(Two Months Later)
So much time had passed since everything happened: the losing Cody, Drake, the other soldiers of Nightwave, the fight with his ex-father, moving out and living at the motel with Tallon-but with all that having happened, Hector was happy. And how couldn't he be with amazing friends, and his boyfriend who was always there for him. Hector did return home after his few hours at the bar, he only had a few drinks and walked himself home. Hector and Tallon enjoyed the privacy they had living on their own, it was fun for them to be able to make out whenever they wanted, cuddle up, sleep next to one another and their favorite: showing public displays of affection to one another from hugs, holding hands, sharing small kisses on the lips and cheek. Their relationship was perfect, both happy with one another and loved the way things were as they were. They'd never had sex but occasionally their make out sessions turned into a little hand wondering-nothing past that however. They weren't in a rush and had wanted to save all that for when they weren't living in a motel room.
They still hadn't found another solution to that yet-well they had fix but didn't take it because it didn't include everything they wanted in it. The solution was simple: get their own apartment. Problem was finding one close to their friends, and Fort Striker because they still had drill the second weekend of every month, also they had to find what they wanted. A one bedroom, first floor, small yard, parking place for one car, laundry hookups, and in their budget. Tallon being a Second Lieutenant made $2,972.00 a month and Hector made $3,964 a month with his rank of Captain. Money wasn't an issue for either of them given they, together brought in $6,936.00-more than enough for the car insurance, car care, food, bills, and rent. The problem was finding something that worked for them-most places were only two bedrooms as far as where they were looking to live, they didn't need a two bedroom but it looked like they might have to suck it up-they could always use the second room for Hector's music equipment-which was still at his Mom's house.
He didn't have room to bring it all so he only grabbed his guitar, laptop, and clothes he'd need to get through a few days before having to do laundry. Thankfully there was laundry on site at the motel but regardless-they didn't want to be there forever so they had been re-evaluating their options as far as where to live and how many bedrooms. Things were okay for them aside from living at the motel together instead of an actual apartment. Hector and Spencer hadn't talked since the day of the fight when Cody died. Hector talked to his mother, brother, and sister but refused to speak to Spencer-he crossed a line and Hector wouldn't forgive him without proof he was actually sorry, and without his accepting Hector being in the military and dating Tallon. Hector wanted his support and until he got that and very heartfelt apology-there would be no forgiveness granted. Tallon knew that too, Hector and him talked about it during one of their conversation before bed. Tallon understood of course.
That was one of the many things Hector loved about him, how understanding he was when it came situations of such seriousness. Tallon didn't blame Hector for not forgiving Spencer, the guy really hurt him by disowning him for dating another man, and then bringing up everything else that he had. Spencer was stubborn and hadn't even made an attempt in asking for Hector's forgiveness so Hector assumed that Spencer just didn't care about it. So Hector didn't care either-he was perfectly happy without Spencer in his life. The two of them just got back from drill yesterday, today they were supposed to be contacting another real estate agent to see if they could find their own apartment and get out of the motel. It was nice but they wanted a place to call their own-something a little bigger, could make it more...homey. Hector and Tallon's mail still went to the Haddock house but Darius brought it over twice a week for them so Hector wouldn't have to go there and risk running into Spencer where everyone was sure would just start another fight.
Both of them were sitting on the couch looking for real estate agencies to try and call. They had a list on a piece of paper before them-originally it had fifteen places on it, now it was down to four-this list was set up to be places they'd already tried and either outright said no to because they didn't have what Hector and Tallon were looking for, or there were possibles they'd go back to if they didn't find anything else.
"What about this one babe?" Tallon said getting his attention as Hector looked over, "It's called Perfect Find. Seems highly rated, has four and a half stars. Successfully placed hundreds in their dream homes or apartments," he added.
"It's not on our list so guess it's worth a shot, are they still open?" Hector asked curiously.
"Says they are open until 6pm tonight, it's only 3:30pm right now. Want me to call and see if they have anything?" Tallon asked.
"Yeah, go ahead. I'm gonna go to the bathroom," Hector put his laptop down on the table in front of the couch as he got up and moved towards the bathroom while Tallon got his cell phone out to try calling the agency and see if they had an opening for an appointment or any of what they were looking for. He dialed the number and placed it to his ear to wait for an answer, or he'd just leave a message like he had with the other two they had found since starting their search an hour ago.
"Perfect Find Real Estate, this is Aubree Mcguire. How can I help you this afternoon?" the female voice greeted gently.
