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

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

There were so many exciting parts about this excursion, and this was no exception. Hayden was so ready to touch everything. Every single one of them. And he did. He was careful and precise. He moved down the line to do exactly as he was told so that he could feel every single one of those creatures. “Josh! Look!” He adored all of them. “This little guy, isn’t even scary at all.” His favorite was unsurprisingly the bamboo shark. All the little sharks were his favorite. “He isn’t afraid of us. That confidence can give us confidence. Like people.” He paused though when he realized that Josh wasn’t touching any of them. “Are you okay? Do you… want to touch them? It’s not as scary once you do it the first time.” He smiled. “You don’t have to. Never let someone pressure you into something you aren’t ready to do. That’s okay too. But…” he looked back at the little creatures. “I’m here if you ever want to try.”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh watched as Hayden touched the creatures and he smiled at that, though as he looked down when a catshark swam by, he bit his lip. "I.. I always get so nervous to touch them. I don't wanna hurt them." Josh admitted quietly, looking up at Hayden with an unsure gaze. This was the first time Josh really lost that easy confidence he usually had. He chewed on his lip as he looked at the creatures again. He lifted a hand to touch the shark as it swam by but he froze and pulled his hand back. "I just don't know how start.. I guess." Josh added as Jacob watched the two curiously from the back of the room, a small smile on his face.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden watched Josh, observing his nervousness. He nodded and moved so that they were pressed against each other. “Let me help.” He took Josh’s hand that wasn’t about to touch something and held it in his own. He gently squeezed. “First, remember that you aren’t alone. I’m with you.” Then he leaned forward and took the other hand and guide it away from all the faster moving creatures. “Second, start with the ones that aren’t going to keep moving. Maybe like… this little guy.” He stopped their hands hovering over the water where a starfish was. That creature was not about to move. He seemed to be living his best life. “Then we have to be gentle. One finger and light touches. He’s used to this. He’s been doing this all day. Maybe he even likes it. Makes him feel loved.” He let go of Josh’s hand and slowly lowered his own. “Like this.” Little, gentle touches. Then he raised his hand and moved so that he was gently resting slightly underneath Josh’s to keep it up. “Do you want to try?”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh looked at Hayden as he felt his friend press against his side. It was very comforting and he smiled as he felt Hayden take his hand and squeeze it. His nervousness was melting away as he nodded one. "Okay." He whispered as he felt his other hand guided away from the other creatures. He tilted his head as he was guided to a starfish. "Right. Gentle. Little touch." He said softly, under his breath. He bit his lip as he watched Hayden touch the starfish first before he lowered his own hand. "Mmhmm." Josh hummed as his hand breached the water and gently touched the starfish in those same gentle motions. "Feels so cool." He said, his smile growing as he looked at Hayden. "Thank you.. for this."​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden kept himself firmly pressed against Josh, because having someone there to support you was exactly what someone needed to do something new or scary. He smiled as he watched. “Just like that. Isn’t it one of the best feelings?” He lowered his hand as well as he touched the manta ray that swam by. “You’re welcome. Friends help each other. Always.” He touched the little shark once more. “Did you want to try another one? We can save that for next time if you want.” He knew that they needed to finish soon so that they could meet their parents in the gift shop.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh appreciated the comfort and support from Hayden as he nodded his head, smiling. "Yes!" He said with a grin as he touched the starfish a little more before he saw the sharks swim by. "Um.. kind of." He admitted as he lifted his hand up and tentatively touched a shark that swam by. "Oh wow." He whispered as he looked up at Hayden. "That's pretty cool." Jacob waited a few moments more before he came up and put a hand on either boys shoulders. "Come on you two." He said before winking at Josh. "Good job buddy." He said with a smile, turning to lead them to the gift shop.