=Normal POV=
(Friday, 7/26/19-11:30 am)
(Archia Isle City)
(Dreki-Viking Enterprise)

Things were going well for Hector and Astrid since becoming an official, unforced into being together, couple. The two had breakfast and dinner together every night, obviously, because they lived together. As for lunch, usually once or twice a week, Hector and Astrid would go out for their lunch breaks. It really depended on if Hector was in a meeting or not, that's the only reason they wouldn't eat together, but also due to saving money. Once a week, Hector and Astrid would spend the night in each other's rooms. The first week, Astrid spent the night in Hector's, and last week, Hector was in the master with Astrid. This week, it was Astrid's turn to spend the night with him. Like most sleepovers, they'd have dinner, then a movie and some snack before going to sleep. These also usually took place on a Friday or Saturday night, just so they could enjoy staying up later and not waking up super early in the morning for work. Hector worked Monday through Friday about 7 am to 4 or 5 pm. The only time it ran later was for meetings, or issues to handle. And Hector only went in on the weekend if there were problems or a preplanned meeting with partners, sometimes that ended up being a work lunch or dinner. Astrid, on the other hand, worked four days a week; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, but every other week she'd work a Saturday and once a month, she'd work Sunday. All her shifts were about 7 am to 3 pm. A few times, if Astrid knew Hector would be out at 4 pm exactly, she would wait for him so they could fly back to the apartment together.

Astrid and Hector were happy to be together on their terms, and felt like if they'd given it a chance before, they would have eventually ended up at this point. At least, that's how Astrid felt since she is the one who rejected Hector. None of their friends or family knew about the dating thing because they were just focusing on themselves and planned to tell everyone next time they all got together. Astrid was also excited for next week, because it would be August 3rd, the one year anniversary of them being married and after talking to Hector, it was decided that since things were in a better place than last years; they would celebrate it. Originally, Astrid planned to try and seduce Hector for sex that night, in a loving way, but Hector jumped ahead by stating last week that he hoped things were settled enough so that he could make love to her. Astrid agreed to hoping the same and it was decided that they would commemorate their one year of marriage by making love and not having it be pretend feelings for one another to reduce awkwardness. This time, things would be real and not forced or fake. Astrid and Hector were both looking forward to it, and it gave them time to prepare as Hector admitted to needing to pick up condoms, and Astrid said she was getting her birth control shot two days before, but Hector knew Astrid had been getting that since after their marriage when she got on his health insurance.

It had been one of their agreements in case of sex happening, and she was glad to be on it since that whole arrangement took place of them having sex with others. Astrid knew she likely would have been safe from sex if done vaginally with others, but she just made the personal choice to tell her partners she wasn't on it and it had to be done anal penetration, and with a condom. Astrid admitted that to Hector the night he said wanting to grab protection before their anniversary night. Hector didn't mind, of course and was rather proud she gave herself an emergency method of protection. All in all, things were great for them now and they looked forward to later when they had friends coming over and they planned to tell them about how things were for them.

Currently, Hector was in his office and rather bored. He had no meetings until 1:30 pm and his work for the moment, was complete. 'I could always see if Astrid wanted to join me for lunch,' He thought, then unlocked his phone and pulled up his messages with Astrid before tapping the text box on the bottom and began tapping keys for his message. Afterward, he pressed send and sat back to wait. Meanwhile, on another floor, Astrid had just finished transferring a call to another office when she checked her phone to find a message from Hector. Opening her device, she was able to read the message in full.

Hubby, 11:32 am
Hey, babe. I'm free til 1:30, but have to stay here in case of problems. Would you like to join me for lunch in the executive office?

11:35 am
Would love to babe. Um, how do I get to your office?

Astrid had never ben anywhere in this office except the main room from the night of the event, and this first level reception. Also the break and rest rooms. Astrid thought it would be nice to have lunch with her husband. Astrid checked the screen when she felt her phone vibrate again, seeing Hector had replied once more.

Hubby, 11:36 am
Let me know when you go on your break, and I'll come down to meet you.

11:37 am
Okay, baby. It should be soon.

Hubby, 11:38 am
And let me know what you want. I can order ahead.

