=Normal POV=
(Saturday, 9/1/18-3:30 pm)
(Berk, Archia Isle)
(Hector & Astrid's Apartment)
After signing the lease and getting the keys two weeks ago, Hector and Astrid used all their available time to pack up their bedrooms from their parents' place and get it moved into their apartment. It took several days as they also needed to get furnishing things. This was hard to do with Hector's work schedule, so Astrid, thankfully, gathered up the friends when they were available and got things moved over. Drew, Evan, and Theodore handled a lot of Hector's stuff. Syrus and Flynn helped too, but they were assisting the girls with Astrid's things so it wasn't all on the girls to move heavier objects. Yesterday, Hector and Astrid took care of shopping for the place food-wise as they'd already handled non-food items earlier in the week. Today was used to finish putting things away and set up the bedrooms. It made sense for those to go last and now, it was all done. The fun part was deciding which bed to use, Hector's or Astrid's. Hector had a king-sized bed, so it was chosen to use his, but with Astrid's bed dressings. A fair compromise, and they used her dresser because it was bigger than Hector's. Among all the moving in, Hector took care of getting bills set up in his name and worked a deal with Astrid on how they'd evenly contribute. Once everything was all set, Hector sent Carter, the landlord, the first month's rent by bank.
Tonight would be the first time Hector and Astrid stayed in the apartment together, and in the same room. The last time they had shared a bed was their wedding night. Today, also, would be a house-warming party for the couple. It wasn't too cold out, so this would be a good day for an indoor/outdoor party. There didn't need to be a tour because everyone saw things while moving Hector and Astrid into it. Everyone should be coming around 4:00 pm, that's what time Hector and Astrid said would be good as they were just making sure everything was tidy and looked good, while handling appetizer items for guests to enjoy.
"So, how are things going to go at school?" Astrid asked suddenly.
"Hm?" Hector looked at her.
"In school, how are we appearing to everyone? We said public eye and family, as married couple. But with friends, roommates. So what's the idea for school?" Astrid inquired.
"I'm sure the school has been aware of our legal status, but I don't know about students attending. Safe to say that workers from our father's companies likely have kids attending at Hooligan High, and all employees have been made aware of the merge deal, so…Let's go on the safe side of most people will know we're married and just…Try to keep it at school is still school," Hector stated.
"Sit together at lunch with friends, but in classes, we're just students there to learn?" Astrid arched a brow.
"Basically," Hector nodded. "It's still school, regardless of our married status. We're there to finish senior year, and the school has rules against displays of affection aside a few small kisses, holding hands, and hugging."
"True. Are…We going to be doing any of that?" Astrid wondered softly.
"Public displays of affection?" Hector saw Astrid give a single head nod. "Well, like we just said, there's rules on school campus about that…So I think we should just go with…Appropriate for the setting? Walk together if we share classes, hold hands in the hallway? Kiss on the cheek and hug if we're separating to go to different classes? Sit next to each other in the lunch room?" He suggested. "We don't want to do too much to obey the rules, but also not too little to rise suspicion that we clearly both hate this because it will get around fast that we're not acting like a married couple." He added.
"That's fair. So aside from the wedding bands, act like a normal high school couple?" Astrid confirmed.
"I think that would be the best way to go about things." Hector nodded.
"Alright, that's what we'll do then," Astrid agreed. The two continued working on the appetizers as the time went by and soon it was 3:45 pm. "We…Don't have to have sex at random like normal married couples, do we?" Astrid said at random.
"No. We made it clear to our parents that we're not having a baby during high school, so I guess the only time would be if we wanted to, like the original idea for the night of the wedding. Just screw because we live together and can." Hector told her.
"So…Roommates with benefits?" Astrid questioned.
"I guess we could call it that," Hector shrugged.
"And…What of the baby thing after school?" Astrid inquired.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. It is not even on my priority list right now," Hector admitted.
There was a knock on the door. "Guess people are arriving," Astrid said.
"Yeah. Why don't you let me handle this and you go let them in?" Hector suggested. Without giving a response, Astrid wiped her hands and headed to the main door.
. . .
(5:30 pm)
The evening was going well with all their friends and parents over. Astrid did give them a tour while Hector took care of finishing the food, only because some saw it in sections of the move in, but not finished. The party included pizza, hot dogs and cheeseburgers. There were chips, dip, crackers, cheese, pigs in a blanket, and soda available too. Mostly, it was a lot of standing or sitting around and talking. There wasn't much else to do but that, and the main topics were about how things would be at school, which started in two days.
"So, what's the plan for school? Normal as it was last year?" Heather questioned.
"It's still school, we're just married. Nothing changes," Astrid replied.
"But you two will have the same classes and be together, right?" Angela asked.
"No," Hector spoke up. "Astrid and I already discussed how things would be in school. You're not gonna be there with us, so you don't need to worry about it."