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden watched some more, occasionally sticking his own hand in to touch a creature that was coming, though he often only watched. “You are doing so well,” he whispered so that it could be for just the two of them. He turned to Jacob with a smile. “Okay.” When they moved away, Hayden pulled his hand to his side out of reflex. It was a habit he didn’t love, and still was one he thought he needed to have. He stayed close though not as close as he had been while they were standing there. He followed Jacob though he was pretty sure he had the layout mostly down by now. He loved gift shops. They were so fun. He wished he could have all of the things. He would take a shirt in a heart beat. The hats were great. He loved every stuffed animal was wonderful. And the books. The books were fabulous. He looked through all of them even though he couldn’t have them. Maybe one day.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh looked at Hayden, hearing that whisper and his heart swelled in response. It wasn't a feeling he was used to and he found it.. wonderful. Josh sighed softly when he felt Hayden's hand disappear and suddenly he was on his own again. Or.. kind of. He was still walking beside Hayden but the connection had broken. He bit his lip gently as he followed Jacob to the gift shop where his parents stood waiting for them. "Hey boys. How was your day? Hayden, Josh. You both get to pick two items from the gift shop before we leave. And don't worry about the price. This is a day for you two." Claire said with a smile as Lucas nodded. Josh's eyes widened and he smiled. "Come on! Let's go check it out!"​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

After everything they did all day, this one still felt the most surprising. Well, the most surprising after the fact that he really got to go to an aquarium that was this big and this amazing. With a giant whale! And the most beautiful sharks. And shows. And everything amazing. “What? Really?” They could have what they wanted? How? But Josh was already wanting to go. He only had time to ask all of his questions with his eyes before moving with Josh inside. This was so unbelievably generous. He wished that he could do that for them. He couldn’t. He ran through the entire gift shop. He looked at everything? How was he supposed to decide on two things? He started really thinking about what the best two things could be. A book, right? That held the most value from its worth. Though he loved to wear the t-shirts that reminded him of where he had been. His dad would love a magnet. When he came home, he could see what cool things they did while he was away. His sister. would like all the strange little decorations they had. He had no idea how to choose and was easily in turmoil over it in the middle of the gift shop.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Claire nodded once as she watched the boys take off and she smiled, resting her head on Lucas' shoulder. "I think our son has found a really great friend." She whispered as he nodded, smiling. Josh was looking through the entire place before he grabbed a shirt with a shark on it, and a stuffed starfish. He looked over at Hayden and saw him looking like he was lost or thinking too much. "Can I help you find stuff?" He asked, walking over with his hands full as he tilted his head slightly. "I'm really good at helping and stuff." Josh added as he smiled at his friend.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden wanted things for himself, and he wanted things for his family. He didn’t know how to choose. He let out a breath of relief as Josh joined him. It was nice to have someone to support him. That was what he was just saying, right? They were so good for each other already. “I would really appreciate it. I wasn’t prepared to take anything home today. We don’t ever get anything from the gift shop except for sometimes I can get one shirt. But we never can get whatever, and I keep thinking that it would be so good to take something home for my family.” He let out a breath as he pressed his forehead against Josh’s shoulder. “I don’t want to be selfish, but I also want something for me too. It’s so selfish.”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled as he nodded, listening to his friend as he spoke. "Well, maybe.. we get one thing for you and then get something that you can give to the family? Like a book that you can read with them? Or.. maybe a magnet for the fridge at home?" Josh suggested. "That way you get something for you and then you aren't selfish and get something for your family?" He wasn't sure if that would be a good suggestion but he was trying. He felt the forehead against his shoulder and he rubbed Hayden's back, trying to help his friend and feeling sad that he couldn't help him get something for everyone. Unless. "I'll put my stuffed starfish back, you can have the shark shirt and we can get one thing for your dad, your mom and your sister instead?"​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

