After the day where Hector returned from saving Alex-who everyone thought was dead-things were great. Alex was healed and living on his own again, Hector had seen his family a number of times since returning and loved that too. He and Tallon made love at least three times a week, both being equal about the giving and receiving portions. Both loved it and liked switching off in different positions. However, his family still had no idea the two of them were married but the girls-aside from Heather- kept asking when they were going to do the remarriage ceremony so everyone could enjoy it but Hector and Tallon hadn't decided yet. They'd been married eleven months now, it would be a full year in March and they still couldn't believe it so much time had passed already. The only other big things that happened was Hector telling Alex what happened to Raymond and then the funeral for him too-the soldier who killed himself after learning that three of his old teammates were killed by another man.

Hector being the general had to lead the ceremony and it was anything but easy to get through. All the normal for a military funeral. Words of comfort, of support, then the three gun volley salute for the soldier and finally the lowering into the ground. That was a hard day for Alex and Asher, Hector too but they all managed to get through it in one piece by being there for one another. Asher was doing better now-seeing a counselor for what he'd seen and Alex was also aware of the whole Douglas Hill situation-the man hadn't been happy to find out three of his old teammates were dead because of one man who was jealous. And as Hector had told himself, he had choice words for Mr. Hill when he got back from Iraq and had recovered in the sleeping department What an interesting day that had been too, Inferno and the others got to see first hand what happens when you keep pushing Hector. Although Hill never put his hands on Raymond, he did have a hand in it because it was his fault Raymond killed himself.

The month was now February again, Tallon's and Hector's birthdays had passed making them twenty two now. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New years had passed and were over now. The Furysen's held it at their house and yet his parents still didn't figure out the two were married and would be a full year married in just another two weeks or so. March would make it one year since they got hitched in Iraq thanks to Darius performing the ceremony for them which they were still very grateful for him doing. The award and promotion ceremony had been pushed back due to a couple of situations so that's what they were attending today at Berk Hall. Hector already confirmed with whoever was handing out awards to use his old name of Haddock so not to tip off his family about the secret eloping that he and Tallon did-that was not a battle he wanted to fight right now. So at the moment, that's what Hector and Tallon were doing: getting ready for the ceremony that all of Dragon platoon was attending. The other platoons had already gone-it was split up in order to keep down the amount of people in one place at one time.

"President asked you to play again?" Tallon inquired when he saw Hector getting his guitar and laptop packed up, followed by wires and the microphone.

"No, but just in case he does-I'm bringing it." Hector chuckled.

"Always on top of things. Been meaning to ask-did the other guys resign their contracts yet?" Tallon smiled.

"Which guys? Inferno, platoon, or my brother and his friends?" Hector questioned while making sure he had everything ready for the ceremony which started in an hour.

"Any of them-you know we still have to do ours by the end of the week, well, if we're resigning?" Tallon reminded.

"I believe Inferno was waiting on us. I'm not sure who in Dragon has or hasn't. As for the others...I believe Drew didn't resign, and neither did Skylar. Something about learning his lesson that he shouldn't of joined just so he wasn't bored. I know Jessie did, and I think so did Trent and Darius. Hector stated. "Are we resigning?" he added.

"What do you want to do? Our options were two, four, or six years I think." Tallon looked over to him.

"It doesn't matter to me. I like the military and it's not like we don't have normal lives being in it. We still have our own apartment, live together, married, make love, pay bills, so on and so forth. The military has never changed that for us since being together, nor did it before we even got together. I like what it offers me, it changed my life and brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible. Sure, I've lost a lot of people but I know they are still with me. The military...it gave me things I didn't have before. Family, friends...a purpose to keep fighting, and it gave me you, Tal. It made me who I am today and I don't think I can just let that go, it wouldn't feel right and I'd feel like a part of me is missing." Hector said softly while zipping his bag shut.

"I don't think I could have said that better myself, Love. Why don't we resign for another two years and go from there?" Tallon suggested.

"I can live with that. I love you," Hector smiled as he moved closer to his husband and kissed him lightly. Tallon wrapped his arms around Hector's waist and kissed him deeper-this turned into a make out session as always when Tallon pinned him to the wall and started kissing his neck.

"How much time do we have?" Tallon purred against his neck lightly making Hector shiver with excitement.