"What Hector means is that we are already married and live together, so there's no reason for us to have the same classes. We don't need to see one another every day, all day," Astrid interjected, eyeing Hector to cool it with the sarcasm.
"Besides, my classes are more advanced than Astrid's. Her courses are common high school for twelfth grade, mine are advanced and college-level." Hector informed.
"What did you choose for your courses, son?" Spencer wondered.
"Basic core subjects?" Hector stated. "Math, History, Science, Language Arts,"
"Your electives, Hector," Vivian sighed.
"Art, Engineering, and Business," Hector told his parents. "Don't give me that look, I couldn't get in for Engineering during semester one, so I picked Art." He added seeing the disapproving look from his father. Engineering and business were more of less what the company he'd be taking over was all about, that's why his father wanted him to take them. Hector did put in for them, and unfortunately, Engineering for first and second quarter was full and he had to pick something else and he did love art too.
"I suppose there's nothing we can do," Spencer sighed out.
"Spencer…It's fine. Art is good too, need that to draw plans in engineering too," Glenn reminded.
"That's true," Marcus nodded. "How about you, Astrid? What did you pick as electives?" He asked.
"Home Ec and Music. Not sure which home Economics things; I think it changes based on the quarter," Astrid answered. "How is the merge going?"
The was the extent Hector was willing to stand in the same room and listen to. Hector didn't want to hear anything about it, and with all this going on…Hector didn't even want to be part of it. Hector had been fine with becoming the CEO of his father's company, and was even cool with the merge. But that was before he got locked down in a marriage with someone who couldn't stand him. Their agreements didn't matter. Astrid hated this as much as he did, but Hector was, at least, trying to make things work. Astrid, didn't seem willing. But it had been a busy month, so maybe things would settle down. With everyone engaged in that conversation, Hector started cleaning things up that were empty, or plates of people who had finished their food. Hector tossed things away, started cleaning up and staying away from the talk about business.
. . .
(7:00 pm)
The parents went home, but the friends stayed. Everything was cleaned up, but some snacks were still out to be enjoyed. The friends were sitting around the living room just talking, and with the parents gone, more of the annoyance to the forced marriage was easy to see. Hector and Astrid wouldn't sit next to one another, nor have their hands connected in some fashion. The two weren't even smiling anymore.
"Ready to start school on Monday?" Theodore asked.
"I guess," Astrid mumbled.
"Last year, though! We're done after this," Roxanne tried.
"Onto our futures," TJ added.
"In case ya haven't noticed…My future already started," Hector retorted.
"Come on, you two…It won't be that bad," Heather attempted, but only received the really look from both Hector and Astrid. "You get to live on your own?" She offered.
"Not for free like we did at our parents' places," Astrid stated.
Hector rolled his eyes some. "Don't be so dramatic. You don't pay nearly as much as I do here…"
"I don't make as much as you do," Astrid mumbled.
"You also refuse to work more than two or three days a week for four hours a night…" Hector countered.
"I have homework to do," Astrid remarked.
"First off, we've been on summer vacation since the middle of June. Secondly, I had homework to do too during the week, when we were in school last year…But I still worked 5-6 days a week from 3 pm to 9 pm. Weekends, longer than that. You have no excuse." Hector retorted, folding his arms over one another.
The others couldn't really say anything as the young couple bickered, and no one was brave enough to take a side. But silently, it was agreed that Astrid could probably take on more shifts at work to help Hector out more with their expenses. Unfortunately, it was not their place to say either.
"Whatever…Better watch yourself, Haddock. You can sleep on the couch tonight," Astrid scoffed.
"Is that a threat or an offer?" Hector sassed back. Astrid glared at him, arms folded over one another.
"Ugh, you're so annoying and such an ass." Astrid groaned.
"Least I'm not an unhelpful bitch," Hector sat back.
"How dare you call me a bitch! I'm your wife." Astrid said, obviously offended.
"You called me an ass, and I'm your husband," Hector grinned. "Goes both ways, Milady," He added. "You don't want me to call you names, don't do it to me,"
"How are you not okay with this arrangement?" TJ decided to ask as Astrid and Hector looked at him. "You two squabble like an old married couple,"
"Definitely," Roxanne nodded. "Between the sarcasm and comebacks, you match right up,"
"That's just because we both hate this…And there's nothing we can do without it affecting the merge, which as you heard earlier, is going to begin after the new year when they finish going handling the legal things," Astrid reminded.
"Your dad still want you to work with him when you turn eighteen, Hec?" Flynn wondered.
"Yeah…" Hector sighed. Astrid was a little surprised to hear about this. Hector was going to be working at the company? "Not overly looking forward to it," He added.
"You got us if you need us, bro," Drew said calmly.
"I know, Drew. It's the one thing I'll never forget and always be sure of; you guys, and girls, got all of me," Hector nodded, the smile coming back a little.
"Damn right," Theodore said.
"You two will be fine," Cassandra reassured as Hector and Astrid just rolled their eyes and sighed. "Just remember that marriage is 50/50. Work together and it'll be smooth sailing," She said.
