The Boy with a Strange Name

by fictional_normalcy

Summary:

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III has lived nearly seventeen years of life. In the span of those years, he's moved twelve times. Five of those years his mother was alive. Then a tragic accident left Hiccup in the sole care of his father, Stoick Haddock. Berk was where he had been born. That much he knew. Over every, single, move his father put him through, it wasn't until he reached sixteen years old that Berk was the city in which the father finally decided to plant roots. At least, that was what he claimed.
After years of being victimized at each school he attended, Hiccup was determined to keep a low profile at Berk High. His past is intent on preying upon him, deciding that Berk was perfect place to come back into the light. However, like all good things that came to him, there was always something to drag him back down into the pit of despair. A dormant secret, tied into his family history, was ultimately brought into the light when Hiccup settles on Berk. A secret tied with guilt and tears, and it all goes downhill from there. He discovered what his father truly did those long stretch of years, and finds he has a gift that had been nonexistent for centuries.

Notes:

Updates will try to be at least every Thursday, if not, feel free to put the pressure. For some writers it can be a mode of motivation! Thanks y'all

Chapter 1

"Son, you need to get a move on. You'll have time to greet the neighbors another day."

He glanced back at his father, adjusting the two boxes he held in his arms. The street was quiet, and the only people he could see were on the other end of the block, conversing in murmurs. Arriving a little after noon, he could guess why there weren't many cars scattered around the block. If there were any other kids living on this block, they were in school. He turned away from the sidewalk, and faced the home that was going to be his twelfth residence.

"Dad, I don't see why you had to get such a big house. That house looks like 5 people could live there and there would still be spare space."

"It's the family home Hiccup. Been in the Haddock's possession for generations."

"Then why haven't we lived in the family home?"

"You know the answer to that."

"Yeah I do, but why all over the Archipelago but Berk?"

"My job means travel Hiccup. I do however, have some good news for you. I can say this will be our permanent stay."

"Let me guess." Hiccup blew away the bangs over his eyes as he walked past his father. "We move any more and we lose the house."

He didn't need to look back to know his father's response. He knew he was right. Hiccup and his father had been lugging boxes back and forth. The moving truck wasn't due to arrive until the next day, so Hiccup would be confined to a sleeping bag for the night. He just had to hope that this home had central heating. He shuddered at the memory of when they had moved to a mobile home in the city of Skullion four years ago. He and his father, Stoick Haddock, or Stoick the Vast as family friends and relatives called him, had spent their first week living in a freezing home.

That was the first and hopefully only time Hiccup had frostbite. However, having done his research on Berk, he wasn't liking his chances. It was normally very cold weather, even colder than it had been in Skullion. He would have to dress in layers until his father could take him to buy thicker clothing. He dumped the boxes next to the doorway and went to take out the trash left in the car. It was the exact same routine all over again. Every time they moved into a new home or apartment.

His father would unload the smaller furniture they had managed to tuck into the pickup truck and Hiccup would unload the boxes filled with spare clothing, cooking utensils, and housing decorations. Each time they had moved a few objects had been left behind, but never anything that reminded either of them of Hiccup's mother. Hiccup trekked down the hallway, trying to find where the kitchen was located. The walls were in desperate need of a repainting, and the faded flowered wallpaper in the living room was peeling off.

It may have been the family home, but as far as Hiccup knew it had been rented out since no one in his family was in residence. Uncle Magnus was all the way in Berserker, his aunt twice removed Brunhilde had moved beyond the reaches of the Archipelago. His mother had been an only child and most of the relatives on his mother's side had refused to live in the Haddock residence. His Aunt Maera, a cousin of his mother, had lived in the home for about two years, but she eloped with a German man and moved to Europe.

"Got everything?" His father asked.

"Even the trash." Hiccup said a nod.

"Then let's get settled. Once we've unpacked what we've got, I'll take you out to eat. I know a few places that serve very good food."

"It better be in feast quantity." Hiccup launched the bag off his shoulder and placed it next to the back door. "Dad, would you mind giving me a tour? You know the family home better than I do."

"I never forgot this home, know it like the back of my hand. Practically grew up here before your grandfather moved us across the island. Let's get started son, so you can pick out your bedroom." He led Hiccup over to the kitchen window, which overlooked the backyard. "See the forest out there?"

Hiccup could see in the dim, gray day that there was no fence cutting off the property. His new backyard, was forest that stretched as far as the eye can see. Dense trees with logs cast on the ground and scattered branches spilling into the neatly cut grass of the yard. He could guess, that as soon as he would walk into the forest he would be enveloped in the canopy and the gray light darker than it had been.

"That is Raven Point Forest. Stretches all the way to the beach. When the cloudy days ease up I'll take you on a hike through the forest. Your mother and I actually met in there. I had stolen a bottle of your grandfather's mead and your mother had caught me drinking while she was out looking for her dog."

"Please don't tell me you offered her the mead."

"No, boy!" He laughed. "She grabbed the bottle from my hand and smashed it on the log. She said that instead of drinking I should help her look for Cloudjumper. We were inseparable ever since."

"She named her dog Cloudjumper?"

"She had her reasons for naming the dog. Now, we'll start from the second floor and work our way down."

"There isn't a basement is there?"

"No, is that a problem?"

"Would be nice to have somewhere to escape the cold."

"This house may have been in our possession for centuries, but it has been renovated plenty of times Hiccup. It has central heating."

"You don't know how much of a relief it is to hear that."

The Haddock family home was without a doubt the largest home Hiccup had ever been in. There were three bathrooms, a dining room, four bedrooms, an office, a living room, laundry room, kitchen, and two hallway closets, with a garage detached from the house, located in the backyard. Moving from place to place, Hiccup had experienced his fair share of cramped lodgings. The smallest being a one bedroom one bathroom apartment where he had been confined to a sofa bed for ten months and two weeks in Visithug.

Then there was the town house in Red Thorn, and their neighbor loved banging stuff against the wall. Hiccup only remembered eleven of the twelve moves. His father had told him he had been born on Berk, but never gave the reason as to why they moved. It was after his mother's death before he turned six that he and his father drifted through the Archipelago like clouds. So far, he admitted that Berk was the best house they had moved into.

All the bedrooms were on the upper floor, two had some furniture, the other two were devoid of any objects. The room he chose was painted a dark sea green, and had a dark maple wood dresser. His father chose the one across the hall, and assigned Hiccup the redecoration of the house, should he feel it was needed. While Hiccup was happy about the task, he was more excited about the fact that his dad was letting him convert one of the bedrooms into an art studio.

"Okay, the house is bigger than I thought. Are we sure we don't want to rent out a room or something?"

"We can afford it Hiccup. Now, if you're going to want to change anything, I expect the list and sketches on my desk in the office in no more than two weeks."

"I haven't even started school yet. I'm going to need to ask for an extension Mr. Haddock." He smirked.

"The sooner I know the better, son. Getting the supplies is going to be the priciest thing."

"That, and keeping your only son fed and warm?"

"Aye, that too," His father chuckled.

The sky had cleared up some but Hiccup was going to have to get used to the cloudy days. When he had done his research three months prior, he noted that Berk was known for their storms and endless attacks of sleet. Sunny days did occur in the summer, but while the sun was out there was still enough cold to make your fingers go numb. That was what he had read. When he had voiced his worries to his father he had immediately brushed them aside. You're a Berkian at heart, son. The cold won't affect you.

He couldn't wait to tell his father I told you so when his prosthetic snapped because of the freeze. Actually, now that he thought about it, he needed to figure out how he was going to guard the prosthetic from the cold. He looked outside the window of his new bedroom, looking as far as he could into the new neighborhood. There was snow covering the sidewalks, but not so thick that you couldn't walk through it. The trees were bare of leaves, yet there were no icicles hanging from the branches.

The houses were smaller in comparison to the one he and his father now lived in. They were more spread out, probably because this island could handle the extra space. There was a house right across the street, and it seemed worn down. There was a sheet of ice coating the roof, and a ladder had been left abandoned on the side of the home. The other houses were clear of ice, yet that one seemed unattended to.

He set to work on emptying the boxes of clothes he had brought with him. Since there was only the dresser, he figured he should start organizing his clothing. The hangers were in a box on the moving truck so he decided to keep his jeans and coats in the boxes. For now he could organize his shirts, socks, scarves, and thermal long sleeved shirts. He had a mind to vacuum the rug, but remembered they lacked that item at the moment.

He unrolled the olive green sleeping bag on the area of the floor closest to the ceiling vent. He wanted to keep as warm as can be. He took out the extra thick blankets he had packed and tucked them into the bag. He only had a few possessions that he had brought with him in the truck, so there wouldn't be much decoration. He placed the statue of a Burrowing Slitherfang on top of the dresser, shifting it so the tentacles topped with eyes would face the window overlooking the street.

The Night Fury had been left in its secure packaging in the box on the moving truck, so he'd have to wait until-

"Hiccup, I think you've unpacked enough. Come on, you must be starving."

He glanced down at his watch, and noted he had been organizing his room for about an hour and a half. There were empty plastic boxes scattered about the room, and piles of long-sleeved shirts that had yet to make it into the dresser. He followed his father down the stairs, grabbing the coat he had left on the kitchen island. Hiccup ushered his father outside as he locked the door.

"What ho stranger! What brings you to this street?" A voice cried.

"Umm, what?" Hiccup glanced at his father.

"I'll wait for you in the car. It looks like you're going to be a little preoccupied."

As his father cast a glance back at him, Hiccup pleaded with his eyes to save him. He smiled at his son. Maybe he would make friends this time around instead of bullies. Hiccup turned to see two teenagers walking towards him. They must have been siblings, maybe even twins. Both sported blonde hair, and were of similar height and build. He tried to figure out which was the one who had called out to him.

Both were eyeing him with curious, scrutinizing stares, one was smiling while the other was frowning. They both sported backpacks, and one, maybe a girl, was carrying two textbooks in their hands. Their hair was parted into two braids that reached their waist, and strips of leather wrapped around the blonde locks. The other had a puffy burgundy coat and matlocks that reached past their shoulders. Both wore leather studded boots better built for the weather than his measly brown worn-out combat boots.

"Pardon my brother, he gets like this whenever he meets someone new."

"Aw lay off sis! We need to find his business here, make sure he isn't interrupting our neighborhood tranquility."

Girl was the braids, guy was the matlocks, he made the mental note in his head.

"I still need to learn the layout of the neighborhood, but so far I'm pretty sure I haven't interrupted anything yet." Hiccup said quietly.

Over the years, he'd learned to be careful of how he spoke. If he responded with too much determination, someone would make a comment on his physical appearance. With a nod or a simple wave, he'd be pegged as weak and vulnerable and hounded until he walked around with his arms constantly over his head. For now, he managed a subtle tone to test out how the two blondes would treat him.

"You're new to the neighborhood ain't ya?" The boy with matlocks responded. "Well you must be, I know every face on this block and I haven't seen you before."

"I just moved in."

"You're a Haddock then?" The girl gave him a wide grin.

"How did you figure that one?" Hiccup chuckled nervously.

"Mom's always talking about how the home is empty and only the Haddocks have ever lived there. If you and that man have moved in there, then you're either a Haddock or the family finally sold the home."

His eyes widened. "Very perceptive. Nice to meet you." He held his hand outward. "My name is Hiccup Haddock."

"Hiccup? Well that's a strange name." Instead of taking his hand the boy surged forward and wrapped his arm around Hiccup's shoulders.

"Welcome to Riders Way!" The siblings said simultaneously.

"I'm Regina. The kook giving you a one-armed hug is my twin, Trent. We're the Thorstons!"

"Thanks."

"So Hiccup, that was your dad?" Trent faced him, both of them now facing him with eager expressions.

"Yeah."

"You two look nothing alike!" Regina giggled.

"Is it that obvious?" Hiccup couldn't resist rolling his eyes.

"You must have gotten your looks from your mother. Is she here with you?" Trent peered at the living room window.

Hiccup frowned, pushing down the tears that suddenly sprung into his eyes. "No."

"Oh. Well hey you're new here, what school are you going to attend?"

"Dad said I'll be going to the school he went to. The name is Berk High?"

"Hey, we just came from there!" Trent shouted. "We'll be glad to have you!"

"When are you starting classes?" Regina came to stand next to her brother.

"Next week. I need to get settled in first. Now if you'll excuse me, my dad is going to take me out to eat."

"We'll be seeing you around Hiccup!"

The both of them waved him off as he climbed into the passenger seat of his father's truck. Hiccup waved his hand before quickly lowering it and turning to look at his father. He gestured for his father to start the engine and the twins watched as they pulled out of the driveway. He couldn't deduce whether or not they would become bullies, but at least he knew he had fellow Berkian high schoolers on his block.

"Hiccup." He smacked his lips. "Hiccup. I wonder what possessed his parents to name him that."

"He's pretty cute, don't you think?" She adjusted her textbooks.

"Little too lanky for my taste. I say we tell the others we're expecting someone else at Berk High."

"We'll have a proper greeting for him the moment he steps inside our hallowed halls. Come on, we have work to do."

The door to the Thorston home slammed shut, shards of ice tumbling off the roof.

Chapter 2: Lot of High Schools

The next few days passed by in a blur. The moving truck had arrived the next day around 5 in the afternoon, and Hiccup had helped his father arrange his office before unpacking his own things. The movers had left most of the furniture in the living room, because both of the Haddocks were set in arranging the furniture how they desired. Neither wanted to inconvenience the movers by having them stay and help them settle in. It had taken him most of Friday evening to figure out how to set up the television and connect it to the proper outlets.

Saturday was spent with him and his father cleaning out the kitchen cabinets and organizing the kitchen utensils and decorations they carried from when Hiccup's mother had been alive. The oven had needed cleaning as well, so Hiccup set his father to the task, claiming he would have better elbow grease than himself. He had taken to polishing the kitchen island, which was a black marble that had a chip on the top right edge. By the time he had finished, the marble practically gleamed.

The cabinets and drawers were painted white, but yet had dirt streaks and gray fingerprints, as if someone had dipped their hands in mud and then proceeded to drag their fingers across the cabinet and drawer doors. There had been a partition for the refrigerator, and luckily they had managed to fit in the large appliance after clearing out about five spider egg nests. Hiccup had needed to chip away at the frost on the window with a screwdriver to ensure that the kitchen window was actually able to open.

Cleaning, organizing, and arranging helped him get his mind off of the fact that he would be attending yet another school. It had been a total of ten schools he had attended. It would be at random times, because the way his father moved, it was never in a predictable pattern. He was always on edge, for his father would always announce the move a month before they would leave to travel to another city. Hiccup had been in enough homes to have developed an attitude where he didn't care about the conditions.

Somehow, Berk felt... different. He was in his ancestral home. His father had given him the freedom to change the house to how he deemed fit. At times during the day he was tempted to ask his father how the house had been back when chiefdom had still existed. Then he remembered that if he really wanted to convert the home back to its original design, he would need to procure shields, spears, swords, axes, and maces to display in the home. That would sure get some strange looks when they would begin to have company.

The dining room table had been small in comparison to the large space. Since it had just been Hiccup and his father, there wasn't really a need for such a large and spacious table. The past houses never offered enough space for an extravagant table either. The ceiling above the dining room would need a repainting, because the stains left by water damage unnerved him. The night before he would start to attend Berk High, he turned on the small blue lamp in his room, and made a few bullet points on what would need immediate attending to.

He still had no clue how his father's work schedule would be this time around, but he knew that once he gave the list to his father he would start to make plans so they could refurbish the house. Hiccup needed to start somewhere, and both he and his father would have schedules that could be very heavy and strenuous.

He cast a single glance back at his new room that morning. He had been through several bedrooms, and each one he had decorated differently, but this time was different. He had chosen not to decorate this room. He left most of his items in their boxes. The only items he had taken out were necessities. He still didn't believe his father. If he could bet money, he definitely bet that his dad would say they were moving again right before the school year ended.

He threw his backpack over his shoulder, then realized he would need a thicker coat. He tossed the backpack on the bed and picked out a coat from the closet. He was about to exit the room once again, when he decided he needed one last accessory. He may be the new kid at Berk High, but he certainly didn't want to make a spectacle of himself, not anytime soon.

"Son, is the beanie really necessary?"

"Yes, it is." He said curtly. "I don't want to be a target again."

"I really don't think you will be targeted because of your hair."

"Wanna bet?" Hiccup scowled. "Back then, I was held down by three boys while a fourth hacked off my hair. We were lucky to have found someone who was able to fix it. I'm not taking any chances with this new school."

"Magdella is truly wonderful with hair. Which reminds me, we should send her another care package."

"We'll talk later. I want to pay her a visit." His scowl turned into a smile. "I told the kids in her care that I would give them some new sketches."

"You mean new coloring books." His father scoffed.

"It isn't my fault they like my sketches," He plugged the coffee maker into the outlet, spooning in a few scoopfuls of coffee grounds.

"Those sketches always come with a story as well. How many dragons are in those sketchbooks Hiccup?"

"No this time I took their requests. Aside from what they asked I included Rumblehorns, Thunderdrums and Night Terrors."

"How many?" He asked again.

"About two of each."

"Those kids are going to have a fun time coloring them in."

"Maybe we should visit them before Snoggletog?"

"I'll see what my superiors have to say on the matter. I don't think they'll give me a vacation when we just returned to Berk."

Hiccup had taken off the beanie while he was still at home. The Thorston twins had managed to see his hair on the first day, so he had to hope they wouldn't try to tug it off when he arrived. His hair hadn't always been as wild. It was when he became a teenager that his auburn hair began to grow thicker and wilder. He had gone through an assortment of hair products and combs in efforts to make his hair appear almost normal. Then on the one day he had slipped and let his hair be as is, he lost it in an ambush.

A group of boys who always had their hair over gelled had stalked him for the entire morning. One had offered to style it for him, Hiccup had refused. It was only going to be for a day that his schoolmates would get to see his actual hair. That day his father had managed to make it home before he did. Hiccup had stayed after school to help make posters for an upcoming fundraiser, and he never expected that the boys would lie in wait for him.

Ever since the whole ordeal, he didn't bother with the extra hair products. He just wore the beanie on his head and growled at anyone who would question the fashion choice. He just went on the hope that Berk High would allow their students to wear caps and beanies. He had let his hair grow to the point where it reached his nape, so the dark brown locks peeked out of the beanie no matter what. He had stopped caring what he looked like, but he did have to take precautions to ensure he wouldn't be targeted.

He swallowed the last bite of toast and poured himself a second serving of coffee. He wanted to stay awake for his first day of classes.

"All right Dad, I'm off. See you at dinner, at least?" He shouldered his bag once again.

"Hiccup, where do you think you're going?" His father never even looked up from the book he was reading on the device.

"Umm, Berk High? Your alma mater?" He made steps to get into the hallway.

"It's your first day. I'm not going to let my son make his way to school alone on the first day. I'll drive you."

Hiccup's jaw must have hung open for a good solid minute because his father tapped on his own chin to snap Hiccup out of his stupor. He dumbly nodded before climbing back into his seat and plucking small pieces of bread apart and into his mouth. He took careful sips of his coffee, staring at his father in shock. It wasn't until they climbed into the truck that he found his voice had returned.

"I think Berk has changed the both of us."

"You're learning what home feels like."

Stoick had usually let his son walk to his new school. It wasn't of his own choice, sometimes Hiccup would be so stubborn that all he did was hand his son the address and the boy would set out on his own. To be frank, he was surprised Hiccup hadn't fought him this time around. It had been three moves since he had suggested to take his son to school, and he found that Hiccup had reason. The both of them were growing more comfortable around each other, enough that Hiccup had allowed to take him to the school he had attended when he was Hiccup's age.

"Once you find out your schedule, we'll figure out what days you can drive me and which days I'll walk. Thanks for the ride Dad. I'll see you later." He quickly gave his father a firm hug and exited the vehicle.

He felt the cold hit him like a splash of water on his face. He adjusted the beanie, and avoided the students as he headed toward the entrance of the school. No one had stopped him, no one had done lingering stares. Maybe he would get through this school year without being targeted! He loosened the scarf around his neck as the blast of heat calmed him down in the slightest. Students swarmed the expansive hallways, doors outlining classrooms, and on the other side there were lockers as far as the eye could see.

Now was the time for indecision. He would often ask a random stranger where he could find the office, and that would result in word about the new kid spreading amongst the student population. Other times he wouldn't ask and try to find it on his own, and then wound up being late to his classes, which meant the new kid was pegged. A hand settled on his shoulder, and he turned to see Regina offering him a small smile.

"Hey guys," She called to someone out of his vision, "I found him. Let's give him his welcome."

Chapter 3: The New Kid's First Day

3: The New Kid’s First Day

She was going to throttle both of the twins at the same time if this was another prank. Ever since freshman year they had decided they were following in the footsteps of Loki. They used their friends as test subjects for any new prank they wanted to try, and she was tired of it. The Thorston twins were like leeches you could never be rid of, because no matter how she and their friends threatened them they still stuck around. Sure their pranks were at times unbearable, but they were loyal as well.

The twins had come to them practically bursting from excitement on Thursday, telling them they should be a welcoming committee for Monday morning. A boy had moved into a house on their block and said that he would be attending Berk High. Trent had said that they should meet up early so he wouldn't feel lonely on his first day. She couldn't believe it. They've come up with more elaborate schemes, and failing to give the boy's name made her think it wasn't true. She just wondered who else of their group of friends had been roped into this as well.

She ran behind him as they turned another corner. Aside from not mentioning the boy's name, he had also failed to give a description, so she had no idea who they were supposed to keep an eye out for. There were fifteen minutes until the first bell rang, which meant a small window to find the new kid. She spotted Regina's large thick blonde braids before they made eye contact. She called out to the pair, her words faintly heard since they were on the other side of the hallway.

Grabbing the idiot's hand, she dragged Trent over to meet her twin. Regina had her hand on someone's shoulder, who was trying desperately to not make eye contact with the three of them.

"Where's everyone else?" She asked.

"I could only get Astrid. Some went to their zero period class and others just couldn't get here in time. Wanted the extra five minutes to sleep in."

"This was important!" Regina pouted. "What, did they think we were joking!?"

Astrid resisted the urge to chuckle. She bet that was exactly the case.

Trent shrugged. "Guess we're going to have to do this at lunch then."

"The whole point was to do this before he was exposed to, hold on, where'd he go?"

Unbeknownst to the three of them, the boy they were supposed to be "welcoming" had slithered away. Astrid had only caught a glance of him, and now she could see him taking calculated steps along the row of burgundy lockers. He had his shoulders purposely hunched, trying to avoid attention from the other passing students.

"Hold on a second!" She yelled.

She took the couple of steps forward, and latched her hand onto his wrist. Regina had lunged forward as well, her hand locking around the boy's other wrist. Together they both tugged back until he had to turn around to face them. He had a nervous smile on his face, but she could tell from the look in his eyes that he felt... cornered.

He was just at her height, maybe an inch taller, and dressed in a lot of layers. The new kid wore a gray beanie, perched on his head so it hid most of his hair but his bangs were swept across his forehead and auburn locks peeked out at his nape. The scarf around his neck had been loosened, revealing his facial features fully. He had a faint scar on the right side of his chin, freckles scattered around his cheeks and on his nose, and bright forest green eyes.

Astrid immediately dropped his wrist, mumbling an apology while brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know, you really don't need a lot of layers here. With the heating you're going to get warm rather quick."

"Right." He said quietly.

He made no movement to remove his clothing. He just stared at the three of them, his hands on the strap of his bag slung across his back.

"Sorry if the twins freaked you out. You'll just have to get used to it, because they're normally like this." She gestured to her friends. "We just wanted to give you a welcome to Berk High, but we're afraid the rest of the gang isn't here so you can meet them."

She held out her hand. "Name's Astrid Hofferson. The twins and I are juniors."

The boy grasped her hand, shaking it firmly before releasing. "Hiccup Haddock. I'm actually entering the junior year as well."

She neglected to say it aloud, but she was surprised someone would name their child Hiccup. It was such a strange name. It sounded vaguely familiar too.

"Hey, you might have a few classes with us then!" Trent shouted.

"Hiccup," Regina handed him a small booklet, "we had more planned, but we're going to have to wait until lunchtime, you can meet the gang then."

"Ruffnut, a little nicer no?" She cuffed her on the back of the head. "That is, if you want to hang out with us Hiccup, you're welcome at our table."

"If you don't mind, could one of you show me around before classes start?"

"Astrid would be happy to do it!" Regina shoved her forward so she nearly fell into Hiccup's arms.

She cast a scowl back at them, then brushed another strand behind her ear as she faced Hiccup. It was then that she noted his one-strap bag was practically empty, sagging at his back with maybe only a notebook and pencil inside. He waited for her to lead the way, casting curious glances at the other students streaming through the hallways or merely hanging around their lockers. No one seemed to have noticed yet.

"She'll give you a better tour than either of us could. See you later Hiccup!" Trent waved before he and his sister quickly vanished from eyesight.

"I really hope that's true," She heard him mumble as they went in the other direction.

"So, we finally have a Haddock coming to Berk High," She tried for conversation as her hands fiddled with each other.

"Funny, Regina said something similar, about the Haddocks leaving the house vacated."

"Well yeah, in the trophy hall there's about five trophies and a lot of pictures honoring a Stoick Haddock. He's a legend around here."

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "That's my dad. Quite the athlete when he came here."

"You're following in his footsteps aren't you?"

"Not exactly able to." He said nonchalantly. "You called her Ruffnut. Isn't her name Regina?"

"Some of us have nicknames for each other. We never really call her Regina, we call her Ruffnut. Same for Trent. We call him Tuffnut. The Nut twins." She laughed.

"They have their own little strange names too," Hiccup offered a small chuckle.

"Where are you from Hiccup?"

"From Meathead."

"That's miles from here!"

"Dad wanted to come back to his hometown."

"Well we'll be glad to have you." She let out an audible sigh of relief as they reached the office. "Just go inside and ask to see Ms. Myrles. She'll get you your schedule and locker assignment. I'll wait outside so when you have your stuff I can show you around."

He opened the door, giving her a brief wave before the door clicked shut. Her hand immediately climbed to her forehead, wiping away the imaginary sweat she had accumulated. He was different than the usual students here at Berk High. She could definitely say she had never met anyone so nervous. His sentences were few, short, and to the point. She also noted that his voice sounded slightly-nasal and had a muddled accent.

Granted, she had never met anyone from Meathead, so she had no idea if it was the proper accent. If she could get him to relax enough and comfortable enough to speak freely, maybe she could pinpoint which accent it was. Some of her friends had relatives in Meathead, so there was a chance they would be able to figure out his accent. As the minutes ticked by, she revolved between staring at her phone for the passing time and trying to figure out what to talk about with the new kid.

Astrid wanted to get to know him, but she sensed that he wasn't eager to get to know her. His apprehension was clearly visible, and it compelled her to want to make him feel comfortable here at Berk. It made her wonder how he had been treated back at Meathead for him to be wary of other students who would only spare him a single glance before forgetting his existence. Or, he may just be the kind of person who attracts unwanted attention.

"Oh no I'm all right thank you someone already offered to give me a tour," A nasalled voice protested as the office door opened.

Hiccup cast a glance back at Astrid's shape leaning against the wall. Ms. Myrles followed his gaze and unleashed a huge grin.

"Ah yes, Miss Hofferson. I'll be glad to leave yae in her 'ands. A very capable student, she is," The headmaster's assistant said in her Scottish brogue, "I hope you have good first day here at Berk High Mr. Haddock."

She patted his head before allowing the door to the office to swing shut. Hiccup adjusted the beanie on his head, having come loose from the adult contact. Astrid could bet that the new kid wasn't accustomed to people touching him.

"That was close."

"Huh?"

"Would you ever want to meet the principal on your first day?" He asked her pointedly.

"Actually, it's headmaster here, and yeah I understand how you feel. Meeting Headmaster Vikat for the first time can be pretty shocking."

"Another day, I told her."

"Though you hope for never, huh?"

"That easy to tell?"

He started to walk away, clutching the paper in his hands like it was his lifeline for surviving Berk High.

"Hiccup." She called. "You're going the wrong way. That's the way to the cafeteria."

"I should have asked for a map of the school."

"Show me your schedule. Then we'll navigate your route."

"Thanks, for helping me. Astrid, right?"

She gave a nod, and he held out the paper toward her. Astrid could only help she managed to make his first day at Berk High one to remember.

 

 

Chapter 4: The New Kid's First Day Part II

The New Kid's First Day Part II

He kept waiting for her to snap. While it may not have him being the cause of it, he noted that Astrid was easy to irritate. If someone dropped something in front of her, she would glare at them for a few seconds before side-stepping and continuing. From her manner of acting, she reminded him of girls from other schools he had attended. They put themselves in the spotlight, and would throw a hissy fit if anyone dared to try to shoot them down.

They demanded attention, and practically lived to ridicule those too shy and weak. Hiccup always maintained a wide arc around them, never daring to look them in the eye. Sure Astrid seemed very similar to those other girls, as well as being blonde with blue eyes and harsh features, but at the same time Hiccup decided he shouldn't be quick to judge her. She turned toward him and smiled, not yet having said anything about his skinny form or worn out satchel and coat.

And besides, she hadn't declined in giving him a tour of the school and had been eager to welcome him along with Regina and Trent.

"So you've been here on Berk for at least a week now right?"

"Not quite."

She looked him straight in the eyes, then when she realized he wasn't going to embellish she glanced at his schedule that she still held. She had yet to make any comment, and he wondered how intrigued she could be by a simple sheet of paper.

"What's the verdict on my schedule?"

"They're sending you all over the place. I'm sorry, Monday mornings I'm always a little wayward. Here you go."

He hoped she understood his classes better than he did. His schedule had been made based on the classes he had taken back on Meathead and his transcript. Ms. Myrles had asked if he wanted any changes, and all he had replied with was that he wanted time to think about it. She gave him a week to decide if he wanted any changes, and hoped the classes would be enjoyable. He had been assigned the second level of art class and he was wondering if he could ask for Advanced Placement.

Math was not his strong suit, and he agreed with the level he had been given. Luckily Berk offered the same class he had previously been taking. While Meathead required their students to take seven classes, here in Berk there were six blocks. He just wondered how long the school day was going to last.

"Okay so this is the plan."

They had paused at the top of a staircase, one that was hidden away. There wasn't as much foot traffic, Astrid had said. Mentioning that it would be a good path to take to get to the arts department and math department.

"We've still got six minutes before the bell rings. I can show you where your first three periods are, but you can't exactly cross the school in such a short time. So we're splitting the school into seven sections for you. The exit to the student parking lot and drop-off zone is at the southeast corner of the school. The school has three floors, along with a basement which contains the gym and swimming pool. Now we're on the second floor, but we need to cross across the math department so we can get to your first period. Now come on."

