Things had never been better for Hector after Christmas was over when he and Astrid admitted they loved one another. He was happier and it showed every day too. He was nineteen now, his birthday passed in February and he'd hit the two year mark of being in the military. The guys all got together to celebrate it by going to the bar for a few drinks-that had been a good night. Hector and Astrid were doing great having now been together nine months and on top of it all-Astrid and the others including his brother and sister had all graduated from high school. Hector even started to consider Drew, Freddie, Trent, Mandy, Danielle, and Reina as his actual friends but still just about hated Jessie and Skylar because they were still being jerks to him. He ignored most of it-why should he care if they were jealous of him, jealous that he proved them wrong about who they thought he was? He shouldn't and didn't. Tallon was still living with Hector at his parent's place, his father was in prison for the forty-five years since the trial was now over. Tori-Tallon's unofficial step mother had full custody of Jade and the divorce was finalized. She got to keep everything but ended up selling the old house and got a new one closer to Hector's house so Tallon could still see Jade-they were siblings after all even if it was only by half.

Tallon outright refused to visit his father or mother anymore-he didn't answer their calls and was getting ready to change his number but that was a lot of changing in the military files to do and he'd already had his address changed to Hector's house. Boy, had that been a process because he had to explain why the sudden move. Evan was living with Mia and Aiden in their own apartment now-a two bedroom that was ten minutes from Hector's house. Thaxter still lived at home, so did Ryan and Viktor but they weren't far either. They all lived no more than fifteen minutes from one another-made visits easier. They were in June now-end of actually. Thankfully the graduation didn't fall on drill weekend because Hector hadn't wanted to miss that big day. That had been last weekend and today was a day they were all hanging out at the mall-even the guys of Inferno too. Big group but they all wanted to be able to hang out so it made sense to pile into cars and all have a good time. They'd gotten to the mall around 9:30am-by the time they parked the cars or trucks and met up at the main entrance it was 9:45am.

"There ya guys are, rode together?" Tallon asked while Evan, Viktor, Ryan, and Thaxter walked onto the sidewalk to greet Hector and Tallon. Jessie and Skylar were there too but only because Skylar's car was broken and Jessie gave him a ride since Reina wanted him to come. Everyone all together-Hector didn't see how this could possibly go wrong. That was a lie-he saw a lot of things that could go wrong and prayed to Odin that they didn't.

"It was easier," Thaxter stated with a smile as the handshakes finished between their group and they headed inside the mall together.

"So what do we wanna do first?" Astrid asked softly.

"Well, the guys and I are headed to the military shop on the second floor. What about the rest of you?" Hector answered.

"Few of the clothing shops. Should we meet in the food court at 11:45 for lunch?" Heather suggested.

"Sounds good. What are you four gonna do?" Tallon asked.

"None of your business," Jessie remarked with a huff.

"Watch it, Jessie. We came out to have a good time-if you are gonna be an ass the whole time then you can just go," Hector warned. Jessie didn't say anything as Hector rolled his eyes, "Come on guys," he motioned for them to follow him and they were off. The girls went their own way-Drew, Trent, and Freddie went another direction too. Skylar looked at Jessie now who seemed to only be grinning.

"What are you grinnin' about?" Skylar asked him.

"I'm just enjoying the show. That idiot still doesn't see it," Jessie remarked.

"What show?" Skylar questioned.

"The show of Astrid playing him again and he hasn't realized it yet. She's been meeting up with me twice a week-telling him she's working-that girl is still mine. I'm allowing this because it's fun to watch," Jessie smirked.

"Really-he fell for it twice?" Skylar asked chuckling a bit.

"Big time. She did like him at first but after the first of the new year when he was away at drill, she was bored and called me telling me that it sucked not being able to talk to him for almost four days, also she hates that Tallon lives with Hector and the fact those two have kissed before. I told her that I was still available if she wanted to get back together, and she admitted she missed me. We met up the next day at her place when her parents were working-made out a while and she explained that she likes Hector but doesn't love him, also didn't want to leave him right away because she doesn't want to be the cause of his depression triggering again. I said it was cool with me as long as the two of them didn't have sex and she met up with me twice a week," Jessie explained.