"We already agreed to work together in public view," Astrid said.
"And despite the marriage, appear like a normal couple at school to abide school rules and appease those looking for a happy marriage between us," Hector added.
"Seems like it will work," Heather stated. "We'll help where we can,"
"Appreciated," Hector and Astrid said at the same time.
"So…How was it sleeping together?" Roxanne asked.
Hector gave a tch sound. "About the same as it is when I sleep with anyone, just slower," He responded.
"What about you, Ast?" Cassandra smiled. Astrid tensed a moment, composing herself.
"It was fine, I guess," Astrid shrugged it off. "I don't remember most of it." Hector rolled his eyes. He knew what she said wasn't true, but Astrid was keeping it limited to how much they knew. And Hector knew that Astrid had thanked him for a great night, and she would never forget it. That is what they agreed on, after all. Hector felt like they probably wouldn't be doing it again, unless she wanted it. He wasn't going to ask or push her for it, but they already talked about being roommates with benefits, so Hector figured it would happen when they both wanted to get off since they didn't have the option of going to others.
"Are we going to find out she's pregnant any time soon?" Heather wondered.
"No, Heather. Hector and I used protection, and I had the morning after pill as a backup. We don't need any kids right now." Astrid commented firmly.
"Only wondered because we saw your dad go through your bag and take out the condoms you had in the front pouch after you left the room before the ceremony." Syrus informed.
"I know he did, but I keep, at least, one in my wallet." Hector stated.
"But later down the line, you probably will, right? Have kids?" Roxanne questioned.
"That hasn't been discussed yet and not among my priorities," Astrid replied. "I'm sure it will later on. Hector and I are sort of stuck in this until death do us part, it's in the contract that if our marriage falls, so does the merge and then the companies too."
"Yeah, there's no getting out of it. I'm sure, eventually, Astrid and I will come to…At least, like one another to coexist in the same space without wanting to shoot sarcastic comebacks at one another," Hector reassured.
"Indeed," Astrid stated calmly.
"We should get going," Theodore suggested. It was getting later, and they figured Hector and Astrid could use some time alone to possibly bond more, learn about one another.
"Yes, it's getting late and we have school on Monday," Alexia reminded the group.
"Well…You guys and girls have school. Evan and I finished a couple years ago now," Drew chuckled.
The group slowly got up to say their goodbyes and soon were gone into the night and leaving by their vehicles. Drew had left Hector with the suggestion for him and Astrid to try and talk, get to know one another because it would make the marriage better if they were possibly friends over just roommates. Hector had considered that, but he needed Astrid to be on board too and right now, she still seemed pretty steamed about the situation being what it was. Hector felt the same, so maybe they just needed to adjust to all this. They were married, and thrust into living with one another. Next, it would having to handle school too. And Hector, personally, knew that he also had to handle work and soon working with his father to take over the company. Now, it was just Hector and Astrid in the apartment.
"What now?" Astrid asked.
"I dunno. Watch a movie? Have sex? Lock up, shower, go to bed?" Hector looked at her.
Astrid gave him such a look of disbelief when he suggested having sex. "Really? Is that all you guys think about? Getting laid?"
"No, but you asked what now and I'm merely giving suggestions of what can be done to pass the time until tomorrow." Hector informed, rolling his eyes. "It's fun when it happens, but no, it's not all I think about, Astrid." He added in.
"But you do think about it?" Astrid smirked.
"Well, yeah…But everyone does at some point or another. It's good for letting off stress, frustration, intimate moment with someone you care about, so on and so forth…" Hector stated.
"So basically…Do it when you can and the opportunity is there?" Astrid questioned.
"It was more if I'm available," Hector corrected. "As you may have noticed, I work a lot if I'm not at school or have plans with friends."
Astrid grinned. "Oh, so this has happened before? Just having sex at random?"
"What's your point? Is that not what you did too? Past boyfriends? With a project partner or something? The chance was there, so you took it?" Hector mentioned.
Astrid tensed a bit, realizing it was the same thing. She quickly relaxed and composed herself, though. "Whatever…" She commented, arms folded over her chest. "I guess we can watch a movie or something. Finish the snacks off," She suggested.
"Alright. Pick something, I'm just gonna use the bathroom," Hector passed her the remote and walked towards the restroom. "I have Hulu, Netflix, and a bunch of other streaming services." He informed before going out of sight.
Astrid sighed and went about finding something to watch. She was still super miserable about all this, but maybe with time; it would change. It seemed like she could get along with Hector, he didn't purposely aggravate her and also, only gave her what she gave him. Maybe Hector could match her, time would tell. For now, Astrid just wanted to let all the craziness of getting married and moving into with Hector settle down between tonight and tomorrow. Starting on Monday, they were back to school as seniors for their final year of high school. Who knew how things would go being they still had to act like they were together and loving every moment of being a couple.
