Take A Chance

Author; Nightstar Fury

Rated; M for Mature

Pairing; TallonXHector(ToothlessXHiccup)

Disclaimer; I do not own any of the HTTYD movies, or Dreamworks Dragons television series. I also don't own any of the songs I use. Everything belongs to it's original creator and artist! Enjoy the story! :)

10; Killing Time

The two weeks preparing for their deployment had been incredibly busy from packing, calling their families since they weren't permitted to leave the Fort Striker base for leave, and all around mental preparation to be in a war hot zone. The soldiers of the Nightwave Company were offered services to talk to other soldiers who had been deployed before-to get a feel for what they'd be entering very soon. Hector had called Cody to let him know but he debated calling his family, they wouldn't understand what was going on and Hector didn't have time for an explanation that he joined the army, finished Basic and Individual Training, and now was heading over to Iraq for the next fourteen months. That was just an argument waiting to happen but he did want to tell them-he was just going to save it for when he could do it in person, the first leave he was permitted from Iraq and he was going to seek them out and tell them everything and he only prayed that they wouldn't freak out. That's all he wanted was for them to just one understand him-have time for him. This was pretty big-him joining the army and now being deployed all in the course of three months.

Although from actually starting the process it was probably closer to four months because in total from the start of taking his GED to MEPS, then on to Reception Battalion, all nine weeks of BCT, plus the four weeks of AIT, and finally the two weeks to now where he was about to leave for Iraq-was one hundred and twenty-nine days which converted into four months and a week. When Hector joined, he signed a five year contract-at the end of that he could either sign again for another five years or go part time which would allow him to be in the military but also work a standard civilian job but if he had to be deployed again then he'd instantly return to active duty full time. They were leaving tomorrow for Iraq at 1am, according to the flight plan they'd be landing at the Baghdad Airfield around 8am but also Iraq was three hours ahead of Archipelago time so they'd actually be landing at 11am-the trip was a full seven hours not including the layover in either Germany or possibly Romania for an hour or two to refuel the plan.

It was currently close to 1pm-twelve hours until they left for Iraq, they'd all be actually going to sleep around 6pm after an early dinner so they could get some rest before the big trip. They had to go in full gear: clothes, guns, vests, and their operational ACU-which stood for Active Combat Uniform. It was one built to be better suited for war, offered more protection than their Universal ACU that they wore around base. They had just finished lunch and were relaxing in their barracks now-the plane was there for a check over and refuel before tomorrow morning, all their bags were ready to go on carts, each labeled for a different squadron. They didn't need the extra confusion of locating their bags when they got there. Hector was laying on his bed with his headphones in to listen to music and relax a little-his things were ready to go. They'd all been issued a gun and it was their responsibility to clean, maintain, and not lose. Army orders specifically for them to not lose their gun because some of them were customized to better suit the soldier. "He's been especially quiet the last few days," Thaxter pointed out while they were chatting.

"I think he wants to tell his family about what's been going on but he doesn't want to deal with the fight it'll bring for him to tell them he joined the army and was leaving for Iraq tomorrow," Tallon mentioned glancing over to Hector who actually looked like he was sleeping but they could tell he was awake because his foot was moving to beat of whatever music he was listening too currently. They didn't hear lyrics so it must've just been instrumental to one of his own songs that they couldn't make out without him singing which he wasn't. He said he had to be in an uncaring mood or know he was alone and he had to know he wasn't right now.

"True, our family wasn't happy in the slightest." Viktor sighed.

"My girl wasn't thrilled but she supports me-didn't bother telling my parents, I'm sure Mia or her parents will." Evan shrugged. Hector finally sat up pulling out his headphones with a sigh as he stared at his phone screen after pausing the music.

"Something up?" Tallon asked him.

"Yeah-there's one person I gotta update," he remarked before pulling up the number and putting a *69 in front of it as he pressed the call icon and put it to his ear. "Gobber," Hector said softly.

"LAD!" the man on the other end practically screamed, "Where the hell are you! It's been four months without a single update!" he demanded quickly.

"I've been busy-sorry," Hector sighed lightly with his eyes closed, "I can't...tell you where I am, you know that. I just called to let you know I'm safe and I'll be home soon and tell you and my family everything, I promise..." Hector said.

"Nonsense boy-it's been four months, Hector...You're family is worried sick about ya. Please call them and let them know you're okay," Gobber asked of him.

"I can't call them, Gobber and you know that-they'll just bother me to tell them what is going on and I'm not doing that right now so it's just better to keep them out of it all together and I'm trusting you not to tell them I called you..." Hector said.

