=Astrid's POV=
(Monday, 3/3/19-6:50 am)
(Berk, Archia Isle)
(Hooligan High School)
I, sadly, didn't expect Hector not to get upset and end up snapping at his father yesterday. Hector had been firm with his feelings regarding this entire situation. I felt the same, but I knew to hold my tongue with my folks. I was a young woman of respect and tradition, like in Viking times. Such backtalk would result in dishonor on yourself and if there were witnesses, on your family. Parents would be blamed for not raising an obedient child, and for girls, no man wanted a wife who would not do what they were told. Hector and I were a special case, we had no choice in this. Regardless, I still bit my tongue with my parents. I could voice my dislike, make small arguments, and attempt a compromise, but it would never be disrespectful. And if nothing could be done, I would have to accept the decisions made by my parents while I was a minor. Right now, I am still seventeen, but due to the marriage; I actually belong to Hector. That is how it would be viewed in Viking times. Bride prices and what not, it meant my husband's family paid my family to have me join his. It basically selling your child off. It sounded harsh, but back then, such arranged marriages were used to secure alliances between families, and even tribes. In modern day, that could still happen, but mine and Hector's situation was the alliance of their companies, which are becoming one.
But no, I didn't expect Hector to sit quietly and listen to his father go on and on about the company, how Hector was eighteen and could work there now. Hector had been dreading it, I've heard many conversations walking by his office when he talks to our friends about it. I wasn't at all surprised he got mad when things got mentioned. What put me off was him mentioning the stress of the marriage, how I wasn't working and he was doing everything. I wanted to snap at him when everyone left, but he never came out of his office, except to use the bathroom around 11:30 pm. I was already in bed and judging by the mumbles, I knew he was still pissed. However, I understand his anger, so I'm not planning to bring up why he mentioned all that stuff. I shouldn't be making it seem like we're perfect when we're not. Every person in the world has flaws, and every couple has their issues. There is, to me, no such thing as perfection. I probably shouldn't have hidden not having a job from my parents and when they got on me later after everyone left, I explained that Hector wasn't an angry or violent guy, but he was stressed and tired from everything. His father adding work didn't help any.
I did feel bad for Hector, he was doing so much to keep up his grades and work to pay for our expenses with the apartment. And now he had this extra to work in a very large company. The merge started back in January, and while I stayed out of most things regarding business; I knew the building had been purchased and work started in slight construction/remodeling, and some rewiring. A security system was set up. I heard that in April would begin the move of offices and employees, as well as getting the business network running. Everything should be set for opening and fully operational by the start of June. Once Hector graduated from high school, there would be a big event for Spencer stepping down as CEO, and giving it to Hunter. During all these months of work, Hector would be learning the position from his father, and my own. It took both of them to train Hector because it was a merged business of both their companies. Hector would need to understand how everything worked for things to be successful. Currently, Hector and I have just arrived at school and the first bell would ring at 7:00 am.
My car was, unfortunately, not ready just yet. According to Hector, Glenn found a few more issues while fixing stuff. Hector told him to fix everything he found, and he'd pay him back over time. Glenn told him not to worry too much, he was basically his nephew and got a family and employee discount. I know today, Hunter arranged for me to get taken home by Syrus and Alexia, since he had to go right to the office in Berk to start training with our fathers. Hunter had a parking spot right by the doors to the entry of the school, so it's cool that we can meet up with our friends before the day of classes start.
"Hey, Hec. Hi, Ast," Roxanne greeted as we walked up, holding hands. There were a lot of people in the student lot, and a few teachers were there too, making sure students weren't doing anything they shouldn't.
"Hi," Hector waved with his free hand.
"You in a better mood than yesterday, brother?" Drew wondered. He didn't attend the school, but he hung until classes started and we had to go inside. Drew usually parked off campus, and walked Heather in since he couldn't take up a student lot spot. Evan was usually with him too since they worked the same job and had to go in for 8 am.