"Wow, that's awesome. So you two have had sex before?" Skylar asked him.

"Oh yeah. The weekends that the loser is away and sometimes at least one of the days when we meet up during the week. He's so blind to what is going on-it's gonna be so easy if he gets deployed again," Jessie chuckled as he and Skylar connected hands laughing now before moving around the mall to the stores.

(Two Hours Later)

It was 11:45pm when everyone was supposed to meet up for lunch. The guys made it down to the food court and met up with the girls-most of them had their food ordered while sitting down at a group of tables to eat and talk among themselves. Around 12:30-Thaxter had to leave with Evan because Aiden was sick and Mia needed his help to take care of him. Viktor and Ryan were still there though, it was a relaxing day for them all and everyone was having a good time. Skylar and Jessie ended up leaving when Jessie said he was bored-Reina got a little upset about it but the girls cheered her up. Hector ended up getting a phone call that he had to take while Darius and Heather went shopping to get for Spencer's birthday which was coming up in a week. Drew, Freddie, and Trent went to the arcade. Viktor and Ryan joined them while Tallon went to make sure the call wasn't serious.

"So when are you two gonna do it?" Reina asked Astrid who nearly choked on her drink.

"Excuse me?" she replied.

"When you and Hector gonna have sex. Come on, you didn't think I wouldn't ask did you? You've been together almost a year," Reina giggled some.

"I-I don't know...he hasn't really shown an interest in wanting to do it," Astrid replied.

"So why don't you show him you want to-I'm sure he'll pick up on the hint. You know you're curious about doing it with him-he's gotta be stronger than Jessie was. I bet Hector could pick you up, press you to the wall and," Carmen started.

"Oh my Gods, shut up!" Astrid blushed furiously as they arched curious brows at her but still grinning, "Okay, yes, fine. I'm curious about it but...I kind'a feel wrong about trying to have sex with him," she admitted looking down some.

Tallon had returned from outside-Hector's call was a little serious but something for him to handle so Tallon decided to check on the girls at his request only as he got closer he began to overhear their conversation. He caught the end of what Astrid said regarding feeling bad about trying to have sex with him-meaning Hector. He was getting a bad feeling so he hid himself behind the post closest to their tables and listened.

"Why do you feel bad about it-it's not like he'll say no," Mandy asked.

"Well, I don't really," she sighed heavily. "I don't love him." the girls gasped some and even Tallon's eyes widened. "I thought...I did but...I don't. I like him but only as a friend-I feel the same as I did before. He's too...nice. Sure he's a badass, strong, smart, and good looking but...it's not like how it was with Jessie. Always a thrill with him, Hector is still...a yes man. Never tells me no, never argues with me...He's a great guy-he's just not the one for me,"

"Then...why are you still with him?" Danielle asked next.

"Because if I tell him the truth of why I want to leave," she paused twiddling her fingers a bit, "I do like him and...I know how hurt he'll be if I leave him.

"What...truth, Astrid? He's just not the guy for you, I'm sure he'll understand as long as you're honest." Reina said now.

"Guys...I've...been cheating on him-with Jessie," they quickly covered their mouths at what she said. "The weekend he was away at drill in January-everyone was busy so I called Jessie and told him I was bored. We...got to talking and then met up the next day and it felt amazing to be with him again. His kisses just set my body on fire, he makes me happy and even though we argue and fight-I know he loves me. I know it's wrong of me to stay with Hector when I've been seeing Jessie still..." she bit her bottom lip now.

"Astrid you either have to leave him or leave Jessie. Why would you cheat on him-you know how hurt he was during freshman year when all this happened," Carmen insisted.

"I know! That's why I haven't left him. Because of all that and he...admitted to being really depressed back then-I don't want to trigger that. I don't want him to hurt himself because of me...I'll find a way to leave him but I can't tell him I have been seeing Jessie behind his back...and please don't say anything to him or to Heather and Darius..." Astrid said quickly. "I know I shouldn't of dragged this out this long but I like how Hector treats me-he's amazing and fuck if he doesn't make bank too. But I also like how Jessie treats me...I've...had sex with Jessie before-we do it when Hector isn't home. Jessie knows what's going on-he said he doesn't care if I stay with Hector as long as I don't have sex with him,"

"Astrid, that's...really messed up. Hector thinks you're a virgin-what's gonna happen when he does try to make love to you? He's gonna notice your barrier is gone, how the hell you gonna explain that one?" Reina said quickly.