11:39 am
Will do. Honestly, feeling Chinese.

Hubby, 11:40 am
You got it.

Astrid was glad things were going this great with Hector. And now she really just wanted her break before Hector didn't have time for them to eat together.

"Astrid, you can go on break at 12:15," Her manager told her.

"Okay, thank you." Astrid smiled, then got her phone to message Hector.

"Put it way, Miss. Hofferson." The manager stated. Did people not know she was married to Hector? Not that she'd use him as pull, but she was legally married.

"I'm not a Hofferson," Astrid said.

"You're Marcus Hofferson's daughter," She replied.

"Um, yes, but Hofferson is my pre-married name." Astrid corrected. "I'm Mrs. Had-,"

"Don't care about your personal relationships, they have no bearing in this office. I'm sure the owner wouldn't be too happy to find out you're not following the rules. I said, no phone." The woman remarked, then walked off with a huff.

"It would have bearing if you knew the owner is also CEO and my husband…" She muttered. Astrid shook her head and waited until the woman was out of sight before messaging Hector back.

11:45 am
Going on lunch at 12:15.

Astrid put her phone away and then the phone rang as she lifted pressed the button. "Dreki-Viking Enterprise, how may I direct your call today?" Astrid greeted in a happy tone.

. . .

(12:15 pm)

Astrid was rounding up her things to leave for break and Hector would likely be there to take her upstairs soon. It wasn't long until the manager returned and Astrid got up.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

"You said I could take my break at 12:15," Astrid replied as she saw the elevator closest to her desk open and Hector came out.

"The other girl had to leave for an emergency while on her break, the next person comes in at 1:30, so you can go then." The woman stated.

"But I already made lunch plans with my husband…He won't have time after that," Astrid argued gently.

"Not my problem. Things happen," She said as I muttered and Hector came over. "Good afternoon, Mr. Haddock," The woman smiled to Hector.

"Afternoon," Hector replied, then faced Astrid. "What's wrong?" He asked her.

"She said I couldn't go on lunch because the other girl had some emergency and had to leave so…I can't go til 1:30 now…" Astrid mumbled.

"Miss. Hofferson, don't voice your problems in front of the owner, and CEO…" The manager said quickly.

"I already told you that's not my-," Astrid began. The woman stared. "My apologies, Mr. Haddock."

"I'm so sorry, sir. Miss. Hofferson will be reminded of the office's code of conduct." The manager smiled.

"She doesn't need reminding, but you could do yourself with a refresher on how to be respectful and a good listener as manager. Astrid tried to tell you that Hofferson is not her last name, and you cut her off and dismissed her. " Hector informed as the woman's face fell a bit. "And babe, you never have to apologize to me." He added.

"Ba-Babe?" The manager asked.

"Astrid is my wife; her last name is Haddock. So I would one, appreciate you calling her by her proper name, and two…Don't tell her what she can and can't say in front of me. I'm her husband, I fully expect her to tell me when something is wrong no matter what it is, especially when I specifically asked her to tell me. Also, I invited her to lunch with me on the pretenses we'd be having said lunch at 12:15, as you said she'd be allowed on break. Now, if there was an emergency, the responsibility to fill in for the employee who left falls on you. You don't push back what you already said, aside from the fact my wife's shift ends at 3 pm, it would be rude and unfair to make her wait to have her break until an hour before she leaves." Hector stated calmly.

"O-Of course, Mr. Haddock. I-I didn't know she was your wife. Her records still read Hofferson," The manager stated quickly. "I'm sorry," The woman said, bowing her head.

"Wife or not, I expect you to treat all employees under you with respect, and fairness. If you cannot do that, I will find someone who can." Hector reminded. "Milady, lunch awaits us," He offered his arm to Astrid, who smiled and nodded before linking her arm to his. Hector led Astrid away to the elevator, as soon as the doors closed, Astrid sighed. "You alright?" He asked.

"Hm? Yeah, of course. Just annoyed that she didn't give me a chance, twice, to tell her she had my name wrong." Astrid responded.

"Twice?" Hector wondered.