Hector rolled his eyes, scoffing, but ended up shaking his head. "No. I know yesterday just carries into today, where I'm still going to the Berk office to learn how to run the newly merged company with my dad and father in law," Hector informed. "My mood is never going to get better because it's just one thing after another with all this since the arranged marriage was set it stone…"
"You don't think you're being a little to harsh with your parents?" Syrus asked.
"Nope. Honestly, I don't think I'm being harsh enough…" Hector retorted, closing his eyes and leaning on the hood of his car. "If I have to keep repeating why I'm mad, they still don't get it and nothing I say really matters. So I'll continue to do what they want with extreme disdain and hostility until they see my side of it. I'm pissed that none of what I wanted was considered, it's just bypassed to suit their wants. I'm pissed I got no say in my life regarding what was supposed to be my future." He informed.
"Hector, that's how some parents live, in the old days…Where we have no say." I reminded him calmly. "Be lucky that it's only until eighteen they can do that, in Viking times-," I started.
"Oh Gods…You sound like my father, Astrid…" Hector remarked with his head towards the sky and giving a heavy sigh. "I don't need you to be my dad right now, I need you to be my supportive wife…" He released my hand and I felt guilty for some reason. "I thought of all the people in my life right now, you in the same position as me with being forced into this, you'd understand…I guess I was wrong, just like I was about a lot of other things…" He fixed his bag on his shoulder and stormed off towards the school.
"I…I didn't mean to upset him…" I looked down.
"None of us mean to, Astrid. Unfortunately, Hector is sensitive about all this, and I can't say I blame him. His parents are treating him like a tradeable good to ensure their survival when he's a human being and making him feel like he's only good to them if he's doing what they want. They aren't treating him like their son, so he's bothered and hurt by it. He wants to be seen like a person, not their ticket to success." Evan explained.
"All of this company merge and what not is cemented through an arranged marriage by you two. Like you, Hector never got a say, and he never seems to get one. Aside the marriage, he has to continue this into becoming the CEO because it was set in the marital contract agreements when he was a minor. He had no say in any of this and his father is ignoring all Hector's wants for his own. It is selfish, and anger inducing." Drew picked up the explanation to me. "He will come around eventually, Astrid. Try to be patient, as we are."
"Yeah…Hector normally doesn't lose his temper so easily unless provoked," Flynn nodded.
"And this whole thing continues to provoke him, and he's stressed with all his new roles…If that makes sense?" Heather tried gently with a hand on my shoulder. "I think that's why he said he needed you to be his supportive wife. Understanding his side, maybe having your father and father in law back off a bit to give Hector time to settle, he really hasn't had much with everything going on."
I understood now. The problem was that Hector and I are only married because of the legal ties woven into our marriage. We're technically separated, and our friends knew that too. Just not that Hector and I had sex with other people. I don't know if Hector would let me be wifely to him now. I feel like we were way past making things work between us with the current arrangement. I knew my ex wanted to hook up tonight, I told him when I'd be home, but that we'd have to go to his place or a hotel if we wanted to do anything sexual. I didn't want to risk Hector coming home early again, we agreed nothing at the house with our lovers. Not that it was love, but sometimes sounded better than a friend with benefits or hookup. I have to admit that my ex, while I did feel something for him before the forced breakup and when I cheated on Hunter, I didn't feel anything for him anymore. I wasn't sure why either. I guess it faded after the fight with Hector, when he immediately threw out the words; I want a divorce.
I never imagined anything said to me would hurt so much. Sure, things had made me mad, annoyed, and sad. But hurt? That was a new one. And I did whatever I could to sway Hector's choice in divorcing. Now, here we are, still married but separated and actively sleeping with other people. I often wondered what it would be like if Hector and I had sex again, just for the fuck of it. I wondered if I did go to him needing release, would he agree? It didn't matter right now. Hector was, sadly, still pretty heated about things regarding the merged business. And that was because this marriage was tied to the business Hector would be taking over. There was a lot of things stressing Hector out and it didn't seem like it would stop until things began to slow down. Maybe after high school? But then Hector worked full time for the business, but he wouldn't have to worry about the garage? And our marriage, well, that was not really anything big anymore with the separation, but it was clear that the random sex with others wasn't working to relieve constant stress.
