=Hector's POV=
(Thursday, 4/18/19-12:00 pm)
(Berk, Archia Isle)
(Hooligan High School)
It's been a little over a month since I bonded to Toothless, my Night Fury. I also started working for dad, learning the job of CEO from him and my father-in-law. The long hours suck, but the job isn't too hard. I'm still not happy about not getting to do what I want to, but I guess the anger is disappearing about the whole situation of being forced to marry Astrid. We're civil together at the apartment, acting like roommates and both doing equal work for their place. Our arrangement is fine, but to make things a little easier, we've started bringing people home. Only after checking that it was cool with the other person first and it was kept to the privacy of their own rooms. I understood that it was hard to have hookups when there were restrictions on where it could be done. Spring break was next week, so there's a lot of people going in and out of towns for parties and whatnot. I'd be busy with work and Astrid was likely to mostly be home by herself. I figured it wouldn't hurt to allow lovers to be at our apartment, but with the checking-in stipulation. I didn't want to come home one night and finding Astrid fucking someone in the bedroom with the door wide open. With a warning, I could either stay out later or be prepared. I haven't really brought anyone over when Astrid is there, but if she's going to a friends' place or hooking up elsewhere; I would invite a girl over.
Astrid did have her car back, it was running for now and she did find a job, so I was having her put money away to replace the car because it wasn't going to last another year. I told her it probably wouldn't even make it through another winter. Astrid didn't really find a job, though; she caved and asked her father for help. So while the company wasn't fully merged into the new building, she's working in her father's building as a receptionist on the main level. She works five days a week just answering phones, checking people in, and redirecting phone calls. It was whatever to me, she was making money and able to help me again. We hadn't split the bills down the middle, but it was fair for what we made in paychecks. Astrid pays for her car insurance, gas, both our phones and the apartment utilities. I pay the entire rent, shopping trips, car insurance, and monthly payments, then also the health insurance. Astrid actually pays less in bills than I do in my stuff, but again, we did it off paychecks and I make more than she does.
I converted the shed into a makeshift stable, I do have to pay for the fish he eats, but we're not always at home so I buy for Saturday and Sunday, he does eat at the school. And when I'm at the company, he eats dinner there. Thankfully, the landlord didn't mind the conversion; he said the shed never got used for anything anyway. The shed was insulated and big, so perfect for Toothless and even perhaps a second dragon if Astrid ended up bonding too. Toothless doesn't sleep on hay, he likes this big slab of rock he can heat up with his fire and sleep on that. I did make sure it was safe before letting Toothless just set off his fire. I gave up my parking space at school for Astrid since I typically flew Toothless everywhere. Everything seems to be going alright for everyone right now, so I can't complain. Today is Astrid's birthday, so she's finally eighteen and we're doing a little celebration at the apartment tonight and right now, it's lunch hour at the school, so we're all together.
"Now…Before we got setting my girl's eighteenth birthday plans in stone…Neither one of you are sick, right?" Heather joked since, on my birthday, Astrid ended up sick.
"Yeah, me. Sick of you double-checking every hour…" I remarked with an eye roll.
"Yeah, me too actually," Astrid agreed, jokingly. The rest of our friends laughed a bit.
"We're good, Heather…" I said. "Astrid had been sick for a few days before that night, she just didn't realize it until the worst was hitting,"
"But still, it sucked being all ready to have fun, and then boom, she's sick," Roxanne informed.
"We honestly did think maybe she was pregnant," Madison admitted softly, not wanting rumors to start.
"Ssh!" Astrid silenced her. "Don't start all that up again!"
It was true, we already dealt with rumors going around about why Astrid and I got married at seventeen. We told the truth it was arranged because of the merged contract, but a lot of people though Astrid and I had sex beforehand, so our parents made us marry under some stupid thing about only giving your virginity to your husband. Then there were rumors about Astrid being pregnant, so the wedding was a shotgun one. Last month, after I yelled at Astrid to act as a supportive wife at school, people were talking about us having problems. I mean, that one wasn't entirely untrue. We did have issues before the arrangement, but still. I didn't need to hear the Viking times thing again when it's all my dad had been using to explain his decisions with me. I really had no choice in becoming CEO after the wedding because it was part of the negotiating terms. Literally, I was stuck in this unless I divorced Astrid.