"More than enough," Hector replied as Tallon lifted Hector up and locked his lover's legs around his waist while taking both of them to the bedroom and laying him down with Tallon on top of him, between his spread legs while still making out.

(Forty-Five Minutes Later)

The two finished and laid in bed panting heavily with wide, satisfied smiles. It was amazing how much they could do in so little time. They only made out and stroked one another for about fifteen minutes and spent the rest switching off and fucking one another. They loved being able to do that, being equal in what they did to the each other. They laid there another five minutes before cleaning off and getting dressed to get to the ceremony on time-didn't look good for the General to be late of all people. Hector knew who was being promoted though and who was getting what award so this was just really for him to watch. They got things ready and headed to Berk Hall in the truck, this would be a good day. See the platoon, his family, friends, and just have fun.

(Berk Hall)

They arrive on time as expected and headed inside with all the stuff, they instantly greeted the president and then Hector's family, before moving on to friends. This only took ten minutes to get through everyone before they relaxed and just talked for a while until the ceremony began. It was down to the end after an hour, all awards were handed out first and medal-after that it was promotions. Tallon was going to be one of the next ones getting promoted-Hector had pushed for it too and put in good word as to why he thought Tallon should have it. The others got promoted too-all of them were in officer ranks now. Well, Trent, Darius, and Jessie hadn't gotten that high but Inferno guys had. Viktor and Evan made First Lieutenant, Ryan made Second Lieutenant, Thaxter made Captain. Tallon was next and Hector smiled like an idiot because like Cody got the honor with him when promoting, Hector got to promote his husband to his next rank. The GOA was the one handling the ceremony but he came over and handed Hector pin, badge, and name tag.

"Our next promotion is to Tallon Furysen," Gary smiled as he handed Hector the microphone.

"Tallon," Hector said now as Tallon looked at him a little surprised. "You are loyal, fierce, protective, and take control when you have too. You have worked very hard and it has not gone unnoticed, especially by me. It is my esteemed honor to be the one to promote you to your next rank. Congratulations, Major Furysen." Tallon's eyes went wide wide shock as Hector replaced his pin, then his name tag with a wide smile. Tallon couldn't believe it, he made Major?! And Hector got to promote him? Nothing made this day better for him than this moment to be promoted and by his husband. Hector shook his hand but then leaned and kissed him lightly. The room smiled and clapped as Hector handed the microphone back to Gary with a smile before he stepped back in line.

"And lastly because I'm sure he's unaware-but the last up your very own Hector Haddock the Third," Gary said as Hector blinked a bit. He was getting promoted? The only promotion left would be the General of the Army and that was...Gary's position right now. He was very confused suddenly, "The rest of you soldiers can go have a seat to watch this," he added as the soldiers broke off and took their places at their seats while Hector now stood up there alone before Gary, the president-who had gotten up and come over, and before the others all in their seats.

"This information has been kept quiet since it was initiated and very few know of what happened but here today, you will all learn of the outcome that derived from this young man's outstanding leadership, loyalty, and determination." the president began. Hector stood firm but he already saw where this was going, they were going to talk about what happened in Afghanistan. The microphone was handed back to Gary now-who smiled.

"This young man beside me is one of many talents or so I've heard from his platoon, the entire Nightwave company in fact." Gary began and then went on the next fifteen minutes to talk about the mission in Afghanistan that was kept super top secret, going on about how Hector carried out the first phase of capturing their target, then went on to continue the last two phases solo. "Now while you think this skilled young man is only the rank of Major-I'm afraid he is not. After the traitor was revealed, Mr. Haddock became the rank of General-just under myself and he is reason that the Afghanistan war is over. He ran a solo mission, risking his life to capture and terminate the life of the Afghan leader-thus beginning the peace negotiations."

Hector inwardly cringed, had to bring it up, didn't he? "He is the youngest soldier to ever make a rank this high and to further prove his heroics, just months ago in September after getting home from the Afghanistan tour, Mr. Haddock took a fighter jet to return to Iraq to save Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Holgerson-who had been a MIA soldier for two days and when Hector learned of such, he went out to find him alone. And he did, then returned him safely home to Berk. Mr. Haddock is a man of many qualities and I'm sure most of you have heard them before: his kindness, generosity, humor, loyalty, courage, fierce, brave, and the list continues but...it all comes down to one thing. General Haddock is to be recognized and the honor will be given by our very own President Jasper Morgan," Gary went on. The microphone was given back to the president now.