I sighed some, and nodded to my friends about their suggestions and explanations regarding the situation. The bell soon rang as we hurried to get to class before the first bell, the one we got was a two minute warning to move to class. I said goodbye to everyone and moved to my first period. Something told me it was going to be a long day.
. . .
(2:30 pm)
The last bell of the day sounded throughout the halls and students quickly exited their classrooms, spilling into the hallway to reach their lockers, talk with friends, or get right to the lots to go home by bus or their own vehicle. Well, some people had dragons too, but I think those rules were that the student had to be an eighteen year old senior, and have their flier license. So technically, I could have bonded to a dragon at sixteen, then taken the dragon training classes, and if at least sixteen, could get my flier's license. But at school, there were certain rules about it all and I think that's just to cut back on how many dragons they had to house, just like with the amount of spaces available in the student lot. It made sense. I still haven't bonded, but none of mine and Hector's friends have, so I guess it's not that big a deal. Everyone says that it happens when it does.
I'm now at Hector's car, waiting for him. I know I was going to be dropped off at the apartment by Syrus and Alexia, but I figured to wait for Hector, in case there was anything he wanted to ask me to do specifically at our place while he worked. Our friends all met up, as usual, and Hector arrived last, clearly looking annoyed. I assume his father was probably harassing him. I could see the exhaustion on Hector's face, and I felt bad.
"Hey, Hec," TJ greeted first. Hector held up a finger for him to wait a second, and it could be seen that the phone was sandwiched between his cheek and shoulder while he dug in his bag for his keys to the car.
"Yes, Father…I know to come right to the office after work, but I only just got to my car, so can ya chill out? I get there when I get there! Ya already took a bunch of stuff from me, is seeing my friends gonna be next on the list? Because I swear to Odin if you tell me that my job comes first, I'm gonna lose what's left of my sanity and disappear beyond the Archipelago." Hector warned. "No, I'd never threaten you, Dad…That was a promise. I've done everything else you've asked…And I told you seven months ago to back off. It's one thing after another, and not only is that stress-inducing, but it's also pissing me off and if you can't knock it off, I'm gonna put an end to it myself and leave." A slight pause. "If you want me to calm down and stop being angry, then stop trying to control my goddamn life," After that, Hector ended the call and groaned.
"Easy, brother…Easy," Drew said calmly, patting Hector's shoulder. "You're too young for a heart attack," He tried to make things less tense. At this point, I think all of us were afraid to set him off, but Drew wasn't scared to get close to Hector and try to calm him down. "Breathe, man," He stated as Hector eventually sighed and somewhat calmed down a bit. Drew whispered something to him and I swear I saw Hector tense up and blush a little. I found that a little odd, what had Drew said to him? Did Drew suggest to Hector to get laid or something? Did Drew know Hector hooked up with others?
"WILD DRAGON ATTACK!" Someone yelled and pulled me from my thoughts. Now, sort of like Viking times, we did get dragon attacks. But only wild ones and it wasn't crazy like being actually attacked. The wild attacks were just dragons emerging from the forest, hostile, but curious too. There have been accidents with the stubborn dragons, usually takes a professional to get them to settle down. Even people with bonded dragons got a bit scared. Wild dragons were unpredictable.
However, this wild dragon attack was a single dragon. And it was something that no one was expecting. This dragon was a Night Fury, they were rare and tended to stay out of populated areas. They were rumored to not get along with other dragons too. This was a Strike Class dragon that no one had successfully gotten close to for earning trust, training, or even studying. Strike Class dragons were elusive. Fast, smart, and like their classification, known to strike mercilessly. Strike dragons were ones that were known as the elite, and definitely the most untrusting and stubborn. Most couldn't even find them. Night Furies tended to be all black, some dark gray, eyes usually green and dark blue. Rumors said red eyes too. But again, only rumor.
"Everyone get inside the school!" Teachers started calling. It was protocol to keep us safe. Not like the blast from some of these dragons couldn't destroy the building, they very much could. Students started moving, but when the dragon landed in front of us, we froze.