But hey, everything was fine with how the arrangement was going. Astrid and I only have to act like a happily dating couple in school, despite being married legally. And we act married with our parents out together out in public. At the apartment, we're civilized roommates and keep our sex lives private. I didn't want things to become this way, and I wish I'd handled it a bit better. I just got so angry when Astrid was with her ex on the couch, and she would have slept with him. All that work I'd been doing to try and make things alright with us being married, and she went so willingly to someone else. I was just so mad that she hated me enough to risk destroying the merge and a friendship. But me throwing around divorce didn't make me any better. I feel like we're past the point of trying now. We'd never look at each other the same if we tried to make things work after sleeping around with others. Agreement or not.
I guess I'd be a little open to trying again, but Astrid would have to be the one to tell me she wanted us to be married and prove it to me too. I wouldn't just jump into full husband mode without the reassurance that she'd get too comfortable with it and slack off like the first time around. And we would have to sit down and talk about things too. I was not against trying again, but only if she wanted it and comes to me first.
"Hector!" Astrid shoved me.
"What?" I looked at her annoyed when she pushed me.
"Dude, you zoned," TJ teased, fist-bumping Syrus.
"Sorry," I mumbled.
"Are you okay?" Astrid asked with a hand on my arm.
"I'm fine. Just tired," I replied.
"Do you have to work tonight?" Drew wondered. Sometimes he and Evan managed to get lunch break when we were on ours and they came to the school to see us.
"Was that a serious question?" I arched a brow at him. "I'm always working."
"Do you have to go into the office?" Evan chuckled.
"Yeah," I nodded.
"But…My birthday, babe?" Astrid pouted. I had to admit, it was kind of cute.
"It's only for a little while, Milady. I promise I'll be home in time to enjoy the party with you and our friends," I reassured. "I still have two months until I'm CEO, remember,"
Astrid gave a sad sigh. "I know…But I figured you'd take my birthday off,"
"I tried, but our father's argued that there isn't a lot of time until I take over. I promised to come in for a little bit for the visual and hands-on teaching, then come home and study…" I told her. "I promise I won't be too late, 7 pm at the latest, okay?"
"What does she get if you're late?" Roxanne snickered.
"She can tie me down and have her wicked way with me," I chuckled.
"Oh, is that a promise?" Astrid grinned.
"You bet," I replied. There was laughter around the table, I was just joking and Astrid probably knew that. I hoped she did, but at the same time…After last month's dinner conversation, I don't know if Astrid knew I was kidding. I did say if she wanted to have sex, I probably wouldn't deny her, but she had to come to me. I was sure she'd ask me later if I meant it or not. I had a couple of offers for hookups tonight after the party was over, but I hadn't agreed to anything as after work and the party, I would probably need to do homework. I would be glad when school was over, with less work to do. It was Astrid's birthday, I guess I could forego hooking up with anyone tonight. I probably sounded like an asshole for thinking that way, but again, this was an agreement Astrid and I both made. "What kind of husband would I be if I didn't keep my promises?" I remarked and there was a bit more laughter.
"You got yourself a keeper, Ast," Heather giggled.
"Hey!" Flynn gave a pout now. Heather leaned over and kissed Flynn's cheek. "Settle down. You know I'm with you, babe," She reminded softly. Flynn smiled and nodded before turning his head to meet Heather's lips in a gentle kiss.
It couldn't be anything crazy, school rules and all. If you knew the right spots, you could get away with making out in the hallways, but here in the lunchroom was definitely a no go. I shook my head with a smile and continued to eat my lunch, I was really just working on the small bag of chips and checking messages on my phone. The usual of dad asking if I'd be there tonight, and I should be an ass, ignore him. I hated being asked the same thing over and over again. A few other messages were from girls wanting to know if I had time after work. I was going to reply after that I was free after the party for my wife's birthday, but I saw Astrid out of the corner of my eye. Her sights were on my phone and I swore I heard her sigh a bit and glance away. I didn't understand why she seemed upset, I said I'd still be there after work and until everyone left. Did she like me? Even a little? I was beginning to think Astrid didn't like how often I hooked up with people. The sad part was she thought it was only girls. I didn't have the heart to tell her I was bisexual and slept with men too. I wasn't ashamed of who I was, but I guess I didn't want anyone knowing either.