One week. Not even a full week. They had known each other for one week, and Hayden already felt himself relaxing into Josh’s touch. He already felt better having him there to help him. He had similar thoughts. One thing for him and one for the rest of the family. What did he get? The magnet would make his mom happy too probably, though a keychain would make her even happier. Kyra probably wouldn’t even care if he got her something. He snapped his head up. “No. You can’t do that! It’s for you. You should get to have your t-shirt so that you can wear it and remember that we were here. And the starfish! That’s the first little creature you got touch. That’s really important. I can figure out my family.” He wrapped his arms around Josh. “But thank you for trying. I really appreciate you being so kind.” So now what did he do? “What if I get that t-shirt too? Then we can match. Maybe we can wear them on Monday?” He did like the magnet idea.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh looked at Hayden as he saw his head snap up and he smiled softly. "It's okay. I really don't mind. I've got enough stuff from here as it is!" Josh said, trying to reassure Hayden. He didn't mind, really. He felt the arms wrap around him and he smiled softly. "Okay, so maybe if we each get the same shirt, then the magnet for your family? C'mon!" He said as he pulled back and grabbed Hayden's hand, turning and heading for the magnet stand near the registers. "Then we can grab you a shirt that we can wear them to school on Monday!" Josh said with a smile.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden appreciated how much Josh wanted to help him, and he also appreciated that he accepted when Hayden would not allow him to do too much. That was the kind of give and take that he was not used to. People were either selfish or entirely too giving. This was different. This was how he wished that things to could more often. He moved to the registers where they could look at the magnets. “My dad really loves magnets, so we try to get him the most unusual ones. My mom loves for it to say where we were so that she has that written reminder. My sister… well, I don’t know how to make her happy. She’s so weird.” He shrugged. Sisters were weird. That was truth. He looked at all of them and dismissed the ones that were only Seattle. He didn’t love the ones that were just the title. He pointed to one that had a bunch of different creatures. “I saw SEA-lebrities.” He giggled as he read it out loud. That’s silly. The bottom had the aquarium. Another was round with a manta ray in vibrant colors. The words around it said “SEATTLE AQUARIUM EST. 1977.” Simple and pretty.A couple others were just pictures of an animal with the name. “What do you think? The funny one or the one that is pretty?”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh nodded as he listened to Hayden and hummed a little bit as he looked at both magnets. The funny one made him laugh too as he looked between the two. "Well. I like the funny one because of your dad, it's very unusual and I think maybe it'll make your mom laugh too? It's got Seattle Aquarium at the bottom too, even though it's small." Josh pointed out. "So, perhaps this one?" He suggested as he looked at Hayden. He wanted to make sure it was what Hayden wanted as well. He looked at the pretty one and hummed again, before Jacob came over. "You two set to go or do you need more time?" Jacob asked, though his voice was quiet and calm. He wasn't being pushy, just asking.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden nodded. He was thinking the same thing. He knew his mom would like the other one more, but she was going to be happy with anything he thought. His dad would really like the joke. “I think you’re right.” He grabbed the magnet and grinned at Jacob. “Give me one more moment. I need to grab the shirt.” He ran off to quickly grab the one in his size, and ran back over to Jacob and Josh. “Okay. I think we’re all ready.” He gently smiled at his new big brother. “Thanks for being so patient. Both of you. Should we go over to your parents now?” He wasn’t sure how this worked since he wasn’t with his own family.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh watched as Hayden grabbed the magnet and Jacob nodded once. “Of course.” He replied as he waited there with Josh. Jacob and Josh both smiled at Hayden when he returned. “Of course Hayden. You’re very welcome.” Jacob said as Josh grinned and nodded in agreement. “This way.” Jacob said as he turned and headed for the registers where Claire and Lucas were now. “Set your stuff up on the counter boys.” Claire said with a smile as Josh put his up. The cashier began ringing the items up as Josh’s food there, his smile never fading.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden put his things on the counter as well as he stood next to Josh. While they waited, and leaned in a little and quietly said, “This was the best thing that I think I’ve ever done. Thank you so much for including me. I… I am really thankful for it.” All of him was itching to hug him, but they were surrounded by people. He couldn’t do that here. He shouldn’t do it so much anyway. He knew better. He settled for uncontrollable smiles and standing close. When they bought the things he offered his hand. “Let me carry it all out for everyone. You brought me. I can do this for you guys.” It was the only thing he could do.