"Why call me and not them?" Gobber asked.

"Because you're one of the only people who actually gave a damn about me in and outside of school. It's just...easier this way, Gobber. Please, don't tell them I called you-I promise I'll be home soon and I'll tell them everything and you too," Hector said.

"I won't tell them you called lad but you should at least call and leave them a message you're alright. They've been worried since the day they got your letter and your mother and father was all over Berk lookin for ya. Even Darius and Heather are worried," Gobber informed.

"Well it'd of been nice to see that concern for me before I left and maybe I wouldn't have made the choice I did but it's too late for should have, would have, and could have now," Hector stated with a slight scoff. "I told you and them-this is just something I have to do and to trust I'm okay,"

"I know that, Hector and I know that when yew make a promise-you keep it. How long until you come back?" Gobber asked.

"Couple of months or so-I'm just...really busy right now and can't leave. I gotta go for now," Hector said closing his eyes.

"Alright lad. You be safe and...I can't wait to see ya," Gobber replied.

"I will. Love ya, Uncle Gobber," Hector told him-he was probably the only one allowed to call him that.

"Love ya too laddie," Gobber said then Hector hung up the phone and put it down with a heavy sigh-if nothing else at least Gobber would know he was alright without knowing the truth of what was really going on.

"That was the guy you consider your uncle right, Gabriel Borksan? Tallon asked.

"Yeah-I felt...he should know that I okay at least," Hector stated before slipping on his sneakers. Since it was warmer months-their PT gear consisted of a tan, gray, or green shirt with the words ARMY written in black across the front then a pair of black running shorts. Hector was already wearing the shorts and shirt so he just slipped on his shoes and got up, "I'm going for a run," he stated afterwards

"Hang on, I'll come with ya." Tallon said getting his shoes on now. They were battle buddies and friends-they were supposed to stick together no matter what. Hector nodded as the two headed for the door and left the barrack heading for the PT field where there was a track they could run on. Hector just wanted to clear his head for a while-this was going to suck until he got leave, calling Gobber alone could open a door of trouble for him if anyone in his family found out that Hector called Gobber to say he was okay but no one else but Gobber was one of the only people to care about him so it made sense to call the man who had been there for him unlike his super busy mayor of Berk father, or his animal loving mother who owned her own business, and even his siblings who only cared when they weren't with their friends. Hector didn't care if they didn't know but Gobber deserved to know he was okay at least and Hector would tell them all the truth the first chance he got to take leave and come back home.

(Few Hours Later; PT Field)

It was around 4pm now: Hector ended up running one mile, walking one, then a slow jog for half a mile before plopping down in the grass to relax, they sat there for close to an hour in silence then engaged in light conversation for another hour.

"There you two are!" came a familiar voice as they turned to see Drill Sergeant Svendson approaching them.

"Sorry, Drill Sergeant, I figured the others would have told you I went for a run and Tallon came with me," Hector admitted as he stood up to offer a salute to him.

"Well come back to the barrack, update on the deployment." Sean told them as they nodded and walked back to the A barrack with him. Upon entering-Hector saw Cody there and someone else.

"Ello there lad," Cody greeted Hector.

"Hey, Cody, what brings you by?" Hector asked him as the two shook hands.

"That's the update on the deployment. Two of our old unit members are calling us back with you lot. We're joining up with the 15th Dreki Battalion-Drake Bludvist is the leader of said Battalion. And the new Nightwave Company leader will be Alexander Holgerson. Captain Cody Greysen here will be taking command of the Dragon platoon. Myself taking over the Wolf. Lieutenant Raymond Vasquez over the Lion, and another unit member of ours, Lieutenant Asher Peyton will be in command of the Bear." Sean stated.

"Hold up, Cody, you...said you were a Sergeant First Class-how in the name of Thor did you jump to Captain already?" Hector asked confused now.

Cody chuckles slightly with a hand on Hector's shoulder, "I'm only Sergeant First Class for the sake of recruiting because I was off active duty and part time after our third tour ended about four years ago. On active duty where I command other soldiers-my rank was Captain so returning to Iraq now, I take that back since I'm full time again." Cody explained to him.

"Well that would have been nice to know months ago during our conversations of your time in the army-I thought the recruiter thing was your job. Ya never said you were part time," Hector rolled his eyes.