"Hello and I certainly hope you can. My boyfriend and I are attempting to get our first apartment and seeming to not have the best of luck in locating what we want in our location." Tallon replied calmly as he moved his laptop to the table so it wouldn't fall off and break.
"Well we have a variety of apartments that are still available. Perhaps you can tell me what it is you're looking for and I can let you know if we have it in our listings? Or if you prefer to come down to the office to speak in person?" Aubree offered.
"We're really just looking for a one bedroom, first floor, with a parking space, small yard, washer and dryer hookups around the price range of $900 being the top," Tallon responded as Hector came out of the bathroom now and sat beside him.
"Well, checking my list here, I think we have a few of those available and much lower in price than your top budget line. Would you like to come down to the main office and see a few pictures, or we can go see a few in person if you like. My schedule the rest of the day until closing is free," Aubree said with a smile in her voice.
"Can you give me just one second to talk to my boyfriend about it?" Tallon asked gently.
"Of course sir, just take your time and I'll be right here," Aubree answered. Tallon put the phone on mute as he placed it down.
"What's up baby?" Hector asked now moving beside him on the couch.
"That place I called says they have what we're looking for and can come down to look at pictures or go to a few showings now if we want. Agent I have says she's free til closing, what do you wanna do? Go check it out or take a few days?" Tallon asked him.
"They have everything we're looking for? One bedroom, first floor, hookups, yard, parking, in budget?" Tallon nodded to him, "Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go check some of them out. I'm getting tired of being here-especially with all the rowdy people we get as neighbors. Sure, let's go down and look at a few. Where's the office?" Hector asked.
"I'll find out," Tallon said as Hector nodded to him in response. He left the phone and took it off mute, "Miss. Mcguire? My boyfriend and I decided we'll come down to see a few showings. Where is your office, it's not listed on the website,"
"Oh, of course. The website is being remodeled actually. Our office is directly across for Berk Hall, can't miss it. I hope to see you both soon, just come right in and let the receptionist know you're here to see Aubree. Thank you for calling!" Aubree beamed as she hung up. Tallon put the phone in his pocket and smiled nervously.
"So, where we headed?" Hector asked while getting on his shoes, then grabbing his wallet, phone, and keys.
"Well, the office is...right across from Berk Hall..." Tallon said as Hector flinched a bit glancing over.
"He's likely to still be there, it's only almost four now. Fuck it. I'm not his son right, so why worry if I run into him or not." Hector retorted some.
"Because if anyone sees the two of you they expect you'll still be a loving father and son since no one other than Inferno, your mom, Heather, and Darius know the truth?" Tallon remarked.
"Thanks for killing that for me, baby," Hector mumbled.
"You know it's the truth. No matter what you do-until everyone knows the truth, or you forgive him...everyone is just gonna believe that the Haddock's are a happy family," Tallon pulled his lover close and kissed his forehead.
"I know-but...I don't want to be the one to destroy the image, Tal...He already...thinks I'm a disappointment, that I'm...wasting my life being in the military and dating you...a lot of people look to him, to the whole family and...I won't be the one to out him as an unsupportive asshole who can't accept I changed my life into more than he could ever offer me, can't accept I fell in love with my best friend and am now dating him. I won't be the one to make the family look bad," Hector sighed some as Tallon lifted his chin and kissed him deeply.
"I understand. If we see him, we'll just tell him we're busy and can catch up later," Tallon reminded after breaking the kiss. Hector nodded as the two locked the motel door, got in the truck and headed fifteen minutes to the real estate office. Of course pulling in there-Hector saw Spencer's car parked in the front of Berk Hall. He sighed some and moved inside after shutting off the truck and making their way inside to the reception desk.
"Hello. Who are we here to see today?" the woman asked brightly.
"Aubree Mcguire," Tallon replied as the woman nodded and had them take a seat. Not more than three minutes later, a woman in her early thirties walked out wearing a business like suit, her hair back in a pony-tail. Both Hector and Tallon stood to introduce themselves.
"Welcome. I'm so delighted you could come down. Aubree Mcguire, lead agent for Perfect Find Real Estate," she offered her hand.
"I'm the one who called, Tallon Furysen and this my boyfriend, Hector Haddock. Pleasure to meet you, and we're happy to have found a place that has what we're looking for," Tallon introduced shaking her hand and then Hector doing the same.
"Wonderful. Well, in my office I have pictures and information on the places or we can just load up and drive to them. I have three with everything you are looking for," Aubree smiled.