She grabbed his wrist, and self-consciously he drew it back. He understood the message without her having to make physical contact. They had to move quickly. It had happened far too many times where physical contact by a hand locking around his wrist meant something would either be stolen, or he was about to be thrown to the floor. To compensate for the action he folded the schedule in his other hand and tucked it into an outside pocket of his satchel.

He passed by her and she walked by his side, shoving aside anyone who dare to stand in her path. He evaded the other students and muttered an apology if someone bumped into him. Manners was one thing his father had ingrained into his brain. It was that and that every meal had to have meat, or it wasn't considered a meal. They crossed to the other side of the hallway, then took a right.

"So what floor is my first class on?"

"We're crossing across this department so we can get to the staircase on the other side. Your class is literally right next to the staircase on the third floor."

"Okay, so let's turn back and find the second class then."

"If you forget, the room number is on your sheet. I warn you about that teacher, because I have a friend last year who took the class, that they don't tolerate you turning in late work. The good thing is that you only have one assignment due a week."

They only had time to guide Hiccup to his first three classes, but she listed which floor each of the other classes were. His fourth period was on the same as his fifth, and his sixth was located nearest the exit to the parking lot. The cafeteria was located on the northwest corner of the first floor, which was why there were fewer classrooms on the first floor than the others. Astrid helped him find his locker, located nearest his second period, which was on the first floor.

Since he had arrived so late in the year, he shared a locker in the freshman area. Some of the lockers were in disrepair, and he made a mental note to buy a lock in the finance office after school. When he had pointed out how the locker mechanism stuck when turned, she said that he could borrow a lock her older brother Finn had left behind. Also pointing out that her locker actually functioned properly.

When the bell rang, she tapped him on the shoulder as he finally managed to open the locker. For a second, he saw her gaze focus on his leg, then her icy blue eyes locked on his.

"The offer still stands, by the way."

"Sorry?" He finally unwrapped the scarf from around his neck, tucking it into his satchel.

He had taken off the large coat that used to be his father's, and hung it on the hook on the side of the slightly dusty locker. After getting it to finally stay shut and properly locked, he turned to face her.

"To hang out with me and my friends at lunch. We're always willing to let someone new into the group. If you don't have anyone to sit with, you're welcome to sit at our table."

"Maybe." He hummed.

"Bye," He turned as he heard her footsteps retreat.

Berk was different. Could it be, that if anyone caught the whiff that you were new, you would be snatched up, first come first serve? He could tell that Astrid was born and raised on Berk. It made him think about what it would be like if his father and mother never moved. Would he have met Astrid, or would she have remained a nameless face? Here on Berk, no one shot him any hostile glares, instead he was greeted with smiles or a nod of acknowledgement.

He opened the door to his first period classroom, and found that the desks were not yet full of students. Six, at the most. He immediately spotted the teacher, a man who appeared to be in his late thirties, removing a thick navy blue coat and then a blue windbreaker with a white stripe at the chest area. Hiccup waited until the teacher turned to finally speak up. He had tucked the coats into a chest near the desk, and was staring at the young man intently with chocolate brown eyes.

Hiccup reached into the pocket, and pulled out the schedule. He held it out toward the teacher, who took it, looked it over, than gave him a smile.

"Hiccup?" At his nod, he continued. "I'm Mr. Michaelis. Lucky for you, we still have seats open. Third row from the door, and fourth down the line. I don't have any extra syllabuses on hand with me at the moment, but I'll print one out and you can come pick it up after school, all right? Take a seat."

He bowed down his head, and took a seat. He heard the chatter of the students as they walked in and took a seat. He had brought a small binder with him filled with scratch paper, and an empty composition notebook. He hadn't exactly come laden down with supplies, because he wanted to find out what he'd need before bringing unnecessary items. Hiccup just counted on the fact that he was new that he wouldn't be penalized by the teachers for not having the supplies needed.

When he looked up as the bell rang once again, he saw a girl with raven black hair walk in. She was about Astrid's height and build, but she wore a contrast to the blonde's color scheme. She and Hiccup locked eyes, and she turned into his row. It was then that he realized there was an empty seat behind him. As she drew closer he noted her jade green eyes never looked away from him. She waved at him, and sat down in the empty desk.

As the teacher began the lesson, she tapped his shoulder and whispered, "My name is Heather Oswaldson. Welcome to Berk High, Hiccup."

He never had the chance to say something back... but was glad another friendly person had introduced themselves.

His second period was with a teacher whose name was Mr. Mulch, a short stubby man with a rotund belly and brown hair starting to recede. When he has introduced himself he said that he knew his father, and was glad they had returned to Berk. The only available seat was in the front, and he could swear there was someone watching him throughout the whole class. After the bell rang, the teacher pulled him aside and told Hiccup he needed to pick up a textbook for the class by the end of the week.

Afterward he was astonished to learn that there was no break in between the classes. Instead of giving a fifteen minute break the lunch hour was an hour and fifteen minutes. When he walked into his third period he spotted the art teacher in an instant. He had his schedule out and ready, and she snatched it with a quick wicked smile. She has thick, super curly burnt red hair, trimmed short so the curls wrapped around her cheeks. She had soft brown eyes, and a smattering of dark red freckles. She wore a large silver hooped earring and on the other ear she had a stud attached to the chain hanging from the lobe.

She never had the chance to give him any instruction before another teacher walked in, stealing away her attention. The final bell marking the beginning of class rang, and the schedule was still clutched in her hands, her fingernails painted turquoise. He turned, seeing the stares of the other students locked on him. Fighting the urge to shudder, he spotted an empty seat in the second to last row. He hurried to sit down, tugging the beanie further down his head. They were about ten minutes into the class when the teacher began the lesson.

She cast the schedule to her desk, and gave them their assignment. When she took attendance, he noted that her eyebrows had furrowed in confusion when her gaze locked with his. After everyone had taken out their stencils and sketch pads, he heard footsteps approach his end of the desk. The schedule placed in front of him.

"Pardon for not saying anything earlier, but Mr. Zarkos wanted to discuss something. I'm Mrs. Terres. Hiccup, yes?" She said, with an accent suggesting she was Latinx. "Where did you come from?"

"Meathead." He said in a low voice.

"Have no idea where that is. I've been living here in this Archipelago for eight years now, yet I still can't figure out which is closer, Hysteria or Red Thorn. Anyway, I looked over your schedule. I would like to see the classes that you took prior to attending this school. You have taken the first level of art?"

"I have ma'am." His gaze flicked from her eyes to the chain hanging from her ear. "Not to offend, but I have been drawing since I was six years old."

"I'll need proof of that, mijo. Now, I would start you off with the assignment the other students are doing, but I'm afraid that I would like to know your experience level first. I want to make sure you're in the right class."

He grit his teeth. If he knew the teacher was going to be this keen on knowing her students artistic abilities, he would have brought one of his sketchbooks with every single page bearing a drawing.

"Mrs. Terres." He forced his voice to remain calm. "I can assure you that I have been drawing for long enough to be in the right level. If you'd like, I can bring you examples of my work tomorrow."

"That's fine with me. Riley is giving you a chance to change your schedule, correct?"

"Riley, ma'am?"

"Ms. Myrles."

"Yes. She did." He took out a spare sheet from the notebook he had brought.

"You have the period free Hiccup. I expect to see those sketches as soon as possible."

A girl sitting beside him hid a smile behind her hand as she drew another crooked line. He took out his pencil and eraser, along with his stencils to outline the design. If the teacher was going to be all high and mighty, Hiccup was hoping he could awe her. He wasn't one to brag about his abilities, but when an adult questions his capabilities, he can't help but rise to the challenge. The assignment was simple.

As a child, you always dreamed. While you may not remember entire dreams, there had to be images that stuck. Be it nightmare, daydream, or a dream, draw your favorite recollection. Back when he was a child, he experienced the bullying twice. The physical reality of when his schoolmates would twist his wrist so he could release his lunchbox, and then later that night when he would be on a dragon that could fly, but he still couldn't escape his bullies.

When he finally came out of his daze, and taken glances at the other student's work, he noted that he was the only one who had finished. A drawing he had done over and over in his lifetime until he had achieved a life-like image. Of a Night Fury, the unholy offspring of lightning and death itself.

With about twenty minutes left of the class, he pulled out the little handbook Regina had handed him that morning. The title was written in slanted scrawl, reading " Surviving High Berk ". The booklet wasn't that thick, and he could assume the twins had written it themselves, a book providing tips on how Berk High functioned. As he flipped through the booklet, he chuckled at the blatant difference between the brother's and the sister's manner of speaking. Trent had written the cafeteria menu, while Regina provided tips on how to survive the classes of certain teachers.

He made it through the whole booklet when the bell rang. He stuffed the booklet back into his satchel along with his drawing supplies, and left the room. Leaving a sheet of paper where he sat, bearing the outline of a dragon and the simple initials of H.H.

Chapter 5: No Lost Lunch

He had checked the weather as he walked to his locker. It would be too cold to eat outside. He wouldn't exactly get to enjoy the lunch food if there was cold winds to take away the warmth. He still hadn't decided on whether or not he should eat with the twins and Astrid. She said the offer stood, even if by some miracle someone else had approached him and asked him to sit with them. Since he hadn't been noticed in the past three classes, he could only think about sitting with the more friendly Berkians.

If he remembered Astrid's instruction correctly, the cafeteria had to be the next hallway over. He had to try it, he decided. He had to hope that the invitation wasn't a trick, and that they genuinely wanted to welcome the new kid. He also hoped he wouldn't get food poisoning from the meals provided. He followed the students crowding the halls in the direction of the cafeteria. They entered the double burgundy metal doors without hesitation, but he balked a few steps away. He remembered that once on his first day someone had dumped two entire cartons of milk on his head the moment he walked in. 

"Hey Hiccup." Astrid came to stand next to him. "You give it any thought?" 

"Your friends really won't mind if I join you guys?" He asked, barely even heard over the chatter of the other students.

"We'll get in line, get something to eat, you'll see what our group has to offer." 

"I don't know," He managed to stutter out.

"Relax, Hiccup." She put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "None of us bite. Well, Cameron does, but I'll hold her back for the first few days."

She held the door open for him as they walked inside. It was a large expansive room, with round and rectangle tables scattered about. Some had stools attached to the tables, while others had benches already taken with students. He could hear the sound of at least three radiators humming through the room. They approached the growing line of students waiting to receive their meals, and Astrid pointed towards a large sign. The meals offered for today were yak noodle soup, turkey club sandwich, and fajitas with rice and baked beans. 

There were no minor options offered, which caused him to frown. Most other schools Hiccup had been to offered a salad in a plastic container, a pastry and a carton of milk, or a parfait with buttered toast included. Here at Berk High, it seemed those were your only three options. Granted, he would never eat those minor options, but he liked having choices. 

"There, was someone," He kept his voice loud enough for only Astrid to hear, "who greeted me in my first period. Her name was Heather Oswaldson. Do you happen to know her?"

"She's my best friend." She turned to smile at him. "I texted her before classes started letting her know that you two were sharing a class. She didn't come on too strong did she?" 

"No, all she managed to do was say hello."

"Well, you'll see her right now so you can have an opportunity to talk to her. That is, if you want to." 

He chose to have the turkey club sandwich while Astrid asked for the fajitas. After they received their food he followed her to the condiment table. She handed him a few packets of mustard at his request, and he couldn't help but admire her guts for grabbing a few small containers of salsa de chile verde. 

Meeting new people had its advantages, and its disadvantages. For one, Hiccup had usually made more bullies than acquaintances. If it wasn't either, it was being invisible. The tray trembled in his fingers as they took steps closer to the table area. Astrid weaved through underclassmen already stuffing forkfuls of food into her mouth. The table they seemed to be heading for was one with a combination of both benches and stools that seated ten. 

"He actually came!" Regina shouted as they approached the gray and burgundy table. 

The twins sat together, and each had the same meal on their trays. The girl from earlier, Heather, sat across from them. To her right sat a husky boy wearing a large dark brown coat. He had light blonde bowl cut hair, olive green eyes, and a pudgy face that seemed to wear a permanent grin. At the other end of the table sat another boy who had jet black hair that was crudely combed into irregular strands, and had baby blue eyes. He wore a gray long sleeve and a thin black vest on top. He had a sandwich on his tray as well, but there was a mountain of potato chips and pickle slices beside it.

When he and Hiccup locked eyes, the boy's eyes widened and he immediately averted eye contact with Hiccup. Beginning to hastily take bites of his lunch. It was funny, but Hiccup could swear he looked familiar.

"Hey guys, the Nut twins may have already told you, but I thought I'd do it again. This is Hiccup Haddock, today's his first day at Berk High. Hiccup, let me introduce you to our gang. You already met Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and Heather. The two boys to her right are Fishlegs and Snotlout."

"You guys know I hate that nickname." The blonde-haired boy muttered, waving his hand from his seat. "Hey Hiccup. I'm Ferris Ingerman. My friends like to call me Fishlegs."

"Hey babe," The boy Hiccup figured was Snotlout, "come sit next to me. Scoot over Fishlegs!" 

"Seymour Jorgenson ," she said the name threateningly, "if you call me babe one more time I'll break both of your legs. Don't you dare move Fishlegs."

Astrid scowled, planting her tray next to Heather. Hiccup stood at the other end of the table, shuffling his feet and wondering whether it was safe to sit. There was an open stool next to Astrid, and three other free seats on the side where the twins sat. One to Trent's right, and the other two to Regina's left. He chose to sit at the edge of the table, where he could make a quick escape if need be. Seymour seemed like the kind of guy who would steal other people's lunches. 

"We're missing some." Astrid noted. 

"Cameron and her boyfriend are still getting lunch. She got held by Mulch again." Heather said without even looking up from her food. 

"She still hasn't gotten detention from him?" Seymour laughed. 

"Camicazi always manages to sweet talk her way out of it." 

"Unlike you Snotlout." Ferris mumbled. 

"Shut up Fishface." 

"Sorry but, Camicazi?" Hiccup asked, his hand snapping open his juice box. 

"Cameron Bogathan. Crazy blonde who's also part of our friend group. She, Snotlout, and the twins have known each other since junior high."

"Ahh."

"We're sorry Hiccup."

"Umm," He frowned,"for what?"

"Our friends didn't believe us about this, so nobody brought any of the stuff we asked them too, and it really wouldn't make any sense to give it to you after your first day, so I hope you can forgive us for-"

"There doesn't need to be an uproar about it." Hiccup cut off Trent. "I thank you for even inviting me to sit with you guys." 

The booklet was a big help too. He'd know how to navigate the school well after scouring that little booklet. 

"So Hiccup, where did you come from?" 

He looked up to meet Heather's smile and bright jade green eyes. He had already made it this far, and as he took glances at the other teenagers, he noted that they were all looking at him, awaiting his response. However, Seymour's gaze was hesitant and curious. Hiccup couldn't understand why. Astrid was the only one of them who knew where he had come from before, but he couldn't rely on her to always respond for him. 

Still be careful with these people. You never know if, how, and when they could turn on you. 

"I came from Meathead." 

"I have an uncle there," Ferris grinned widely, "but he hardly ever comes to visit. He says he prefers to stay on the mainland because it's warmer there."

"Well definitely more so than here, but it does have its sudden snowstorms." Hiccup said. 

"How long do they usually last?" 

"They can last an entire night, and go up to a foot of snow."

"That's nothing compared to here!" Regina laughed. "The longest snow storm we've ever had in our lifetime lasted three days!" 

"And they almost didn't cancel school, remember?" Astrid rested her chin on her fist. 

"Then Coach Kieran had an accident and that's what finally pushed them to release the announcement!" Trent slapped the table. 

"And school was cancelled for an entire week!" Regina shouted.

Heather must have seen Hiccup's reaction because she gave a playful frown and said, "Hiccup, my guess is you don't deal with that much snow do you?" 

"Every-" He almost slammed a hand over his mouth. 

He couldn't let it slip. So far, all they had to know was that he came from Meathead. Play it safe Hiccup come on! If they found out, that he'd moved all over the place, it could mean he'd lose the possibility of ever having friends. No roots, somehow he'd gotten it ingrained in his brain that never staying in one place permanently meant that you didn't belong anywhere. That was how it would remain. He had to fit in, even if it meant he had to lie.

"On Meathead, snow only covers that part of the mainland for the winter months. After that there's the monsoon season, then the warm weather."

"Welcome to Berk dude." Trent smirked.

"I have done my research though. They say that it snows nine months of the year, and hails the other three. So does that mean you guys have to get used to-"

"Ho guys, I spot an unfamiliar face!" A loud voice shouted. 

"Who is this little fishbone?"

It was a boy and a girl, and both were eyeing him, looking down at his food then at his face. The girl's accent he could immediately tell was not from Berk, but the boy was a different story. He had a rough voice, and sounded older than he looked. It wasn't the first time someone had called him fishbone from the first impression. They must have been the people who still hadn't arrived of the friend group.

"Hi, I'm Hiccup Haddock, the fishbone." He fashioned a steely face and rose to shake the boy's hand. "But I prefer Hiccup." 

"Who gave you permission to sit here?" The boy raised a dark brow. "And Hiccup? What kind of name is that?" 

The girl started to giggle. "Man your parents must have really hated you, to give you a name like that." 

"Camicazi, keep your mouth shut. Sit down before I do something I know will hurt." Astrid scowled, nearly rising from her stool.

"But I was just-"

"The twins and I invited Hiccup to sit with us. You remember how they told us last week that there would be a new student? You're talking to him, and you just made a very bad first impression." She hissed.

"It's okay, Astrid. I can tell I'm not wanted. See you around, maybe." 

He picked up his tray and left, careful not to shove aside Cameron or the boy next to her. He heard Astrid shout for him to come back, and he blinked back tears he didn't know had accumulated. She was the only one who wanted him to come back. No one else. At least the two other people in her group hadn't said anything scathing as he left. He could certainly feel their stares. He approached the cafeteria door, and was about to push open the doors when he was stopped by an adult supervisor. 

"Sorry, but you can't walk out of here with the tray. I suggest you finish your food if you want to get back into the hallway."

Hiccup merely nodded and turned away. His eyes scanning the room once again for a second time. He knew that if he stayed standing for too long in front of the doors, someone would see him and make a comment. So he set in wandering the room, knowing there had to be an empty table or a close to empty table. Eventually he spotted one, with only two students. The table could only seat six people, so he made sure to sit as far away from the boys as possible. 

The two boys looked up, and he could swear one of them widened their eyes as he sat down. One had a dark green earbud stuffed into an ear, but there was an open textbook shared between the both of them. One of the boys whose glasses continued to slide off their nose had a clipboard placed precariously on his lap. The other with the earbud had a binder in front of them, and their trays were shoved to the side. A sandwich was squished, and barely nibbled at. One had a bowl of soup tipped over and streaked across the tray.

Hiccup figured that if he didn't bother them, they wouldn't bother him. It would also be rude to assume their grade just by appearance. He finally took a bite of his sandwich, finally making progress in eating the meal. A boy started to tap his pencil anxiously on the table. 

"You're sure he said it's due tomorrow? I have him for fifth and I don't want to get in trouble."

"Yes, Pyres wrote it on the board. You want me to show you the agenda for proof?" 

"Show me the equation again. I don't know what to plug in and to what effect it'll go to."

"Fish, it's three different equations you need to learn for the questions. Why don't you just go to tutoring after school?"

"You teach better than he does! If it weren't for you I wouldn't have passed the midterm!"

"This is your subtle way of calling me a math geek innit?" 

"It wouldn't be the first time you've heard it. Help me with this question, please?" 

"Fine. Then we're changing the topic."

Leave them alone. They never asked for your help. The voice in his head told him before he did something he'd later regret. It wasn't anything different than his past schools. He'd listen to those around him, meanwhile praying that they wouldn't acknowledge him. He was used to being invisible. He wondered if this same table would be available tomorrow. It may have to be his table, aside from the other two boys, for the rest of his stay on Berk. They seemed to be alone as well, maybe just a pair of best friends, but at least it was better than himself.

He chewed on his food solemnly. A few people had tried to make him feel included, without any of them knowing that it was the closest to friendship he'd ever gotten. His whole life, there were moments where he would sit down with someone who'd at least said hello, but once a harsh word or a scoff was audibly heard... well there were times he'd never even make it to the table. He'd have to avoid those nine people. If he wanted to survive Berk High, he'd need to rely on himself. Like always.

Why did I ever think this time was going to be different?

Chapter 6: Long Time No See

It had happened a few times where he would have to transfer schools. Some where the bullying would get so bad that he would fight back with his mediocre fighting skills and face suspension. He's been suspended three times. Transferring classes had only been four times, and that was because his father would have sympathy for him and give him an escape from the bullying. There was even a period of time where his dad would scold him for not standing up for himself. If there was one thing that always failed to happen, is that Hiccup could never get his father to understand.

But he didn't want to leave Berk High. Not yet. Even if he had already accepted that he wouldn't have any friends at this school either, he liked everything else about it. He'd found a place to hang out even after he ate. The trophy hall Astrid had mentioned in the morning. Seeing the picture of his dad in his senior year hoisting a golden trophy into the air, his teammates swarming around him and cheering him on. Upon closer inspection, he could see his mother in the background, smiling widely with her eyes, the ones he inherited, gleaming.

That was why he wanted to stay, To be able to see his mother in her youth, before the gods took her away. Seeing the picture, knowing that he walked the same hallways she once did.

"Son, fixing my office is off-limits."

"Dad, you're going to have double check those plans, because it's not a complete transformation," He didn't look up from his homework," but I noticed that in a corner of the room the paint was cracking. All it's going to need is a repainting, it can be the exact same color if you want."

"Changing nothing else?"

"We spent all of Friday morning and afternoon putting together your office. If I was going to to suggest any changes, it's to get rid of that beer mug you bought in Red Thorn."

"Again with the mug?" He heard his dad approach behind him.

"It's cracked, and you've had it since I was eight. You don't even drink from it either."

If it weren't for a knock on the door, the debate would have gone on for another ten minutes.

"That'd be Gobber. He said he's bringing yak chops for dinner. Come on down son, and you can tell me about your first day."

"Maybe you should have asked me that when it actually was my first day, and not two days after."

His father went to open the door while Hiccup set the table. It was now a week that they had been on Berk, and he hadn't complained about the cold once. When he thought about it, there wasn't anything to complain about. There were no obnoxious neighbors, the Thorston twins hadn't paid him a surprise visit, and his class schedule was due to change. Mrs. Terres had not allowed him to stay in the class. Instead, she insisted he be moved to a higher level. Starting the next day, he would be going through a different schedule.

He would still have the same art and the same anatomy teacher, but just in a different period. He would be doing language arts and had dropped journalism, and his gym period had been moved to an earlier time. He was a bit behind in the curriculum and the sudden change in classes from one high school to another was going to take some adjustment.

"Where's me godson!?"

Hiccup turned to see his godfather stumble from the hallway into the kitchen. His actual name was Gordon Beller, but among he and his father he was called Gobber. The man was of his father's build, but lacked Stoick's height. Gobber had cornflower blue eyes and a braided blonde mustache that reached his shoulders. As long as Hiccup could remember, his godfather always kept his blonde hair shaved close to his skull, and a unibrow that would move with every movement of his mouth.

Gobber and Stoick had grown up together, but shortly after they graduated from Berk High, Gobber entered the military. He returned to Berk a few months after Hiccup had been born. Arriving at his best friend's home missing his left hand and right leg. To replace the lost limbs he now had two metal curved rods, like crab claws, for his hand and a metal prosthetic leg. Before the Haddock family moved to the States, Gobber was declared the godfather of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third.

"Right here, Gobber."

He was enveloped in the man's arms, feeling the pointed silver sinking into his back as his godfather tightened the embrace. He hadn't seen him since they had come to visit back when they lived on Berserker. That had been nearly five years ago.

"Ye've grown so much Hiccup! Ya finally had yer growth spurt didn't ya?"

"I've only gone up a few inches." He responded meekly.

"Stoick!" He shouted. "Yer better have been feeding me godson! Odin knows he could use some more meat on his bones!"

He hastily turned away from the blonde veteran, patting his cheeks for a few seconds to get rid of the blush he knew that had formed. It was always hurtful when someone at school pointed out his body shape, but when Gobber did it, he had a different response. It was somewhat motivational, while also embarrassing.

"I feed my son Gobber, but I get the feeling that the meals I give him turn into height more than muscle."

"Then let's get to work!" Gobber threw a large bag with a logo titled Sven's Delicacies on the table. "I brought ye two food that'll last you for the rest o' the week."

"Please tell me there's yak chops in there." Hiccup's mouth began to water.

He hadn't eaten any since the last time he had seen Gobber. There had been several occasions where his father would bring takeout or they would go to a restaurant and he would express disappointment on the lack of yak chops on the mainland. Yak chops seemed to only exist on Berk, while yak meat was considered a rarity in the rest of the Archipelago.

"I guess we know the meal fer tonight then." His godfather buried his hands into the plus-size bag.

Minutes later, Hiccup had already devoured a yak chop and was piling three more onto his plate. Shoving in bites of meat along with mashed potatoes soaked in mushroom gravy. He could feel his father's and his godfather's eyes watching him eat, and he wondered what was on their mind. While they had not visited Gobber for a few years Hiccup knew he and his father still communicated.

"Hiccup, we want to hear about your first few days."

He nearly spat out his food. In all honesty, he had been trying to avoid the conversation with his father. Since fifth year, his father had started to ask him about his first days, or randomly ask at any time. Hiccup had come to find it shameful. At a young age, his father would yell at him for letting the other kids pick on him. After he turned ten, he started ensuring his son would be able to defend himself, so he wouldn't lose his only son.

"The twins that I met, on my first day here. They enlisted their friends to be a welcoming committee for my first day."

He didn't give him all the details, but told him about Astrid, Mr. Mulch, and the art teacher that doubted his abilities. He neglected to mention to his dad that he was sitting at a table with two underclassmen. Yes he had figured out their grade after two days of sitting with them. If it escalated to where the bullying had began, if it ever happened, then he would mention it to his father. For now, he just needed to know that he hadn't made successes on making any friends.

"You know, you could try son. Just walk up to someone and introduce yourself."

"Dad, you honestly think I haven't? It's not that easy anymore. The people you meet won't stay your friends. They'll soon lose interest in you, just as they did me. I've told you countless times, they leave when they either find out about my leg or that I've moved many times since I was little."

"That shouldn't be-"

"It's what I've dealt with. I hardly expected this time to be different."

"Don't ya worry, Hiccup. There's bound to be someone who'll like you this time around." Gobber gave him another yak chop. "Stoick, ye did say yer stay on Berk is permanent, ay?"

"Till me death Gobber."

He still didn't believe him. Hiccup knew for a fact that his dad was renting out places on the mainland where they had lived. At any moment they could be moving back into any one of those houses. Gobber dismissed himself after the meal, saying he had to grab something from his truck. Hiccup couldn't deny it, he had really missed the two-limbed man those five years. When his mother was still alive, and Hiccup hardly remembered, Gobber would venture out of the Archipelago and travel to visit them in the States.

After he lost his leg, he found himself occasionally contacting his godfather to vent his frustration on the loss of his lower left leg. Gobber would sympathize with him, because they had both lost their limbs through traumatic events.

"It's five years to make up Hiccup. I hope this is enough."

He was carrying a giant sack in his arms, and dropped it on the floor. He loosened the drawstring, and the first thing he withdrew from the dark gray sack, was a box with silver wrapping paper. Five years. Five years, of gifts.

* ^ & ^ *

He didn't have Astrid to show him to his classes this time around. She didn't know his schedule had changed. Hiccup didn't even think she still remembered him. He had managed to survive his first class, but he had qualms about walking into his second block. For the last two days he felt he was being watched. Someone in the history class observing him instead of paying attention to the teacher. Of all the classes he wished could have changed, it should have been the history class. Over the years, he'd learned not to look back and explore the classroom. 

He got tired for seeing faces made at him when someone made eye contact. But he got the feeling that he needed to, for his own safety. He walked into his history class, and first put the textbook on his desk before taking a seat himself. He saw the teacher smile at him, and he could guess that Mr. Mulch didn't see him as Hiccup, he saw the great Stoick the Vast. Even though they looked nothing alike. He looked like his mother more than anything. There were countless times where his father would say that he acted like his mother as well.

He reached into his satchel and pulled out the binder he had made specifically for the class. He had to take notes on three chapters while trying to keep up with the current chapter the rest of the class was on. He knew he'd have to come for tutoring, but he had to get himself situated. Advancing to the third level of art had thrown everything else off track. He dragged his finger down the syllabus, trying to figure out from which page to which page he should take notes on later on when he got home. 

It was knocked to the floor when a hand dragged its way across his desk. 

"Never stopped with the dragons, did ya?" 

His head snapped up to see, someone he hoped he wouldn't see for the rest of his life. Yet there he was, staring at him like a predator stalking their prey. 

"Dustin." He managed to say.

If he recalled, the teenager was a year older than him, and he was in the sixth year when Hiccup was in his fifth. So it would mean, he was a twelfth year by now. 

"Hiccup, it's been a while since we've seen each other."

"You came to Berk after?"

"Been here ever since." He planted his hands on the desk, watching Hiccup with a growing smirk on his face. "I'm glad we have a class together. We didn't have opportunities like this back on Berserk."

"No. W-we didn't."

He silently cursed. He hadn't stuttered for years. It couldn't be coming back, not because of a past bully. He was older now. He had to tell himself that he could fight Dustin this time around. But he was the worst of them all! He learned to defend himself because of that experience. 

"Mr. Querett, will you please take your seat? When the bell rings, that means class has started," Mr. Mulch huffed irritably.

"Sorry, teachs." He said in a sickeningly sweet voice. "We have a lot to catch up on, Hiccup." He purposely stepped on the binder as he walked past the desk.

He leaned down and picked up the binder, the mark of a foot visible over his sketch of a Terrible Terror. His head turned back as he watched Dustin take his seat. He was the one. The reason he felt like he was being watched. Dustin "Dogsbreath" Querett, only sat in the next row and a few seats behind him. 

Was it time to want to leave Berk now?

Chapter 7: The Small Red-head

Summary:

Berk High is a small school, but it has its destructive problems as well. Some have the opportunity to stand against it, and some endure the problem head-on. Astrid has seen it plenty of times, but her efforts haven't been sufficient. Hiccup has a past that he didn't know existed, and his once possibility of friends have the memory linger in their minds.

"Mind telling me why you've got a lock dangling from your backpack?"

"Oh! I forgot about that."

"It's for Hiccup, isn't it?" Heather said in a playful tone.

"His locker sticks, I noticed that on his first day." She replied.

"And you're giving him a lock so he doesn't have to buy one from the locker room? Where did you even get that one?"

"I got it from Finn. He doesn't need it anymore."

"Will the school even let him use it? I mean, your brother graduated five years ago. A lot has changed since then."

"We'll see. Hey I have to get to my locker. Meet you in the lunch room?"

"I've got to find Fishlegs anyway. He borrowed my textbook and I need it for the next class." Heather walked ahead of her, then turned back and smiled. "And I don't know if you'll have much luck finding Hiccup. He wasn't in first period this morning." She winked.