Save myself being bullied, it happened a lot when I was younger. I was short and scrawny. I sprouted up for junior year to what I'm at now, and I was still skinny, but you could see I had some muscle and nobody could call me a twig anymore. I was probably about five-foot-eight-inches now. Regardless, I didn't want to be bullied over liking men and women, so I wasn't saying anything while still in high school. Two more months, and I could be done with this place and then perhaps after that, reveal to select individuals about my sexuality. Right now, only three people knew. Drew. Heather, and my Uncle Glenn. But Glenn and Drew knew I'd had sex with males before. Regardless, I wanted to know why Astrid seemed upset about seeing the message. Maybe I'd message her later and ask, but for now…I suppose I could say I'm not free. I pulled up the messages again and deleted what I originally was going to send, then typed out something new.
12:15 pm
Raincheck. Wife's birthday after work, then homework after party. Won't have time to hook up. Sorry.
I sort of nudged into Astrid and she looked at me, but her eyes went to my screen and saw what I sent out. I saw the tiniest small appear on her lips, then a blush. I slipped my phone away into my pocket and finished my food. It wasn't long after that the bell rang and we all left to head off to our next classes.
. . .
=Normal POV=
(2:00 pm)
The day dragged on after lunch. Hector and Astrid only shared a few classes together being those of History, Language Arts, and their Study Hall period. The cool thing Hector liked was that he was caught up with his work, and finished the Language Arts assignment in Study Hall. He had almost all of this class to get homework started. With thirty minutes left, Hector got a text message and he pulled it out to check it at the side of his leg without seeming suspicious.
Selena's Cell, 2:02 pm
Hey, you free right now?
Hector quickly thumbed back his response of in school for another 30 mins, then work. No sooner than he was going to slip the phone away, a reply came through.
Selena's Cell, 2:03 pm
Me too, but heading to bathroom. Wanna join me? *wink*
Hector was a little surprised by her forwardness. Never had it been done in school before, the risk was really high to be caught. They could get in so much trouble! And yet, the idea of such a thing was kind of a turn-on. Hector replied to her with something small. Could get in a lot of trouble if caught…But very enticing.
Selena's Cell, 2:05 pm
Won't get caught. Come to G Hall, girl's locker room didn't get locked. Plz, Hec? I'm dying here…Be a bad boy and help me out?
Hector sighed a little. What excuse was he supposed to use to be gone long enough for a quickie? An idea struck him as he thumbed his response and slid the phone away. Hector put his hand up as the teacher came over, it was an adopted policy during quiet work time that if a student needed to talk to the teacher, they would come over to the student.
"Yes, Hector?" The teacher bent over next to him.
"Cool if go to my locker to get a book I need for one of the morning class's assignments? And then on the way back, stop at the restroom?" Hector asked.
"Where is your locker located?" The teacher wondered.
"Near the cafeteria, sir," Hector answered.
"Very well," The teacher went to his desk to fill out a pass and handed it to Hector. Abandoning his things at the desk, Hector left the room and went out of sight.
Hector moved quickly to get to the bathroom where Selena was and slipped in silently, looking around because the lights were off. "Sel?" Hector whispered.
"Hector?" A female voice replied.
"It's me," Hector responded.
"Good," Selena replied, coming into sight and using her cell phone flashlight to not trip while walking towards him. Hector took a moment to admire her; she was a slim-figured woman with dark brown hair, but she had the bottom died a blue and white lowlight thing going on. Selena was known for wearing short skirts of gray, red, and dark blue. Her eyes were a lovely amber-brown color too. Her full name was Selena Iversen-Grisly, only recently adopting her biological father's last name. Selena approached him gently, hand on his shoulder with an inviting smile on her pink-glossed lips. "How much time do you have?"
"I only asked for time to grab a book from my locker and then use the bathroom, so maybe ten minutes," Hector grinned. "Such a bad girl, hooking up in school," He set his hands on her hips and pushed her so her back was against the wall.
"Oh, I know…Maybe you should teach me a lesson for being bad," Selena tempted.
"I think I just might…But we can't take too long," Hector reminded. Selena nodded as Hector leaned in and kissed her as she let out a moan. "And keep your voice down…" He added. Selena nodded once more and soon they were back to kissing and getting into each other's clothing to get it out of the way and into things before they ran out of time.
. . .
(2:20 pm)
Selena and Hector had been quick, only taking a little time to recover from their climaxes and then clean up. Hector made sure his condom was tied off and buried in the trash, the two prepared to leave.