"I know. I know it's wrong I just...don't know how to leave him in a way he'll understand and not be really hurt," Astrid looked down again.

Tallon couldn't believe what he just heard. Astrid didn't love Hector, she's been cheating on him since January, and she wasn't a virgin!? Astrid has been sleeping with Jessie every time Hector is away at drill and she only stays with him for what it seemed to be because he was a nice guy with money. Tallon knew that Hector always treated Astrid good from dates to gifts and the reason she stayed was because she didn't know how to leave him. Hector was gonna gonna be extremely hurt when this came out but the problem remained now was if Tallon told him the truth about what he heard or waited for it to come out. Oh he couldn't deal with this right now-he knew much more than he wanted to. He wanted to get out of the mall-he needed to figure out what to do about this. He couldn't even face Astrid right now because he'd explode at her for what she was doing.

"When are you gonna leave him?" Mandy asked.

"I don't know-I need to get him alone but it's really hard when Tallon is always around him. That's something else that pisses me off. I know they are best friends of whatever but come on-the guy is living with him. It's like Hector is more in love with him than with me, I feel second to the guy." Astrid admitted with a scoff. Tallon's eyes widened some-Astrid was jealous of HIM?! What the actually fuck? Why was she jealous of him. Yes Hector and him were best friends-they had been for two years and four months now since the day they met. They were battle buddies-it was their job to have each others backs in any situations at all and Tallon would definitely have Hector's back for this one.

"Tallon?" his eyes snapped over to see Hector standing there with a smile, "You okay?"

"Yeah, just...bad headache is all. Decided to lean here so I didn't black out when I got light headed," Tallon lied. He couldn't do it Hector, he couldn't tell him the horrors of what he just heard. This was something that handled carefully because as much as he hated Astrid right now-she was right. Hector was really depressed years ago and knew that something like this could trigger it again.

"Why don't I take ya home so you can rest. Viktor and Ryan messaged me too, they are shopped out." Hector chuckled some now.

"Rest sounds good, thanks..." Tallon nodded-he might as well take the chance he had to get out of there. Hector nodded as Tallon and him walked back over towards the table now.

"He-hey babe," Astrid greeted him lightly. Oh it made Tallon sick to his stomach.

"Hey beautiful. I gotta take Tallon, Viktor, and Ryan home. Guess Ryan and Tal aren't feeling so hot right now. Catch ya tonight though right?" Hector asked.

"Of course. I'll be ready," Astrid nodded to him. Hector saw Viktor and Ryan walked over now as then the four boys left the mall to get to the truck. "See what I mean. I told him I didn't feel good three weeks ago and he said he wished he could make me feel better but one of them is sick and he's gone like it's the president,"

"We know, Astrid. Those are his friends-first ones he ever made so of course they are going to mean a lot to him-but you gotta tell him you can't be with him anymore. It's not fair to either guy actually-sure Jessie is okay with it but it's probably because he's waiting for the day Hector finds out so he can laugh in his face and call him an idiot. Jessie is using you to hurt Hector and you're using Hector for whatever you are. You can't have them both. Tell Hector the truth tonight since you're going on a date. You might want to hurt him, but we don't...it took us almost a year to earn his trust and friendship," came Drew's voice now.

"Don't worry, we heard everything..." Freddie sighed.

"And you best be glad that none of Hector's other friends heard or his brother and sister because they'll never forgive you," Drew added afterwards as Trent nodded. Astrid nodded to them-they were right, she had to tell Hector the truth and leave him. It wasn't fair to lie to him-she just prayed he didn't hate her after this was over.

(Hours Later; 7pm)

Hector was just getting ready to leave-another date with Astrid and Tallon couldn't find the guts to tell him the truth, he didn't even know if he should. What if Hector didn't believe him? "Be home around 11!" Hector called as he left the house with his keys and phone in hand. Tallon sighed heavily-he needed help with this so he pulled out his phone and called the guys on a massive group call from Skype-thankfully they were all on.