"The final award Mr. Haddock is to receive is one only give to the bravest of the brave with courage, loyalty, willing to give his or her life to save civilians or fellow soldiers, a soldier who distinguishes themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while serving against armed enemies of the Archipelago and for valor in combat. A top all that; you are the soldier responsible for ending the war with Afghanistan: for all this, we award you the Archipelago's highest honor: the Medal of Honor. Wear it proudly-you have earned it. You're a hero to the entire Barbaric Archipelago, son," president Morgan smiled pinning it ahead of all the other medals he'd received over the years.

Hector was beside himself. The Medal of Honor?! That was...the highest medal any soldier could receive and it didn't just go to anyone and he had earned it?! The president put his hand out as Hector shook it slowly still in shock, then he shook hands with Gary before both stepped aside. "Let's give it up for him folks!" Gary announced. The people in the room jumped to their feet and began clapping for him. Hector stood firm but inside, the shock was overwhelming but yet, he smiled nevertheless. "And that concludes the ceremony! Please enjoy the food and drinks,"

As soon as they walked away, Tallon rushed him and actually lifted him up, spinning him around then bringing him back down to kiss him deeply. "Congratulations babe! The Medal of Honor, didn't see that coming but Gods you definitely earned it!"

"I-I don't feel like I did, Tal..." Hector admitted.

"Of course you did! Hector, you ended the war in Afghanistan with that top secret mission. And you ran the final two phases solo! Plus saving Alex! You have so earned it! Take some pride," Thaxter smiled wide now. Hector didn't feel pride in what he did though, he shot someone point blank between the eyes to end that war. And nine innocent lives were lost to do it as well. Hector didn't feel like a hero.

"Yeah...I guess so," he sighed softly before heading to the bar and getting a beer.

"Is he okay? He doesn't seem happy to earn the highest medal any soldier can earn and it takes a shit ton to earn at that," Ryan asked.

"But you also have to remember what he went through to finish that mission. Being ambushed, captured, molested, his team executed, then running it solo, and having to shoot the guy. You know Hector hates killing-orders or not, he didn't want to kill that guy." Viktor added to his elder brother's statement.

"Maybe you should talk to him, Tal..." Evan suggested.

"Yeah, I'll do that." Tallon said but then he saw the president approach Hector and decided to hang back a bit.

"I noticed you brought your music things, plan to perform?" Jasper chuckled hopefully.

"I did if you had wanted me to, sir." Hector replied as he was already more than halfway done with his beer.

"I won't say no to a little entertainment," the president smiled to him as Hector nodded and finished his beer then tossed it away while moving to his stuff and setting it up. This didn't take long to do, maybe ten minutes to get the speakers up and then everything hooked up the wires to his guitar and laptop. When all that was done, Hector took off his officers hat and Class A coat so they'd be out of his way. He got his guitar on and then picked something from his laptop as it started.

"Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh-ohhhhh!" he started as everyone began to quiet down and listen closer. Tallon and the others made their way to their seats in order to watch the show. Hector still hated big crowds but he put up with it to make others happy. Hector was a please, always had been. "Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh-ohhhhh!" then it slowed down some as he moved closer to the microphone and took a breath with his eyes closed.

"This is an anthem for the homesick. For the beaten. The lost, the broke, the defeated. A song for the heartsick, for the standbys-living life in the shadow of a goodbye." it picked up a little now, "Do you remember when we learned how to fly? We'd play make-believe; we were young and had time on our side. You're stuck on the ground. Got lost, can't be found. Just remember that you're still alive!" he sang as he started playing notes faster on his guitar.

"I'll carry you home! No, you're not alone! Keep marching on-this is worth fighting for. You know we've all got battle scars. You've had enough-but just don't give up. Stick to your guns. You are worth fighting for. You know we've all got battle scars. Keep marching on!" he held that note a few seconds as it slowed again.

"This is a call to the soldiers, the fighters. The young, the innocent, and righteous. We've got a little room to grow. Better days are near. Hope is so much stronger than fear." another pause as his eyes finally opened. "So if you jump, kid, don't be scared to fall. We'll be kings and queens in this dream, all for one, one for all. You can light up the dark-there's a fire in your heart. Burning brighter than ever before." it picked up again as Hector smiled some.