"None of you move. We've got dragon patrol on the way," The principal informed. The rest of us were nervous, but Hector didn't appear to be. The scary part was that this dragon seemed agitated and closest to Hector. The dragon was growling, but maybe hurt. I saw that it was struggling to stand. I think Hector noticed it too because I saw his anger dissipate into maybe concern. I've been told Hector is an understanding and gentle soul when it comes to animals and dragons. I think it was one of his ancestors in Viking times who brought peace to the world between humans and dragons. Yeah, his last name of Haddock made me remember that. In all my thinking, I didn't even see Hector start to move close until the principal yelled at him, "Mr. Haddock…I said don't move."
"Ya know…I'm getting real sick of being told what to do…" Hector grumbled.
"Hector…Not the time," Drew told him. "It's a Night Fury. Don't screw with it."
"I'm well aware, Drew…But it's hurt," Hector argued, moving closer. Hector lightly put his hands up, showing he had nothing that could hurt the dragon in sight. "It's alright…I'm not gonna hurt you," He soothed as the Night Fury locked onto his figure, eyes thin. "Easy…I just want to help," Hector tried as the Night Fury stopped snarling, but the growls were low and it's eyes never left Hector. I watched as Hector pulled something out of his bag, it was the other half of his tuna sandwich from lunch. Hector hadn't eaten all of it because his father wouldn't leave him alone and he lost his appetite. Hector took the sandwich out of the bag and held it out. The Night Fury eyed Hector curiously, then inched forward with caution to sniff the sandwich. I saw the dragon limping, so it was hurt. The dragon opened it's mouth, there were no teeth. I found that odd.
"Huh…Toothless. I could have sworn you had-," Hector sort of started to chuckle, but it was cut short when the Night Fury snapped forward to snatch the sandwich from Hector's hands, then gobble it down in two bites. "Teeth…" Hector finished, recovering from the shock of thinking he was about to lose his fingers. "See? I'm not gonna hurt you, bud. I just want to help," The Night Fury eyed him again, then seemed to lose some of it's hostility as it relaxed it's pounce-stance. "Will you let me?"
"Dragon patrol is here," The principal informed as the people came in and closer. The dragon got defensive again, growling when it saw the tranquilizer gun come out. "Step aside, Hector."
"He, there's no need for that…He's calm," Hector said to the dragon patrol workers.
"It's a safety measure. The Strike Class dragons can't be trusted not to attack or take off. We're gonna knock him out and transport him to the center, we'll help him," A worker reassured.
"No, you're gonna lock him up and throw away the key because he's a Night Fury and this is a prime chance to capture and study him. I'm not stupid, and that's wrong. He's wild, you can't force a dragon into captivity!" Hector narrowed his eyes.
"Look, it's our job, kid," The worker sighed. "Take the shot," Another worker prepared to fire as I gasped with surprise when Hector moved to block Toothless with his body, arms out.
"I said no." Hector repeated. "I'm not gonna let you knock him out and lock him away for your stupid research. If these dragons were meant to be friendly, trainable, or whatever else…They wouldn't be listed as rare species! He's not a damn science experiment," Another worker shifted the gun to shoot the dragon anyway, and Hector took off his backpack and tossed it to take the dart. Hector glared as he faced the dragon and saw the problem. It was a dragon hunter arrow, making the Night Fury weak. Hector carefully put his hand on it. "Trust me…I'm not going to let them hurt you," The dragon and Hector made full eye contact, and the dragon bowed his head to him. Hector pulled the arrow free and tossed it. The Night Fury licked the wound and stood up now. Hector and he were facing one another. "Go on, you're okay now. Be free, stay safe…" Hector said.
Suddenly, without warning, Hector reached his hand forward to stroke the dragon's snout a bit in reassurance but the dragon pressed it's snout to Hector's palm, eyes closed. Hector's eyes closed too. It was a telling sign of bonding. It happened many ways, but this was definitely bonding if I'd ever seen it. After the hand touch, to further prove that Hector just bonded to a dragon, the Night Fury bypassed Hector's hand and went right into pressing its forehead to Hector's. It was undeniable and official; Hector Haddock had just physically bonded to a Night Fury.