"Earlier when you asked me to lunch, she had said Hofferson while addressing me to put my phone away when I was replying to you when I'd be going on break. Then she did it again just now before you stepped in," Astrid mentioned. "Not angry or anything, just annoyed. It's funny she said that me sending a message on my phone would be frowned upon by the owner, I mumbled under my breath that the owner is my husband, but she didn't hear it," Hector laughed a little.

"True, but remember…I can protect you from some things, like just now…But I can't give you special treatment." Hector chuckled.

"I know, I was only letting you know about my break time, then I put my phone straight away." Astrid reassured.

"I figured as much. It's not like we text all day, and I usually message you first," Hector stated. "Some of the workers here are new, and didn't know about the wedding. I should make it a formal announcement that while I'm the boss, you're my wife and you work reception on the first floor," He added. "I will send out an email, just so everyone knows who wasn't aware due to being new or just the wedding not being public knowledge." He decided.

Astrid nodded and soon the two reached the top level, and exited the elevator. Astrid looked around to see a few desks, then a room towards the back with one desk in front of it. The person sitting there was Jason, who Astrid knew well since he was Hector's personal assistant. "I placed your lunch items at the table in your office, sir," Jason informed.

"Thank you, Jay," Hector replied, leading Astrid into his office. "Hold all calls for the next hour, please,"

"Yes, sir," Jason nodded. Hector closed the door to his office and brought Astrid to the table where they could eat by the windows overlooking the city.

"Beautiful view," Astrid commented.

"If you look down, you'll see the stables. Toothless and Stormfly are right next to one another," Hector mentioned while getting the food out onto the table. Astrid looked down and smiled, then she sat down. "I got us a platter of appetizers and then a large order of the chicken and broccoli to split."

"Perfect," Astrid nodded. "All the favorites," Hector and Astrid both got their plates full and began eating, though Hector used a fork while Astrid had chopsticks and she thought it was kind of funny. "You don't use the chopsticks?"

"I don't know how to, I've tried before I failed," Hector admitted.

"I could teach you," Astrid offered. "Here," She took his fork and got the second set of chopsticks and handed them to Hector. "Let the bottom one rest on the space between your index and thumb, but under the thumb, and also rest on the middle finger," She instructed, showing him what she meant. Hector managed to get it, since it was just the one stick. "Okay, the second chopstick you're going to place on top of the first stick, but not touching. Let it push against the side of the index finger, but keep the tip of that same finger sit on the top of the chopstick, then also have your thumb on the side of the top stick," She showed him what she meant.

"Alright, what now?" Hector wondered.

"Don't try to move both sticks, let your pointer and thumb do all the work to move just the top stick. Up and down," Astrid demonstrated what she meant for him to do. Hector tried it a few times until he got the stick to move the way it needed to. "Great! Now, open while grabbing food, and them move the one top stick to close down," She showed him with one of the small pieces of chicken she had.

Hector got it after about six tries. "I did it," He beamed.

"See, knew you could. Just needed to be shown an easy way," Astrid stated with a smile.

"Guess so. Thanks, babe," Hector smiled. Astrid nodded to him as they both continued eating and chatting lightly about how the day had been. After they finished lunch, it was about 12:45 pm.

"So we're still having friends over tonight, right?" Astrid asked.

"Yeah, did we ever tell them what time?" Hector questioned.

"We did. I believe we said 5 pm. I'll make sure everything is clean when I get home at 3 pm, then start cooking." Astrid promised.

"Stop at the store to grab drinks and snacks. I'll give you money if you need it?" Hector offered.

"Maybe, I don't think my check has cleared yet. But I'll see how it is at the end of my shift," Astrid told him.

"Alright, let me know," Hector stated. "We're doing this outside, aren't we?"

"Yeah, it's still warm enough that we can. I'll make sure the grill is cleaned too," Astrid replied. "We're telling our friends that we're actually together still?"

"I think they should know," Hector mentioned. "It's been about a month, I'm sure we'll get asked eventually if we've stopped hating one another yet," He chuckled.

"I don't think we hated each other, just the situation," Astrid shrugged. "I never hated you,"

"Nor I hated you, but I'm sure there have been times everyone thought that. Friend-wise, at least," Hector told her lightly.

"True," Astrid agreed. "We didn't invite our parents to this, right?"