A simple lock. It was her last link to Hiccup Haddock. The moment she gave it to him, he would probably just become another acquaintance. She had tried making other friends over the years, but she always seemed to stay with her current group of friends. They were tightly-knit, but Astrid had to confess that they nearly drove her insane 62 percent of the time. Hiccup could just be someone who steps into the name-only category. She put her fingers to her lock, and started turning it to the right to open her locker.

Her art class was the period after lunch, and she always stashed her art supplies in her locker so they wouldn't get damaged by being in her backpack. There was always one twelfth year who would torment anyone who looked at them the wrong way. She didn't want to risk any of her projects by keeping them in her backpack. She heard the colored pencils rattle as her fingers locked around the pouch and she tossed it into her backpack. She closed her locker door, and as if in response, her stomach growled loudly.

She started walking to get to the lunch room, coming to a blockage in the hallway as students found difficulty in maneuvering around a tenth year on his hands and knees. Yet none were stooping down to help him.

"Oh I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please don't step on them." His fingers dragged across the floor. "Watch your step! Oh where are they?"

"Scrawny, you should really be more careful where you step. They could break," Another boy sneered.

Astrid let out an angry puff of air. He was messing with him again. Dustin Querett had a pair of tenth years he enjoyed humiliating in the public areas of the hallway. He was almost never caught by the supervisors because he knew the proper time to strike. But the boy fumbling on the floor trying to find his glasses was missing his other friend. Dustin stood next to him, shooting a hard glare at anyone who lingered at the scene for too long.

"Get out of my way!" She felt a set of hands shove into her back, pushing her aside.

She was about to launch a punch at the kid, but stopped short. The new arrival was a head shorter than her, and was only shoving people aside because he needed to get through the crowd. He was a small scrawny boy who almost always wore a brown fur vest and a gray long-sleeved shirt. His hair was bright red and settled in a straight angle, so he looked like a cartoon character that was permanently electrocuted.

"Leave him alone!" He pointed a finger at Dustin.

Dustin smiled, and his beady brown eyes darted around the small cleared out area.

He put a hand to his friend's shoulder. "Orrick, what happened?"

"He pushed m-me." The boy stuttered. "I c-can't find my glasses."

"Are these what you're looking for? Shoot, I think they've been stepped on!" Dustin raised his foot and slammed it down.

Before they made impact with the wire-framed glasses, the red-haired boy dove forward and his fingers closed around the small object. Dustin's foot slammed into the boy's hand, and Astrid saw the boy suppress a cry of pain as he defended the glasses with his own flesh.

"Stay out of this, Useless." He growled.

His foot released the boy's, and he instantly drew back his hand. He helped Orrick stand up then handed him his glasses. Astrid tried to step forward, but the other students weren't budging. They were trying to see what would become of the ordeal. No one ever told the supervisors. It was pointless.

"How would you like it if you wore glasses and I crushed them?" The red-haired boy shoved his friend behind him. " Leave him alone, he never did anything to you!"

"He was in my way, Hamish. Ain't my fault if he lost the glasses in the process. You should have let me finish."

Hamish and Orrick would always be the bully's targets no matter what happened. Astrid always admired Hamish's courage. He put himself at risk to help Orrick no matter what. She started whispering to those around her to keep moving. Partly so she could step in, because she knew Dustin would never leave without hurting either one of them.

"Maybe I can borrow his glasses?" He stepped closer.

"You don't need them! Go away!"

"Learn your place Hamish." His meaty hand shot forward and buried itself in the boy's shirt.

"Hamish!" Orrick cried.

"Don't come closer." He hissed back to his friend.

Orrick took a few steps back, looking around him, but not daring to step forward to save Hamish.

"What do you do when someone is in your way Hamish?" Dustin snarled.

"Oh like you are right now?" Hamish's hand pulled at his wrist, trying to get Dustin's hand off his shirt.

"What are you going to do about it Useless?"

"I'd ask you to move, which you should have done when you intercepted Orrick. That doesn't seem like it's going to happen."

His head jerked back as a fist slammed into the bottom of his jaw. Dustin released him to let the boy fall to the ground, starting to laugh as he clenched his hands into fists.

"You should have learned by now Hamish to let me finish what I start."

"Do you have enough brainpower to process how stupid you are?" Hamish tried to rise from the ground.

He tucked a hand under his chin, his fingers squeaking on the linoleum floor as he tried to get upright. Hamish managed to get to his knees before he rolled a few feet across the floor as Dustin kicked him in the thigh. He cried out, only for another foot to hit him in the side. Astrid started shoving aside other students. It would go too far. She remembered vividly about the beginning of the school year when Dustin had beaten the red-haired boy so badly he wound up with a cracked rib.

"Understand yet?" Dogsbreath ground a hand into Hamish's hair and the other to clutch his vest and yanked him upright.

"It's better than staring into your ugly face." Hamish muttered under his breath.

Dustin shoved him, and he stumbled backward. He turned on his heel, and walked away from the boy, picking up his backpack like it were routine to hurt them. Astrid surged forward, and she helped steady Hamish, who was swaying on his feet.

"Are you okay?"

"No, because getting punched is perfectly fine and never leaves a mark," Hamish grumbled sarcastically.

"You should go see the nurse Hamish, make sure he didn't sprain anything." Astrid looked down at him with concern.

"We should go get lunch Hamish." Orrick pulled at his friend's wrist.

"Wait, but if he got thrown to-"

"Don't act like you suddenly care Hofferson." Orrick glared at her.

She scowled at their retreating backs. She was only trying to help, she knew how Hamish's father would react when he saw his son later that day. As the two boys huddled closer together, Astrid noticed how other students would cast pitying looks at the pair as they walked past. However, they were just like her. They only stepped in after Dustin had ridiculed or hurt them. Nobody raised a hand to stop it, they'd stopped trying.

Like she and her friends, Orrick Bloomfield and Hamish Hensley had also been born on Berk and raised there since they were babies. They were a grade behind them, and Astrid had heard rumors that Hamish was a nerd on dragon lore. Orrick had been wearing glasses since he was born and had a face that resembled a fish. She entered the lunchroom right behind them, and she could hear Orrick asking Hamish if maybe he should go to the nurse.

Hamish shot him down by saying he'd gone too many times and the nurse wouldn't even give him an ice pack.

"You'll have a bruise if you don't do something." Orrick protested.

"Father will assume I walked into a wall again. Dogsbreath wins either way."

She didn't know them well enough to call them her little brothers. No one ever let them get that close. Since they had all been born and raised on Berk, they had all attended the same schools. She remembered that she and her family had been invited to one of Hamish's birthday parties, which seemed like an eternity ago. Orrick and Hamish always sat alone, but now they had an unexpected guest at their table. Hiccup had chosen to sit with them.

"Astrid, you want to trade colas?" Cameron held up her can. "I accidentally grabbed cherry and I know you love it."

"Sure. Here."

She sat down next to Heather after having made the exchange.

"So, did you find Hiccup?" She asked.

"No, I completely forgot about that. I was just going to drop it off at his locker."

"Well, you have an opportunity right now. He's sitting with the loner tenth years." Heather took a bite of her food.

"Wait, whose name did you say?" Snotlout asked, sitting across from Astrid.

"Snotlout you met him on Monday. You can't have forgotten about him already," She frowned.

"I knew the name sounded familiar."

"What are you talking about Snotlout?"

"His dad is related to mine. Half-brothers."

"You're saying Hiccup is your cousin?" Ferris gaped.

"Yeah, I think he is."

"When were you going to bring Hiccup into the light of this fact?" Astrid cast him a pointed look.

"I thought he already knew."

"If you guys were really related wouldn't that have meant you've seen each other at family reunions and such?" Trent gobbled his meal greedily.

"Uncle Stoick is a bit of a touchy subject in my house. My dad doesn't like how he's moved away from our home. If I didn't know any better I would say that he's jealous of my uncle. I don't think I've seen Hiccup and Uncle Stoick since we were about ten."

"Your dad doesn't like being tied down to Berk?" Heather tilted her head.

"Doesn't want me to forget our family history. I don't think he'd like moving anywhere else."

"Weather would definitely be better anywhere else." Cameron giggled.

"So that's why you were staring at Hiccup so much. I just thought you had a crush on him." Ferris smirked.

"Wait a minute." Astrid slammed her cola down on the table. "That means we've met Hiccup before and we didn't even know it!"

"What do you mean?" Ruffnut glanced at her.

"Snotlout's tenth birthday party. He had a table set up for us, and his dad made him introduce us to his cousin, who was visiting but not from Berk! A little auburn-haired boy whose hair covered his eyes and kept to himself."

"I do remember. After we cut the birthday cake Snotlout slapped his cousin's slice out of his hands." Ferris cast a glare at Seymour.

"So you've met the little fishbone before?" Cameron asked.

"Not much of a fishbone anymore compared to those years ago." Seymour mumbled.

He had changed so much, Astrid realized. She remembered how Snotlout had tripped his cousin five times at that party. For the games, the little boy had refused to participate, but a man with a large red beard had always told him to step in. The man had eventually relented when he fell and hurt his leg during one of the races. Astrid now knew what color Hiccup's eyes were, she noticed the difference in his voice. He no longer walked weirdly, and his style of clothing had changed.

"So are you ever going to tell him, or are you going to hope Hiccup's smarter than you and figures it out?"

"Oh no, I bet he already is, no competition there." Ruffnut snickered.

"Shut up! It doesn't matter anyway, it's not like he's going to be hanging out with us anyway. Neither my uncle or my dad have communicated in the last 6 years. I don't even know if my dad knows Uncle Stoick is back on Berk."

"You haven't mentioned Hiccup to your father then?" Fishlegs asked. 

"I get the feeling my father will overreact if I say anything." 

"You're being a coward Snotlout. That's your cousin sitting over there, and he may not even remember that you two are related." Cameron said. 

"We don't even look alike!" Seymour protested. 

"But who says you need to?" 

"Actually, I think you stand more of a chance of being related to Orrick, some distant relative or something," Tuffnut whisked his fork through the air. 

"If you were born on Berk and have relatives here, chances are you're related to somebody , just check the records at Berk City Hall." 

As far as Astrid knew, some families had never moved from Berk even during the time of the Vikings, and had remained on the island as time progressed and civilization advanced. She knew the Hoffersons and the Hensleys were such families. So were the Thorstons and the Ingermans. Heather's family was from Berserk, and Cameron's were from Skullion. She was lucky she had paid enough attention in the Archipelago History class she had taken her freshman year. The names had managed to stick in her head, because her very friends bore the name. 

She bid farewell to them as the bell rang and she walked to her fourth class. Snotlout accompanied her to her class, but Astrid could tell he had other things on his mind. She could only imagine how he must be feeling in realizing the new kid was actually the cousin he hadn't seen in years and bullied the last time he saw him. 

"You're going to need to talk to him eventually, and might as well apologize while you're at it." She offered him a small smile. 

"Don't tell me what to do Astrid," He muttered as he waved to her and strode down the hallway. 

Her smile widened as she shook her head and took her seat. Mrs. Terres was never really on time, so she figured she had time to kill before the teacher began the lesson. She took out her pouch filled with colored pencils, and started thumbing through her sketchbook to find an empty page to doodle on. What caused her to raise her gaze from the table was the sound of Mrs. Terres giving an overjoyed shout. 

She had to blink twice to make sure her mind hadn't conjured a hallucination. A boy had walked in, one sporting a brown beanie with a black stripe, holding a schedule out towards the eccentric art teacher. 

"Hiccup?" She whispered. 

Chapter 8: Art and Conversation

He hadn't heard her say his name, thank the gods, and in fact seemed to be purposely avoiding the gazes of any of the other classmates. When he did the quick glance over she noticed that his eyes locked with hers a second longer than the others. Oh, he recognized her all right, because now that he had seen her he turned his body fully to face the teacher. She was waving her hands and telling him how much she admired his art. She raised a sheet that was partially hidden from Astrid's view, showing it to him with a wide infectious grin on her face.

She saw him nodding his head as he casually shrugged his shoulders, saying it was something he had drawn frequently. Mrs. Terres stood from behind her desk and went over to Hiccup, turning him around and putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Good afternoon class," She said in her familiar Spanish accent, "we'll be having a new student joining us from now on. This is Hiccup Haddock, a new student here at Berk. I want you all to keep him welcome and help him adjust to the class all right? Hiccup, you can have a seat right in the second row."

A row in front of her. Almost no one ever deigned to sit toward the front so there were empty seats around him. He dumped his satchel on the floor beside him before sliding into his seat. It was the perfect opportunity. Mrs. Terres give them the assignment, and she can scoot over to sit next to Hiccup.

"Stop your staring before you start drooling." A voice next to her whispered.

Instinctively her hand climbed up to her chin to make sure she hadn't left her mouth open.

"I was not, staring." She hissed to the person.

"New meat, I wonder how fast the hounds are going to pounce on him."

"Ezra you really shouldn't think of them that way."

The brunette sitting next to her gave a short giggle. They both stared at the boy sitting in the row in front of them. Ezra was never one to keep her mouth shut. You could control the volume of her speech, but you could never stop the words from coming out. It's what made the senior a bold person.

"And by the way, he isn't new. He's been here since Monday."

"How would you know that?" She mused with a growing smirk. "You know even from Monday, that still isn't very long. You've at least talked with him, right?"

"Saw him once on Monday morning."

"He's cute isn't he? If you like the beanie and leather jacket type."

"I didn't get a good look at him."

"You should check his records," Ezra whispered, "you do have Office next block."

"I'd like to respect his privacy," She scowled.

"Well talking to him is a good way of getting to know him, you know that right?"

"Stop it." Astrid punched her in the shoulder.

"Oh right, don't want to seem too overeager."

She resisted the urge to slap her cheeks as they grew warmer and warmer. Hiccup had glanced back, and his fingers rose to the beanie and tugged it further down his head. She grimaced as she watched his shoulders sag. Astrid hoped he didn't think she didn't like him. She found it hard to admit, but she was very curious about the auburn-haired boy. Finding out he was related to Snotlout, she wanted to see if Hiccup shared any similarities with the boisterous soccer player. Judging by his mannerisms on Monday, he was one to avoid confrontation, unlike his cousin. 

He folded the schedule Mrs. Terres had returned to him and stashed it into a binder. Astrid glanced at Ezra, who had shaped her hands into a heart, throwing it toward her. She punched her in the shoulder again, then instantly slapped her hand down to the table when she saw the art teacher watching them. She strode over to her desk, and lifted a cranberry red hat off the desk. 

"Your next assignment is not due until the end of the week. In this hat I have the alphabet, two sets, so it means that you may share an R or any letter with somebody else. To demonstrate..." Her eyes scanned the room. "Hofferson, take a letter." 

She walked down her row and held the hat above the table.  Astrid lifted her hand, and turning her head as her hand dug around the hat, she pulled out a small white sheet of paper. One side was blank, but when she flipped it over the paper read an I.  

"Your letter?"

She turned it for the teacher to see. 

"For this next art piece, I am letting you use your cellular devices for research. Hofferson was given an I. With whatever letter you get, I would like you to draw me five objects that start with that letter. Hofferson, any suggestions?"

"I could sketch an iguana?" Her eyes flicked down to the slip of paper clutched in her fingers.

"Right! Your art pieces must be fully colored, your five objects clearly visible, and create a setting. Use your pastels, markers, and colored pencils, but no paints. You can be as creative as you like. You can even sketch something of your own invention, but your title must pertain to your letter. At the end of class today, write your names on the back of your slip of paper and put it back into the hat. Monday, we'll present what you all came up with." 

An I. She had to draw five things, that started with the letter I. Be as creative as possible, she said. Mrs. Terres walked down the rows of tables to each student, shaking the hat every once in a while to stir the slips of paper. Starting from the back then working her way down the left of all five rows. Astrid reached into her cerulean and navy blue backpack, pulling out her sketchbook. Her eyes once again wandered toward the auburn-haired boy sitting a row in front of her. 

He got his schedule changed, there was no doubt about that. Heather had mentioned that he hadn't been in class that morning. Mrs. Terres was the only female art teacher on the campus. Small island, small population, small school. Astrid assumed that he had been in another art class. Mrs. Terres was a teacher with strict standards, he would need to provide examples of his artwork in order for her to have put him into Art 3. 

Just how good was he? 

She watched, as her anger slowly increased, Hiccup dig into his satchel. Pulling out a sketchbook that had pages practically falling out of the binding. His posture stiffened. He flipped the book open to the first page. Then he flipped to another page. Then in haste he picked up the sketchbook, and flicked rapidly through the entire book from cover to cover. Once Astrid saw Mrs. Terres sit at her desk, she took her opportunity and started packing up her stuff. The teacher hardly said anything about the students switching seats, as long as they remained on task. 

She walked down the row, and planted her stuff on the table next to Hiccup. He slammed the sketchbook shut before she could see what was on the pages.

"How dare you?" She spat. 

"Come again?" He practically had his face buried in his satchel.

"I worked, for two years to get to this class. How in Hel was it so easy for you to get here? Two days after you started school here at Berk." She slammed her sketchbook open.

"I like drawing. Nothing more to it than that."

"To have been bumped up to this class you must have shown some skill or dedication." Her eyes flicked to his right. 

She lunged forward and snatched his sketchbook out from underneath his fingers. He protested but she thrust out a hand, snaring his wrist and holding it while she opened the sketchbook. What's so important, about a lanky brunette's artwork... The first drawing made her flame of anger instantly dissipate. Astrid managed to flip through a few more pages before Hiccup's hand slammed the book shut, taking it away.

"That's amazing, I've never seen," She gaped.

"Been drawing for a while." 

"Can I see it again, please?" She held out a hand towards him.

"At least you had the decency to finally ask. No." 

He stashed it in his satchel and put it beside him without a second word. Astrid looked at him, but he was purposefully avoiding eye contact. He had his art supplies on the table, but no paper. The few pages she had seen, to put it bluntly, were flat-out brilliant. He had a drawn a creature with scales, and the detail was very defined with intermingled colors; she couldn't chase the image from her mind. 

"Your drawing, it's a dragon?" She said, a hint of eagerness in her voice. 

"What if it is?"

"You drew it as if you've actually seen it real life. How did you draw it so accurately?"

In the back of her mind, a touch of doubt lingered. Only Berkians believed that dragons existed back then. Unless he was a strong believer of fantasy creatures, it was odd that he had managed to draw those dragons in life-like appearance. He did say that his father was an alumni of Berk, maybe his father sparked the inspiration for the drawings?

"I've just seen pictures." 

He started to doodle on a sheet of lined paper he had pulled out. He might as well have put his back to her. 

She summoned his attention again by saying, "Every single page in that sketchbook is taken, isn't it?"

He drew another curve then dragged the pencil down to shade it, but she could see his eyes flicker to his satchel.  "Did you want to borrow a sheet?" 

"No." Her hand ripped out a sheet from her sketchbook. "The other way around."

She slid it in front of him, a sort of peace offering for her unexplained presence. He stared at her, then his lips twitched before he accepted the paper. Mumbling a thank you as he started to take out a pencil sharpener. She took out her supplies, then slipped her phone out of a pocket in her backpack and started looking up her other five items. An iguana was one. She opened the app to her search engine and typed in images of the reptile. Glancing at the image every now and then, she drew a rough sketch, trying to provide the littlest details.

When she looked back at Hiccup, just to see how he was doing. He had written down a few names, objects that started with the letter W. Below the list was a rough sketch. He had shaded out some crudely drawn objects, but she could distinctly see a tail with fur on the end and scales trailing up to where the body was supposed to be.

"So how are you planning your assignment?" She asked, turning in her seat to face him. 

"I like to plan out what I'll be drawing first. I'll be starting with the setting first than work on integrating the five objects."

"Your color scheme? "

"Cross that road when I'm done drawing." 

"I can't decide what I want to do for the setting. Doing a jungle setting for an iguana seems too simple." 

"You're looking for advice?" His brow furrowed. "From me?"

"You are very clearly an expert. You're a really good artist, I could learn a lot from you." She nodded. 

"Let me see what you've got so far then." 

He still showed signs of caution, such as shifting in his seat when she scooted her seat closer to him. She showed him the tabs she had opened on her cellular device of her possible choices. He had her make ten choices, and then they would narrow it down from there. Once she had chosen her five objects he told her to think of connections between those five objects.

"You're using those five objects to tell a story. Think about where they would best fit. I would suggest you be as creative as possible." 

"Can't I just do a bundle of colors all together?"

"To signify a colorful void? Well, you'd need to explain how your five objects all fit." 

"But is it a bad idea?"

"As long as your colors for your background don't interfere with your color scheme and objects, it's not that bad. Just make sure you craft your story."

"Well how are you doing yours?" 

"I'm using a Windwalker so I'm picturing an island setting facing the sunset. Sea stacks in the background so some of my objects aren't in the sky."

"Nice!" She smiled. 

He merely nodded and turned back to his sheet. He took out a blue eraser and start sketching out his first object. She set on doing her task, but soon found her eyes drifting over to see the completion of his first object. 

"What dragon is that?"

"A Windwalker."

"A Windwalker is a dragon?"

"As said before."

"Just how much do you know about the flying reptiles?" 

"I would say pretty knowledgeable." He erased a wing to trace it for a second time. 

"You know, Fishlegs knows a lot about dragons too." 

"Really?" But he sounded uninterested. He wouldn't even look her in the eyes. 

"Hiccup, I want to apologize for what happened on Monday." 

He finally lifted his head to make unwavering eye contact. He put his pencil down, staring at her with a vague expression.

"I didn't think that Camicazi and Eret would react like that. She tends to snap at anyone if she's in a bad mood. I told her off after you left, I even wanted to come and ask you to sit back with us."

"It's okay." He said dismissively. 

"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

"You would do something like that?"

She reached into her backpack and took out the lock, picking up his hand and placing it into his palm. "I'd like to make a new friend." 

Chapter 9: Meaningless Words

"Are you going to bribe your driver into taking you to the museum again?"

"This time he'll surely tell my father, no amount of money will prevent him from doing so. Not even offering to buy him whatever he wanted from Sven's Delicacies will keep him from telling my father." 

"Then give me a ride home this time around?"

"You just want another opportunity to ride in a giant car again Orrick."

"Come on, we haven't hung out after school in a while." Orrick whined, his hand clutching Hamish's arm.

"Because the last time we walked to the Drinkery we were followed and our drinks dumped down our backs."

"Your driver will at least take you to the Drinkery, no? And then to your house? I can ask my mum to come pick me up after dinner, tell her we're having a study session."

"You're already coming over for the holiday."

He took out the candy wrappers he had stashed in the pocket of his vest and threw them into the nearest waste bin. He pulled out a salty caramel bar and bit into it. He always brought a stash of candy with him because he found he usually needed a sugar rush to keep him going through the day. Anything, to keep him focused on his studies, and not the other thing that seemed to consume his thoughts. 

"So is that a yes or a no? Because I need to let my mum know."

"All right, but it's your turn to pay for the drinks this time." 

"And yours for the pastries. Also, would you happen to have another caramel bar?"

"I'm the one that needs the sugar rush not you. Aren't you allergic to caramel?"

"I haven't tested it out yet."

"Do you really want to go out in the cold with another rash? I don't think you should chance it." 

"What snacks do you have then?" 

"I've got a granola bar with almonds... wait you're allergic to that. How about... the tamarind candy?" He held it out to his friend.

"Oh yes those are delicious!" He waved to Hamish. "Meet you after school."

The candy was one of the few things Orrick wasn't allergic to. Over the years he had taken it upon himself to find just how many things his best and only friend was allergic to. He never had any major reactions, he would either burst in hives or rashes, have sudden shortness of breath, develop a nose bleed, or have an unpleasant time in the bathroom. Just another reason Hamish felt protective of his friend. It was only him and his parents that he would defend to his dying breath. His driver could be considered treacherous and downright unpleasant.  

He knew that they couldn't defend each other, but he sure tried to the best of his ability. It was only one person who laid hands on him, to everyone else he had become someone to be pitied. He could never be forgotten, being the son of the mayor of Berk it was near impossible. He was Hamish Hensley, the scrawny red-head who was harshly bullied, but was richer than any of them.

Having money didn't help keep a bully away. 

Dogsbreath didn't care if he had money, he took it on occasion when he attacked Hamish. Bribing was out of the question. The senior was determined to see him in pain, no amount of money would be able to sway him. Hamish never admitted it to anyone, not even Orrick, but he didn't need another reason to seem as weak as he already was. He still stood out, his hair made sure of that. As he sat down at his desk, he raised a hand to his earlobe, fully knowing there wouldn't be a dangling hair nearby.

His mother said it was a trait he had inherited from his great-uncle on her side of the family. Only difference? The uncle kept his hair cut short since it stuck straight up. Hamish's mother had let his hair grow to be about five inches, last he measured. She also did not allow him to wear a hat or a cap to cover the hair. It wasn't like one would fit anyway. His next haircut wasn't scheduled until the next Friday. The barber would only cut an inch, but never so little that it would not be seen. "It's what makes you special,"she would say as she stroked his hair.

Well, she would say that when she was actually around. Hamish's mother was usually gone for weeks at a time. When she had called him last night he found out she was in Switzerland, trying to persuade a client to sell her product in their company. That was what she had told him, the story seemed to change each time he asked why she was leaving. He was surprised she still answered, he knew he could be prying most of the time. He just liked to know as many facts as he could absorb. 

Midway through the lecture his teacher put on a video linked to their PowerPoint. He glanced at the screen, then felt the eyes of someone watching him. If there was someone watching him, it was usually because they wanted to ask him for help on an assignment or lend them money. He could refuse to help them financially, but the assignment he helped with. He did it in a vain attempt to hope that someone would continue to speak to him. To want to get to know him, and know more than the image of a scrawny red-head. 

He glanced back, but it wasn't until he looked back at the front of the room that he realized his teacher was staring at him. Not his face as a whole, but rather, at his jaw. His beat down earlier. There had to have been a mark left behind. As soon as the video ended and they turned the lights back on, he raised his hand to be dismissed to the facilities. The first thing he did when he walked inside was go to the mirror. Luckily no other boys were inside to watch as he inspected his injury.

The first thing he saw was the now very purple bruise on the right side of his jaw. It did not have the distinct look of a fist, but anyone could clearly tell he had been hit very roughly. It had been a shade of yellow and green at lunchtime, and he had refused to get ice. He tentatively raised his hand to the wound, his fingers putting the slightest pressure on the purple area. He noted that the skin had not elevated, but there were electric hot jolts of pain. Ice would no longer make a difference. Hamish had been bruised enough times to know the pain would later dull as the day went on, and the mark wouldn't fade until about a week had passed. 

No wonder the teacher had been staring. It was at least three inches wide and it came up to his lower lip. It was a miracle that Dogsbreath had missed his mouth. A lip bleed and a bruise would have made things worse when his father saw the wound. Just another reason to say he was clumsy. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. Staring back at him was a boy whose head barely reached the halfway point and gravity-defying hair cleared the rest. A boy, whose face was riddled with freckles and eyes a startling electric blue. He had no defined cheekbones, no small nose, cleft chin, or giant ears. He was a boy who could be overlooked in a crowd. 

But on Berk, he was known because his image said "Son of the mayor."  Everyone on Berk knew who he was. If was why his father was very strict in letting him walk the streets. His current chauffeur had been employed since he had turned nine. There was a story, written before his father sent him away, back when he was twelve. Before his father insisted he be driven almost every single day of the school year. The great Mayor Hensley did not need his reputation being ruined by his weak scrawny son. 

He waited until everyone had left the classroom to pack up his things and leave. The chauffeur would wait, but that did not mean he wouldn't complain when he finally arrived. All he had to ensure was that he knew Hamish's whereabouts. It was similar to having someone paid to be his stalker. Even if Hamish wanted to leave, he knew there was not a chance. A disadvantage to being the mayor's son was that his father would make certain he was found if he ran away. He could not leave the island without his father knowing. 

His father was hardly around, yet he knew that in some way, he was practically at Hamish's shoulder. With Berk High being so small, it was easy to make sure every student was in attendance. One whisper that a student was missing, and the entire school would know about it by the third period. Whenever he was targeted by Dogsbreath the entire student population, would know that he had been attacked. He had reported his and Orrick's bully at least a dozen times, and he also knew for a fact that most of the teachers knew. 

The only problem was that it never seemed to reach the principal. With all that he had done, and for the span of 3 years, in anyone's eyes Dustin should have already been expelled. If his father ever listened and believed him, even banished from Berk. For now, all he had to do was cope. When he graduated, then he had enough reason to leave Berk, to cut ties with anyone. To venture to a university far away from the Archipelago, to explore and find out what the rest of the world thought of dragons. 

His father could try and prevent it, but once he turned eighteen he could leave. His father could no longer be looking over his shoulder, no longer able to tell him he couldn't investigate dragons. Once he reached adulthood, his father no longer had a hold on him. He could only hope Dustin didn't kill him during the next two years and a half. 

"Your father won't get mad that we went to the Drinkery instead of straight home?" Orrick asked.

"Trevis will tell my father we went, but other than that he should not get upset. As long as it isn't dragons, he won't have much to say."

"Are you sure we shouldn't go to the nurse before we leave? Your father will be saying something about that bruise."

"Yes he will." Hamish rolled his eyes. "He will chastise me for not being careful going up the stairs, and I should really be paying attention." 

"But what about-"

"For all he cares Dogsbreath is just some other dragon species I came up with." 

"It's become a giant bruise!"

"I have gone home with worse. My father has put away the issue. I have been bringing it up for months, years, if he believed me he would have done something."

"Maybe I could have my mum talk to him."

"Her words, just like mine, will fall on deaf ears." He glared at Orrick in a sign to drop the topic.

Orrick nodded. "I found extra money in my locker, I can pay for both drinks and pastries."

"If anyone knew we did this," Hamish smiled, "they would ask why I don't pay all the time."

"I'd tell them that isn't a friendship, it's manipulation and taking advantage." He closed Hamish's locker. "Now come on. The sooner we get out of here the better." 

He glanced uneasily around them. Hamish knew why. They knew who would be looking to prey on them. Together the two of them walked as quickly as they could to the exit of the school. There were still students lingering around the doors, so it provided some cover if Dustin came looking for them. Of course, it didn't mean the students would defend him and Orrick if he arrived. They were more likely to flee the scene for fear of Dustin threatening to hit them as well. 

"Hamish!" A voice cried out some ways behind him. 

Orrick frantically shook his head for Hamish not to turn, but he did it anyway. As soon as he turned to face the person who had summoned his attention he felt Orrick's hand close around his wrist, trying to tug him backward. It had been a female voice, and once Orrick saw who it was as well his grip on Hamish's wrist softened. Astrid Hofferson, one of the tallest 3rd years in the school, was smiling broadly at him. He saw that her eyes locked on his chin, and then they flicked back to his own eyes.