"I'll carry you home! No, you're not alone! Keep marching on-this is worth fighting for. You know we've all got battle scars. You've had enough-but just don't give up. Stick to your guns. You are worth fighting for. You know we've all got battle scars. Keep marching on!" he took a breath now.

"On and on, like we're living on a broken record. Hope is strong, but misery's a little quicker. Sit, and we wait, and we drown there, thinking, "Why bother playing when it's unfair?" They say life's a waste, I say they lack belief. They tell me luck will travel, I tell 'em that's why I've got feet. Left, right, left, right-moving along to the pulse of a heartbeat." another quick pause. "This could be the last chance you have to fly. Do you like the ground? Want it to pass you by? Man, you had it all when you were just a kid. Do you even remember who you were back then? What do you want in life? Will you be twice as strong? What would you sacrifice? What are you waiting on? Don't stop, march on!" they'd never heard Hector do something like that before-it was like a mini rap that they very much enjoyed.

"I'll carry you home! No, you're not alone! Keep marching on-this is worth fighting for. You know we've all got battle scars. You've had enough-but just don't give up. Stick to your guns. You are worth fighting for. You know we've all got battle scars. Keep marching on!" then it was jut guitar for a few seconds.

"Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh-ohhhhh!" he took a breath and kept playing with a smile. "Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh. Oh-ohhhh-oh-ohhhh-ohhhhh!...Keep marching on!" then it came to an end and there was more cheering and clapping for him. Hector gave a nod as he put his guitar on the stand and Tallon came over to him with a smile.

"When did you write that one, it's really nice," Tallon asked.

"I don't remember right now," Hector sighed as Tallon looked at him a little concerned.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine baby," Hector offered a smile.

"You sure, you seem...I don't know. Out of it right now," Tallon lifted his chin slightly.

"I'm okay, just didn't sleep well last night. I'm gonna go out for a smoke," Hector replied gently as he kissed Tallon's cheek then headed for the door to have a cigarette outside, they saw him just standing on the steps with it between his fingers and staring up.

"Did you get to talk to him?" Thaxter asked.

"I asked him if he was okay and he said he was-just that he didn't sleep well last night. He seems out of it," Tallon sighed.

"Well, we do what we always do. We'll give him his space and let him come to us," Ryan offered. Hector stayed outside another ten minutes before coming back in and getting his guitar strap back on while trying to find something to play and sing for the group that was sitting around talking.

"So, Hector. A few of us were wondering something," came the voice of the president now, Hector glanced over at him. "You've been...in the military six years now?" Hector nodded to him, "What made you join?" it fell quiet now as the others looked over to him-wondering what his answer would be to the president's question.

"I wanted to be somebody. I wanted to be something." Hector replied.

"Elaborate?" he asked calmly.

Hector sighed some as he let his fingers play on the strings of his guitar now, lightly. No real tune, just trying to think of an answer. "I was a nothing, and a nobody. I got...bullied in school and ignored at home. Half the time I wondered if I was actually alive at all but the pain of it all reminded me I was," he started now without looking up, "I was always told that I'd always be a worthless, useless, weak, nothing, and a nobody. That...my life would never go anywhere. I heard it so much, I started to believe it and figured it would never change. I didn't want to live a life like that-where I was always hurting, no one noticed me, no one cared about me. But then I met Cody...and it changed everything. The change I was so desperate to find came through him. He helped me sign up, took me the places I had to go, he watched me graduate. I owe...so much to that man. Hell, I owe him my life."

"He saved you on tour?" someone asked.

"No. The day I met him, he saved my life. Truth is, if I hadn't met him...I was likely gonna go home and kill myself because I was sick of everything. Him telling me to call him if I was interested in joining after handing me the pamphlet. I found that pamphlet when I was gonna end it all, started reading and I got interested hearing how it could changes lives. He saved my life and he'll never know how much it meant to me that he talked to me that day in the school. So if it wasn't clear already...I joined to change my life because I hated it before the military. I joined to be somebody and be something." Hector replied with a soft smile. "And I did exactly that. I also got to help people and protect the people I love." he added. "There's no better job than that," he smiled now.

"Well said, Mr. Haddock. You are truly an inspiration to us all," the president smiled wide as Hector nodded and turned back to his guitar and started getting ready to find something to play, after all it was a celebration. There was so much to be happy about, nothing could destroy his happiness. Friends, family, husband-his life was perfect.