"What do you think, Tal? Just go see them?" Hector asked softly.
"Whatever you want to do love is okay with me," Tallon smiled holding his hand-their fingers intertwining together.
"Are...they all close to our general location?" Hector asked.
"Yes sir," Aubree nodded to him.
"Alright, let's just go see them then." Hector returned the smile to her. After that was decided they all got into the company car belonging to Perfect Find, and headed to the first apartment showing. The first location was only fifteen minutes from where the others were, it was a nice place but looked like it needed a lot of work and the lovers weren't looking to spend time renovating. The second place was about six minutes from their friends and a few others: it had a smaller room off the main bedroom that could double as a music room for Hector. The third place put them the farthest away from everyone, but closer to Fort Striker in the sense of they could be there in two hours flat. This apartment was remodeled, very cozy, but the two of them just didn't want to be far away from the others since they all hung out pretty often.
"Well, that's all three of the one bedrooms I have available. There are more options if you want to try for two?" Aubree offered when they got back to the office around 5:30 or so.
"Well it wasn't a matter of try, we just didn't feel we needed the extra room since it's just us. Why pay for what you don't need, right?" Tallon chuckled a bit. "Well, Love, up to you. We crossed third option off because of distance. That leaves Wings Street, Lunar Road, or we can keep the search going?"
"I'm honestly getting tired of searching baby. I like both of the options: good price, and has everything we want. Except one needs upgrading and remodeling but comes partially furnished, which I assume would take some time to do for the upgrades and remodeling. And the other is for the most part up to date, with that extra room," Hector sighed.
"So the choice would be between: do you want to wait on a remodel and upgrade or do you want to move now and we make it more to our style for furnishings?" Tallon asked to make it simpler.
"Well, when you put it like that," he laughed a little, "I think we'll take the second one which is only six minutes from everyone on Lunar Road," Hector looked at Aubree now.
"I'll start the paperwork for you. Would you...like to stick around and wait? Shouldn't take more than twenty minutes, just have to contact the landlord and make sure it's set for move in. He's been trying to rent it for three months but everyone wanted a two bedroom instead of a one," Aubree smiled.
"We'll come back just before the office closes then, after we get some dinner." Tallon smiled, Aubree nodded and headed inside the office to get to work on the leasing paperwork. Hector and Tallon got in the truck to go get something to eat. They just went to a fast food place, decided to eat inside since the drive-thru was packed. They got in, ordered their food and sat down at a table by the window to eat. "Well, we did it, babe. We're finally gonna have a place of our own!" Tallon exclaimed once they'd sat down.
"I know, Thank Thor...Not saying the motel is bad or nothing-but we have zero privacy because the walls are paper thin. I swear to God if I have to listen to one more couple have drunken sex next to our room then I am going flip out," Hector mumbled as Tallon chuckled a bit.
"I know how you feel, love. Hopefully after we eat, we can go back, sign those papers, get the keys and start moving right away. We're gonna have to go shopping for so much-should start making a list now," Tallon replied in agreement as the two of them unwrapped their burgers and each took a bite. The door to the restaurant opened as Hector glanced over to see his mother, Heather, Darius, and Spencer walking in.
"Oh kill me now," Hector grumbled with a sigh, Tallon looked to where he was and saw them now.
"If I kill you, I'll have to kill myself..." Tallon joked.
"Not laughing...I don't need my good mood ruined by him..." Hector closed his eyes.
"Hector!" Heather and Darius said quickly rushing over as Hector forced back a groan of defeat almost.
"Hey guys...Hi, Mom..." Hector replied gently-he purposely left Spencer out.
"I'm so glad you're alright dear. We...haven't seen you in a while," Val greeted as she hugged him lightly and he returned it. He wasn't mad at her or his siblings, mainly just Spencer. Sure his mom, and siblings all had a hand in his depression and choice to join originally but they supported him now and that was all he cared about. That his family supported his choices, all of them.
"We've been busy getting ready to move," Tallon responded now.
"You're leaving the motel? Where are you moving bro?" Heather asked.
"Not far. Five or so minutes from the others and you guys on Lunar Road," Hector replied calmly.
"That's wonderful, son. I'm glad you'll be closer, maybe once you're...all settled in you can come by for dinner? We really miss you, you as well, Tallon." Val offered.
"We'll see. We've got a lot of work to do on the place still. We actually haven't signed the lease yet, agent is working on it now so we thought we'd come grab some dinner," Tallon replied seeing Hector didn't look like he wanted to talk to them or at least not with Spencer there.