=Hey, Tal! What's up, where's Hec?=

=On a date with Astrid,= Tallon sighed to Thaxter's question.

=You don't sound so happy about that. What gives man? Yer happy for 'im, ain't you?= Evan asked curiously.

=I'd be happy if she wasn't playin' him and actually gave a damn,= Tallon remarked.

=What's going on, Tallon? Do you know something about Astrid that we don't?= Ryan questioned.

=I wish I fucking didn't guys. Vik, Ry, you know how Hector got that call earlier. Well he had me check on the girls while he handled it, and I overheard a lot of shit I didn't want to hear come from that bitch's mouth,= Tallon grumbled out.

=Alright Tal, start talking.=Thaxter stated firmly.

=She's been cheating on him with Jessie since January. And not just kissing or going on dates either-they've been having sex. Every single time we go away for drill, she's hooking up with him and fucking him. She practically admitted to the fact she only stays with him because she doesn't wanna hurt him and how good he is to her-she specifically mentioned that Hector makes bank. I heard the whole conversation she had with her girlfriends-apparent they got on the topic because Astrid said she would feel bad about trying to have sex with him and then all that came out. Hector doesn't know and he just left for a date with her,= Tallon explained.

=Dude, you need to tell him! Why haven't you told him!?= Viktor asked.

=I didn't want to be the one to hurt him! You know how much this is gonna hurt him when he finds out whether it's from me or someone else? They did this to him once already and when he finds out it happened again and lasted longer than a week...guys I'm fucking scared for him-that it'll set him over the edge. You know he suffered depression before-you know how hesitant he was to be with her in the first place and they've been together for nine months this time-she's been playing him, lying to him, cheating on him!= Tallon said holding his head now.

=Tal, you need to tell him. My Dad is borrowing my car since his broken. Viktor and Ryan don't have one, and Evan is home taking care of Aiden and Mia-who is also sick now. You're the only one who can get to him. Astrid's house is close to Hector's you can run that shit-they were supposed to have a movie night at her place,= Thaxter said quickly.

=You have to tell him the truth. He'll be better off hearing it from someone who cares and has his back rather than finding out on his own,= Ryan added. Tallon knew they were right-he slipped on his shoes as he grabbed his phone and rushed out forgetting to turn off Skype and leaving the guys there.

(Astrid's House)

Hector and Astrid were in the middle of a movie, more like they were making out on her bed. Hands roaming clothed bodies, pants of excitement with Astrid beneath his figure. She pulled his shirt off of him and let her hands wander his muscular chest while his kisses moved to her neck. She knew she was supposed to be leaving him but Gods did she ever want him to take her here and now. "Ah-Hector...I want you," she moaned softly.

"I want you too," Hector replied to her with a smile as she returned it and the kissing continued. Hector's hands moved her shirt up and then fell to her breasts-massaging them slightly. Without warning the door to her room whipped open fast as both of them turned see Tallon there panting heavily. Astrid quickly covered herself by pulling her shirt down and Hector sat back on his knees, "Tal-what the hell are you doing here?" he asked quickly.

"Saving...you," Tallon panted out to him.

"From what exactly?" Hector asked curiously now.

"Making the biggest mistake...of your life." Tallon told him stepping in more now as he was beginning to catch his breath.

"What mistake am I making-you're not making any sense," Hector sighed as he got off the bed now and grabbed his shirt from the floor.

"She's a Gods damn liar, Hector. She doesn't even love you," Tallon stated firmly.

Hector blinked a few times, "Tal, I know you guys don't like her because of what happened before but...Astrid...isn't like that. If she didn't love me, she wouldn't be with me right now. I think you're hallucinating and should go back to the house and rest up. I'll be home soon and take care of ya, okay?"

"For fuck's sake!" Tallon said becoming angry now, "Hector she's been fucking cheating on you with Jessie since January. Every time you you go to drill, she's with him. Fucking him, she isn't even a virgin. She only stays with you because you treat her good and have money, she's been waiting for a chance to break up with you but never tell you that she's been with Jessie," now Hector's eyes widened as he looked from Tallon to Astrid who still sat on the bed.