"Never thought to bring it up or that I'd have to go back. Bludvist, Holgerson, Peyton, Raymond, and Svendson over here are members of the old Phoenix unit to the old Blackwing Company-Sharpshot Platoon. We were part of Dreki Battalion too-didn't know Bludvist made it to Battalion leader," Cody smiled.

"But he wants us back so we're going with ya tomorrow morning. As far as I know-Asher is already there with Holgerson and Bludvist," Sean pointed out.

"And those units your platoon set up back during the mission in BCT-you're staying in them so Haddock, you will be in command of your unit. Who are the other leaders of those units?" Cody asked.

"If memory serves for the Dragon Platoon at least: I command Inferno as Staff Sergeant. Howler is run by Sergeant Andrew Cortez, Spike by Specialist Harmony Ramirez, Sharp's leader is Specialist Cliff Pearson, Blade is commanded by Private First Class Randy Ellis, Wing by Corporal Star Halloway, Blaster by Specialist Marcus Knight, and Claw by Private First Class Trish Patterson." Hector stated firmly.

"Good memory-and with ranks too." Raymond Vasquez finally saying something.

"I found it was necessary to not forget who is commanding units," Hector shrugged.

"Either way-you remain in those units and on any missions, while Cody runs the Platoon-you will report to him and stay in command of the platoon outside of base. We've already told the other platoons this as well. One person from each platoon will be in command of that group while on missions but those people still report to their platoon leader. Got it?" Sean said.

"Yes sir," Hector nodded.

"Good man. Now make sure everything is packed-all your gear, clothes, and any personals that you want to take such as phones, tablets, laptops, music players, so on and so forth. Not sure when you're gonna be getting leave so grab it while ya can," Cody added as they were leaving the barrack now.

"Well that was informative," Hector mumbled as he kicked off his shoes.

"Guys, think I should bring my guitar?" asked Carl Manning now.

"What kind is it?" Tallon asked.

"My acoustic-I've had it stashed here since I had to leave for that family emergency the week we were waiting for AIT to start," Carl smiled.

"Don't see why not-Cody said bring anything we don't wanna leave behind," Hector mentioned gently as he looked over the guitar, "It's a nice one. Reminds me of the one I got back home,"

"You play?" Ryan asked curiously.

"Well I don't just come up with tunes by using the music editor on my laptop, I use instruments and mesh them together." Hector stated.

"What editor-you said they were all on your phone?" Tallon reminded.

"Well how do you think they got there?" Hector chuckled grabbing his laptop and powering it on-he typed in the password to it then opened the music folder and program. "See,"

"That's awesome dude-you're pretty talented," Evan smiled.

"Thanks I think-just hobbies really. Surprised I even had time with all the crap I used to do in my day," Hector chuckled.

"What instruments do you play?" Max Malone asked now.

"That's a pretty steep list. Acoustic guitar, classic piano, electric guitar and piano, saxophone, flute, recorder, drums, xylophone, bass guitar, baritone sax, keytar-which is the combination of a guitar and keyboard. The list can keep going but those are some of the mains," Hector stated.

"And you draw, sing, write lyrics, cook, clean, and fix cars? What the hell man," Thaxter grinned.

"I'm a man of many talents," Hector shrugged some.

"Clearly," Tallon smiled.

"Do you come up with tunes on a whim-like they just come to you?" Bryan Hicks questioned him.

"From time to time but I don't have any of my instruments on me so kind of impossible right now though I always got ideas knocking around up here," Hector chuckled lightly. Carl walked over with his acoustic and held it out to Hector as he arched a brow. "What?"

"Play something-you don't have to sing, just play. We're killing time til dinner and tomorrow anyway," he offered.

"I don't know if I have anything that works with acoustic, everything is a mash up of different things..." Hector mumbled.

"Try-come on, Hector. We're bored right now-entertain us," Ryan said as Hector face-palmed with a heavy sigh as he took the guitar carefully while the others seemed to crowd around him but still gave him his space while he thought for a few minutes.

"Well I suppose it might work with one of the tunes I started a while back-never finished the lyrics though," Hector stated as he reached over to his laptop and searched a few files before finding the one he wanted and double clicked it as the music started and he closed his eyes. He hated singing in front of people but these guys were his friends and he knew there was nothing to be afraid of in truth-they wouldn't judge him.

"Time, is going by, so much faster than I and I'm starting to regret not spending all of it with you. Now I'm, wondering why, I've kept this bottled inside. So I'm starting to regret not telling all of it to you. So if I haven't yet, I've gotta let you know!" he held the note only a moment before he opened his eyes-which he'd never done with them before because he hated being watched. Even at home, he never let people see or hear him sing.