"No, just friends," Hector affirmed. Astrid nodded, understanding. She was happy their parents wouldn't be there, it would make things complicated and hard for them to tell their friends the truth about them dating, even though they were married. Hector was right, of course; it shouldn't matter if they knew because they had been forced to get married and cohabitate. It should be a good thing that they've stayed married, actually getting along and dating now. "Think we should grab liquor?"

"What for? We don't have the space to keep anyone if they get too drunk," Astrid reminded softly.

"Good point, maybe for us after the fact? Or during. We could make it a BYOB thing, then people would understand they gotta either not get too wasted to drive, or take a cab," Hector suggested.

"Guess that's fair. I can pick it up along with regular drinks and snacks." Astrid replied.

"Here," Hector got his wallet and filed through some bills before pulling out a few twenties and giving them to here. "Grab a couple two liters of soda, few chips, and some appetizer trays. Stop by the liquor store and get us something to enjoy. Maybe a twelve pack of beer, and whatever you like. Dealer's choice." He said.

Astrid accepted the money from him, placing it away in her purse for safe keeping. "Thanks, babe. I'll grab it on the way home, along with other things." She said softly. "You'll be home on time, right?" Astrid wondered.

"I should be, but if I do run late, I promise to let you know. I'm sure our friends will understand that things come up, but I will be there to enjoy the get together with our friends." Hector reassured.

"They will," Astrid agreed. "This has been great, Hector. I can't believe I've never been up here," She looked around.

"I'll have to give you a tour sometime. Might only be reception, but if I ever need you to run a couple in building errands, you'll have to know where things are." Hector informed.

"Isn't that what Jason is for?" Astrid blinked.

"Yeah, but sometimes I send him out of the building and get stuck doing thing all on my own. You know I'm not overly organized when stressed or frantic," Hector chuckled. "So if there's anyone else I trust with business matters…It's definitely my girlfriend and wife. Mind helping me out when Jason isn't here?" He asked.

Astrid smiled. "I'd be happy too, Hector."

"Great. It won't be all the time. Jay is pretty reliable and manages several things at one, but I know he takes days off for personal or vacation," Hector stated.

"I figured as much, and if he ever called out sick; it wouldn't be his fault," Astrid agreed. "I'm more than happy to help, but I would have no idea what I'm doing," She laughed.

"I'll make sure you're trained as my stand in assistant, babe. Don't worry. Maybe on one of your off days, you can come here to see how Jay does things and I can give you that tour?" Hector suggested.

"Sounds good to me, just let me know when." Astrid smiled. "I'm glad we got to do this. I've wanted to ask you about having lunch together, but never knew when you'd be free."

"I try to get as close to lunch time as I can, but sometimes meetings runover, and by that point, another starts." Hector said. "But from now on, I can make sure there's an hour window available at the same time every day if you can get your break at the same time and come up to see me. Or…Better yet, how about I give you Jason's number? You can message him to ask if I'm free when you go on lunch?" Hector offered.

"Would he mind that?" Astrid questioned.

"Not at all. I often forget my phone in the office and Jason is always with me in meetings, so he's your line of communication when I forget my phone. He manages my schedule," Hector informed.

"Well, as long as he's okay with it. I promise not to pester," Astrid giggled.

Hector nodded to her, getting his phone to find Jason's number and let her punch it into her device, then save it. "I'll let him know, and then we can plan for more lunches together."

"I look forward to it, and tonight. Feels like forever since we hung with our friends. Just them, not parents too." Astrid chuckled.

"I agree completely. It will be nice," Hector said. "I'm excited to see everyone and catch up."

"Same," Astrid replied. "Oh, and thank you for standing up for me against my manager…"

"She shouldn't give you any trouble about when to take breaks. And you're welcome," Hector placed his hand over hers, then stood up to lean over and give her a light kiss. Astrid returned it, of course, and both smiled. They were very happy and had high hopes things would continue to be great for them. Perhaps eventually, Hector and Astrid would hit a point where they could be full married, instead of married but dating to semi take things slow. One thing was for sure, Hector and Astrid were looking forward to their one year married anniversary and felt like it was going to bring closer.