"If you need any help moving, let us know?" Darius offered.
"We will, thank you, Darius." Tallon nodded. The tension between Hector and Spencer began to thicken-the silence was awkward as no one really knew what to say anymore.
"Mayor Haddock?" came a young voice, Spencer turned to see a reporter with a camera around her neck. "I was wondering if I could get a shot of you with your family for the paper. Just to show the Archipelago the Haddock family outside formal events?" she asked softly.
"I don't mind at all," Spencer smiled to her as she beamed brightly as they all got into position to be photographed. Spencer was a little shocked when Hector got up and moved beside him. The picture formation was Spencer standing center between Hector and Darius, he had his arms over both their shoulders-in front of Hector and Spencer was Val, then in front of Darius and Spencer was Heather. The five of them smiled as the reporter snapped the photo before thanking them with a bow and rushing out of the restaurant. As soon as it was clear of reporters and other onlookers, Hector moved away from Spencer and sit back down across from Tallon. "Why'd you do it?"
"Do what?" Hector asked with his eyes closed.
"Stand with the family when you hate us, when I disowned you? You could have easily shown everyone the truth, but you didn't. So why?" Spencer asked.
Hector took a deep breath now as he glanced over with eyes that held clear irritation, "I'll tell you what I've told my guys and Tallon," he paused a moment, "I won't let the things you says about become true. I won't be the one to embarrass the family, I won't be the one to show everyone who you really are-a man who can't support his son's, excuse me, ex-son's choices of joining the military and dating another man. I won't be the one to ruin the Haddock family image of perfection. I set out four years ago to make sure that anything anyone thought about me in a bad sense-didn't become true. If I have to stand next to you for a family photo to keep your good name going, to keep making us look like a happy family-then so be it. I don't care if you ruin it, or if anyone else does. But it won't be me." he said firmly as he got up and went out the side door, he leaned on the side of the building while lighting one of his cigarettes and taking a drag of it.
"And through everything," Tallon started, "regardless of what you've done to him over the years-even the fact you disowned him-he still protects your image because he knows a lot of people look to you and it wouldn't look good for the mayor if everyone knew he disowned his own flesh and blood for going out, changing his life for the better, and falling in love with another man. For Thor's sake: from the stories I've heard-you treated Darius and Heather better than you treated your son. I know they are adopted into the family. Hector told us all about it-so pretty sad you treated your niece and nephew better than your own son," Tallon began to pack up his and Hector's food in a bag then moved towards the door. "Oh! And for the record," he paused now, "He doesn't hate the family, or you. He's just hurt that you don't care about or support his choices, He's hurt by all the suffering he went through over the years from everyone-but it doesn't stop him from protecting the people he cares about, including you." with that, Tallon left the building to check on Hector.
Spencer watched from inside the building as Tallon hugged Hector tightly and kissed his cheek, Hector had nodded then the two got in Hector's truck and left the parking lot, the man sighed heavily. "At least two of the Haddock men matured over the years," Heather huffed slightly.
"You know he was depressed and suicidal, Dad...Are you hell bent and determined to push him back there or something? Because he might not show it-but I think he's starting to slip back into it according to his friends. Hector is strong-mentally, emotionally, and physically-but no one can stand forever. You made mistakes once by not being there for him as he grew up-mistakes that made him make the choices he did. Now you've disowned him and like Tallon said, he's hurt by the fact that after everything-you still aren't there for him. All he wants is acceptance and support, why can't you just give it to him? Why can't you just let him be happy?" Darius added shaking his head-clearly disappointed.
(Perfect Find Real Estate)
Tallon decided to drive since Hector's mood seemed to fade after that whole thing happened-they got back the Realtor's building and ate in the car in silence, Tallon could tell Hector was hurting and had a lot on his mind. When they had finished they went inside just before 6pm and sat down with Aubree at her desk. She had everything ready for them, the lease was written up and already signed by the landlord, a Mr. Kenneth Winters. Everything was written in: address, rent, anything included, and move in date which appeared to be tomorrow. Hector and Tallon both signed the lease then Hector wrote the check for the security and first month's rent. It was given to Aubree who faxed it to Kenneth-when he called and said they were all set ten minutes later, Auburee handed Hector and Tallon two keys. Hector's mood returned in this moment, it was almost momentous: he and Tallon had their first place officially, and they couldn't wait to move in.