"You're never gonna be alone! From this moment on: if you ever feel like letting go-I won't let you fall. You're never gonna be alone! I'll hold you 'till the hurt is gone." softer tones played now with slower strumming on the strings of the acoustic. It was clear to tell that the laptop was making up for the rest where drums and an base was being played in the background but the sounds meshed together really well.

"And now, as long as I can, I'm holding on with both hands-cause forever I believe that there's nothing I could need but you. So if I haven't yet, I've gotta let you know!" then it picked up once more.

"You're never gonna be alone! From this moment on: if you ever feel like letting go-I won't let you fall! When all hope is gone, I know that you can carry on. We're gonna take the world on-I'll hold you 'till the hurt is gone..." he paused taking a breath now, "Oh! You've gotta live every single day-like it's the only one-what if tomorrow never comes? Don't let it slip away-could be our only one, you know it's only just begun. Every single day. May be our only one-what if tomorrow never comes? Tomorrow never comes..."

The music seemed to slow in strumming and on the laptop. It was so in sync for winging it. On the screen-they were able to see they lyrics up to a point but by the second verse, the lyrics on screen had stopped so Hector was completely winging it right now and he was rocking it too. They stayed quiet when Tallon noticed the laptop was set to record and it made sense to stay quiet because Hector was actually recording the song with the music all together.

"Time, is going by, so much faster than I and I'm starting to regret not telling all of this to you," another pause as it picked up again, "You're never gonna be alone! From this moment on: if you ever feel like letting go-I won't let you fall. When all hope is gone-I know that you can carry on. We're gonna take the world on, I'll hold you 'till the hurt is gone..." he took a deep breath while the strumming was softer now, "I'm gonna be there all the way. I won't be missing one more day. I'm gonna be there always. I won't be missing one more day..." then it just stopped as he pressed the spacebar and the red light beside the camera turned off.

"What the fuck, Haddock! You did that on a whim," James Fowler exclaimed as Hector shrugged and handed the guitar back to Carl with a smile.

"Is that not what you asked me to do?" Hector inquired now.

"Well, yeah but fuck-you sang too! You had your computer recording and all the music. Dude you just...wrote a frickin song and recorded it all at once!" Evan lightly punched his arm.

"It just came to me so I figured what the hell," Hector said as he closed the the program down now showing his desktop screen where there was a picture of his family and a few of his brother's and sister's friends on a slideshow type deal.

"Who are all they?" Tallon asked.

"Uh...left to right...Astrid, Carmen, Reina, Heather, Darius, Jessie, Drew, Danielle, Mandy, Skylar, Trent, and Freddie." Hector said softly. "My brother Darius, sister Heather, and cousin Skylar and the rest are just some of their best friends who love to pick on me," Hector shrugged pointing to the three he named off specifically.

"So curious here-which girl is the one who hurt you?" Tallon asked.

"Astrid-the blond with blue eyes," Hector mumbled before shutting the laptop and pushing it away.

"Sorry-shouldn't have asked man," Tallon said now.

"Eh don't worry about it. It's been like a year since that happened...well," he paused to think a moment. "Happened freshman year around my birthday in February...so yeah 'bout a year and five months," he stated.

"Time heals wounds but not the pain from them," Viktor stated.

"The only wound she left was making me feel like an idiot for not seeing it right away. Sudden break up with Jessie, being where I would be walking, crying louder when I was close to her. I should've seen it a mile away because the other would always snicker and laugh-outright telling me I was stupid if I thought I had any chance in Hell with her..." Hector sighed.

"Any girl or guy would be lucky to have you. Look at you, Haddock. You're seventeen years old, passed with the best scores out of the whole platoon, you got promoted twice-to Corporal at BCT and then again to Staff Sergeant at AIT. We're about to be deployed and you're in charge of the Dragon Platoon when we go on missions! You ain't a twig, you do PT every morning and every night. You're fuckin indestructible and unbeatable. They are all gonna see who you really are and we're behind ya all the way-that's a promise." Tallon said with his hand out as if they were going to arm wrestle. Hector smiled as he clamped his hand to his battle buddies and the the tightened their hands together.

"I'm just damn lucky to have the awesome friends I got right here, thanks guys," Hector said as a few of the patted his back.

"We got your back, Haddock." Thaxter said to him as Hector nodded. The rest of the time they just talked about whatever-at 6pm, they had dinner and by 7pm they were all ready for bed because at 12am they were going to be getting up and getting on a plane that was Southeast bound for Iraq.