She came running up to him, and he couldn't help but notice that she had a tail. If he didn't know any better, Astrid had made that person follow her. She was someone that demanded your attention, and anything otherwise was meant with a consequence. All he wondered, was why the new kid had become her tag-along. A boy, just as lanky and freckled as him, whose eyes only locked on his for the briefest of seconds. The boy who had been sitting at his and Orrick's table for the past three days, yet hadn't spoken a word.

"Are you leaving already?" She asked. 

Chapter 10: A Questionable Bruise

Notes:

Hello all! I hope you are enjoying the tale so far. This new characters, for all you book readers, I hope he seems familiar to you. ;)

_________________________________________

"Yes, we were just about too," He said, suddenly getting a bad feeling about it.

He took a step back, but instantly froze when Astrid gently dragged her fingers across the bruise. The boy behind her became very fidgety, fiddling with the leather bracelets on his wrists, then dragging his left hand up and down the strap of his satchel. He was looking in Hamish's direction, or rather the doors behind him.

"I know I said this at lunch but you should really go to the nurse before you go."

"Why?" He scowled. "This pressure to have my wound attended to should have been during lunch, not now. I'm going home, Astrid. Good day."

"Dustin stepped on your hand," She placed a firm hand on his shoulder, "punched you in the jaw, and kicked you twice in the ribs. The least you could do is go talk to Ms. Ellery."

"It's after classes. She will refuse to see me, and say I need to stop blaming a senior for my injuries. Trying to hold him back from graduating will only hurt the school's reputation. It will just be a repeated story!"

He stopped fidgeting. His eyes as well, narrowed in on the bruise on Hamish's jaw. Staring at him, completely different than anyone had. He came to stand beside Astrid, glancing at her to see if she'd notice him.

"Astrid," he said, "you told me you have your basketball practice. I'm going to start walking,"

"I know I can't guide you, but can you at least wait until I finish so I can give you directions? Or maybe I can take you some other day."

"Then you need to understand, he doesn't need your help. If he's telling you it's too late, then you should respect his wishes. I'll wait outside."

He strode by Hamish, giving him an expression that completely boggled him. Compassion, yet he didn't dare to ask what had happened. Just who was this new kid? The boy was scrawny, but at least he was taller than Hamish. He heard the familiar swing of the door, as well as a different sound that had Hamish staring at the boy's leg. He could swear he heard a distinct click.

"Your chest doesn't hurt?" Astrid's concerned gaze regained his attention. "Orrick, how are your glasses?"

"Thank you for your concern Astrid, but everything is fine. We don't want to-"

"It's because of what happened earlier this year, isn't it? When he left me on the courts beaten?"

"Yes. Your father loves you Hamish. I'm just trying to make sure his son doesn't come home in critical condition."

"Like Orrick said. We don't want to keep you waiting. Help the new boy and we'll be on our way. My chauffeur should be outside."

"I'll drag you myself if I have to." Her concerned voice shifted into a threatening one. Her position shifted to be ready to grab him if necessary.

"I can make you a deal." He spoke to match her tone. "Help the boy outside, and you can come with me to see the nurse. Clearly you won't believe it until you see it."

"Or maybe I can give him the information he needs. What is it you were going to tell him Astrid?" Orrick hastily spoke up.

"He wanted directions to the Drinkery." She said cautiously, still watching Hamish.

She wouldn't let him walk out of the school if he tried. She always got her way. He'd known her for as long as he could remember. He could guess that if she didn't have her friends to keep her calm, she could be a bully as well. There was no one here to rescue him from Astrid Hofferson.

"I can help him! Hamish, please finish the matter quickly," Orrick squeezed his wrist as he scuttled out the doors.

He had seen her when someone provoked her into an angry fit. It was always justified, but she was indeed terrifying, and frankly, violent. He had best to fulfill his part of the bargain. However, if he ever wanted to make sure he gained enough confidence to stand up to Dustin, he needed to be able to keep Astrid in check as well.

"I'm going to need you to clarify some things for me." He told her as he started to briskly walk to the office. "Why now? You've seen me and Orrick be hurt by Dogsbreath dozens of times, especially at the beginning of the year. Today was not the worst he's done. There is no need for the threat to go to-"

"Hamish, your injuries were so severe you had to go to the hospital!"

"You don't think I remember that!? Of the injuries he gave me that day there wasn't a concussion! Is this for your good deed of the week Astrid? If you make me go to Ms. Ellery, it'll help ease your guilty conscience? Let me tell you, with what you're going to see it surely won't."

"Have you tried to go talk to Headmaster Vikat?"

He refused to answer. She was just like everybody else. They refused to listen. They pushed until they heard what they wanted from Hamish. He could vent to anyone, but he had come to know what was going on inside their heads. They would be thinking of their own response instead of registering what exactly he endured. The truth of the matter was, he had tried talking to the headmaster. He had seen him walking the halls, but when he tried to make an appointment the assistant told him the headmaster was busy.          

Every single time he tried. It was also too private a matter to discuss in public when he addressed him in the hall. He knew Orrick had spoken to him, but all the headmaster had done was give Dogsbreath a three day suspension. When he came back he gave Orrick a "punishment for tattling". 

"Hamish, have you tried talking to him?"

He undid the buttons on his coat as they rounded the corner. 

"Oh, now you aren't speaking to me? Hamish, I know I can't apologize for what Dustin has done to you but the least I can do is make sure that there isn't anything that could later become critical."

He didn't respond as he knocked on the door to the nurse's office before entering. There was a bag sitting on one of the tables in the room, and at the edge stood a tall woman with long raven-black hair and a thin frame. As soon as she heard the door click shut her head immediately swiveled to check who had arrived. She pushed her dark violet glasses up her nose, and tucked her cell phone into the bag. She looked down on Hamish, crossing her arms.

"Hello Ms. Ellery, I was wondering if you could check on some of my injuries. Astrid was worried I had-"

"It's after hours Mr. Hensley you should have come earlier," She said with disdain. 

"Ms. Ellery," Astrid stepped in, prodding the sophomore forward,"he has a very noticeable bruise on his jaw, and I would really appreciate it if you checked that he wasn't hurt anywhere else. He-"

"I am going to have to ask both of you to leave."

"He was attacked by one of the students in the school, he was thrown to the ground and kicked harshly in the ribs, could you please just check-"

"Is that what he told you Ms. Hofferson?" She offered a mild chuckle. 

" Excuse me?" He glanced over to see Astrid's ice-blue eyes harden. 

"I don't know how often he talks to you, but he walks into my office at least once every week. He has me attend to bruises, cuts, bumps on his head, or dizzy states." 

"Well it's because he has been attacked at least once a week. There's a-" 

"Bup bup bup! Let the adult speak. It is not possible for a boy to suffer an injury from the same person. Every time he comes in with the same story. He needs to stop blaming Dustin and accept that he just needs to be more careful. My advice Hamish, is that you put on some aloe vera when you get home. Your father can surely afford that. If you're still in pain, I'll see you in the morning or at the lunch hour, but that story better have changed. Now, please make your way home." 

She grabbed Hamish by the shoulder, turned him around, and escorted him out the door. Astrid followed behind, and he could only imagine her expression. He tried walking down the hallway, to return to the exit doors, but she held onto his upper arm and prevented him from leaving. A few minutes later Ms. Ellery walked out of her office bundled up in her dark blue coat, ready to venture into the Berk island cold. She fastened her hair with a purple hair tie and said goodbye to them. 

"Do you see what I mean?" He snatched his arm away.

"I should have pushed harder," She mumbled. 

"You saw," He scowled, I am practically barred from the nurse's office. She doesn't want to tend my wounds. It's the same with you lot," He started to walk away, "you are witnesses, yet none of you say anything. Frankly, I am surprised no one else has pushed me to come to the nurse's office." 

"If this has happened so often, how have your parents not threatened to sue the school?"

"Are you satisfied now? You tried, and it was unsuccessful. You've done what you wanted, now please go. I don't want to be the reason you're late to your basketball practice." He made to leave, but paused in case she wanted to stop him again. 

"Have you really been coming to her that often?"

"Yes. I wish that I wouldn't have to come at all, but the gods have never granted me mercy."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Hamish. I'm sorry that I made you go through with this." 

If this were three years ago, he would have burst into tears after the ordeal. Now he found his tears had gone dry. He had come to accept his fate. To know his father wouldn't believe him, he had no one to turn to, and everyone only offered to help him out of pity. He could only sink lower, as his bully carved away at what little self-confidence he had. He wondered, what would happen if he ever left this reality. To move on to Valhalla. He would be mourned, but eventually anyone who knew him would move on with their lives.

The only person who his departure would deeply affect was Orrick. They were there for each other, and if he was gone one day, he didn't know what would become of his best friend. Surely he wouldn't give away his own life to join him? His mother needed him, and Hamish's parents were to be busy to be around him anyway. He could say that he had already matured, and though his body didn't display it, his mind surely did. 

He buttoned his coat as he swung the door open to the parking lot. He was immediately greeted with a blast of cold wind, and Hamish inhaled it gratefully. He may want to leave the island once he graduated, but aside from London he had never been anywhere else. Berk had been his home for 14 years, the cold never bothered him. Just like the evergreen dragons, various species that preferred to be out in the crippling snow than slumbering through the winter. He recalled an exhibit in the museum where there was a Great Devastating Winter that lasted three months, and Vikings could only venture out of their homes during a week-long lull in the weather. 

"Found out the truth?" Orrick asked from the steps.

"Ms. Ellery practically got her to blush. At least one person is seeing our side of the story." 

"She's been seeing it since we shared the film class together in our freshman year Hamish. I think I know what pushed her to get you to go to the office today." 

"The new kid, wasn't it?"

"She's finally becoming a civil servant."

"As she's seen, she's acted too late. if she really wants to do something she has to punch Dustin out before he even gets to us."

"Very true, I doubt Dogsbreath would want to mess with the great Astrid Hofferson." Orrick grinned. "But it also does seem like she'll be a little preoccupied. From what he told me, Astrid is very keen on making acquaintances with the new kid."

"Is Mildew here yet?"

"Been flashing his lights since he saw me come out. He's not going to be in a very good mood."

"Grumpy, absolutely. But if he really were impatient he would have already walked over to you and demanded to know where I was."

"To make sure you don't run."

"Precisely." Hamish groaned. 

He knocked on the driver's side window of his chauffeur. He saw the man inside stir and unlock the car. He climbed in, and then invited Orrick to climb in beside him. He looked over to the rear-view mirror to see his chauffeur eyeing him with an irritated stare. Murray Trevis, or Mildew as he and Orrick called him, had been in the service of his family for 6 years. He had retired from being a worker in the lumber mill on Outcast, but found nothing else to do with his time when he moved to Berk so his father had offered him the job. Hamish always found it odd that even in "retirement", he had agreed to work for the mayor, as something as measly as a driver. 

His and Hamish's relationship, well how can you say, they did not get along at all. Mildew was always more than eager to keep an eye on the red-haired sophomore. Even more eager to report his sneaking around. Sometimes when Hamish would walk home, he knew the large vehicle was watching from a distance. For a while, Hamish had been able to bribe him into keeping the secret from his father, but it was getting more and more difficult as he grew older. 

"That's a right nasty bruise yer got ther'. Fell down the stairs 'gain?" Mildew sneered.

"Hello to you Mildew," Hamish muttered. " I was punched in the face."

"Same boy?" Their eyes made contact in the rear view mirror.

Hamish nodded. If there was one thing Mildew understood, it was that Hamish and Orrick were targeted by a very predatory boy. He was the one that had picked up Hamish from the hospital when he had been beaten earlier that year. His parents had given Mr. Trevis permission to make sure Hamish had come home after he had been discharged. He knew about the wounds, but in those years he had never been able to decipher whether Mildew believed him about Dustin.

"Yer going to want to be careful not to be seen."

"Actually, Mr. Trevis, we were wondering if we could stop by the Drinkery before we go to Hamish's house?"

"I'm not letting him leave the automobile. Too much a risk for Mayor Hensley."

"That isn't fair!" Orrick shouted.

"Lotsa regulars buy at the Drinkery. Word get out the mayor let his son get bruised,"

"I'm getting off Mildew," Hamish said, "if it'll keep my father satisfied I'll cover my bruise with Orrick's scarf." 

"Right then.. and don't take yer sweet lit'le time getting yer drinks. Yer took long enough getting out of that school." 

Hamish let his head sag back into the leather seat. His life felt chaotic, yet restrained all at the same time. The fact that a bruise would pose questions about his father, it made him want to tear his hair out. He was already guessing how his father would react when he finally saw the bruise.

Chapter 11: Both is Never a Good Sign

"You said that you gave the new kid directions to the Drinkery. Why did you not offer him a ride?" Hamish asked.

"He said that he didn't want to be an inconvenience. His father would not be picking him up, and would rather walk so he could start learning how to walk home without getting lost. "

"Did he happen to give you his name?"

"Seemed very intent in keeping the information to himself. He doesn't talk much."

"I wonder why that is." Hamish muttered.

"We could ask him. He is the one sitting with us at lunch."

"I don't think we should push him. If he isn't going to open up to us, then we should just let it be. He did try to stand up for me with Astrid."

"Yet she still forced you to go to the office."

"Which I hope taught her a lesson. There are some things that reap no benefits."

"Continue yer yappin' inside, and make it snappy!" Mildew slammed on the brakes.

The both of them were thrown forward, now having arrived at the cafe. The title of the establishment was The Berkian Drinkery, one of the few coffee shops on the island. As far as Hamish knew, it had existed since before he was born. It was owned by Mr. Bucket and Mr. Mulch, and their employees were scarce. Mr. Mulch spent the majority of the day at the school since he was the World and Berk History teacher, so Mr. Bucket worked the shop most days. There were no alcoholic drinks sold in the Drinkery, and some of the drinks were of their own creation.

As they stepped out of the car Orrick unwrapped his scarf from his neck and handed it to Hamish. Upon receiving it he clutched the brown fabric in his fists before begrudgingly wrapping it around his neck and raising it so it covered his jaw. The things he did to maintain his father's reputation.

"Think we beat him to the shop?" Orrick asked.

"A car does move faster than a person."

"But he had a head start."

"Then it is more likely we made it at the same time."

"What are you going to want?"

"A latte macchiato, and a blueberry croissant. I'm going to save us a table while we wait."

There were other students scattered around the cafe, and a classmate even waved at him. There were a group of girls at another table who were staring specifically at the scarf wrapped around his neck. He sat down, taking out his small leather wallet and fingering the bills. He looked at his identification card in its slot, seeing his freckled face offering him a small smile. He found it odd that he could still smile. After nearly four years of being targeted, he wondered how his brain was motivated enough to smile. It had become instinctual, where sometimes a smile was a mere reflex.

Once Orrick had ordered he sat back down at the table, pushing the croissant towards Hamish. He put a hand above the thin paper, and felt the pastry deliver heat through the paper and into the skin. He slid the pastry out of the bag and took a bite. Instantly he cringed at the warmth rushing through his mouth as he chewed, but was met with the powerful taste of blueberries. It certainly hit the spot. He remembered that Mr. Bucket had once told him that the berries were imported from Hysteria and that he used two cartons of berries for each batch of croissants.

He took his wallet in hand, and stood from the table. Going to head to the check-out counter, right as the bell rang as another customer walked into the shop, letting in a blast of cold air.

"Where are you going?" Orrick asked.

"Getting a drink for Mildew. Don't want to give him more of a reason to complain."

"And you're still trying to get into his good graces. You realize that if he weren't being payed to keep an eye on you he would have already dumped you at the ferry leaving Berk?"

"Excuse me," A voice said quietly.

He moved out of the way, but not without looking to see who had arrived. It was the same auburn-haired boy from school, he'd made it after them.

"No, he would have left me at Berk High to spend the night. He at least would know that my father would enter a rage if I left the island without his knowledge. I'll be right back."

He already knew what he was going to order for his chauffeur when he walked up to the counter, but he could see that the new kid was inspecting the menu with a pensive look. He had his wallet out in his hands, and Hamish noted that there was an acrylic drawing of a Fireworm dragon fully ignited, and it seemed as if it had been hand-drawn.

"Hello Hamish. What will ye be 'aving today?" Mr. Bucket greeted him with a wide smile.

He was a man who dressed in a peculiar way. He had heard rumors from the other students that there was a time he actually wore a bucket on his head. It wasn't until he had been struck by lightning for a second time that he constantly wore a cap lined with thin metal. He had inquired about the hat when he had first started coming to the Drinkery, and he responded by saying that the feeling of the metal on his head brought him comfort. Hamish didn't understand, but he knew it made sense to Mr. Bucket.

"Could I have a hot chocolate with cinnamon and no whipped cream please?"

He inserted the order into the register, glancing back at the red-haired boy. "Yer sure about this? Yer not quite fond of cinnamon."

"No, this is for Mildew, he's waiting for me outside."

"Ahh, that makes sense. Yasmine will have yers and Orrick's drinks ready in a couple a minutes." He handed Hamish back his change.

He tucked the money back into his wallet and strode over to sit down at the table with Orrick.

"Fishlegs you better not have eaten any of my croissant," He joked as he peeked inside his bag.

"My carrot cake tastes far better than your blueberry, I wouldn't dream of it." Orrick rolled his eyes. "And be careful. I don't need anyone else calling me by that name."

"Hardly anyone acknowledges us anyway."

"What did you order for the old man outside?"

"Just a hot chocolate. Didn't want to give him an excuse to be picky."

"I heard from Mr. Michaelis that we get a week off for the holiday this year."

"I really don't understand why they're doing that. There's only a few weeks left until finals. Why risk taking a week off?"

"They're shaving a week off of the winter break. You could check the online yearly schedule if you don't believe me."

"But it's been three weeks for years! Why change it now!?"

"I'm just surprised it took Headmaster Vikat this long to make the decision."

"If he really wants to make changes," Hamish picked at his croissant, "he should install security cameras in the halls so someone could see what Dogsbreath does."

A tray was delicately placed on the table. Yasmine had arrived. Her full name was Yasmine Balkos, and she had known Hamish and Orrick for the two years she had worked at the Drinkery. She had tan skin and long thin black hair she had pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck. She wasn't much taller than Hamish, and that was saying something because he was short for his age. Today she donned a metallic purple lipstick along with amethyst earrings tucked into the lobes of her ears.

"I have a latte macchiato, that must be for you, right Hamish?" Her soft tone of voice aimed at him.

She had an extra drink on the tray, one that both Orrick and Hamish knew didn't belong to them.

"Orrick, I see you're trying something new today. You chose the honey citrus mint tea. That's one of my favorites." Her hazelnut eyes passed over to his now blushing face. "Mind you though, it does take a while to cool down."

"Right, I'll wait before I take a sip." He started to run his finger around the rim of the cup absentmindedly. 

"Who ordered the double-shot espresso?" She started to hold out the steaming cup towards Hamish. 

"That would be me." A voice said from behind her. 

A hand covered by a leather glove reached forward and gestured for the drink. Yasmine turned her head to the auburn-haired boy, smiling instantly as she gave him the drink. Then grabbing his free hand and shaking it.

"Hi, I'm Yasmine. You're new here aren't you?"

The boy nodded. 

"I hope you enjoy the espresso. Are you attending the university or the high school?"

"High school. I have to go now. See you tomorrow." He waved to the three of them and ventured out into the cold.

"Not much of a talker is he?" Yasmine turned her gaze back to the two boys. 

"Yes, and we're sorry. He doesn't seem keen on sharing his name with many people."

"Do you know his name?" She frowned. 

"No, we figure he'll introduce himself when he's ready," Orrick responded. 

"How long has he been on the island?" 

"Only a couple of days. Now if you'll excuse us Yasmine, we have to get going. Let's go Fis- Orrick."

"Right. Your chauffeur is flashing his lights nonstop outside. Do me a favor, make sure that boy comes back, we could use more foot traffic through our tiny shop." She hugged each of them before she went back behind the counter. 

"Aren't you allergic to honey?" Hamish asked as soon as they climbed into the car. 

"It's bees, not honey. So no... at least I hope not. Mum isn't fond of honey. I just hope I like it."

"You didn't need to order something different just to impress her."

He tapped on Mildew's shoulder just as he started the engine. When his head turned to glare at Hamish, he held out the large cup with hot chocolate inside. He grunted in form of thanks, snatched the cup out of his hands, and took a large slurp. Soon enough he was racing down the street, heading back to the Hensley mansion. It wasn't necessarily a mansion, but it was definitely the largest house on the island. He knew about two houses that rivaled the size of his own, one located on Riders Way and another on Hooligan Boulevard. It had been home for the last fourteen years. His father had been mayor for as long as he remembered, and the previous mayor had been a Haddock.

He wished Mr. Trevis a good night as they bid farewell, and walked toward the front door of his house. Orrick was about to knock on the door when Hamish put out a hand to stop him. He reached into his shirt, and drew out the key he had dangling on his chest now having grown warm from the body heat. He inserted the key into the house, then punched in four numbers into the alarm box and swung the door open. 

"You never told me neither of your parents were home." 

"You never asked." He said as he shut the door behind them and re-inserted the security lock. 

"My mum is under the impression that one of your parents were home." He continued to protest as they walked to his bedroom. 

"Would you like to call her to let her know then? Fishlegs, you can relax, I'll make dinner and your mother can pick you up at the normal time." 

"You're cooking again?" He groaned. "I'm getting tired of having to lie to my mother." 

"Would your mother still let you come over if she knew I'm home alone most of the time?"

"Actually, I think she would. She knows your house is much more secure than ours, but honest-to-gods she knows your mother and father are very capable of fighting an intruder."

He opened the door to his bedroom, seeing his bed left the exact same way he had left it when he had first climbed out of it that morning. There was a maid that came at least three times a week, but he had left explicit instructions to leave his bedroom alone, of course keeping it secret from his parents. He wanted to maintain his own room, he had told her, and it was because of the maid that he knew how to wash his own sheets and the laundry cycles for his clothing. He had to acquire his own skills to be able to maintain himself, because unbeknownst to his father, he would leave to live on his own as soon as he was old enough. 

His room was a rectangular shape and most of the furniture was almost as old as he was. It was located at the farthest corner of the house, a transfer made when he was nine, under his father's orders. Two of the walls were painted a chestnut brown, but the other two he had asked to be painted with a design. Eventually the chestnut faded into a forest background with a sunset hidden in the horizon, with an ever-present transparent moon ready to overtake the sun. The day never changed in his room, at least, not while the curtains were closed.  His curtains were a juniper green, with a few tears in them from when he made peeky holes with his scissors. 

It had been a cloudy day so he hadn't bothered to open the curtains, instead he turned on the lights and flinched when one of the bulbs finally burnt out. There were four light fixtures set around the room, with energy-saving bulbs set in each one and he was glad one had finally flickered out. He felt as if there had been paranormal activity in his room for the past month. 

Orrick excused himself to the restroom while Hamish climbed down the stairs to get them some snacks. He had marked an area in the pantry with food suitable for Orrick, since he knew it was easy for him to display an allergic reaction. He had set aside a cream colored canvas bag and started throwing in cream cheese crackers and then a cereal box. With how often his parents were away, he fed himself similar to how he had seen college students in television shows function in their independent lives. 

"Good, you're in the kitchen. If you're going to be cooking tonight, I'm deciding what you're making." Orrick strode in and sat in one of the maple wood stools at the kitchen island. 

"I'm sorry, but this is my house Fishlegs, Who says you get a vote?" He smiled as he closed the door to the pantry. "I'm joking." 

"Right," He shook his head, "I should have guessed that. I've been to your house enough times that I have my own couch and toothbrush."

"I was thinking of just making spaghetti."

"Pasta is too bland a flavor. What about a stew?"

"You're allergic to yak meat." Hamish began to pull out a pot from one of the bottom cabinets.

Then the both of them heard a harsh thud, making Orrick fall off of the stool in terror. Hamish quietly put the dull gray pot silently on the granite island. He made sure Orrick was okay before starting to make steps towards the doorway. 

"Someone broke in, check the cameras!" Orrick hissed. 

"They're all the way in the living room, by the time I get there the intruder will have seen me."

"Take the hallway that leads to the garage,"

"I'm not going anywhere without you. It was just the door opening, it may not even be-"

"How come we don't hear footsteps?" Orrick whispered. 

Orrick pushed his glasses up his nose as he took step behind Hamish. It was true, they had only heard the door open, but footsteps, squeaks, or clacks should have been audible due to the tile floor. He heard his best friend's silent patters as he walked behind him. The door had been closed, but there was a box and a large smooth silver suitcase just at the entrance to the parlor. The code had even been reset. He immediately started deducing who it had been, because he knew that anybody who knew the security code would know that he would be home at this time. 

He finally heard the footsteps he'd been waiting for. 

"My little boy!" The harsh clomp of boots sounded as they descended the staircase. 

Hamish barely had a moment to react before he was wrapped in a suffocating embrace. 

"Mrs. Hensley?" Orrick gasped. "But Hamish said you were on a trip!"

"Mother? Why have you come home so soon?" He said, as he stepped back to view his mother.

His mother was a large curved woman. Vivianna Hensley was a woman who towered well over her son, and whose affectionate actions could often result in gasping breath in the aftermath. Today she was wearing a pair of thin-soled smoke-colored boots that reached her mid-calves, and was in the midst of removing her coat that reached to her hips. She wore a navy blue knitted sweater and a long necklace with a rose quartz and a white feather fastened to the silver chain along with plain black leggings. She loosened her tight bun that she wore while in public and on business, and down flowed wavy blonde locks. Coming to rest at her waist.

He stared up at her eyes, an electric blue that he had inherited, and would probably pass down to his kids if he ever had any.

"Your father didn't call you?" She pocketed a hair tie.

He followed behind her as she walked into the kitchen, glancing behind him to see that Orrick was ascending the curved polished marble stairs, heading to his bedroom without the canvas bag.

"No, but he did have Mr. Trevis pick me up from school." 

"I cut my trip short because there's something your father wants to talk about." She dragged her fingers underneath his chin. "I'll get dinner started and we'll talk then. Go on upstairs, I'll call you down when it's ready." 

He practically bolted out of the kitchen and up the stairs. By the time he had made it to his bedroom, he pushed open the blue-painted door, breathing heavily. He tried calming down so he wouldn't attract Orrick's attention. He went to his bag, grabbing a jumbo-size chocolate bar with almonds and taking giant bites. His head starting to spin, he glanced around the room, seeing Orrick pulling out his homework while taking ginger sips of his tea. After devouring the entire bar, his fingers fumbled for the side of his backpack. He hurriedly put the cup to his mouth and let the hot liquid wash away any traces of the chocolate. 

A minute later, Orrick had his arm wrapped around his best friend. "You should let it out before it swallows you entirely." Is all he said.

"Tonight's changed." Hamish replied. 

"Aren't you happy your mum's home?" Orrick slapped his hand to keep him from taking out another candy bar.

"This isn't a good sign. The last time my mother came home early from a trip and my father actually came home early for dinner, it was when they told me they were sending me to London." 

Chapter 12: Sleep and School Do Not Mix

Notes:

Hey guys I'm trying to get back to a normal updating schedule! Sorry it's been so messed up the last few chapters. Hope you're loving the tale!
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Friday signified the end of the week. In Hiccup's life, it meant that he would be able to work on the conversion of the bedroom into an art studio. All he had to do was get through the school day. He had made sure to walk in to his second period only a minute before the final bell, because he wanted to avoid Dustin at all costs. He had no doubt that the senior still carried resentment for what had happened six years ago and didn't want to see what he was now capable of. By the third period he was practically falling asleep at his desk.

Catching up on the notes for three separate classes was making him lose two hours of sleep a night. Back on Meathead he had worked himself into a schedule where he would walk the 1.6 kilometers to his home and indulge in all the homework he could and be asleep by ten at night. He hardly ever went out, not even for coffee, but there was always a pot full of it when he was home. He left it full in the morning and merely reheated it once he came back home. He had done the grocery shopping, he handled the laundry loads, his father would handle any home repairs.

He couldn't join a sport, because his leg couldn't quite take all the strain. All sports involved running, and any prolonged periods would leave his stump aching and feeling as if he could tear open the skin with any more effort. Here at Berk High, there weren't even that many sports to choose from. There were more clubs than sports, but the twins hadn't listed all of the clubs in their 'surviving high school' guidebook. Only the ones that they could make fun of and that had members that were easy to prank. He made sure to steer clear of those.

He felt his head starting to droop, his eyelids starting to close. Berk had really disrupted his sleep schedule. He had almost never fallen asleep in class. He managed to write down another example before his head finally sagged onto the desk. He refused to let his eyes close all the way, but his thoughts continued to swirl about his head, trying to bring him to succumb to slumber. Just wait until nighttime, just do a single page and you can sleep early... He forced his head to lift from the desk, and he wrote down a few more words before his eyes closed.

His father had decided to give him an allowance. Hiccup had never brought it up, not once during any of their eleven moves. 30 decans a week, he could hardly believe it. Instead of Hiccup asking his father for money, back on the other islands he had refused to accept money from his father. Berk made it different. Before Hiccup had gone to bed on Sunday night his father had stopped the door from closing and pressed the bills into his son's hand. He said that he wouldn't take any argument and that the money was his to keep. Over dinner the next few days his father had told him that he wanted him to stay out more, and use the decans he had given him. This was his hometown, he shouldn't stay holed up at home like he had on the mainland.

It was because he had received the money that Hiccup had asked Astrid to help him find a coffee shop. He knew that his father would begin to ask, and to relieve any oncoming pressure he decided that finding a coffee shop would be an ideal way of spending the money he had. Though Hiccup knew that his father was getting quite desperate for him to make friends. He was very diligent about saving his money, because they hadn't visited relatives for the past few years, they would send him money through mail. He remembered one time when he had a phone call with Gobber he had commented on why Hiccup didn't accept his father's money, and Hiccup had responded by saying-

"Hiccup! Are you still with us?" Ms. Sinkt's voice raided his ears.

He opened his eyes and quickly whipped his head off the table, nodding his head vigorously. He glanced at the others students, noting that one already had their arms wrapped around their head and was fast asleep. He didn't care to comment, instead he rubbed at his eyes to rid the drowsiness. It was Friday , the fact had barely dawned on him, he could sleep in for Saturday morning. Ms. Sinkt cast him a few more questioning looks before turning and once again pressing her blue marker to the board. Needless to say, he stayed awake for the remaining 26 minutes of class.

The other student, they were met with a rude awakening when their desk partner shoved them out of their seat. To Hiccup, it seemed the equivalent of dumping a bucket of cold water on someone. Once the bell rang he closed his notebook and set to putting his things in his satchel. He wasn't going to be the last one to leave the classroom, but once he reached the last row of desks Ms. Sinkt asked him to stay behind. As he approached her large desk, he tried to notice the decorations on her desk before locking eyes with her. She had three staplers, each a different color. One was red, the other gold, and finally a dark purple. The edge of her computer screen was filled with post-its, almost illegible scrawl written on them. She had a small silver basket that held an assortment of pens but only two wooden pencils.

