asked. He knew he could do it, and he knew it would be better if Hayden placed himself where he did. He wasn’t sure why he knew that. He wasn’t sure why it worked. That wasn’t the point. “Oh my gosh, Josh! I think that was the fastest you’ve ever been!” He moved off to the side so that the other boys could keep running. The sadness that he held for them earlier was gone. It no longer existed. All that was left was how excited he was for Josh. “Don’t move, let me get your water.” He started to turn and then turned back. “I’m serious. Do not ruin that perfect body of yours.” He ran to the backpacks and came back with the water that he already had ready for him. “Drink and then tell me how amazing you feel.”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled like he’d won a million dollar race, as he looked at Hayden. “It can only be better if I get the spot.” He said as he looked over at the ones running now. A brown haired boy, a year older than Josh, was running. And he seemed just as fast, though maybe a slight bit slower. “Lachlan.” Josh whispered, watching him. He turned back to Hayden, blushing at the words. Perfect body? His entire face turned red at that. He took the water when Hayden came back and drank it slowly. He knew better than to drink fast. Once he took a few big gulps, he looked at Hayden. “I feel like I’m on cloud nine.” He said with a smile. The last runner went and then the coach called them over. “Here we go.” He said softly as he looked at Hayden nervously.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

If he were good at anything but being Josh’s biggest supporter, Hayden would have paid attention to the other people on that field. He would have watched the competition. He would have learned their names and who they were. But no. No, Hayden only had eyes for Josh as was how he always was. “Good. You should get to feel that way.” He wanted to hug him. He wanted to take his hands and spin them around. He wanted to do a lot of things, and some of them were just errant thoughts, he was sure. He couldn’t do any of those things. They were in public. He couldn’t do that in public. And that could make things weird. He didn’t want things to be weird. He turned to look at the coach as well after the last runner went. He was nervous. He was ready. He leaned over on his tiptoes so that he could whisper into Josh’s ear. “You’re a superhero, Joshua. Don’t worry.”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled at Hayden, knowing he had his number one supporter with him made this all so much better. He loved having him as a cheerleader, a personal coach, and a best friend. He heard the whisper in his ear and smiled, blushing a little bit. “Thanks. I really appreciate that.” He admitted as they headed to the coach. “Alright boys. That was a fantastic trial. Lachlan, Smith. You’re both in. Davis, Reed. Work on your speed and you might make it in next year. First practice is Monday. First meet is in two weeks.” He said as he turned away. Josh, ecstatic, turned to Hayden and wrapped his arms around him in a hug, laughing as he grinned. “I made it in! I can’t believe it. And it wouldn’t be possible without the support of my best friend! Thank you Hayden so much!”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden’s jaw dropped open as he listened to that. Josh made it. He made it. “Joshua Smith, you superstar of a man, you made it!” He was so incredibly excited for his best friend. This was the best thing that could have happened. He was not shocked. He was not surprised. He already knew it. He knew because Joshua was the fastest person he had ever seen. “Of course you made it, because you are amazing! I told you that you could do it! Why don’t you listen to me more? I am the brains of this two-man operation.” Still enveloped in the hug, he smiled over at the other boy who made the team. “Hey! Lachlan? It’s so silly how we only use last names. You were so good too!” He was too smiley not to look like he was over here making all the friends. Sometimes Hayden could do that. Sometimes it was just how it was. “Good thing you guys are going to be on the same team. Imagine one of those relay races with the two of you! We’re gonna be unstoppable!”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh had never been more excited in his life as he listened to Hayden. “You’re right. You’re so right! I should’ve listened to you!” Josh said with a big smile as he squeezed Hayden in the hug gently. The other boy looked over and smiled, nodding his head. “It’s uh Justin. And thanks.” He said as he turned, where a beautiful girl came running out onto the field. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug and kissed his cheek. “I knew you could do it.” She said as he smiled. “Thanks Emily.” Josh finally stepped back with a red face as he looked at Hayden. “You’re right, I’m glad we’re on the same team. Oh! Mom’s waiting in the parking lot, why don’t we go share the news?” He asked his best friend with a grin on his face.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden could have stayed in that hug forever. Forever and ever. He never did like when their hugs ended. He smiled at Justin and the girl Emily. He caught her attention with a big smile. He pointed to her and then himself. “Track groupies?” He laughed and grabbed both backpacks, slinging one on each shoulder, and turned back to Justin and Emily with a wave. “See whoever on Monday!” Then he turned back to Josh with a triumphant look. “Your mom is going to be so excited! Track star husband. Track star son. We are surrounded by greatness!” Hayden ran out to the parking lot, laughing so loudly that he was sure everyone could hear him.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Emily smiled at Hayden and nodded, waving at him. “Of course!” She called. Josh smiled at her before he looked at Hayden, laughing as he saw that triumphant look on his best friend’s face. “I can’t wait to see her face honestly. This is going to be great.” He said with a happy laugh as he followed at a jog into the parking lot. Claire saw Hayden running, and Josh jogging beside him and smiled as she had a feeling of what happened at the tryouts. Josh pulled open the car door and let Hayden in first. “Hello boys. How was your day? And Josh, how were the tryouts?” Claire asked with a smile on her face as she looked back at both boys.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Freshman | 14 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden was still laughing and vibrating with the excitement as he tossed in both of their backpacks before crawling into the car. “HE’S SO GOOD! AGH!” Instead of buckling up like a good child, he leaned forward, hands clinging to the passenger seat, and leaning as far forward as he could so that he could talk to Josh’s mom. “He was all nervous because what if he doesn’t make it, and I was like but you’re soooo goooood, and then he whips out the fastest run I think he’s ever done in his entire life- the coach and the other boys were staring at him like he was the actual Flash, and what did I tell you?” He was looking at Josh now with the biggest goofiest grin. “He made it!” He playfully shoved Josh’s arm, giggling so much that he sort of fell over on top of him. “Because you’re so gosh darn good!”​