Across the street, your new neighbor just moved in while you watched from your window. Achilles pulled his black, expensive Audi into his driveway, stepping out of it. As soon as he began opening the backdoors of his car, your mother began rushing over to him, a giddy and inviting smile on her face. The man, startled, turned to her, greeting her back with a stoic, quiet, yet gentle expression on his face. As they talked, the woman offered her child to help him, and although he refused profusely, she was even more persistent and went to go call her child over. While he waited, a sigh escaped his lips and he grabbed the first box.

Mr. Belmont wasn't really sure what to make of this sudden intrusion on his privacy and personal space, but he did his best to be polite. His expression shifted slightly as the woman called for her son, Marcus, and he watched with mild curiosity as the younger man reluctantly made his way over. He couldn't help but notice that Marcus wasn't exactly thrilled about helping him unpack, but then again, who would be?

When Marcus finally arrived, Mr. Belmont looked him up and down briefly before clearing his throat and nodding in greeting. "Hello there," he said calmly, his voice deep and a bit distant. "I appreciate your mother's offer, but I really don't want to impose on your time any more than necessary."

Mr. Belmont raised an eyebrow slightly at that comment, but didn't say anything further as he motioned for Marcus to help him bring the box inside. "If you don't mind," he said calmly, walking past Marcus and leading the way into his new home. The interior was decorated simply but tastefully, with dark wood furniture and plush carpeting throughout. As they began unpacking boxes together in the living room, Mr. Belmont couldn't help but get a sense that Marcus was more of an introvert than he let on.

"How old are you?" He asked after a moment or two of silence. "And what do you plan to study in college?"

Mr. Belmont looked over at the younger man, studying him thoughtfully for a moment before continuing to unpack their belongings. "You don't have to decide right now," he assured him gently. "Take some time and really think about what it is you enjoy doing most, then find a career path that aligns with those interests." He paused, then added, "And if none of them seem very appealing... well, there are always other options."

"My name's Achilles," he said, tilting his head slightly in Marcus's direction. "What should I call you?"

"Well then, Marcus," Mr. Belmont began, turning back to face him as they continued unpacking, "I'm going to ask you something important." He paused again, searching for the right words before continuing, "Your mother seemed quite... attached to you earlier. Is there any particular reason for that?"

Mr. Belmont could tell that he had struck a nerve with his question, judging by the sudden awkward silence that filled the room. But he wanted to get it out in the open, if only to have a better understanding of why Marcus seemed so hesitant and uncomfortable around him.

Mr. Belmont raised an eyebrow in understanding, careful not to press too hard on the subject. "Well," he began gently, "I can only imagine how that might feel. Being overprotective is often a sign of love, even if it isn't always expressed in the healthiest way." He paused for a moment, considering his next words. "You don't have to explain anything further if you don't want to, but know that I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to."

As they continued unpacking, Mr. Belmont couldn't help but wonder about Marcus and what kind of life he led under his mother's watchful eye. There was definitely more going on there than met the eye, and it made him feel a strange sort of protectiveness towards the younger man himself. He resolved to keep an open mind and be there for Marcus in whatever way he could, even if it meant occasionally dealing with his overbearing mother.

Mr. Belmont nodded understandingly as he listened to Marcus's quiet reply, keeping his expression neutral and patient. He didn't press any further on the subject, knowing that it was likely a sensitive one for the younger man. Instead, he focused on unpacking the remaining boxes together with him in silence, occasionally glancing over at Marcus out of the corner of his eye when he thought the other man wouldn't notice.

As they worked side by side, Mr. Belmont couldn't help but marvel at how tall and built Marcus was for his age. Despite being somewhat hesitant and shy around him, there was an undeniable strength to his frame that made it clear he had the potential to be something special one day. It was a thought that brought a small smile to the older man's lips as they finished unpacking and finally put everything in its place.

"There," he said with satisfaction, looking around at the newly organized room. "That shouldn't take too long now." He turned to face Marcus, offering his hand. "Thank you for your help today. It really meant a lot to me."

Mr. Belmont chuckled softly as he observed Marcus's discomfort and self-consciousness. He wondered how the young man would react if he knew that he was also experiencing a similar feeling of hesitation around him. "Do you want to take a break or help me with anything else?" He asked gently, studying the younger man's features once again. It seemed strange to him that Marcus, despite being built like a Greek god, could exude such a vulnerable and innocent air about him.

Intriguing, he thought to himself. There was definitely more to this young man than met the eye.

"Hmm...you're welcome to help me with dinner if you'd like," Mr. Belmont suggested as he began rummaging through the cabinets in search of cooking supplies. He glanced over at Marcus out of the corner of his eye, noticing how flustered and anxious the younger man seemed around him. It was both amusing and slightly concerning at the same time.

"I can teach you a few of my favorite recipes," he continued, "if you're interested in learning." His voice was soft but commanding, as if used to giving orders without sounding domineering or overbearing.