"Yes, Ms. Sinkt?" He asked meekly.

"How are you enjoying your stay on Berk so far?" She sat down in a purple-cushioned chair, pulling it up to the desk.

"I'm sorry?"

"I understood why you were falling asleep in class today. For your parents to uproot you and register to a new school with so few weeks left in the semester, it must be a lot of work on your plate. How are you coping?"

The question had blindsided him. He hated being put on the spot, and was surprised he still wasn't used to it.

"I have been trying my best to catch up as fast as possible." He said slowly.

"It's five classes, that is a lot of curriculum to get on track with. I am willing to bet you are losing some sleep over this?"

He didn't want to admit it. "Maybe a bit."

"I would like you to get the extra coursework done, but I don't want you doing it on your own. I would advise that you reach out to your classmates. Asking for a tutor won't fall on deaf ears, with such a small school population no one should be left in the dust."

He blinked. "My classmates?"

"Get to know someone, some of them are more than willing to help."

"All right. Thank you." He managed to say.

"Good luck Hiccup." She smiled.

Before heading to the lunchroom he headed to his locker to drop off his textbooks for World History and Financial Algebra. He always carried those by hand because he knew they wouldn't fit in his satchel. He had already made binders for each class and had notebooks for three. However, he still had yet to find time to make a design for each binder, for now, all he had was simple labels to distinguish the difference. He had tried to put in the Terrible Terror, but he wasn't pleased on how a certain someone had come in and ruined it. He angrily twirled the lock to his locker and tugged it open.

He arranged his textbooks so all were standing neatly and without risk of tipping over. He always kept his art sketchbook in his satchel, because it was one of his most treasured possessions. He didn't know if anyone at Berk High was capable of stealing from lockers, but he sure wasn't going to chance it. Looking at how the top of the locker was riddled with spiderwebs, he made a mental note to bring wet wipes with him on Monday in order to properly clean out the top locker. He was about to slam the door to his locker when his dark green beanie was swiped off of his head.

He turned to see who had been the culprit as he properly closed the door. Well speak of the Nightmare. The older boy was holding the beanie above his head, just out of his reach if he raised his arm.

"Give it back." Hiccup said.

"It's right here, get it yourself." Dogsbreath sneered. "You might need to jump for it though, you're lacking in the height department."

Hiccup bit the inside of his cheek. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see students slowing their strides to view the scene, to see how he would react to someone who was clearly baiting him into ridicule. It had only been a week at Berk High, he had no idea how people would react to seeing him jump for a measly beanie. But the more he stood there, the longer he knew people would notice his hair. That he knew, would elicit some kind of response. He glanced behind Dustin, and an idea popped into his head.

"Oh, hello Mr. Mulch!" He raised his hand and waved to further the effect.

Knowing that the 12th year did not get along with the World History teacher, he guessed that the bully would take the bait. Indeed he did, as his head turned to look behind him. Hiccup took his chance, taking a few steps in the few seconds he had. He took a running start, and taking a high jump, snatched the beanie out of Dogsbreath's hand. He stepped back once again, remembering how he had reacted those years ago when Hiccup attempted to fight back. When he looked back at Hiccup, his gaze immediately locked on Hiccup's hand, which had now risen to put the beanie back on his head.

"Good day." He quipped.

He was about to turn on his heel, when he remembered what Dustin was famous for on Berserk. Administering the final blow. He managed to raise his arm and succeeded in blocking a punch thrown by his former bully. He took a step back, planting his prosthetic firmly on the ground.

"You've obviously learned a few new tricks haven't you? Am I really," He approached him, "going to have to teach you about who you once were?"

He saw Dogsbreath's left leg begin to shift, and shifted his torso to block another attempted blow. Dogsbreath's leg lunged out, but he didn't get very far.

"I do hope you're not causing an uproar in the halls are you, Mr. Querett?" Mr. Michealis had approached the scene, seeing the 12th year's predatory stance.

"No." He mumbled.

He walked past Hiccup, and he made sure to maintain a wide berth as he swaggered past. He saw the teacher watched him, an eyebrow raised, but soon nodded and walked away as well. Hiccup let his arms drop to his side, letting his defensive stance fade away. He turned in the direction of the lunchroom, surprised he had managed to stay calm and not stutter when face-to-face with his bully from years past. He also knew, that the recent event wouldn't be the last time Dogsbreath would attempt to strike at him.

"Only one half left and you're done with your first week," A voice remarked.

"Huh?"

"You managed to survive your first week at Berk High," Fishlegs came to walk beside him.

At first, he regarded the blonde, husky male with a confused expression, but soon dropped the facade and weighed the sentence.

"Is the first week a test of whether you die or not or something?"

"Hiccup, you have arrived at a time when Berk is hit by two events, the sudden onslaught of snow storms, and the looming arrival of Finals. Your parents chose a perfect time to bring you here."

"That doesn't sound promising."

"I of course have no idea how you've been able to manage these days. I have to assume you've dealt with some homework struggles?"

He remembered Ms. Sinkt's comments. "I have lost sleep."

"Astrid told me of how you're in her art class. That must be nice... she said you also have a passion for dragons?"

"Umm, well, it has become a hobby over the years," Hiccup drizzled a packet of salt over his potatoes.

"You know most of the species?" Fishlegs’ enthusiasm was becoming much more apparent.

"I would say so."

"It's so wonderful to find someone who takes such an interest! Could I see some of your sketches one day!? Maybe we could visit the museum, in order to officially call yourself a dragon expert you must see the exhibit we have here on the island!"

"Umm, I dunno, I'm still trying to adjust."

They had reached the end of the line, and he could see that the fellow 11th year had become excited at the fact that he shared an interest in dragon lore. It wasn't something he was eager to talk about, because on the mainland the people think dragons are myths.

"You want to come sit with us? We can talk more. You could tell me your favorite class of dragons!"

"Maybe some other time. I'm going to sit at another table."

He headed in the direction of the table he had been sitting at for the last few days. Once he sat down, he saw the other two boys immediately glance up. The red-haired boy even smiled widely at him before they resumed eating their meals. He averted his gaze and dipped a fry into the little container of ketchup.

Chapter 13: Choosing to Speak

He saw Fishlegs sit down at the table across the room, noticing Astrid almost immediately strike up a conversation. Had it been her idea from the beginning for one of her friends to talk to Hiccup? He arranged his chicken strips on one side of the plate, then made sure to pour another packet of ketchup into the container. He was already envisioning the day over, when he would walk through the comfortable chill. He just hoped that today they wouldn't pay attention like they had yesterday. He still had about 26 decans left, and knew his father would be giving him 30 more the next week.

He plugged the straw into the cranberry juice box and took a long quiet sip. His attention was caught by the two boys, the bespectacled boy pointed at a table about 3 meters away from them. He looked where he had pointed, and could see that Dustin was watching the boys with a growing smirk.

"Can't he give us a break at least once?"

"If we try to stop him, he'll only try to hurt us even more. I for one, am not looking forward to more bruises." The red-haired boy sighed.

"Stare him down. If you purposely avert his gaze it's letting him know you're afraid of him, thus making him get up and come over here." Hiccup commented.

"Won't that provoke him?" The brunette frowned.

"Trust me. Try it, and soon enough he'll lose nerve."

Hiccup felt tempted to turn and wave at Dustin, but he knew that he still shared his own problems with the 12th year. He saw how they stared at him, but one of them was beginning to tremble. But when he turned back to see if Dogsbreath had stood from his table to walk over, he saw that he was shaking his head and digging his fork into his pot pie.

"How did you know that would work?" The red-haired boy asked accusingly.

Was it safe to admit it to them? They were in the same boat that he was. It was because of Dustin, that the red-haired boy had the bruise on his jaw.

"I've dealt with enough bullies to know how to discourage them."

"That seems more a question of confidence then knowing how to chase off bullies."

"Well you won't exactly be able to fight him, right? You're pegged as the weak link, and he targets you to keep you in that box." Hiccup cast him a pointed look.

The red-haired boy crossed his arms. "I guess you have a point. Hiccup Haddock is it? You're a third?"

"Right." Hiccup replied, masking his shock at how the younger boy knew his name.

"Do you know who he is?" The bespectacled boy made a gesture toward the bully across the room.

"Vaguely. Had a go at me in the hallway just a few minutes ago."

"And you fought him off?"

"Not exactly. Just stalled until a teacher came."

"He does tend to lose nerve when he knows an adult is watching." The red-haired said with a nod of the head. "I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Hamish Hensley."

"I'm Orrick Bloomfield. It's nice to meet you Hiccup." The boy pushed his glasses up his nose.

It was always him first. He would always have to introduce himself before anyone else would. Why would Berk be different? Who the heck was spreading his name across the school population? Next thing he knew, there would be random people in the street calling him by name. Only two people had insulted his name so far. Once anyone would find out he was a Haddock, he would be praised or seen with a different point of view. On Berk, a Haddock was important. But on the mainland, the name was all but insignificant.

"Why would he go after you?" Hamish drummed his spoon on the side of the plastic bowl.

"You act as if I would know." Hiccup rolled his eyes, taking a bite of a chicken strip.

"It must be because you're new," Orrick noted.

"Has he picked on others who come to the school?" He asked.

"Well he tries, but eventually he loses interest because we're his main targets."

Oh trust me, he hasn't lost interest in me. I may join you guys in the target category. He swallowed the words that formed on his tongue.

It had to be easy to tell. He wasn't willing to engage in conversation. Truth be told, there were numerous things he wanted to talk about. But, he was still hesitant to exit his shell. He could be making all these assumptions of how the Berkian high schoolers operate, but he could still never guess whether or not they would turn on him. If someone would be willing to remain friendly to him, and would never raise a hand to strike. He had never been accepted, and it was becoming difficult to judge the outcome of what his stay on Berk would be like.

"Your father is Stoick "the Vast" Haddock?" Hamish tried for conversation once again.

Hiccup swallowed his bite of food, eyeing Hamish with a curious stare. If there was another thing he could know for sure, is that the Haddock name was famous. He just hoped that he wouldn't spoil his father's good name with his own actions.

"The one and only." Hiccup said, accidentally squeezing the fry in his hand.

When he glanced back at Hamish, he could see him opening his mouth, but no words came out. He then uttered a few syllables, but let the sounds die off. Whatever he was going to say, he was reluctant to say out loud. Hiccup looked down at his plate, in all his years, he hadn't experienced much conversation. There were only five fries left, and half of a chicken strip left. Would they want to talk to him, if he decided to make conversation?

"So, what's your story?" Hiccup masked the fear on his face.

"Pardon?" Hamish said after a spoonful.

"Did you guys move here, or have you lived here your whole lives?"

"Lived here our whole lives. I don't know if they taught you this in your other school, but in a few history books it states the families that have lived here on the island since the reign of the Vikings." Hamish smiled.

"I think I remember seeing Haddock in there though." Orrick squinted.

"I wouldn't know anything about that." Hiccup replied automatically. "We haven't covered Berk's history since my 6th year."

"So your father and past generations have lived here on the island, but your father broke the chain."

"He didn't actually. I was born on Berk, but moved when I was little." It was a half-truth, with some held back details.

"But history won't care for a detail like that. Your name will state you broke the pattern."

"What makes you think I'll be in history?" Hiccup glowered at him.

He ate the last bite of his chicken strip, and dunked the last fry in ketchup before throwing it into his mouth. He stood from the table, tray in hand.

"Where are you going?" Hamish made moves to follow.

"As far as I've heard, you only have to stay in here until you finish eating. As you can see, I've finished. So, I will be seeing you around. Good day."

He had only made it a few steps away when he heard Orrick shout, "Will you be coming to the Drinkery later on?"

"I haven't decided yet." He answered honestly.

"Enjoy your Friday." Hamish waved goodbye.

The rest of the lunch hour he sat next to the trophy case on the second floor. He had pulled out his extra sketchbook, the one he wasn't using for the class. The prior day he had spent a few minutes that morning skimming through one of his already filled sketchbooks. Instead of putting in the empty one, he had accidentally put in the occupied one. He had to admit, he was glad that Astrid had given him a paper. Every once in a while, he would lean forward and look at the picture in the case, his gaze immediately centering on his mother in the background. Her smile, the brown hair dangling down and covering a portion of her face. It made him wish that she could be here on Berk with him, that the school bell would ring at the end of the day, and there she'd be, waiting to pick him up.

Then as soon as they would get home to Riders Way, they would both sit down at the decently-sized dining room table and discuss the day over a cup of coffee. The bell rung, signaling the end of the lunch hour. He wearily stood up, a trick of the mind telling him that his mother's eyes were following as he walked past and headed in the direction of the art room. He sat down, seeing that the teacher had yet to arrive. He took out his sketchbook, and first making sure no one was watching, he took out a mechanical pencil and started a vague sketch. He was most skilled in drawing dragons, but he could draw landscapes whenever possible. He wasn't fond of doing portraits, because he didn't enjoy later flipping through the sketchbook and seeing faces he didn't appreciate.

There was a time on Meathead, a small hobby that only lasted for a summer, that he would draw pieces based on requests made by his classmates or next-door neighbors. Depending on the size paper he would use, they would give him 12 or 15 decans for his work. He later stopped offering to complete more pieces when a group of kids had started to tease him for drawing mythical creatures. No one liked dragons in the way he did. The media would always paint them in a bad image, making them seem like they were nothing more than creatures who set fires to houses and hoarded treasure. But as far back as he could remember, his mother had always made them seem like the most wonderful mythical creatures. Better than griffins, or mermaids, unicorns, or pegasi.

He remembered his little five-year-old self wholeheartedly agreeing with his mother that dragons were the ones whose species were very underestimated. One of her treasured items had stayed with him through every single move, his father didn't even know that it had survived the fire. He knew it came from her, his insatiable obsession with dragons. If there was one thing he admitted to Astrid yesterday, is that he preferred drawing anything else but portraits. He hated looking through the sketchbooks later and seeing the faces staring back at him.

He had run short on inspiration and for an idea his father suggested that he draw pieces based on pictures from the photo album. Relatives he hadn't seen in years, some he would never meet. Pictures, of his own family. Before his mother was tragically taken away. He had captured his mother's image in perfect detail, the photograph helping as well as the vivid memory. He could never get his father's nose right. The beard he drew with whatever shape he could imagine, because looking at photos over the years he noticed how the beard kept changing.

"Day 2 of the Letter Project," Astrid slid into her seat with a smile.

"Is that what this is?" He said lowly.

"It's what she's entered in the grade category. I suppose it makes sense, I mean, we are doing the artpieces based on the letter we pulled from the hat."

"Brilliant." He muttered.

He pulled out the sheet he had started his piece on yesterday. He had brought the empty sketchbook with him, but didn't know if he should start from scratch, or just continue editing on the given sheet. He had made good progress the day before, and he hadn't come up with any ideas for drastic changes. For now, he'd make do, and spare the notion of starting anew just because he had come to the new class unprepared.

"I feel like I got the most difficult letter in the alphabet," She chuckled.

"How so?" He planted his chin into the heel of his hand.

"You can't find many objects that start with I, much less make them coincide. At this point, making some up seems too last minute."

"I agree, you've already worked out your story."

"Yet, your story seems much more crafted than mine." She smiled, staring down at his piece in progress.

"Experience means pieces come together quickly."

"Just how long have you been drawing?"

"Good few years."

"It must have been some very committed few years to be that good. Drawing must be in your blood."

"Not everyone is born a good artist. Some of the best ones take several years to hone their craft."

"And others are acknowledged for their style, right?" Astrid asked.

"Precisely."

Conversation, it wasn't really his style. If he actually wanted to make friends and keep them this time around, he had to engage. Show interest, and no visible doubt that they could turn against him. However, always consider the possibility. He just wondered how far he would get with Astrid Hofferson before the link to a final goodbye would disappear.

"Dragons are my preference though." He added lightly.

"Do you have any particular species you prefer drawing over the other?" He could see her ice-blue eyes brighten as he turned to make eye contact with her.

"No, not particularly. It's rather thrilling to draw a Windwalker then later be working on a Cavern Crasher."

"A Cavern Crasher? I haven't heard about those in the books."

"Books?" A thrill of joy ran through his body.

Could she-

"There's an exhibit, in the Museum of Berk, that's entirely dedicated to dragon lore. There are some copies of the Dragon Manuals used in Viking times there."

"You don't seem like the type to be a dragon species fanatic."

"I've been hanging out with Fishlegs for over five years. Whenever there's a trip to the museum, he usually brings me and Heather. I've picked up a few things, and maybe my memory just isn't working, but I don't remember seeing a Cavern Crasher."

Different books. Not what he thought.

"Are there Typhoomerangs? Death Songs?"

"Yes, even Flamehuffers and Grimlers."

"You know their classification and their aggressiveness?"

"No, not to that extent. I only know names. If you want to talk dragons, you'd have to look to Fishlegs. He's even made his own notecards."

"When I talked to him at lunch it didn't seem that severe." He shook his head.

"I think you two would get along well. You could still sit with us if you want. You do know you've been sitting with the mayor's son right?"

"Which of the two?" Hiccup chuckled dryly.

"The one with the bright red hair."

"Oh, he introduced himself today. His name is Hamish, right?"

"Yes, so you have talked to the boys you're sitting with!"

"Just today." And the conversation didn't last long.

He looked down at his paper, then glanced up at the clock on the wall. The pieces were due first thing on Monday. He didn't know why she needed to give the weekend for an assignment that was seemingly simple, but it gave him the chance to get it done faster.

"What, did you talk about?" She asked with a grin.

"Not much. I found out that the Haddocks are in the history books." He twirled his pencil.

"Oh yeah they are. Umm, I wanted to, well I-" She seemed to stutter to find her words. "Can I have your phone?"

"Why?"

Instead of wanting to hand it over, he developed the strong urge to hide it and make it seem nonexistent. She hadn't seen it right? He could lie and say that he didn't have a cell phone, that his dad never brought him one because he thought he was irresponsible. Actually no, the irresponsible embellishment could be too much.

"I would like to give you my phone number. My friends and I could give you a tour of the island, what with you having only been here a week."

"I've only known you four days."

"And in our day and generation, numbers can be exchanged in the hour that they know each other."

"Forgive me then, if I'm not with the times."

"So I take that as a no?" She retracted the hand she had extended.

"As a rain check. This feels like jumping into things too soon. For me. I'm sorry."

"It's my turn to ask why though." She tilted her head and frowned.

Let it out nice and slow Hiccup. She's looking for an answer, and if you really will be taking her number some day in the future, you need to tell her this little truth. His father wanted him to make friends. Astrid was on her way to becoming a candidate. He had to open up in order to let people into his life. Berk was trying to break down the walls he had built for over ten years.

"I promised myself, back before we moved, that I wouldn't put myself in an environment with people who belittled me." He said.

"You mean being with my friends." She said shortly.

"I am not going to tolerate people who ridicule others to feel better about themselves."

"But you don't even know her!"

"She doesn't know me either, yet she made a judgment purely based on my appearance and name. If she's going to tease me with something as simple as that, I am not going to be around her and pretend it doesn't bother me."

"You really don't want to hang out with my friends?"

"In order for people to get along, there must be respect among one another." 

"I agree with you, but I'd like for you to get to know them."

"Is there really two sides to everyone?" Hiccup looked at her sadly.

She didn't push the subject further, and for that he was thankful. He continued to try to work on the assignment, noticing she glanced at his sheet from time to time. She would draw in a short breath, then erase a line she had made and begin again. He had managed to draw his five items with about fifteen minutes to spare, and came to the conclusion that he would have to finish coloring it in at home. Which would mean he'd have to push the note taking until Saturday, or maybe even later, because he was determined to get started on the bedroom conversion for the weekend. 

"Next week, I don't have practice on Wednesday. You want to take a trip to the Drinkery?"

"You and me?" He was confused, hadn't he angered her?

"Yes. I want to be the one who shows you around Berk."

Chapter 14: An Unexpected Surprise

"Heather, I just screwed it up so bad. You sure that Fishlegs can't invent a time-travelling device and I can go back and repeat this day?" She sagged onto her bed.

"I really think you're making too big a deal of this." She said.

"I yelled at him, just because he didn't want to hang out with us. I could have gone about it differently, but no, my mouth beat my mind."

"You talk faster than you think. It isn't such a bad thing that you yelled at him. I mean, you just lost your temper, it happens."

"But over Camicazi, I mean sure I chewed her out on Monday, and I apologized yesterday, I can't believe it just hit me so hard."

"Did he get defensive or something? That could have been what made you angry too." Heather said with a sigh.

Astrid sat up, her fingers clutching the cell phone tighter to make sure it didn't slip. "He gave a good reason. She made fun of him, and he doesn't want to hang out with us where she might take a shot at him again. I just, I don't know, I want to see him more than just sitting next to him in Art."

"This is going to turn into Thuggory all over again isn't it?"

"What do you mean?" She heard faint stirring from the other end of the line.

"I mean, I know it's been a year since you've even dated, much less crushed on, but think about it. You want to see Hiccup more, you want him to sit with us, you even offered to walk him to the Berkian Drinkery."

And actually plan to go with him the coming week.

"Okay," She said uncertainly, "but what does my ex have to do with this?"

"Hiccup and Thuggory both have similar history. Maybe you've grafted onto him because he's someone who wasn't born and raised on Berk. They both even came from Meathead... Now do you see my point?"

"This has to be a record for me. Getting a crush in less then a week."

"Keep in mind I never said it was a bad thing." Her friend said hastily.

"Something just doesn't bode well with me though. I don't know if it's really because he's from Meathead that I'm starting to like him. He's holding stuff back Heather. I just know it. He talks so curtly, simple sentences practically saying nothing at all."

"You want to get to know him, it's only natural. You're never one to just jump into things. But in getting Hiccup to sit with us, I suggest you give it time. If you can prove to him that you can reign in Camicazi and that he won't have to deal with the teasing, then he may sit with us someday. But for now, you'll just have to let him remain in his solitude. It seems like he's comfortable with it."

"There has to be a reason why he doesn't talk. His voice is fluid, he doesn't stutter. I don't really think he's shy. I want to find out why."

"Then just tread carefully Astrid."

"Are you okay?" She finally pointed it out to her friend.

They had been on the phone for half an hour, and she noted that every now and then there would be the ongoing sounds of shifting from the other line, slams and faint murmurs. Yet Heather had never made a comment the whole time they had been talking.

"Packing for the weekend. Dagur and I are visiting our aunt on Outcast. We're taking the last ferry of the night."

"That's still going to take a car ride."

"Right. I'd offer for us to continue our conversation in the car, but I kind of don't want Dagur listening in on this. Only going to make him point out why I don't have anyone yet." Heather started to laugh.

"Hey he needs to stop messing with you, he's single too." She couldn't help but burst out laughing herself. "You also don't need to think about it either Heather. The right person will come along."

"Oh trust me, I've got my eye on someone. Just gotta work up the courage to say something."

"I'll leave you to it. See you on Monday?"

"I'll text you as soon as we're well on our way. Going to need something to distract me from Dagur's singing."

"Right, may the gods protect you." She grinned before she hung up the phone.

She let the phone drop from her hand, falling to the mattress with a muted thump. Astrid wanted to let her head fall back to the pillow, but didn't feel the urge to relax. It was Friday, usually she would be going out with the twins, Fishlegs, Camicazi, Eret, and Snotlout. It was the twins turn to host a hangout night. But Eret and Snotlout had a late practice and were spending the night at their homes, and the twins had to work on their makeup work in order to bring up their grades before Finals rolled around. The Thorstons were master procrastinators, and they tended to do each other's homework. Cameron had offered for she and Astrid to just hang out at her house and make betabel and carrot cake, but Astrid had declined.

She had planned to just cozy up to the living room couch and watch movies until midnight. The whole gang was planning a movie night right during the holidays anyway. She could take a night to herself. Then her cheeks flushed as she realized what she had done. She and her best friend had finally had a phone call, and she'd spent the short time they had talking about the new kid on Berk. She just had to accept what Heather had discovered. Astrid Hofferson, had a crush on the new kid. Hiccup Haddock.

Was it really a crush? She didn't necessarily think she was hopeless in love, but she had to admit that the thought of dating never quite crossed her mind after Thuggory. She had gotten Hiccup to admit it, she was a friend. But only her. He had opened a door in his walls, just a crack, and she'd been allowed inside. Though, now that they were in the same room, there was still a curtain around him, she could hardly see him. Hardly recognize him. He still had his doubts, and those were clearly visible to her.

It made her think of Snotlout's tenth birthday party. The Hiccup she was introduced to then was not the same one that she knew now. They might as well have been two different people. The younger Hiccup was a boy whose walls had not yet been built. He would talk, but no one had listened to him. This current day Hiccup, was given the opportunity to talk, but he chose to remain silent, and made it seem like there was nothing worth talking about.

There had to be a reason for it. That anyone who would try to get close to him would meet his walls. Have to see that they're nearly impenetrable. She wanted to find out why. Why, no what, had been the cause of the creation of the walls. Why he was anxious in public, and would rather flee then confront ongoing problems. Something he wasn't ready to share with her yet. Maybe, if this crush was going to go any further and not meet a dead end, she had to make him comfortable enough to knock down a wall?

"Astrid, dinner's on the stove. Feel free to serve yourself whenever you like."

"What's for dinner today Dad?" She perked up on the bed.

"Shrimp chow mein with extra water chestnuts. Noodles cooked to perfection." His father smiled. "If you need me I'll be in the garage. I have a project due in the next week."

"Good luck!" She shouted.

She waited until she knew he had turned the hallway to peek out of her room. The walls had been painted a hazelnut brown, and staring right back at her was the family portrait, very sadly out of date. The picture had been taken when she was twelve, and Finn still wasn't as tall as their father. Now a lot had changed. Her father had more gray streaks in his hair, her mother had hair that had been trimmed to reach her jaw, and Astrid's hair had grown lighter. Her older brother Finn was nearly a head taller than her father, and had a more aggressive facial expression.

She turned right and wound down another hallway until she reached the kitchen. Astrid didn't notice she'd been holding her cellphone in her hand until it started to vibrate. She raised it to her eye level, and saw that she had received a text message.

What's on the list for movies tonight? She saw as she opened the messenger app, seeing the little symbol waving in front of Heather's name.

Well first off is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then Age of Adaline, and tie the night off with Jumanji. Just waiting for Finn to get home so I can get started.

With that many movies you'll be watching movies well after midnight.

I'll probably fall asleep in the first few minutes of Jumanji, true, but Finn will surely enjoy it.

Girl, Harry Potter is at least 2 hrs. long, you're going to fall asleep in the middle of Age of Adaline!

Which you still haven't seen by the way. She sent a winking emoji and clicked send as she heard the front door open.

"Is anyone home!?" A male voice echoed through the house.

"No," Astrid smirked as she walked to the doorway, "everyone left cause they didn't want to see your ugly face."

"Well they left you behind so clearly someone wanted to." He shook his head while smiling. "But you're not being serious right?"

"Dinner's on the stove, Mum's on the night shift, and Dad's working on a project in the garage. We've got the house to ourselves, at least until Dad comes back in."

"What's for dinner?"

"Chow mein. I knew Mum bought those water chestnuts for a reason." 

"Oh wow, we haven't had that for a while. And I'm assuming, that since you're actually here on a Friday night instead of out with your group, that you're staying in tonight?" Finn quirked an eyebrow as he unwrapped the scarf from his neck. 

Astrid followed at his heels as he made his way toward the kitchen. If there was one thing that hadn't changed since her childhood, is that she always found something to talk about with her older brother. 

"Yeah, I was wondering if you wanted to watch movies for the rest of the night with me?"

"But I have an early morning."

"That's never stopped you from doing it." She handed him a plate with a few spoonfuls of food.

"Fine. I'm on popcorn duty for later, and we both have to agree on the movie options."

"Already chosen. Now get to eating." 

                                                                           *   ^   &   ^   *

He'd almost fallen asleep at his desk last night. He managed to finish the assignment for his art class, and was tempted to start up a new piece in another sketchbook, but he knew that the sooner he caught up in his classes, the sooner he could draw to his heart's content. He stayed up until midnight, unexpectedly because he'd lost track of time, but he managed to finish an entire chapter. He started a new piece, determine to stay awake. But he'd only drawn half of the outline, when his eyes started to close and his head sagged down onto the desk.

Almost hitting the lamp and knocking it down to the floor. He jerked his head up, the pencil hanging loosely in his hand drawing a wayward line. He wiped a hand across his forehead, and set the pencil down. He took his eraser and rubbed away the wayward line. He gave a quick run-down of the piece he'd started, and as he yawned he flicked off the lamp. He'd climbed into his bed after dizzily taking off his prosthetic leg and settled into his still chilly bed. That night, was the eve of time of when his nightmares chose to come in and strike.

By the time he could no longer keep his eyes closed, he counted three times of having awoken in the middle of the night. He just continued to shift positions in his bed, glancing at his alarm clock from time to time. The numbers shifting from eight, to nine, then just a few minutes before eleven. He stared at the ceiling, trying to ignore the faint sunlight peeking in through a slit in his curtain.

"Hiccup, it's time to get up. We've got things to do." His father opened the door to his bedroom, already dressed in gray jeans and a burgundy overcoat.

"Like what?" He said, his voice sounding as if in need of water.

"Redoing the house for one. I know you wanted to get started on your art studio but I was thinking that we should make headway on the living room."

"I'm all for it," He sat up and stretched, "but why do I need to get ready?"

"I lived in this house for most of my childhood." He sat down on the mattress in front of his son. "If we're going to make changes, I'd rather we do some drastic renovation. Meaning new furniture, new wallpaper, room repainting. I have some shops in mind that we can go to."

"How soon do you want me ready?" He yawned.

"I already made you coffee, so you've got twenty minutes. You can pour it in a thermos and drink on the way."

"Fine." He watched as his father walked out of his room, pulling on his prosthetic.

"And don't forget to switch your leg!" He called as he descended the stairs. "It won't do well in the snow!"

"Yes," Hiccup rolled his eyes, "I of all people know that. I have little amount of spare legs as it is." 

He only had two legs. One to wear at home, where he had made his own modifications, meaning lining the bottom with cork, and another to wear outside. That was the standard leg, the metal contraption with appendages to allow the artificial limb to shift when he moved his leg. He would get new ones every three years. They were expensive as they came, and it took a lot of effort to persuade his father to let him get an extra leg so he wouldn't be wearing one the entire day. He had the feeling though, that if his growth spurt continued, he would need new prosthetics sooner than expected.

He could wear the cork leg outside, but the difference between that one and his original is that the cork leg didn't have an attached foot. It wasn't really a leg he wanted to flaunt in public. Usually the societal look would be that the foot would be hidden by a sneaker. In Hiccup's case, he preferred to hide the fact that a prosthetic existed at all. He never told anyone, yet his bullies would eventually find out. A flash of silver, and curiosity would be visible upon their faces. They'd make fun of the one-legged runt who tried and failed to hide the leg. It may have been acceptable centuries past for someone to wear a prosthetic leg, but certainly not in the current time period. Needless to say, he never wore shorts even in the warm weather. 