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh heard Hayden’s quiet words and turned to look at him. He pressed his arm against Hayden’s. “You’re welcome. I’m really glad you were able to come. I hope we can do this more.” He admitted just as quietly. Claire wasn’t expecting for Hayden to offer his hand for the bag of their things but understood all the same. “If you’d like to carry it then you can. Thank you Hayden.” She said with a smile. Lucas led the family out of the aquarium and to the car. “We’re going to pick up Angelino’s. Your brother should be home and then we’ll bring Hayden home after dinner. Any requests for pizza?” She asked as they got into the car. “Pepperoni and Bacon!” Josh said as Jacob smiled. “I don’t have a preference mom.” Claire looked at Hayden. “How about you bud? You can request anything, promise.”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden took the bag happily as they walked out. He could do so little, so if he could do this, then he would. This was such a good day, and he assumed that it was over. He made peace with that and accepted it as they walked back to the car. Then, yet again, he was wrong. As they got into the car, he was taken aback. Again. He could not look at just one person. He looked at them all like they were going to tell him that it was a nice dream and a funny joke. No one did. They were saying the kinds of pizza that they wanted. His breath was completely knocked away. “We’re getting the pizza? The super great, better than the not cardboard at school, all the cool kids hang out there pizza?” Would this day ever cease to amaze him? “Um, I actually like pepperoni and bacon too,” he answered with this sort of crooked smile as he thought about how much in common he really did have with Josh.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled as they got into the car and Claire couldn't help the soft laugh as she nodded her head to him. "Yes. That is exactly what we're getting." She said with a smile. Lucas, who wasn't driving, pulled out his phone. "So a pepperoni and bacon, a cheese, and a supreme." He ordered the pizzas while Josh looked at Hayden. "You like that kind too?" He asked with big smile that stretched wide across his face. "You're going to love Angelino's. It's so good! Way way better than any other pizza you've had, I promise." Josh said with a grin on his face as Claire drove them to the pizza place, it wasn't super far away. Not much was by car in downtown Seattle.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden knew this might have been entertaining for all of them for him to react this way, but he was starting to feel really safe with them. He felt like he could be him. He just wish that he could be all of him. Later. Today, they got pizza. “Yeah, I do. My dad likes sausage with his, and my mom is one of those weird people who likes pineapple. Kyra has decided she only eats salad. So getting pizza usually means we get pepperoni and then mom makes sausage and bacon and gets slices of pineapple-“ he stopped, suddenly realizing how that wasn’t true. Not anymore. “Or, I guess we did.” He probably wasn’t going to be getting any pizza with extra toppings if they ordered for a while. “But I really like pepperoni and bacon!” He tried to bring back the happy. “It’s cool that you like it too.” He was really liking how much they could share, and what they didn’t share, he liked that they liked it for each other. He could already tell that was how they were going to be.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Joshua Smith
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Josh smiled as he looked at Hayden, though he tilted his head a little as he he started talking about when his family got pizza before he stopped. Josh didn't want to inquire and make things possibly awkward so he smiled and nodded. "Well, that's all I ever get is pepperoni and bacon, Jacob likes it too even if he says he has no preference." Josh said, teasing his older brother who rolled his eyes. "That's enough out of the peanut gallery shrimp." Jacob said with a laugh. Though Josh wouldn't be the shrimp of the family soon, not once he hit his growth spurt. Soon, Claire pulled up to Angelino's and Lucas ran in, and came back out a few minutes later with the pizza in hand, and then Claire drove them back to their house.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Hayden Gaines
Middle Schooler | 13 | Current location ;; Seattle, WA

Hayden laughed at Jacob. “Aww, I think’s it’s cute that you’re the shrimp of the family.” Hayden was also the shrimp. He was the youngest and smallest. He was smallest here too. For now. At thirteen, he still had a significant amount of growing to do. As he waited with them for the pizza, he found himself waning a little. Not like he was going to fall asleep or anything. He was just tired. He leaned a little into Josh. They drove back, and once they were at the house, Hayden was a little nervous. He had not ever been to their house before, and that was a little nerve wracking. He got out but hesitated.​