"That's...ridiculous, Tallon. I'd never do something like that to him-I'd never hurt him again. Don't believe him, Hector...you know I love you," Astrid said as she moved beside him.

"You shut your mouth you two-timer, lying, cunt! Don't act all fucking innocent now, I'm not gonna stand here and let you lie your way out of it. I'm not gonna let you hurt him again!" Tallon raged at her.

"I think you're jealous of us. You're so protective over him that you're trying to break us up! Hector...make him leave..." Astrid said trying to fake the tears.

"Tallon, come on-you're not like this...We can talk about this later, why don't you go for now okay? You're upsetting, Astrid..." Hector said calmly.

"No, Hector. Sorry-but I'm not gonna let this bitch lie and hurt you again. I heard what you said at the mall to your friends, Astrid. I was by the pillar listening in," Tallon stated as Astrid flinched a bit and Hector caught it.

"Alright, what the hell is going on here," Hector asked.

"I should have told you before all this-I just didn't want you to not believe me or think I'm trying to hurt you, and break you two up. I heard everything that she said. What's wrong Astrid, can't remember yourself saying that you felt wrong about trying to have sex with him because you don't love him, that Jessie's kiss sets your body on fire, that you called him when Hector and the rest of us were at drill in January and have been having sex every time we're away. I even heard you say you're jealous of me and the fact Hector and I are such good friends that you feel second to me." Tallon stated while glaring at Astrid. Hector's eyes widened more as he faced Astrid.

"It's not true, Hector. I love you-I only want you." Astrid held onto his arm.

"Don't listen to her, Hector. Come on-you know who I am. Me, Tallon. You're best and first friend in the entire world who would never and has never lied to you since we met. Who are you going to believe? I've never given you a reason to doubt me and I've never hurt you. She has-she's hurt you before: lied to you, betrayed you," Tallon said calmer now-pleading eyes almost. Hector searched Tallon's eyes-he was right. Tallon never lied to him once, they were best friends. Astrid on the other hand was known for lying and had done it to him before in the very same situation as this one. His eyes narrowed some-falling a little cold while he looked at Astrid.

"Is it true, Astrid?" Hector asked in an emotionless tone, "Have you been lying to me, cheating on me this whole time?"

"O-of co-course not, Hector...I would...never," she stammered a bit unable to make eye contact with him.

"The sad thing is-you say you never would when you already have before. You can't even look me in the eyes when you say that. Tallon is right-he's always had my back since we met. I know he'd never run twenty minutes down the street if he wasn't trying to protect me from getting hurt again. He's my best friend and you-you're just a fucking liar. I can't believe I fell for it a second time. Guess it really is me who is the fool after all," Hector remarked as he pulled his shirt on and walked for the door. "Consider us done and over, Astrid." Hector said coldly before closing his eyes and turning his head walking down the hall.

Tallon shook his head at her then turned as well and followed after Hector-who he found sitting in the truck just staring at nothing. "Hector?" he asked as Hector didn't move an inch. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you as soon as I found out. I should have and I choked on the fear you wouldn't believe-" he stopped when Hector closed his eyes.

"I'm not mad at you, Tallon. I owe you for tonight. I actually planned to make love to her too-thanks for coming when you did and stopping me. I'm glad I can always count on you to have my back," Hector said plainly but gave a small smile of gratitude. Hector turned on the truck as he backed out of her driveway and headed back towards his house. Reaching it, he parked on the side then shut it off and headed into the house-completely ignoring the looks from his family members as he went down the stairs to his room. They all looked to Tallon when he came in now wondering what happened.

"I'd just leave him alone for a little while," Tallon offered.

"What happened?" Val asked.

"It's not my place to tell you, sorry. My place is by Hector-making sure he's alright after all this," Tallon offered a bow of his head then made his way downstairs as well-shutting the door once one the stairs. They didn't know what happened-but it had to of been bad for Hector to come home in that mood and Tallon to say what he had. Most of all they wondered the same thing as Tallon-if Hector was going to be okay.