He walked into the bathroom, taking out his black hairbrush and attempting to brush back the hairs that usually dangled over his forehead. He knew that the hair would stay in place for a short while before they would once again return to his forehead. It was the futile efforts he'd make to brush his hair back in order to be able to stuff it inside the beanie. If they were going to go out in public, he didn't want the other civilians to see his differences. Not yet. Not until he could finally admit to himself that he belonged on Berk. That he wouldn't have to brace for any blows, that he could speak freely without any criticizing stares. He'd been judged for too long.

Hiccup pulled on his coat as he descended the stairs. He'd had trouble deciding whether to wear his combat boots or attach the sneakers that also worked with the prosthetic. He'd chosen the pair that would best keep it hidden. As he reached the bottom landing, he peeked his head into the living room to see his father smacking the remote with a hand, grumbling about how it'd worked before and just shut down. He told his father that there were extra batteries for the television remote in the hallway closet if he felt it merited a change. He then turned on his heel and strode into the kitchen, quickly wheeling around the island and opening a cabinet to extract a gray and black thermos.

His hand closed around the decanter, prying it free of the coffeemaker and proceeding to pour a large portion into the thermos. While he waited the extra minutes for it to mildly cool down, he set some bread to toast and took out the small jug of cream from the refrigerator. He had just prepared his coffee to his liking when he heard a knock echo down the hallway from the front door. In immediate response, his father called that he would open the door. Hiccup glanced at the clock, reading the numbers nearly striking the half-hour. He had no idea who would come visit at this time of morning, and for what reason. It was kind of late for someone to finally be bringing a welcome to the neighborhood gift. 

Or it could be the Thorstons paying an unexpected visit. He heard his father open the door, and after a familiar grunt of surprise, he uttered out a greeting. Inviting the person inside. One person, it didn't sound as if it were a pair. Hiccup heard his father ask if he wanted something to drink, or something to eat. This had to be someone Hiccup's father knew. But judging from the response that managed to reached his ears, it wasn't someone that Hiccup had met. Then he heard his own name be called out. He managed to step into the hallway, catching a glimpse of their guest as he answered his father's command.

He gestured for Hiccup to come forward, and for a few seconds they both stood in the doorway of the living room, and he was able to see who had entered his home. 

"Please get Mr. Hensley a cup of coffee."

Hiccup turned his head to glance curiously at his father. His coffee, would be given to this stranger without an introduction from the newcomer himself. He was about to head back down the hallway when Stoick put a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. He managed to see the newcomer begin to observe the still cluttered and unorganized living room, only a single couch prepared and a coffee table cleared from the pile of still unpacked belongings. His father leaned down to quickly whisper in his ear. 

"Looks like we won't be leaving for some time. Considering the mayor himself has decided to take a visit to our humble home." 

Chapter 15: Haddocks and Hensleys

Talk about a truly unexpected guest. He would have preferred Astrid Hofferson showing up at his doorstep. Not the mayor of all of freaking Berk. At least he knew Astrid. The mayor, Mayor Hensley, was all but a stranger to him. Hiccup's hand reached into one of the cupboards and extracted a mug that he had hand-painted. He'd managed to paint the entire length of a Monstrous Nightmare, coiled around the mug. He poured in a large portion. Then he shifted to the side, extracting a small tray to place the cream and sugar. He was about to exit the kitchen, when something else occurred to him. The toast. Would the mayor want something to eat as well?

There was no harm in asking. He placed the mug almost filled to the brim with dark coffee on the tray, and took careful steps down the hallway into the living room.

"Dad, could you shift the table please?"

"Right."

He turned to their guest. "Sir, would you like anything to eat with this? We have white bread, sweet bread, banana and blueberry muffins, I think we also have some chocolate chip cookies."

"This is fine, thank you."

Hiccup couldn't believe how similar the mayor looked to his father. Granted, his father looked a tad older. He recognized the bright red hair. Less gray streaks then his own father, though he would never say it aloud. While his father had gray-green eyes, the mayor had sky blue eyes that gleamed in the dim light of the living room. If he had seen the mayor correctly upon his entrance, he was just a few inches short of Stoick. Yet they both had thick torsos and toned muscles. His father had a few braids tucked into the thick flaming red facial hair, so it reached just to the end of his neck.

Mayor Hensley, to embrace a professional appearance, had the beard trimmed so it didn't dangle off his round jaw. He wore a black suit with a navy blue dress shirt and a black tie with a gray diagonal stripe. He stirred the cream into the coffee, neglecting the sugar on the tray. After he had finished he looked up at Hiccup, eyeing him in a scrutinizing manner. Hiccup had to mentally tell himself that he had never met this man before, he was here to see his father, not him.

"Sorry for the mess Mr. Hensley. We decided to refurnish most of the rooms in the house so the living room has been functioning as a temporary storage unit." Stoick smiled.

Hiccup shifted to stand by his father. They didn't exactly own any fold-out chairs and he didn't want to make a show of trying to extract a chair from the pile.

"You're back on Berk." The man answered in a swift voice.

Not meant to be critical, only an observation. Based on the way the mayor watched his father, Hiccup could guess it. These two had history. Then he remembered a faint mention made by his father about five years ago. Hiccup had asked why they couldn't go to Berk for Snoggletog, and Stoick had steered off the question. Saying that the Haddocks and the Hensleys had been battling for the position of mayor for centuries. He apparently had a lot of ancestors who had been mayor, and prior to that, chief . Even mentioning that there was a chance that the Hensleys and Haddocks were distantly related.

Although, that would involve a lengthy investigation of the archives on Berk. Which needn't be said, that Hiccup was not willing to do. It didn't matter if somehow this man was his uncle a million times removed.

"We just came in the last week."

"It's been a while Stoick. Last time I saw you you'd come to visit City Hall with Gobber. You haven't been back to our little island in years. Your son should get to see the origin of his heritage."

"We've had other circumstances that prevented us from making any visits." His father said briskly.

A flicker of anger zapped through his head. Hiccup knew, his father had been trying to avoid coming at all. It was why he was surprised when his father had woken him up at six in the morning one fateful day, telling him they would be moving to Berk in the upcoming months, with no set date as to when they would be returning to his town of birth. Even more when he had been told that Berk would be their permanent stay. He still wanted to know desperately, why? Why now? They had been on Meathead for a little over two years, Hiccup was starting to think his father had actually grown comfortable with the bustling, busy city.

"Why haven't you come since you've been here now?" The mayor raised an eyebrow.

"My career, Mr. Mayor. I've had to get my schedule situated and ensure I'm here for my son."

"What's your name boy?" He asked.

"Hiccup Haddock the Third." ... He hardly ever mentioned his middle name.

The mayor's eyes widened for a few seconds before they narrowed in disbelief. "Has your father ever told you if he was under the influence when you were named?"

"Shaughn." Stoick placed a firm hand on Hiccup's shoulder. "That's going a tad too far."

"I'm kidding. I haven't seen you in years. I want to have a bit of fun. Your father and I, Hiccup. We've known each other for years. Longer even, then his friendship with Gobber." He took a slow sip of the coffee.

"Only because your father and mine were always at each other's necks."

"Are we going to put our sons through the same?"

"Sorry?" Hiccup finally spoke.

"I don't know exactly what your father has told you, but for the past four years, there has only been one high school on Berk. Small city, small population, even smaller population of high school students. My son is not easily missed. With what he undergoes, you are bound to have heard his name from at least the first week."

He'd had a suspicion since the moment he had laid eyes on the mayor. With the last name, it was irrefutable. Though father and son were two entirely different people. Only the shared color hair provided links to heredity. Astrid had only told him yesterday. Hamish was the son of the mayor, who had taken time from his mayorly duties, to sit here, in this living room. In what seemed to be efforts to reconnect with Stoick Haddock.

"I have, met your son," Hiccup said cautiously.

"A bit of a small thing, but he isn't easy to miss. Inherited a hair style from his mother's side of the family. You also needn't be ashamed of your name, Hiccup. It's legendary, you should be proud your father is having you carry such a legacy."

"It's too soon to predict any legacy, Mr. Mayor." Hiccup avoided eye contact, feeling his skin beginning to prickle with budding questions. "I hardly know anything about my own name."

"You're on Berk now. You have the opportunity to learn. Well that is, if one of the other Berkians don't push it on you as you adjust. Your family history is a lot to handle."

"I don't think you came to give my son a history lecture Shaughn. You have other tasks that must be far more important than sitting here and drinking coffee."

"I came in matters of discussing your career Stoick. I remember that as some point you wanted to take on the role of mayor in your course of life. I'm wondering, if that's why you returned to Berk?" He lowered the mug to look at Hiccup's father with a light smile.

"I'm surprised you still consider the notion. I moved to the States for a reason. I merely didn't want to follow in my father's footsteps any longer."

"Something changed for you to have arrived here. To have moved back into your ancestral home no less."

"Hiccup."

Hiccup glanced up at his father.

"Go into the dining room, you can finish your breakfast while Mayor Hensley and I talk in my office."

"Will you take long?" Hiccup had to ask.

There was a reason his dad had asked him to get ready so quickly in the first place.

"You have enough time to finish and then we'll go. We'll still be at home for a while."

"I'm sorry, but did I," He stood from the chair, "interrupt something? Going out for the day?"

"We need to catch a ferry out of the city. So our conversation may be a tad rushed."

"I understand. Your visit was on my schedule for the day and I hope to finish it early as well."

Hiccup glanced at the mayor curiously one final time, before he tread down the hallway and finally pulled out his toast. Taking out a butter knife with one hand, he used the other to pull out the grape jam, lathering on a thick layer on the white, slightly toasted bread. He had just sat down at the rather small table, when he heard the door to his dad's office close. He stared at the gray thermos, practically staring him right in the face. He took a sip, feeling his heart swell as the warm liquid traveled down his throat. Coffee, literally nothing better to start the day with.

He managed two bites of his toast, then began to hear faint noises drifting down the hallway. He resisted the urge to scoot the chair forward, becoming eager to hear his dad's "private" conversation with the mayor. Perhaps it was paranoia that they had retreated into the office because they were talking about him. Or it could have also been the theory that the mayor would want to deter his father from running for the city council. The battle must have been ongoing for generation after generation. He couldn't hear the entire conversation, just faint murmurs that pierced through the door and down the hall.

Enacting revenge without the extra mile... Revenge always struck him as a severe topic. .. Get a good look at them... Look at what? Who looked at what? He took another large sip of his coffee, noting that the level was slowly decreasing as he somewhat listened in on his father's conversation. With nothing else to pierce the crippling silence, it was all he could do besides eating. He's been bordering Berk ... Okay now that sounded strange most of all. He'd always wondered what exactly was his father's career. He never went into a detailed explanation, and would never go as far as mentioning his other coworkers' names. Maybe because they stayed such little time he never endeavored to learn other people's names.

His father was the one who would always know when they were going to move. Hiccup was the one who was left in the dark. Eavesdropping, was a good way of filling in some puzzle pieces that his father had neglected to mention. He stood from the chair, and rounded the corner into the hallway. Stepping as close as he dared to the door of the office.

"Berk is the best place to execute it. We and our ancestors were the... on board we can spread it across the..."

Nope, he thought to himself as he ascended the stairs to grab his cell phone. That didn't help. All he knows is that his dad is planning to do something on Berk. But he did know an extra tidbit. It required involvement with the mayor. When he came back down the stairs he heard the sound of the office door clicking open. He had just reached the landing when his father opened the front door for the mayor to make his departure.

"Hiccup, just how have you made relations with my son?" The mayor asked, his gaze settling on his lanky form.

"I only just talked to him the other day. He recognized my family name as well."

"That he should. He's been well educated on his Berkian history. I considered sending him back to London for his 11th year but he was adamant in wanting to stay."

"You wanted to teach him about the rest of the world, sir?"

"Real-life experience is better than anything you learn in a dusty history book."

"May I ask why London sir?"

"He has family over there. The Hensley family stretches from beyond Berk."

"We have family that has spread beyond the Archipelago as well." Hiccup said.

"Right. I suggest you get to know my son. Thor knows he needs more people in his life. Stoick, until next time."

He shook his father's hand then Hiccup's then left out the door, a car already awaiting him at the edge of the sidewalk. Hiccup could see a faint outline of the driver, and he could swear the wizened old man inside was glaring at him as if he had egged the large black vehicle the previous night. He hastily glanced away, turning into the living room and picking up the tray that held the mug the mayor had drank from. He rinsed the mug and thermos then followed his father out the door as they set out for their Saturday.

"Until next time ?" Hiccup said amidst the hum of the engine. "Will he be coming again?"

"We've known each other for a while Hiccup. It's inevitable that we'll be seeing the mayor again. I just don't think it will be in a home setting."

"I didn't know elected officials visited rivals in their homes."

"Welcome to Berk, son."

"So this was common when you were younger? To pay run-of-the-mill visits to other Berkians?"

"Not as frequent as you think."

"I can't believe that he'd come to visit, on a weekend no less, just so he could find out if you were running for office again. Does that mean your job changed? You got fired, and that's why we came back?"

"I still have my job, and I told my response to the mayor. His choice if he wants to pursue the matter or not. We came back because the company wanted me to come to Berk. They knew my town of origin when I was hired."

"So, is the company originated here too?" Hiccup stared at his father.

"No. But this is where the location is, one of the more known."

"Then what do you do?"

"We can discuss this another time. I need you to open up your cellular device."

Hiccup bit the inside of his cheek. As he grew older and older his father became more closed off when it came to discussing his job. But why? What needed to be kept secret so badly, that the information couldn't be known by his own flesh and blood? If he remembered correctly, before they moved back to the Archipelago, his father had a different job then he had now. He remembered, vaguely, someone talking to his father shortly after his mother died... Gobber had come out to the States... both he and his father hardly ever left the house... how long had it been before they went back to his father's home nation...

"We're heading to Hysteria so we can start gathering hardware supplies. I need you to write down a list of what we need. If we're going to be tearing up carpets and ripping off wallpaper, we need that stuff ready today so we can work on it in the coming weekend. That way we don't have to keep taking ferries over and over to the mainland. I was also thinking, would you want to replace the furniture we have now and buy new ones?"

"I agree that the couches and chairs we have now are old, but we brought them from the States. Should we really part with them now?"

"We still have other stuff that belonged to her." Stoick said silently. "She won't come back from Vanaheim to chastise us for selling the peach colored couch."

"Selling?"

"There's a store here on Berk that sells secondhand furniture. They may be willing to buy what we want to pass on."

"You certainly are taking the initiative in changing stuff for the Haddock family home."

"No time to get started like the present."

"Is this also so you don't have reminders of Grandfather?"

His fingers tensed on the steering wheel. "What remained of him is nothing but dust. My father," He sighed, "would want me to move on. I'm still keeping some of his things as well."

Hiccup slunk back into his seat as his father headed down the slope to the docks. He had few memories, of practically anyone. With his father's mysterious job, and what with the event in his fifth year, he had hardly seen his family ever since. If he recalled correctly, he had seen his grandfather almost as many times as he had seen Gobber. Even more, he would travel to any city they lived in. But it was only a day-long visit. It'd stopped shortly before he turned twelve. His grandfather had called the landline to let them know that he could only be visiting for a few short hours. His father hadn't been there to answer, so Hiccup had. 

His father had come home from work a little before he hung up. To put a long story short, there had been a shouting match between the two of them, and his father had slammed down the phone, denting the end from the impact. His grandfather, who had recently retired from the role of mayor, didn't come to visit. Instead, on the day of his birthday, the leap-year it occurred... a giant parcel had arrived, with an extra long letter to boot. It was a final goodbye. At the time, Hiccup hadn't thought anything of it, having known that his grandfather and father were not on good terms. Two years later, his father finally admitted that the former mayor had passed away. Hiccup had started to feel, like he was the cause for the detachment with the rest of his family. Because of him, his life had felt like it was always him and his father. 

No one allowed in. 

"Hiccup." His father looked at him as they pulled into the ferry docks. "Would you... would you want to become mayor, someday in the future? I know I didn't raise you to adjust into a position like that, but there's still time. If you want, I can prepare you in the time we have left."

"You'd still want the Haddocks to continue to be in office?"

"It's been a part of our history. Haddocks are a pillar of Berk and the community."

"I..." Hiccup looked at the rolling gray waves climbing in and out of the beach, "I don't know. Not yet. We've only been here two weeks, and I hardly remember anything from when I was a baby."

"There's no deadline for your final answer." Stoick smiled at his son. 

Mayor. Mayor Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. It could be the key to his acceptance of himself. If he could... his past life would become an insignificance. Bullying wouldn't matter. He would have overcome those who'd kept him down. Then he began to think about what Hamish had said the day before. He knew more than Hiccup did. Another Haddock in the history books. It could be something to look forward to. 

Chapter 16: The Pieces to Life

His motivation to catch up with his classwork was slowly diminishing. Granted, he may have been overestimating how much work he had to do to catch up, but it was tearing his head apart. Focusing on 4 different classes and navigating what he already knew from what needed to be studied, then getting inspired to create new pieces in his sketchbook while trying to decide what he would be working on in the coming weekend to change the house...

It was a lot to have on his mind. Those were just jots in his routine. He had to tie in how he needed to handle his social life, gauge each spoken sentence and be looking over his shoulder to see who was watching him as he passed by. Answer only a few questions in class, and make sure his voice didn't blow over any others. He never wanted to be the smartest kid in class, or if he even thought it, preach that he was. It's the 21st century, no one likes a smart-aleck who rubs it in. He avoided eye contact with anyone else, and solely focused on the work at hand. He hadn't stood out, in every class. But one.

The advanced art class. That he knew he had gained some watchful eyes. On Monday morning, he had been exposed to the routine Mrs. Terres enforced on each assignment. Astrid explained to him that whenever they finished an art project, they would have what was referred to as " an art walk". Everyone would leave their pieces on their desk, out for display for the rest of their classmates. Something different then he had done in his previous years. Although, he had only taken art as a class during the high school years. Some schools he attended didn't value the arts programs so they'd neglected to put in classes.

And to be honest, he was not fond of learning how to play an instrument. He could never imagine himself strumming a guitar until his fingers went red or taking in heaving breaths just to get sound out of a trumpet. He preferred sitting down, and sketching until it'd become a manifestation of his imagination. No one had ever cared that Hiccup Haddock was a dedicated artist. They knew him as the one-legged skinny, small nobody who sat hunched by himself and sketching in a leather bound book. He had taken out his art piece with reluctance, first showing it to Astrid and asking for her opinion.

He found it difficult to suppress his swell of joy at her reaction. Yet he still didn't confess that he wasn't eager to show his work to the rest of their classmates. It made his skin crawl to remembered his past classmates laughing, their scorning remarks of how he obsessively drew a creature that was vicious and didn't exist. Stick to reality, little weirdo, they smirked. He knew that some of the Berkians believed in dragons, from what he'd heard Fishlegs was a bonafide expert, but he didn't know what to expect. Which led to anxiety racking his mind at the fact that a whole classroom of students would be seeing his work.

For some people, they require support in order to keep the fire of inspiration alive. For Hiccup, the only voice that spoke in admiration of his work was his father, and especially the foster kids in Magdella's care. Gobber knew of his hobby, but Hiccup had never gathered the courage to show off his sketchbooks to his godfather. The opportunity may arise in the next coming months, if Gobber tended to visit frequently. Hiccup had discussed the hobby with his godfather but had never sent pictures of his work. Gobber wasn't exactly fond of email or text. If the first demonstration of his piece went well, he could work up the confidence to show it to more people.

She had taken his art piece then held up her own, beginning to compare the two. He watched with grinding teeth as her eyes flickered over the two art pieces. When she finally returned it to him, he could swear that he could see a blush blossoming on her cheeks, if only faint. She cast a final glance at his piece before making eye contact with him. He should have taken that first blush and compliment as a warning. It was then that the teacher had them assemble into a line at the first row of desks, and the art walk began.

There were a little more than 26 people in the class, so some people had repeated objects. However, Hiccup enjoyed seeing all the different art styles. Safely able to say that there was no piece exactly the same. He rather liked one done by a girl named Ezra, who had coincidentally gotten an 'E'. She had seemed to make her four other objects coincide with a giant golden egg, gleaming in an unseen light. Another person who had gotten an H had drawn a human who had two sets of arms, and a face that was only half seen.

Astrid had been the only person whose background was a mix of different colors. It was an alluring image, drawing in the viewer as they were immersed into the colorful seemingly endless void. Truly a piece that called your attention from first glance. After they had passed his piece, Hiccup would glance back to see his classmates' reactions to his piece. Since his other art classes had never done the task, he had no idea how someone would respond to seeing his art style. At the instant he had glanced back, there were four people clustered around the piece. Their fingers inches away from touching the paper.

He heard a faint murmur of who did this one , then later on omg this is the new kid's piece, no way that's his, who knew a Meathead could draw like this . Accompanied by eyes scouring the room to find him standing next to Astrid. Staring at him with widened eyes before they continued down the rows. Looks of... admiration. Awe. Jealousy with a smile. The Meathead, he chuckled to himself, had blown away his classmates. That was all they knew. He knew the whole story, but he was determined that no one find out that he wasn't just from Meathead. He could count American, Hysteric, Berserker, a Skullion, a Lavillian, and many others.

After the art walk, they had sat back down, and the teacher asked for anyone to offer feedback. A girl behind him commented saying that she liked how some classmates had created their own objects and others had used mythical creatures instead of using objects heavily seen in reality. Another said they liked how pieces explored as many aspects of color as possible and that they planned on doing the same for the next one. If he remembered correctly, their piece had been done in black and white, but there had been proper shading to provide an ominous background. 

After the class, Astrid reminded them about how she wouldn't have practice on Wednesday and could hang out. He had only just parted ways with her when two girls and a boy walked up to him. He recognized them as students from the previous class, and he couldn't help but feel a ping of anxiety. Would they deliver criticism, or endeavor to crush his spirit? His gaze had centered on their facial expressions, and they were all watching him with wide grins. It was only a minute, but he was assaulted with questions of how long he had been drawing, how he was inspired to draw something like that, if they could come to him for advice on pieces in the future, if there was a chance they could see more of his work.

His awkwardness had been easily perceived as he responded to each question. Each of them introduced themselves, shook his hand, and departed with a final note of saying they were eager to see him in class the next day. Hiccup walked to his next class, shaking his head in numb disbelief. His pieces, were meant with praise. It wasn't like years prior, where he had actually made a business of his hobby, but there was a chance that this stay on Berk wouldn't be met with a crash and burn. Getting home later that day, he pulled down three of his sketchbooks from the shelves, and he proceeded to look through them with a different point of view.

Someone who drew well and stood a chance at a future with that passion.

Astrid was determined not to let him forget about hanging out on Wednesday. When the designated day had finally rolled around, she cornered him at his locker during lunchtime and had a sketchbook open and held out toward him. She'd started a sketch of what distinctly looked like a haunted house, but only a vague outline.

"Okay, a house. Woo hoo." He frowned.

"But take a good look at it."

"Why?"

"Hiccup, I want your advice."

"This couldn't wait until class?" He closed his locker with a clang.

"Fine. I'll eat lunch with you and you can tell me then."

"Class you sit right next to me."

"Yes but this isn't a project for class. It's a side piece."

"So we aren't allowed to talk about it in class then?"

"I won't get a chance to work on it then. I want to do this now. While we still have free time." Astrid looked at him, icy blue eyes gazing imploringly.

"You'll sit with me, Hamish, and Orrick?"

She slammed the sketchbook shut, pressing it to Hiccup's chest. "Of course. It's not like I don't know them."

"How so?"

"Hiccup, this is Berk. We went to all the same schools, I've been to some of his birthday parties."

"Okay, you may know who he is, but you don't hang out with him. You threaten him to go see the nurse."

"You're new. You don't know what his bully has done to him. He shouldn't stop caring about his injuries."

"Did the nurse actually see him? He told you that it wouldn't happen."

Astrid scowled, her head quickly whipping to the side. He hardly listened when she responded. She didn't need to. He knew from that simple display of anger. Truth be told, he knew. The way Astrid talked about Dogsbreath, it made him guess that the two 2nd years had endured some harsh bullying. He just couldn't work up the courage to ask Hamish to what extent, and he didn't think Hamish would appreciate him asking Astrid to tell the tale. It was a similarity they shared. That they don't want others, their witnesses, to talk about what had happened at the hands of their bullies.

He just couldn't believe, at least from the little he could guess, that Dogsbreath had gotten even more violent from his experience with Hiccup. He would've thought, that the experience would make him downplay his bullying. Maybe even make him forget about it entirely.

"We're still on for after school, right?"

"I guess." He said, holding her sketchbook with trepidation.

"I'm thinking of using it for a book cover, or even just something to show off in my binder. Maybe adding a little excerpt to it."

"You write?"

"Well, no. But maybe I could write a little something to go with that picture."

"A picture tells a thousand words." He told her.

"So it wouldn't need a story?"

"It's the artist's choice," He told her as they sat down.

Hamish looked at them for a few seconds before grinning at Astrid and waving. Clearly they knew each other, but it was easy to tell that they weren't close. Hamish and Orrick were best friends, and there didn't seem to be anyone else. When Hiccup glanced at the red-haired boy he noted that Hamish's hand had risen to cover a part of his jaw. For the past few days Hiccup had never commented on it, since he knew it was by fault of Dustin. But he just couldn't believe that he'd never noticed that Hamish was self-conscious about his injury.

"What even inspired you draw a house in the first place?" He asked her.

"I watched a movie the other day that I hadn't seen since I was a kid. I liked the protagonist's house, and decided I wanted to draw something similar in a way that I imagined."

"So this is a movie house?"

"Not that movie's, but yeah."

"So your inspiration is a house in a movie, okay." He watched her as she pulled out her art supplies.

* ^ & ^ *

She liked houses, but she had to admit, this was one of the most simplest projects she had ever come up with. She always tried to come up with a complex landscape, but something always wound up out of proportion. Having Hiccup help her with this project, maybe this time she could actually complete something to her satisfaction. When she asked him for help, all she could think about was some of the art pieces she had seen in his notebook. The one he was using for the art class was empty, and she had to wonder just how many he had sitting at home.

How many were empty, how many were drawn in from cover to cover. To be honest, she had also gained inspiration for the art piece based on his pieces. She wondered if he had connected the dots. That she sought his help based on what she had seen. One that she remembered vividly, was of a girl with wavy auburn hair reaching into the hole. Her head was turned away, but the viewer could see what was in the hole. Another girl who looked just like her, her hand inches away from touching the other. Astrid wanted to see it as a moving picture, or a GIF. See both of the girls completing the motion of reaching for one another.

In Hiccup's drawing, they looked like they were in suspended animation. Forever just short of connecting. Her own drawing only depicted the drawing of the house, for now a faint outline, but she was hoping that Hiccup could help her bring it to life.

"So what are you going to do next?" He asked.

He had the book open to the sketch she had just started the night before. Their current assignment wasn't enough to satisfy her desire for a new piece so she had started it based on the sketches she remembered from Hiccup's notebook. She moved her tray of food to the side then slid the notebook in front of her.

"I need to finish the house, but I want there to be some unique touches, to make my own artistic signature. What would you suggest?"

"You've only drawn half of the house. It's distinctive that you've made a two-story, yet your time period isn't yet clear. Are you trying to draw an Italianate, Neoclassical, Greek revival..."

"Umm," Shoot she wasn't familiar with house styles, "all I know is that I want it to be a house that isn't commonly seen in neighborhoods. Maybe a futuristic one?"

"So bubble windows, hovering elements?"

"Well maybe not so drastic," She couldn't help but smile.

She took out a purple mechanical pencil and started outlining the windows. It wasn't a house that could exist in reality, but it certainly could in the imagination. Once she had finished outlining the house, she shifted it so it would be visible to Hiccup.

"Okay, that looks good. The different shaped windows, the slanted wall with a jutted out rectangular window, I like it."

"Can you tell me how to bring it to life?" She asked him eagerly.

"What?"

"Your pieces look like real life, how can I do it for mine?"

"The key to doing that is your shading, accents, and background. If you can give it the proper touches, your house is something you'll be able to walk into."

"Show me."

As he dragged a pencil down a side of the house, she watched as one green-iris eye squinted near shut and his left hand gave a delicate line to the pane of an oval sized window. He shaded in a part of it, and when he finally lifted the pencil off the paper she felt as if she would be able to see a bedroom by peering through that window.

"Your turn. It's your piece. Not mine."

For the rest of the day, she never once put that notebook away. She stared at what they had managed to accomplish before she sat down and ate. He reminded her three times that she didn't need to worry about coloring it in, that to save the best for last. She still hadn't decided what colors she wanted each wall, but instead focused on the background.

"You're moving fast." Heather flipped through her friend's sketchbook. "You sure you don't want to take things slower?"

"There's such a thing as coming on too strong?"

"Astrid, you sat with him at lunch today. With Hamish and Orrick! No one's sat with them for months, last time someone tried Dustin dumped their soups down their backs."

"Hiccup doesn't know what they've been through. I couldn't exactly say anything to him in front of them either."

"He needs to know."

"Sure I can tell him, but it'll still be his decision in whether or not he'll continue to hang out with them. I can't force Hiccup to hang out with whoever I want. I tried before, yet he's stubborn in wanting to stay away from Camicazi and Eret."

"I saw that Fishlegs talked to him the other day."

"You should be talking about this with Fishlegs, not me. You'll get a better account of what exactly went on."

"Fine." She laid the sketchbook flat on the desk. "So, you excited for your not-date?"

She felt a blush begin to trespass on her cheeks. "Don't even refer to it as a not-date." She muttered.

"A hang-out then." Heather smirked. "Girl you really are taking advantage of the one day you don't have practice."

"We have a game next Tuesday. Coach cancelled practice for today because she has an appointment in Hysteria. I don't even think she's on campus anymore."

"Glance at the clock. You've got 20 minutes before you meet up. What's your pretense? Walking Hiccup to The Berkian Drinkery and pointing out sights on the way? Say you're just giving him a tour of the city?"

"You're confusing me. You mean to tell him or tell whoever deigns to ask why I'm hanging out with the new kid?"

"The pretense you're telling yourself. The gossipers will also find out about this when they see you with him."

"The tour and the Drinkery is what I told him. That's what I'm sticking with."

"I'm asking this, and please don't take this the wrong way, but why are you going to the coffee shop with him so soon? You barely even know him."

"I know more about him than you Heather. I've found out his father's attended this school, I know that he's had years of experience with drawing. Gods if you could see his sketchbooks!"

"Has he talked to you about life on Meathead?"

"No. But that's the point of a hang out. To get to know him. You saw how he was. He doesn't sit with us, he certainly doesn't talk much with Hamish and Orrick. I want to see," She quieted down a little, "if I can get Hiccup to come out from behind the walls he's built."