"Promise we'll hook up again soon?" Selena asked.
"You know I can't make that promise. Getting busier at work with school almost done, and you know you're not my only girl, Selena…I gotta make time for everyone," Hector reminded.
"I know," She pouted. "I wish I was your only," She looked at him sadly.
"You and the rest all want to be my only, but you all know I'm legally married and it has to stay that way for the best outcome," Hector stated.
"We know…Will this…Arrangement ever stop? Can we keep sleeping with you while you're with her beyond high school?" Selena asked.
"This arrangement between my wife and I is in effect until she steps up and says she wants to be a real wife. I did my part as a husband, she didn't reciprocate things…So if she suddenly wants to try and make things work, as she pleaded with me when I told her I was divorcing her, then she would have to show me she wants to try. At that point, if she proved that is what she wants, we'd stop the agreement and go about being a married couple." Hector shrugged.
"Seems fair, but would still suck…" Selena told him.
"I know, but let's not worry about it right now. For the time being, the arrangement is in effect and all you lovely ladies can share me when I have time." Hector stated. Selena smiled and hugged him, they shared a kiss and finally split off to return to their last classes of the day.
At the end of the day, Hector went to meet up with his friends and wife to cement the plans for Astrid's birthday. "There he is," Astrid smiled.
"Sorry, had to put away the stuff I won't need tonight," Hector informed.
"Nice, so you'll be able to hang with us for the party after work?" Alexia hoped and Hector nodded.
Out of nowhere, he got smacked on the ass by Selena walking by him to get to her car. She stuck her tongue out at him and winked, Hector just chuckled a bit and shook his head. The bad part, he forgot he was with everyone else.
"See you tomorrow, Hector…" Selena stated.
"You bet, Selena," Hector waved.
"Who was that?" Astrid asked quickly.
Hector rolled his eyes. "She's just a friend. We have a lot of classes together,"
"Seemed awfully friendly," Heather commented.
"Friend who I had feelings for before Astrid, would have started dating if not the arranged marriage," Hector remarked.
"Do you still like her?" Madison wondered softly.
"Well, yeah…Feelings don't change. I'm sure Astrid still cared about her ex, who she had to dump to marry me," Hector informed.
Astrid looked surprised at what Hector said. "Regardless, he doesn't stroll by and grab at me. He knows I'm married to you, maybe you should tell her to keep her hands to herself?" She suggested calmly.
Okay, now Hector was getting annoyed at Astrid's apparent jealousy. "You don't care when Drew does it," Hector said. Astrid flinched a bit. "You don't care when Cass, Lex, Heather, Maddie, or Roxy hug me," He continued. "Why do you care now that a girl outside of the friend circle was being playful? They all know I'm married to you, Astrid. Chill out. Do not be one of those girls who says I can only have approved female friends because all this legal shit can be over at the snap of a finger and a signature on the divorce certificate." Astrid shut her mouth and the friends gasped in surprise. "I already have my dad controlling my future and life, don't fucking add to it because I'm about to lose my shit with everything…"
"I'm sorry…" Astrid glanced down.
"Yeah, I bet…" Hector glared. "I didn't give you the third degree when I caught you on the couch with your ex," Astrid's eyes widened. "I didn't tell you that you can't see him again…Don't get on me about the people in my life, Astrid…Some of them have been there for me a hell of a lot more than you in the last eight months of marriage…I told you not to push me over the edge because if you do…No matter what it'll affect afterward…I'll file for divorce and be done with it." The fear and hurt were evident on Astrid's face. "Now, if you don't mind…I have to get to work. I'll see you later…" Hector then gave a whistle and seconds later, his Night Fury, Toothless, was landing next to him carefully with a sad warbled for his human friend. "Let's go, bud," Hector got on his back and rubbed the side of his neck. In a flash, Toothless took Hector into the sky fast and out of sight.
"Come on, Astrid…Let's carpool up and head to your apartment and get ready for things. And we're all here to listen and help if we can," Heather told her best friend.
"Right, Cass and Theo will meet us there at 3:30 pm, and then Drew and Evan will be on their way and come when we get there," Flynn added.
Astrid only nodded, still feeling guilty and bad about pissing Hector off and now he'd gone and revealed the situation where he threw around divorce because of catching her with her ex-boyfriend. Astrid didn't know if she should say anything, friends or not; it could start a huge problem.