"You don't want him to be a question mark anymore." Heather smiled. "He does seem pretty interesting. I would like him to sit with us again."

"He said, that he won't. Not with Camicazi's attitude."

"Well, maybe we can get her and Eret to apologize. If we can dispel the bad blood we can get to know the new kid better."

Heather looked at her friend, then glanced back at the sketch she had Hiccup help with. "Can I come with you? At least, walk to meet up with you and Hiccup before you leave for the Drinkery?"

"Sure, but we'll be waiting a while. Mrs. Terres asked Hiccup to come by her classroom after school." 

Chapter 17: A Sky Full of Stars

Heather trailed behind her as they walked to Mrs. Terres’ classroom. She guessed that Hiccup wasn’t one to dally and would be in the room as soon as possible. As they climbed up the stairs to get to the next floor, she felt an inkling of jealousy. The art teacher had never asked her to stay after school, and Hiccup had only been on campus for a little more than a week. She wouldn’t deny that Hiccup’s skill was quite impressive, but she kind of wished that her skill had been noticed as well. 

Of course, her jealousy was all but based on an assumption. It could have been for an entirely different matter that the art teacher had asked him to come after school. Though no other idea came to mind. The two of them approached the classroom, seeing the door closed and Hiccup standing beside it, his hair tucked into a black beanie and dark red earbuds stuffed into his ears. She could only imagine what he was listening too, but she didn’t want to interrupt. While also not wanting to startle him for coming without notice. 

There were dozens of students walking the halls and he didn’t lift his head for a single one as they passed. Yet when someone bristled straight past his feet, his head lifted, looking around the hallway with apprehension clear in his green eyes. They scanned the entire hall just as Astrid sidestepped a first year to reach the door. He didn’t smile, but he did offer a nod as a sign of acknowledgement. She could feel Heather at her shoulder, and she glanced at the door, wondering why Hiccup had yet to go inside. 

He pulled out an earbud. “I didn’t forget. I just, I’m waiting-”

“I remember.” She smiled. “Is Mrs. Terres not in the classroom?”

“I don’t know. The door’s locked and no one opened when I knocked.”

“She probably stepped out then.” Heather chirped from beside her. 

“Hello Heather.” Hiccup let go of the ear bud to give a slight wave. 

“Hey Hiccup. What were you listening to?”

He glanced at his cell phone before stuffing it into a coat pocket. He pulled out the other earbud then wrapped the cord around the back of his neck. He managed to bite his lip, his fingers giving a slight twitch.

“Clocks by Coldplay. They’re a group I tend to listen to a lot.”

“They’re originated in the UK, right?”

“Yes.”

“I rather like their stuff, though I admit I’m not a frequent listener.” 

“What do you normally listen to?”

“Musical soundtracks.” She gushed. “There are so many brilliant ones out there.” 

“Really?” He tilted his head. “Do you have a favorite?”

“I’m particularly fond of Dear Evan Hansen.”

Hiccup leaned away from the wall, watching the both of them. She couldn’t help but notice that once he adjusted his stance a few locks of hair came to dangle delicately above his left eye. 

“So, Mrs. Terres isn’t here yet?”

“It’s not too much of an inconvenience to wait right? To be honest I have no idea why she’s called me here.” 

“It isn’t that hard to guess.” She smirked. 

“I find it hard to believe.”

“She switched your class for a reason.” 

“But why call me after school?”

“I know why.” Heather looked to the end of the hallway.

Astrid followed Heather’s gaze to see Mrs. Terres striding down the hallway, the art club president keeping close pace behind her as they reached the door.

“You said he was a third year?” The president asked her. 

“Yes, the new student.”

“Right,” They remarked as the teacher opened the door, "I should have figured that out. There’s only been one person.”

Hiccup watched as they walked inside. Astrid held the door open for him, beckoning him to walk inside. To Hiccup, that person was a stranger. To Astrid, the puzzle pieces had fallen into place. The auburn-haired boy glanced at her, a quick shake of his head displaying his qualms. He looked back inside the classroom, and after taking a deep breath he walked inside. She’d been attending the school for three years now, and even knew most of the teachers from when her older brother attended. It didn’t necessarily help her understand why Hiccup was nervous around a teacher. 

“Thank you for coming Hiccup.” The art teacher smiled broadly. 

He glanced at her while giving a slight nod then his eyes darted around the room. Astrid and Heather walked to the back of the room, knowing they were technically eavesdropping, but the art teacher hadn’t sent them out of the room. She knew that Mrs. Terres would recognize her as one of her students, so maybe she wouldn’t have a harsh reaction. Astrid wasn’t exactly an utmost loyal member of the art club, but she certainly held enough interest to attend a meeting every once in a while. 

She couldn’t help but blush at realizing that she hadn’t been to a meeting for the past month. 

“Hello there, I’m Milka Shaies.” The president held out a hand for Hiccup to shake. 

He blinked twice at the gesture, before he extended his own and grasped it lightly. Quickly breaking contact then returning his hand to the strap of his satchel. 

“I’m the art club president of this fine school, have been for two years. Mrs. Terres tells me you show exceptional skill in art? She told me you were bumped up to her third level.”

“If I may ask, what level are you taking?”

“I’m in the college level. You can take that one next year! It helps you prepare a portfolio for university should you want to pursue it as a career.” She said eagerly. 

“Okay.” He replied shortly. 

“Do you know, anything about the art club Hiccup?”

“Not much detail. I would assume it’s small?”

“It’s actually one of the most popular clubs aside from theatre, which both Astrid and Heather are a part of. This year we’re doing something different than we usually do. It really took a lot of persuasion, but the headmaster gave us permission!”

“The Arts festival.” Heather whispered from beside her. 

“Oh my gods.”

“That’s a lot of pressure to put on the new kid.” 

“Permission for?” Hiccup asked. 

“The first Berk High Arts festival. Usually we would just participate in art competitions on the mainland, but now we’re finally staking independence. It’s our turn to invite them to our frozen little island.” 

“I still don’t see how this involves me.” 

“Consider this a courteous invitation to the art club. Now we won’t exactly bar you if you had decided to join on other terms, but I’m glad we’ve actually gotten to meet like this.”

“Astrid had told me about the art club before. I would be glad to attend the next meeting.”

“For today, we’re actually focusing on the event in specificity.” Mrs. Terres strode forward, placing a piece of paper on the table.

Astrid scooted forward, to see a masterpiece of a black sleek dragon, its purple eyes gazing determinedly through the sheet. One of Hiccup’s pieces? Hiccup dragged a finger across the sheet. There were a few patches where silver scales stood out amidst the sea of black. As she gazed down at the picture, she saw the president’s eyes widen, meaning this was the first time they had seen the drawing as well. 

“You told me he was skilled, but I didn’t think...”

“You have a very imaginative mind Hiccup.” Mrs. Terres smiled. 

“Dragons are deeply rooted in Berk’s history.”

“So you do know about that!” Milka smiled.

“Yes, my father was an alumni here.”

“Well I do know about them since I was born here but my ancestry doesn’t stretch as far as that. My parents moved to Berk when they got married.”

“Hiccup, if I may ask, what dragon species is this?” 

“My own variation of a Night Fury.” 

“Utterly brilliant.” Milka slapped a hand down to the desk. “This is exactly the kind of craftship we need in planning this festival.”

“Sorry?” Hiccup stepped back a pace.

“I would like your help, in planning the festival.” 

“But, I thought I was just going to be a member.”

“It is too late to integrate you into the cabinet, but you can be an honorary planner. Consider this,” She tsked her tongue, "a partnership of sorts. We could use your creative mind.” 

“I can be a member. I can help make the pieces planned for the festival… but I think the planning can be handled without me.” 

“Is it too soon? If this is your first time doing something like this, we can try not to do anything that’ll stress you out too much-”

“I have never been offered anything like this.” He said shortly.

“Hiccup,” Astrid placed a hand on his shoulder, "there is a first time for everything.”

“I’ll admit, this is a passion of mine but to take it to this extent, I just…” 

“Come to the meeting, please.” Milka implored. “Once you meet everyone you’ll see just how successful this can be.” 

“I… I will.” Hiccup nodded. “You already have a theme chosen?”

“We’ll have a whole presentation at the meeting.” She winked. “You’ll see.” 

“Thank you for the opportunity, I’ll umm, be here on Friday.”

“Bye Hiccup!” Milka shook his hand once again. 

He glanced at Astrid, nodding before he opened the door, exiting the classroom at a brisk pace. She knew he hadn’t forgotten, but she couldn’t understand why he had left so suddenly. Heather was a pace ahead of her, coming to Milka and asking her if she was still considering the partnership. Astrid, on paper, was listed as a theatre club member, because Heather was the president. Since it was going to be Berk’s first ever Arts Festival, they were trying to get as many people involved in the arts department as possible. She remembered that Milka had announced the headmaster’s approval of the festival in the early weeks of October.

She exited the room wondering if Hiccup had just been heading to his locker, or if he had left the school. She flicked out her cellphone, about to open her messenger app to text him, but then recalled that he had refused her number. A raincheck, he wanted it to be. Could she persuade him today if he hadn’t already left? Astrid hastened her pace, determined to get to his locker. It was the one day she didn’t have practice. It was her goal for the day to hang out with the new kid.

“I didn’t forget, I didn’t forget,” He watched her from the bottom of the staircase.

Astrid smiled. “I take it something like that had never occurred?

“I did try to be active, back at my other school, but I came to realize that I didn’t fit in.” He looked her straight in the eyes. “I’m not very keen on this opportunity.” 

“I think you’ll do great. With a mind like yours this festival will shine. But I take it that you didn’t do many extracurricular activities at your old school?”

“I used to.” He said shortly. 

“Why’d you stop?” She stood by the lockers as he opened his.

“Unappreciative classmates.” 

“Was your school not so expressive about their arts program?”

“They had their moments, but none of the student body ever seemed to show any interest. The plays were always planned then cancelled a few weeks before the show was to premiere, someone would vandalize a special piece days before it would be displayed. It just became a running of the same motion.”

“Can we wait for Heather? She wanted to see us off,”

“Oh, she stayed behind to gossip about me?” Hiccup grumbled sarcastically.

“She’s actually the theatrics club president. Camicazi is her vice.” 

“The Art club is partnering with Theatrics?” He quirked an eyebrow. 

“You catch on quick. Are you an actor?”

“I’ve participated, but only to be part of a chorus. Back when I actually cared.” 

“Which plays have you-“

“Sorry, I had to see when we would start the conjoined meetings,” Heather came while tucking a gray binder into her silver leather backpack.

Astrid drifted off, seeing that Hiccup had already started to show discomfort. He wasn’t much of a talker, but she couldn’t figure out why if she couldn’t get him to communicate. 

“Do we at least have a set date yet?” She asked.

“We’re planning for a day at the ends of March, but we still haven’t decided on a location yet.”

“Just how big is this festival going to be?”

“We actually haven’t decided that either. At least Milka and I haven’t come to a decision yet.” 

“How long have you known? That the festival could be done, I mean.” Hiccup drifted into a mumble.

“Little more than a month. We just decided on a theme last week.”

“Then you have a lot of work ahead of you.” 

“And we’re glad to have you join the ranks.” Heather smirked. “We’re actually still looking for people to take part in the theatre club for what we have planned.”

“I would imagine costumes, and a skit right?” 

“To start with. Are you an actor?”

“He actually was telling me about how he used to participate at his old school.” Astrid remarked.

“Back when people actually cared.” He quickly responded.

“Were you any good?” Heather tilted her head.

“Never much of an active role. I would have preferred to have been tech instead of on the stage.” 

“Then why weren’t you tech?”

“Others beat me to it or pushed me off the crew.” 

Watching her best friend, she couldn’t help but see the twinkle in Heather’s eyes. Hiccup wasn’t necessarily the most popular kid in the school, but his name was certainly being spread across the population. She didn’t know who else would want Hiccup to join their club, or to participate in an event they were planning. Astrid knew of the shell that covered her friend, but as far as Heather knew, Hiccup was someone who had taken part in something she exhibited a strong passion for. 

“I have a video, saved on a flash drive. If you’re going to be helping us with the festival,” Heather looked at him eagerly, "I think you should take a look at it. To see the strength of the theatre club.”

“Then it’s a show from a past year?”

“Yeah, the one we did at the end of my sophomore year. Astrid entered too late to have a part, but she did help with sets and props. I won’t keep you guys waiting any longer. Enjoy your trip to the Drinkery! I’ll bring the flash drive to the meeting on Friday, don’t worry. See you tomorrow guys.” She hugged Astrid before waving goodbye and walking away.

Hiccup had leaned against the lockers, watching a pair of ninth years walk past them. She really didn’t know why Hiccup was reacting like this, but now was the time. What she had been looking forward to since the past Friday. Showing someone who was new to Berk, actually getting coffee with them… the town she embraced as her home. Expose him properly to what she knew and loved. Point out the houses where the twins had pranked the residents, where she and Fishlegs had once sat down and read a book on Deadly Nadders. 

Also try not to mention the places she had been when she had been in a relationship with Thuggory. She knew that Hiccup was a Haddock. His father had walked the hallowed halls of Berk High. The previous mayor had been a Haddock as well, before he retired and Hamish’s father had stepped in. She didn’t know how much his father had discussed of Berk, but maybe in providing her own perspective she could make Hiccup feel at home on the Isle of Berk.

“You know the way.” He said to Astrid. 

“You didn’t go to the Drinkery during the weekend?”

“Well no, I must admit I left the island for the majority of the weekend.”

“How come?” She opened the door to let in the chilly Berkian air. 

“My house requires some changes.” 

“Oh I bet!” She stuck her hand inside a glove. “The twins are always talking about that house. How they’ve wanted to break in and see what treasures they could find.”

“I don’t know if they’d like anything in there.” 

“Trust me, they’ll always find something they like.” 

“We are planning on getting rid of some things if they’d like to take a look. I’m afraid we haven’t gotten everything prepared yet.”

“Just make sure you keep the locks on the doors. If you ever do get the chance, you could tell them that you have stuff to give away.” 

“I’ll talk to my dad.” He said, shoving his gloveless hands into his pockets. 

“What, kind of things?” She said, feeling the conversation begin to freeze.

“Furniture, old art pieces, I plan on getting rid of a mug my dad does not need.” 

“Why?” She quirked a smile.

“It’s almost ten years old, unusable, yet my father remains stubborn in wanting to keep it.” 

“Well it sounds like it’s something your dad really cares about.”

“Yeah, one thing he cares about.” He muttered. 

He took his cell phone from his pocket, unlocking the device with a few flicks of his fingers, and she saw the familiar logo of the messaging app open on the screen. She couldn’t help but feel the stifling silence between them. It was a stretch to have been able to convince him to go in the first place, and she could sense his anxiety just from the way his hands had fidgeted when he had agreed to the hangout that Friday afternoon. It drove her determination to see him be comfortable. It would be another ten minutes walk to the Drinkery. Yes she had gone plenty of times to know the accurate count, she didn’t want to come to regret of making this decision so soon.

“Can I make a suggestion?”

“What is it?”

Her eyes narrowed in on the gloveless hands holding the cell phone in their fingers.

“You like to listen to Coldplay, right?”

“Yes.”

“While we’re on the way, maybe you play me your favorite song? And we’ll switch, I’ll play you some of the music I like.”

“You’d want to hear my music?” 

“Hiccup, this is what friends do.”

Chapter 18: Chipping at Walls

“You said it’s called Secrets , right? I could swear I’ve heard that song before. I think it’s been used in a movie.”

“I don’t know about that, but without a doubt it’s one of my favorite songs,” She said as she pulled the door open. 

“You listen to that group a lot?”

“Their stuff is legendary. My dad buys me their albums as soon as they’re released.”

“Oh. I don’t quite have that level of loyalty.”

“But you listen to a lot of groups. That’s pretty cool. I tend to listen to the same three groups.”

“So our music tastes are different.”

“I need to devour more music, but it’s hard to stretch out of my comfort zone.” 

“Your music is rather interesting as well,” He commented as they strode up to the counter.

“But I won’t push you to listen to my groups, you’ve already got so many.” 

“One more won’t do any harm.”

“How do you know about so many anyway?” She glanced up at the menu. 

“I have a lot of time on my hands.” He said shortly. 

“Oh. Well what do you want? I’ll order. So we don’t have to do it twice.”

“You don’t have to do that,” He shook his head.

“Hiccup you’re the new kid, and my friend. Please let me do this for you.”

“Astrid I can pay for this.” He insisted. “ This isn’t necessary.”

She turned to look at him, her frosted blue wallet already clutched in her fingers.

“It is necessary. Have none of your friends ever done this for you?”

“What friends?” He said briskly.

No sooner had the words escaped his mouth when his eyes widened and he shuffled away from her. After taking a few deep breaths, he faced her. Had he really, she couldn’t believe it, there shouldn’t be any reason to regret saying-

“Thank you for the treat. Umm, I’ll take a caramel macchiato with three espresso shots.” 

“Sure.” Her cheeks felt hot as she dared to draw closer to him. “Do you want any pie slices or a pastry?”

“Surprise me?”

When he pointed to where he would be sitting, Astrid could swear she saw a faint trace of blush on his cheeks. What friends? The thought burned through her mind as she waited for her turn at the cashier’s counter. He had to have friends before. But, it didn’t sound as if he had been joking around. The words had come out against his will, and it had taken a while for his mind to actually process what he had said. That would explain, why he was so nervous whenever someone drew too close. Why he reacted the way he did when Camicazi had teased him. It was something he was used to. It was evident, from what he had said about the extracurriculars he had participated in, that he wasn’t wanted. His reaction to Camicazi’s words had been a defense, and he took himself out of the situation to avoid further persecution. 

She watched the couple order in front of her, noting how the brunette handed over her credit card while pushing away her girlfriend’s. Hearing the girl make a couple of protests before she gave them a peck on the cheek. It reminded Astrid of when she had gone out with Thuggory. It had taken a while for them to actually have become intimate, and only a month before they broke up had they shared their first kiss. Back then, she could say that they were both in an athlete’s mindset. Passionate for throwing that ball around, but using each other as a support system. Maybe, that passion had muddled the love that had been exchanged.

She took out a few slips, knowing that since she was treating Hiccup, today’s drinks would be pricey. It gave her a swell of pride, realizing that she was doing something that anyone had hardly ever done for him. Pocketing the change and thanking Mr. Bucket, she turned on her heel and sat down at the table where Hiccup waited for her. Without hesitation, he slid over two slips.

“Please, take them.”

“Hiccup,” She smiled in hopes of comforting him,”it’s my treat. You don’t need to pay me back.”

“You’re sure?”

“Tell you what, if your drink isn’t to your satisfaction then you can pay me back. But you better not be lying.”

“Can’t bother. Lying isn’t exactly my strong suit.”

“Then you’ll have to deal with what you ordered.”

“Will do.” He clicked on the screen of his phone.

“So, I’m guessing you didn’t have any friends at your old school, huh?”

“Hiccup the Outcast, they loved pinning that on my locker.”

“But why? You don’t necessarily look like a nerd, and I have to say you don’t really act like you’re better than anyone else.”

“You’re going to have to ask them, or actually, don’t. They won’t give you the time of day.”

“Are they that pompous?”

“Answer this first. Do any of the sports teams play against the Meatheads?”

“No, the buses wouldn’t take us that far. Our tiny school cannot afford that.”

“I can tell you, it’s over a day’s travel, and a constant switch of transportation.”

“Really?”

“Have you ever been to Meathead?”

“No, and I definitely don’t want to go if the Meatheads are little snotty jerks.”

“So it’s reciprocated.”

“Sorry?”

“You both dislike one another, even though you’ve never met.” 

“They talk crap about us when they don’t even play us? I mean, Fishlegs has mentioned how his cousins are kind of uptight, but I can’t imagine-”

“Strange isn’t it? How someone makes an opinion on someone else based on how little they know about them,” He stood from the chair as he saw Astrid’s drinks be placed on the counter. 

She saw him briefly stumble as he grabbed their drinks, an offhanded whistle from his mouth blowing away a lock of hair. Looking at the drinks in his hand, she could imagine that his hands warmed up after walking through the skin-penetrating cold outside. He placed the cup in front of her then sat down before peeking inside the bag where the pastries lay. 

“You don’t seem like you think highly of the Meatheads either.” She commented.

“Of course not. I have to say, I am liking it here much better than there.” 

“And to think, you had to grow up with stuck-up people like that. Why would your parents even move you there in the first place?”

He took a ginger sip of his macchiato. “ Work took him there.”

“So you grew up on Meathead?”

“No, I was born here.” 

“You were?” Her eyes widened.

“Yes.”

“Then why didn’t your-”

“Work.”

“And he brought you back several years later? Why?”

“Work.” He emphasized.

“What does he do?”

“He isn’t necessarily the head of the company, but he’s in charge of spreading the word. He communicates with companies on other islands to recruit. If this is confusing I’m sorry. He doesn’t quite explain the full extent to me. I don’t really know what he does.”

“Looks like your father has superior people skills then.” 

“Yeah good people skills,” He grumbled as he took another sip,”but not with his son.”

“So you must get along better with your mom then.”

“Yeah. I would say we do.” 

“Does she work too?”

“She worked at a school as a teacher’s aide.”

“But she spends most of her time with you, right?”

“I hardly remember a time she wasn’t behind me.” His gaze flickered down to the table. 

“So, are you liking your drink?”

“Caramel and espresso make a delightful combination.” He held up the cup in a mock toast.

She looked down at her own drink. It was one of Mr. Bucket’s own creations where he mixed goat milk with apple and cinnamon. Then to add a jolt to the mix it had a single espresso shot. Dubbing the drink Cinnapple. Astrid wouldn’t necessarily call it her favorite drink, but it was certainly in her top five. She enjoyed the sweet taste of apple as it gathered on her tongue. 

“Did you get a favorite?” He asked. 

“Yes. It’s a drink that consists of goat milk.”

“One of their own creations?”

“Yup,” She smiled, “but not all that popular.”

“So… you’ve umm, lived here, your whole life?” 

“Born and raised, and I don’t know exactly what you know about Berkian history, but my family has been here for generations. So has yours.”

“That I knew. Hamish had mentioned it.”

“I do have to say though, I’ve hardly ever been off the island. Sometimes we leave to go to the movie theaters in Hysteria, or the mall in Red Thorn, but I’ve never spent more than a week off the island.”

“Why?”

“My dad lost a cousin before I was born. They took a plane to Canada, and it had an engine malfunction that caused it to crash before it even left the Archipelago. My father still carries qualms to this day. Even then, I know that us Hoffersons don’t prefer to leave anyway. Most of my family is here, granted it still remains small. Small island, small population.”

“So you have family at Berk High then.”

“Not as many as you’d think. I do have twin cousins who are in their ninth year, but aside from that I am the second-oldest cousin.”

“Who’s the first?”

“My older brother, his name is Finn. He’s an alumni of Berk High, and recently joined the Berk Guard. Originally wanted to be a doctor on Volandon but he couldn’t take all the studying.” 

“How old is he?”

“Just turned 22 two months ago.”

“What made him want to be a doctor, then switch to a police officer?”

“Our mother is a nurse, and she works the night hours. My brother was inspired with the same desire to save lives, but when he changed his mind to become an officer he was still able to bring the same drive with him.” 

“Are you seeking the same thing?”

“No.” She admitted. “ I’ve always had a passion for sports, but can’t really consider much else.”

“Why not?”

“I am part of some of the clubs, but I’m not as entirely invested. I know this stuff could help me for university, but I really care about sports. I don’t want to brag and say I’m super good, but I think I can certainly try out for a team and attempt to make it to the big leagues.”

“If you share the drive, you shouldn’t let anyone steer you off your dream.”

“Yeah, definitely.”

She watched as he picked at the croissant she had chosen for him. Mr. Mulch and Mr. Bucket were extravagant in their creations in that they combined strange ingredients, but at their insistence you tried it. It actually tasted better than you thought. She had ordered two of the same croissants. It was chopped peaches with minced pecans. That was something she definitely ordered every time she came, and she had never considered asking if Hiccup would have preferred that. He may have said to surprise him but she couldn’t help but think it might have been money badly spent if he didn’t like it.

“Before you take a bite,” Her hand stretched across the table to lie on top of his,”you need to know that it has peaches and pecans. You’re… not allergic to anything are you?”

“Oh. Thanks for telling me. I- I’m not, at least, not to this.”

“But you do have an allergy?” Astrid quickly retracted her hand and took a quick sip of her drink. 

“Yes.”

“To what? Pollution?”

He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow.

“It is possible. People can’t take in the excess carbon fumes and the world’s infection and they tend to have a constant runny nose.” 

“We certainly have cleaner air than in the States, that’s for sure.”

“So what are you allergic too?”

A little voice in her head sounding distinctly like Ezra telling her that she should check his school record. Hiccup took another bite of his croissant, avoiding her gaze. He chewed slowly, while a small piece of peach fell onto the wax paper wrapping.

“Cauliflower.” 

“Oh the little white trees,” She chuckled. “What are its effects on you?”

“An unpleasant stomach and swelling of the throat. Though it’s never been fatal.” 

“If uncared for then it can get to that extent.” 

“I guess.” 

“Does it happen often?”

“I’ve learned to be careful.” 

“Okay. So does that mean you have to be careful of ingredients in meals?”

“Constant vigilance. But my dad and I have very limited meals so I would say the only risks now are the cafeteria foods.”

“I’ve never really met anyone with an allergy before. Fishlegs is a picky eater, but nothing harms him. That doesn’t stop him from eating a lot though. I know that Orrick is allergic to a whole lot of things, but there’s nothing fatal. Though he always does seem to be displaying some sort of allergic reaction.”

“So he has to be really careful of what he eats then.”

“Yeah, I think Hamish knows the full extent of his reactions.”

“That must be hard.”

“I guess. One allergy can be hard, but imagine having to live with several. You’d have to be conscious of almost all of your actions.”

“If you learn to monitor it correctly, knowing what to avoid can become routine.” 

“You’re saying he must have already adjusted to it?”

In all admittance, she had hardly paid attention to Orrick. It was only the rumors that floated through the school that alerted her to the fact that the 10th year responded to multiple things. She had one time seen Dogsbreath shove Hamish to the ground, and a little booklet had flown out of his pocket. Passerby causing the book to open and she could his familiar scribble listing some of what she assumed was Orrick’s allergies. 

“Most allergies begin during the toddler years. He’s only a year younger than us. Unless he’s still discovering new allergies he must already be coping with what he has.” 

“I’ve never asked him about it.”

“None of you really do talk to Hamish and Orrick huh?”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but they’re targeted by one of the worst bullies of the millennium. You associate with them and you’re asking to be included as well.” 

“So that’s why you have to avoid them like they have the plague? Why not stand up for them?”

“The few times I tried Dustin came back the next day and did something even worse.”

“Then you’re only letting him get away with it. If no one stands up for them, it’s only going to continue.” 

“Dustin has to have a limit.”

“You want that limit to be him killing one of them.”

“Okay, he may seem psychopathic, but he would never go to that extent.”

“Doesn’t he seem the type to you?” 

“In all honesty,” She bit her lip. “Yes.”

She was the one who had found Hamish on the basketball courts. She hadn’t found out until the school had gone into an uproar and Hamish sent to the hospital, but apparently Hamish had been missing for the last few classes, and most teachers had just assumed he had left the school. When in reality, Dogsbreath had found him in the hallway when he had gone to the bathroom then left him on the courts. He was still conscious, and he had dragged himself to the bleachers. Some scratches on his arms still oozing blood. 

When she had asked if he knew why Dogsbreath had done it, Hamish had managed to mutter that the bully hadn’t appreciated that Astrid had defended him and Orrick. She still wondered if Dogsbreath had left him on the courts intentionally for her to find him. 

“Then it’ll take the words of several others to finally put Dogsbreath in his place.”

Her eyes widened. “You know his nickname?” 

She had hardly stood up for either of the two ever since. 

“I’ve heard Hamish mention him before.” 

“And you knew the name to the face?”

Hiccup ran a hand through the back of his hair. “He may have had a go at me a few days ago.” 

“Maybe he noticed you sitting with them?”

This wasn’t good. This really w asn’t good. If Dustin was already trying to mess with Hiccup, could it be directed at her? Would his new target, make her have to break any relation she had with him? It could only happen if he went as far in targeting Hiccup as he had Hamish, to isolate him so no one could protect him. He had messed with other new kids before, so much to the extent that they wound up moving again. Sometimes it would be… because they had tried to make friends with Hamish. 

“Then wouldn’t he have attacked the three of us when we were all sitting together at the table instead of confronting me individually?”

“Hiccup, maybe you should sit with me and my friends. That way you don’t risk getting yourself hurt.” 

“It kind of sounds like you’re supporting Dustin’s aggression towards Hamish.”

Astrid narrowed her eyes. “Every student at Berk High has learned that it’s dangerous to try to stand against Dustin Querett.” 

Hiccup muttered a few words under his breath before taking a long sip of his drink. When he put the cup back down, she noticed there was a small drop lingering on the left side of his mouth. He quickly brushed it aside once he noticed what she was staring at, and his gaze dropped down to the table.

“So I suppose you and Heather are best friends? How did that come along?” His fingers drummed on the side of the cup for a few brief seconds.

“Most of our group is Berk-born and our outliers are Camicazi, Eret, and Heather. Heather is originally from Outcast, but when her mother died when she was eight she and her brother were brought here to Berk. We met when she attended my primary school. Her older brother had walked her to school for her first day. His name is Dagur, if he ever comes to pick her up I’ll introduce him to you. We didn’t become best friends from the get-go though. She was shy and half of her hair always covered an eye. It was when Snotlout started flirting with her on the playground that I started stepping up for her. Believe it or not, he’s always been a flirt for that long.

I wouldn’t say we automatically clicked, because it turns out she was not a shy person once you got to know her. She always speaks to you with a kind voice, but get to know her and her fierce side becomes more apparent. Our friendship finally strengthened when we reached seventh year and we were both placed on the same side for basketball. We’ve been, at least I would say, inseparable ever since.”

“Why would you call the three of them outliers?” 

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, they’ve become very dear friends to me! I wouldn’t trade them for anyone else in the world.” She said wistfully. “But when other students look at our friend group they like to point out that those three aren’t original Berkians. With Heather’s mannerisms, Eret’s fondness of those fur boots, Camicazi and her accent, they do tend to stand out more than Hamish and his hair.”

“Right, Cameron’s Skullion accent.”

“Yeah, you see what I mean.” 

“But they aren’t treated like outcasts.” 

“No, they’ve already become well-integrated into the Berkian community.” 

“Yet they are still considered outliers, at least of sorts.”

“If you’re worried about not fitting in, there’s no need!” She said hastily. “You’ll fit in just as easily as them! Even more so because you’re a Haddock and was actually born on the island!”

“But I haven’t been living here for 16 years.” 

“Eret’s only been here for six and Camicazi for five. You’ll be fine, Hiccup. You’re already becoming the talk of the school.”

“Do you mean that in a good way or a bad way?”

“A good way. I mean, you saw how our classmates praised you on Monday.”

“I guess.” 

“Camicazi’s fitting in, and as you saw she’s not the easiest person to get along with. Neither is Eret. That’s why they’re perfect for each other,” She smirked. 

“So they are in a relationship?”

“Have been for a month before we started the school year. So I think they’re approaching their four-month anniversary.”

“And they get along well?”

“It seems that way. What about you? Have you ever been in a relationship before?”

“Have you?” 

“I have. But I haven’t gone out on a date in over a year.”

“Who’s the lucky person?”

“I don’t think you’ve met him yet. He’s a football player, his actual name is Trevor but we call him Thuggory.”

“How long did you date?”

“About five months, but we wound up parting ways.”

She was about to re-ask him the question, noting that he had directed the question at her rather than respond himself. If he had avoided the question, she could only guess that he didn’t have a good experience. There wasn’t a need to nag him to find out the information. 

“I bet you are still friends with him though.” He said in a low voice.

“After a while yes. Although, he isn’t on the level as the rest of the gang.”

“I’m glad. You may not have feelings for him anymore, but at least you two can tolerate each other in the same room.”

“Have the relationships you’ve seen turned south?”

“When they do it’s hard not to get caught up in the turmoil. It would affect the school population no matter how large.” 

“Were you personally affected?”

“Of sorts, yes.” 

“Well I know we didn’t make it very far, but if I can be honest with you, neither of us were really s old into the relationship. We liked each other, but we didn’t put in the necessary effort to express it towards one another.” 

“So you think about it now, as something that was never meant to be?”

“Definitely something that was fun while it lasted, just wasn’t meant to be forever.” 

She saw him nod as he once again centered his gaze to the table. She was glad he had actually spoken to her, and she had found out a little more on his life.

“How long until you’re picked up?”

“I just have to call them and then I’ll be picked up. What about you?”

“I’ll walk from here.”

“I can give you a ride!”

“No thank you. I have to learn the walk home.” 

“Are you sure? I mean, you didn’t bring your gloves with you, and the Berkian cold is-”

“That’s what pockets are for.” He flicked his fingers. “Maybe some other time. Please, Astrid.” 

One thing she could assert about Hiccup’s personality is that he could be quite stubborn when he desired. It was something you couldn’t perceive from a few looks and gestures. You had to indulge in conversation with the brunette. She hoped that one day he would accept a ride from her. She understood why he would want to walk home. He was new to the city, he had to get his bearings before he would be comfortable getting in a car with someone that was still somewhat of a stranger to him. 

“Maybe this weekend,” She asked as they both stepped out of the Drinkery,”I can take you on a tour of Berk. Heather and Fishlegs can come with us.”

“That actually, sounds very nice. Sure.” 

Chapter 19: Apology Said

He listens to music, from a group in Mexico.

Dude I haven’t even heard of Sin Bandera.

I tried listening to one of their songs after I got home, I have to admit, I’m going to need a translation app.

This dude sounds cooler and cooler the more you hear about him.

Camicazi what have you even heard about him?

They keep mentioning him in every single one of my classes. Some people think he’s going to be Dogsbreath’s next victim, someone geeked out about his art, and Heather mentioned earlier that he used to be in theater! Oh, and I member the twins saying he lives in front of ‘em.

Wait what do you mean next victim?

I only heard a tidbit, but soemone said they saw Dustin steal his beanie. Tbh I’d like to see what kind of hair is under those diamal tings.

Maybe the twins can find out how many he got lol

Didn’t they say they’ve already been inside?

Yeah I’ve helped them break in a few times, cann assuurre you no one was living there when we wenr inside

What’s even in there that the twins would want?

Nothing much, spare chairs, rusty spoons… plenty of flickering lights, I’m sruprised elcectricity was even sstill on

You forget that Hiccup’s family was still paying for the house, of course they would try to keep everything running even if no one was living there.
Maybe there was always the chance that Hiccup and his dad would come back to Berk

If his family was living all the way in Meathead I’m surprised they wanted to keep that thing

Not a bd house, must say so. REALLY BIG
Bet you then twins would have dared the group to spend a night in there if it wasn’t occupied

The house hasn’t had someone living there since Hamish left for that year in London, they should have done it sooner

You’re telling me they’ve never actually spent a night in there?

If they had theye would ahve already bragged about it to us lol

They must think it’s haunted

Yeah they told Hiccup on Tuesday

She glanced around her room, seeing the dim glow of the hallway light creeping under her door. She had “gone to bed” at least a half-hour ago. Judging by how the light was still on, her father was still working. Her mother was working another night shift, but she would be home earlier than usual. She would start hearing her shift around in the early hours of the morning, knowing that she was working off her restlessness before finally succumbing to bed. 

Her however, she was supposed to be asleep. There was a test in class to worry about the next day, and even thoughshe was confident after the two hours she had studied, there was still lingering doubts. Thor knows a number of teachers in the school were adding extra coursework to get as much as they could done before the holiday. Texting her friends to relieve her stress seemed to be doing the trick. Yet she hadn’t deigned to ask why they weren’t asleep when it was already one in the morning. If she recalled correctly they didn’t have to worry about a test the next day. 

I can’t get over the fact that he’s acted before. I feel like I’ve aked eveyine in the shcool alreadt for their help. That is, excetp the headmaster haha. 

He’s too busy to take part in something like this. 

You guys think Haddock would take part?

He’s not going to take any part in this once he finds out who’s directing.

He got a problem with me?

Gee, what do you think? Do you even remember what his first impression of you was?

Right. He thinks I don’t like him. I just, I didn’t

I think the best thing, if you want him to participate
is if you

I was thinking of recruiting him to play Maddox.

and Eret apologize to him. It’s the only way he’s going to hang out with us.

You’ve finally found a Maddox!? You’ve been searching for one for months!

I know I even scheduled auditions for Satruday in Red Thorn. Eret was going to drive. 

You really want someone to have to make all that effort to come to one of the coldest islands in the Archipelago?

I’m getting desperate! We need to start filming by December at least if we want to be ready for the new year. Eret needs a co-star.
You said apologize? He really took it that hard?

I told him you were in a foul mood, but think about it. It’s your first day, and you get teased in the first few hours you’re there.
My guess is, from what we talked about earlier, he didn’t have a good experinece on Meathead.
*experience

What do you mean?

I think he was bullied. 

Might explain why he always so onguard 

I just thought he was super quiet. Aby new kid we get on Berk always cones off as shy.

There’s a reason for why he acts the way he is, is all I’m saying. I don’t know for sure if he was bullied or not.

Be willing to ask him for audition?

Were you not paying attention?? Camicazi, if he hears who’s asking for the audition he won’t want anything to do with it!

Then what do you suggest we do about it?

I might have an idea ;)

\ {%} /

He had done it deliberately. He’d rather someone hear his half-truths, then live a lie where he acted as if his life were all sunshine and rainbows. That would be wearing a smile he wasn’t willing to enforce. 

He closed his locker, drawing in a deep breath. He’d made it through Friday. Now marking another week that he had spent on Berk. His dad was going to take him to the hardware store later that evening so he could start repainting the art room. Saturday had already been taken with Astrid’s insistence in taking him to explore the island. Just a couple of hours earlier she had placed a slip of paper into his hand saying it was his admission ticket to the Berk History Museum. A little voice in the back of his head had told him that the ticket was the key.

Astrid’s way of securing that there was no way of him backing out of the tour. He had tucked the ticket into one of his binders, the only one he was taking home for the weekend. Mr. Mulch was giving them a test come Monday, and he had explicitly stated that it would cover a chapter Hiccup hadn’t made it to yet. He was still two chapters behind. To be frank, he was surprised of how fast the history teacher went through the book. He wanted to study, but knew he had other priorities that he deemed more important at the moment. 

He made sure to plug the earbuds into his ears before he pulled on his coat. Today he hadn’t forgotten to bring his gloves, but he kind of enjoyed the Berkian chill. But even though he did enjoy it, he did have to keep in mind that it would dry out his hands. Lotion was essential, and even more since Fishlegs had mentioned that the much colder weather was due to arrive soon. Moving in these months, he would get to experience the storms he read about head-on. He clicked on his music app, avoiding the remaining students in the hallway before opening the door.

On this day, he was going to do something that he had hardly ever done before. Astrid had said that a friend of hers wanted to apologize to him, but because they didn’t exactly hang out they agreed to meet him at the Drinkery. He instantly knew who it was, and in all honesty there was a trickle of anxiety at the planned meeting. He didn’t know what they were capable of. In the other schools, when someone would judge him in the same way they had, they would become physically violent. In this instance, these high schoolers were different. 

They hadn’t even regarded him after that first day. To find out, that they wanted to apologize to him in person? It sounded skeptical, didn't it? It could be a trick, and they were planning something if he was ridiculous enough to take the bait.

He sat down at the table, checking to see what song would come next. He didn’t know how long he would have to wait. He knew he only had a short time. There was no way of calculating if he would be picked up or if he would make it home on time. She had told him to wait. To do it for her. That it would be worth it. He tapped the cup with a finger. Hiccup could tolerate hot drinks, it was something of preference. Coffee was his addiction, and caffeine a necessity. Any day he didn’t have his fill would result in an evening with an irritating migraine. 

He glanced at the door after taking a long sip. He’d decided to try a new pastry, blackberry cheesecake with sprinkled granola. He saw the lone dessert sitting in the display case, and had assumed it was something that was rarely asked for. He also didn’t bother to ask the man if it was. He lifted the fork and took a meager bite, remembering that he’d hardly ever had cheesecake in his lifetime, let alone endeavoring to have blackberry. He liked the taste, but it wasn’t something that would make him excited to eat. 

His head instantly snapped to the door as someone else burst in. It was hard to see who it was because of the thick coat they wore. It was the after school hours, for now the customers that would frequent the Drinkery were students who had come from Berk High just like himself. He felt the last draft of cold air that the newcomer brought in. They were thoroughly bundled up, and the eyes of the other Berkians turned to the newcomer as they visibly shivered and proceeded to remove some of their thick layers.

They removed a thick coat, then two sweaters before they tugged the beanie off their head. It made him wonder if he himself stood out like that. The fact that people who hadn’t grown up on Berk aren’t used to the severe cold. He knew it was true. The other day he saw one of his neighbors standing on the lawn in a sweatshirt, a pair of sweatpants, and slippers that slowly grew soggy. They hung the three pieces of clothing on a single peg of the coat holder then their eyes scanned the room. 

“I’m sorry I’m late.” She said as she walked toward him.

“I was to understand that there would be two of you.” 

“Eret isn’t one for written apologies.” She said. “He has practice, so I came to apologize for the both of us.”

“Really? I wasn’t sure you were arriving at all.” He admitted.

“I’m never punctual.” She smirked. “Anything to recommend?”

“I’ve heard their hot chocolates are delightful.” He flicked a crumb away.

“I’ll get myself settled in first, then I can get this done properly.” 

Properly, he muttered to himself as she walked away. He was deeply immersed in the situation. If he had wanted to run or back out, it was too late now. He’d have to deal with whatever she threw at him. Then he began to question, was there a right way of apologizing? Was there some kind of etiquette to maintain to ensure the apology had the proper intention behind it?Astrid had said she would be coming. He wouldn’t actually say it to her, but he wanted to turn tail and hit the ground running. Meeting with Cameron could just be another opportunity for her to ridicule him. But this time, in the view of the other Berkians instead of Astrid’s group of friends. 

He just continued to ask himself whether he was truly capable of defending himself. If the situation came to it, that he would be able to rise from the chair and walk away. Abandon his cheesecake and espresso to spare himself from the ridicule. Back on the mainland, there were some bullies that preferred to toy with him, let him believe something was different before the insults began. By then, walking away was considered an act of cowardice. Allowing tears to flow would lead to taunts. 

Cameron removed the hair tie holding her blonde locks as she took a seat in the chair across from him. She placed a muffin down before visibly shivering.

“So, you’re here because…”

“On behalf of Eret and I, I would like to sincerely apologize for our behavior last Monday. It wasn’t fair of me to treat you that way when it was only your first day.” 

“You only knew my name.”

“I misjudged you without even thinking. I wasn’t in the best shape that day, and I really should have treated you better than I did.”

“Astrid put you up to this, didn’t she?”

“Why bring her into this?”

“If I know my days of the week correctly, today is Friday. The second Friday since I started attending the school. I appreciate your apology, I really do. It’s just, it’s been very long. This just seems like too pristine a setting for you to have decided of your own will to come here and say it to my face.”

“What made you think Astrid arranged this?”

“How do you think I’m still here?” 

“You mean that you don’t-”

“I am new to the island, but I don’t always come here.”

“I was under the impression that you stay here for a while, I knew I’d be able to catch up to you,”

“Astrid asked you to come, right?”

“Yes, but I was the one who-”

"So Astrid controls you?"

"No she doesn't!" She snapped. "If I wasn't sincerely sorry I wouldn't have even come. Besides, Hofferson must have told you I was coming to meet you or else you would have left. Isn't she controlling you?"

"She merely took advantage of my routine," Hiccup said calmly,"saying that instead of buying my drink and leaving I should wait."

"If you don't like me then why wait?" Cameron cast him a piercing look. 

"Because you would be the first person who's ever apologized to me." 

“I really do mean my apology. I’m apologizing for Eret as well, and I know he isn’t here so it doesn’t seem sincere… but I’m taking the fall for the both of us.” 

“Thank you for taking the time and coming. If this mattered that much to you, then that’s something to look at.”

If Astrid had manipulated the whole thing, he couldn’t be sure that she didn’t threaten Cameron to come. There wasn’t a reason to doubt that she was sincere, but there was the week long gap of her not having said a single word to him. He just wondered that if from aside from Astrid, there was an additional drive. It wasn’t like she was staring at him as he walked to a table in the cafeteria. Since she had the guts to apologize, and even admit that she had heeded Astrid’s advice, there was the possibility that she didn’t intend on bullying him.

“So, what are you eating?”

“A blackberry cheesecake.”

“Accompanied by some coffee I assume.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He shrugged. 

“I’m not real fond of coffee. Chocolate is my weak spot.” She squeezed the cup in her hand. “I always carry a parcel with me in my backpack or even a small bar in my pocket.”

“What if you have to wear something that doesn’t have pockets?”

“I never wear anything that doesn’t have pockets.”

“What about when you go swimming?”

“I’m sorry, have you been living on this island? It’s always much too cold to go swimming.” 

“I have gotten that memo.” Hiccup shook his head.

“I honestly don’t know how these Berkians can tolerate this weather. I mean, no joke, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. But the snow storms and constant cold, it can be unbearable, there are days when my mother can’t even get me out from underneath the blankets.”

“So you aren’t a Berkian?” 

“No, I’m not Berk-born. I’m from Skullion.” 

So he had placed the accent correctly. Even if he had only lived there for a short while, he was still able to remember the accent from that particular region.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Skullion have cold weather as well?”

“Yes it does,” She spluttered off, “but it isn’t as bad as here. I mean, we at least have a warm season. How did you even know that?”

Hiccup thought quick. He couldn’t tell her, they already knew he lived on Meathead. They needn’t know anywhere else.

“We’ve all had to take History of the Archipelago at some point,” He wrung his hands, “I remembered that particular part.”

“I suppose that makes sense. One thing they’ve mentioned in Berkian history is how crazy the weather can get here.”

“I bet you’ve had time to adjust to it.”

“Not long enough.” Cameron smirked. “So, how are you doing? I’ve heard from Astrid that you’re actually Berk-born.” 

“That doesn’t exactly mean I have an immunity to the weather.”

“But I mean, well you’re a Haddock. Your father is an alumni! You’ve got Berk in your ancestral blood!” She waved her hands for emphasis.

“I’ve been told, that there’s still more severe weather to prepare for. So I don’t want to make an assumption when I haven’t even been through the worst.” 

“Reasonable.” She glanced down at her cup.

Hiccup took a spoonful of his cheesecake. Cameron certainly had no intention to bully him. He would know, from everything he experienced. And he couldn’t judge Eret from appearance and experience. The jocks had enjoyed picking on Hiccup, he couldn’t hold Eret to the same standard. If either of them were truly intent on bullying him, they would have already done so. A school population that small, they could been capable of turning everyone against him.

He nearly shuddered at the thought. Thankful that so far things were going fine. Hiccup was living in a house he felt at home in, he had made some friends, and it seems there was room for more. One of the only downsides was that he had been reunited with a past bully. Cameron must have noted the growing frown on his face, because she hunched down, unzipping her backpack. He managed to take another sip of his hot drink before she slid a thick packet toward him. 

Thick wasn’t an exaggeration. It wasn’t a mere article you had to print out for a research essay. It was as thick as a peer-reviewed article, at least 30-50 pages. Hiccup wondered just how much ink it had taken to print all that. He leaned slightly forward, putting the cup and plate aside so he read the first page. It was a cover page… for a show script. 

“What is this?”

“It’s for a project I’ve had in the making for a while. It’s called The Light Ahead . I only have the first season planned out, but I’ve enlisted the help of most of our classmates.”

“What’s the show about?”

“There are two protagonists, I’m setting it to be a high school romance. The first is Reuben Brazner, and the second is Maddox Azadani. The premise of the show is essentially that these two meet and while they form a friendship another bond seems to grow as well.” 

“Let me guess, your endgame is that they’ll wind up together right?”

“Only one has come out, of sorts, from the beginning of the show. The other is in the questioning stage. But yes. I want to have them together, though I haven’t exactly planned the duration of the show.” 

“How exactly is everyone else involved?”

“Heather is co-writing this with me. The twins are planning wardrobe, Eret and Snotlout are coordinating action scenes, when they’re necessary. Most of the school population and even some parents are playing background characters. Everyone is helping with some piece of it, even if it’s filming or editing.”

“Well if you need an extra I can take part, this does sound like a rather interesting-”

“No Hiccup I don’t need more background characters. I’ve been trying to find the second co-star.”

“You haven’t found the other?” 

“No, I’ve persuaded Eret to take on the role for Reuben, but I’ve had trouble finding the other character. No one fits him, and I’ve heard a lot about you since you’ve got here.”

“Hang on, I know where this is going… this is why you apologized all of a sudden-”

“I wanted to make amends.”

“And then just jump straight into it!?” 

He did well to hide his shock. It felt like he had been cornered. He had the gnawing feeling that there was another intention behind this meeting. Heather had questioned if he had ever done acting before. Her eyes had lit up when the subject had been brought up. 

“That’s why I brought the script.” She flipped the first page for him. 

Emmett had already been written in the cast list. As had Heather, and most the group he had been introduced to. Heather was playing a protagonist’s half brother, and Astrid was playing the other’s step sister. Even the girl who worked at the Drinkery was involved as well. Cameron certainly wasn't kidding when she said almost everyone had a role.

“I would like you to read over Maddox’s character. You fit exactly how I pictured him, and heck, it doesn’t quite matter if I barely know you.”

“So Heather told you I’ve acted before.” 

“You have much more experience than Gustav or even Eret. My boyfriend is a total jock, but he’s still doing this.  A lot of us are stepping out of comfort zones for this.”

“But this is, a pretty big project. You aren’t paying anyone?” 

“You do recall what age we are, don’t you?” She gave him a teasing smile.

“You’ve said you’ve recruited most of the school population. You can’t tell me that didn’t take some money as persuasion.”

“Well certainly some bribes, but most of these Berkians have a kind heart.” She took a sip of her drink. “I didn’t deign to ask Dustin though. That sack of rat crap is insufferable, and has no place on my set.” 

“You’re sure you want me to play Maddox? What can you tell me about his backstory?” 

“It’s really up to you to discern what kind of character he is, so what I’ve written isn’t entirely set in stone. If you accept, you’re free to interpret him as you see fit. The story for Maddox is that he’s starting to attend a new school since the one he previously attended was burnt down. He isn’t quite a social person to begin with, and to have to face a new setting doesn’t make things any better. He had also found out in that same year that he had a half-sister, and after the burning school ordeal, his mother leaves him behind with the other family, having to be raised with a sister and a father that he didn’t know existed.” 

“So he had to go through a major move.”

Didn’t that sound familiar?

“As is guessable, you see how he ends up adjusting.”

He gave a skim over the first three pages of the script. Cameron desired that he play a character that is similar to himself, even if is just from a few elements. Maddox didn’t seem to have a disability, and didn’t hold his emotions back. He expressed himself as he saw fit. 

“I would,” He said cautiously, “like to know what inspired you to write this show.”

“I just wanted my first show to be something in the high school setting. Beat the norm where they need older actors to play teenagers. My first project to be something I did with my friends.” 

“But why me?” Was the strongest question to ask.

“The new kid should partake in this. I know you’ve only been on the crew but now’s your time to have your chance in front of the camera.”

“When do you start production?”

“We’ve already started. Heather is my co-writer, and we agreed that the first two episodes should be in introducing the protagonists. Since I hadn’t found Maddox yet, we started off with Reuben.” 

“Hmm. This does, seem rather abrupt.”

“Tell you what.” Cameron grinned. “Read over the script. It contains the first two episodes, as well as character descriptions for each actor taking part. Have an answer for me by next Saturday, that’s our next film day.” 

“Sure. I can do that.”

“If you like it, you’re fit to be our Maddox Azadani.” 

 

Chapter 20: The Double H Ticket

“Do you need extra decans?”

“Dad, it’s not like I’m going to be gone for three days. It’s just the afternoon. I don’t want to stay out any longer than that.”

“You have your ticket? Sufficient layers?”

“Tell me something else Dad. What is the museum like? Just how many exhibits, what of Berk’s history is actually displayed?”

“You’ll be finding this out in a couple of minutes yourself Hiccup.”

“Yes, but you were the one who was raised here. I want to know what to expect.” 

The morning sunlight, yes for once sunlight, shone upon them as the truck eased up the hill beyond the neighborhood. He still hadn’t gotten to see much of the island, save for the streets they passed when his father took him out to eat and when they went grocery shopping. The museum was apparently right across the street from City Hall, and only a block away from Gobber’s car repair shop. He had yet to visit the shop, but if Gobber had kept it open for seven years then it was getting good business. Even if it was at one of the smallest cities in the Archipelago. 

Astrid had told him that they wanted to meet for the afternoon, and after they had explored the museum to their fill he had been told that they would be taking a walk around the city. Pointing out any good places to eat or history of some of the shops. A different version of anything his dad could have told him. 

“They may have changed the museum since I last came to visit. I know one thing that will always remain is the dragon exhibit, we actually have the set of bones of a Deadly Nadder.

“Let me guess. There are doubters that don’t believe those are bones of a dragon.”

“Yes, they believe it’s the bones of a dinosaur misidentified.”

“There’s no way to refute them.” He said solemnly. 

“Aye. There also was a history of Berk, where they had statues of their past chiefs. Basically our ancestors. You’d get to see your grandfathers.”

“From born to death?”

“Even the feats they accomplished. Though you’d have to see whether or not they’ve removed the exhibit.”

“Is there a statue garden?”

“Not a garden, but there was a room. Some in praise to the gods, others of dragons that were defeated. Your mother’s favorite was someone’s statue of a Stormcutter.”

“Really?”

“We visited that museum several times when we were together. We even brought you once, before we moved to the States.”

“But where would the idea for a Stormcutter even come from?”

“No one knows. The dragon isn’t listed in the museum’s manual. The statue was made from someone’s imagination, though Berkians swear that at one point the dragon existed. The sculpture was found a couple of centuries ago, and the creator was never identified.”

“But the statue was found here on Berk?”

“Hidden away. Some of us wonder if it was ever meant to be found.” 

“What was your favorite part of the museum?”

“The exhibit of chiefs. Tells most of our family’s legacy.”

Hiccup glanced out of the window, wondering if he should even bother asking the question. In some cases, his father would refuse to talk about his mother. But there were some rare occasions where his father got a sort of light in his eyes and seemed in a different world as they discussed his mother.

“What was mom’s?” He broke the silence. 

“You can guess that one for yourself Hiccup.” He pulled into the parking lot of the museum.

                                                                               * ^  & ^ *

He knew his wallet was someplace. Last he had seen it was in his backpack, and Dustin hadn’t gone near him for the week so he was sure it hadn’t been stolen. He had the nagging thought that perhaps his father had snuck into his room while he was slept, acknowledging that his father would take it just to prevent him from going out. 

“I already asked a car to the house.” Hamish said into the phone. 

His father had the administrator access to put the whole house on lockdown should he want to. 

“Is your father home?”

“Clearly not. I wouldn’t try it when he’s still traipsing the halls.” 

“Your mum?” 

“She’s currently out. But she would never stop me from leaving. In my mother’s opinion, there’s anywhere on the island I could go. My father is one of the only people who would know where I’m going the moment he knew I was no longer in the house.” 

“That is, where you’re going?”

“Of course you know Orrick. The museum’s dragon exhibit is open today.”

“Well isn’t that rare?” His voice drawled sarcastically.

“You get what I mean. After tourist season they hardly open the exhibit. Don’t want to expose the bones to the elements.”

“I actually read an article released this summer. Someone who had come to visit the museum. They thought the bones weren’t authentic, and were insulted that the Berk city council was approving the money grab with fake fossils.”

“The author wasn’t Berk born. Any believer would marvel at the fact that Berk even has bones, and it’s only of a few species!”

“But how do we know they’re real?”

“Orrick, I really don’t think we need to get into this argument again-”

“They never let us touch them, and the manuals are hardly legible.”

“You’re not supposed to touch the bones. What museum lets you do that? I don’t think everyone is saying dinosaurs weren’t real just because they couldn’t touch the bones. The manuals, we’re lucky they even exist in this time. It’s been centuries Orrick.”

“Right. Right. You don’t even need them anymore.” There was a faint rustle. “Are you sure you really want to do this?”

“I just need a day. I’ve been crammed in the house for the last month, and I know my father will regulate me if I try to go out during the break.”

“He can’t keep you inside the whole time.”

“Don’t challenge him Orrick.” 

“But you yourself have said that your father isn’t even home most of the time.” 

“Well my mother’s home for another two weeks before she’s off on another business trip. My father will want to spend as much time with her as possible. So that means he will know if I would like to go out or not.”

“Well,” He heard his friend draw in breath, “my mum did mention that it’s been a while since we’ve had you over for dinner.” 

“Great. That gives me an excuse.”

“I could come over to your house as well. Your father hasn’t banned me from there yet.”

“Whatever you’d like. We have the whole week.” 

“My mother bought some movies. Maybe I can bring them over and watch them on Tuesday.”

“Any of those happen to be Jumanji?”

“No, we’d need a streaming site for that.” 

The call was interrupted by a sudden ping. He glanced at the screen.

“My ride has arrived. Wouldn’t you like to come with me?”

“No sorry. Mum wants to go shopping for some dressers on the mainland. Finishing lunch and then catching the next ferry out. Just, make sure you tell me how today goes.” 

<%^&/>

He tipped the driver in cash before exiting the vehicle. He knew that Mildew was on duty the moment his father made the call, but that also meant the unwelcome spying. He would be eager to report his Saturday outing to his father. However Hamish was determined to enjoy what he could before his father would locate him. He walked into the lobby, heading over to the ticket stand. Then a familiar face caught his eye, coming out of the restroom next to the statue of Thor in his vengeful glory. 

“Hamish.” Hiccup raised his hand to wave in a short motion. 

“Hiccup! What brings you here to the museum?”

“I’m seeing our ancestry for the first time.” He said with a shake of the head. “Heather, Astrid, and Fishlegs invited me along.”

“Oh, they’re here as well?”

“Yes, I believe they said they were headed to the weapons exhibit.” 

“I heard that they got some new weapons as well, a visiting attraction from Hysteria.”

“They didn’t mention anything about that.” He turned to walk, taking a couple of steps. Then he faced Hamish. “You came alone?”

“Oh yes I usually come alone. I’m quite a frequenter of the museum.”

“You should join us.” He said with some enthusiasm.

“I don’t hang out with them.”

“Well neither do I but I’m standing here. Haven’t you been living here your whole life?”

“Exactly why we remain separated. They know enough about me to know whether or not to tolerate me.” 

“Is that reasoning why only Orrick hangs out with you?”

“That’s what I’ve come to see.”

“Well the way I see it, Orrick is the one who is your true friend. Who sticks by you even when the both of you are targets. I don’t think you should have to endure that. Why don’t you join us for today? Haddocks and Hensleys should prove they’re getting along.”

He hadn’t been in the mood to decline Hiccup’s offer. He was going to accept, but he could never chase away the qualms. He had Orrick as company because if anyone else tried to get closer there was the possibility of Dustin marking them as targets. The bully had already integrated Hiccup into that category. He had seen the way Dustin was eyeing the new kid from the other side of the room. Hiccup hadn’t told story of Dogsbreath attacking him in the hallways since last Friday, so there was a bright side. But he couldn’t help but worry. Never forgetting the day that he advised him and Orrick to stare their bully down to break confidence. 

“You’re a good friend Haddock. Heather would have just walked past me with a single hello.”

“One more to the group won’t do any harm.” He said shortly. 

Hamish hastened forward to match Hiccup’s stride, seeing that his hands had begun to fidget with the ends of his jacket. For the weekend, there weren’t many people roaming the museum. Then again, once tourist season died down after the warmest part of the year, there weren’t that many people who came in the first place. Once the winter storms began to hit they closed the museum to preserve the artifacts. When he had been away in London he was actually worried that they would close because he wasn’t there to visit. Every single worker knew him by name and had a ticket ready for him the moment he strode through the door.

Unfortunately, they also knew of he and his father. How overbearing he was, and how he constantly wanted tabs on him. Eventually Hiccup slowed down, and he cast a nervous glance at Hamish.

He smiled. “The weapons exhibit is this way.”

First timers. It was difficult to navigate the museum if you didn’t know where you were and where you were going. He simply pushed open a door, knowing that his friend was following like a lost dog. He wondered how Hiccup was taking the museum. For having been someone who was born into the Haddock family yet didn’t know the island where their legacy was born, there was some disconnect to be resolved. 

“I have to ask, but are there some that they let you try out?”

“You mean to actually spar with one? No, most stay in their case, but they do have some wooden ones that they carved to be similar to the real ones. Why do you ask?”

“Then they’ve been around for a while.”

“Yes.”

“My dad told me about it. Didn’t know if some of the exhibits had changed.”

“Well yes, they are still around. Since you’ve asked, I challenge you to a duel later my good sir.” 

“You’ll give me a proper defeat. Never held a wooden sword before.”

“We’ll have Astrid mentor you before you step into the ring.”

“Is she some kind of weapons expert?”

“Ferris drags her to the museum often. I’ve seen her on occasion. She displays a particular interest in the weapons they have here. Even partook in a tournament they offered four months ago. She definitely gave a show to the tourists.”

“How did she do?”

“Won second place. The winner was a fresh graduate of Berk High. Howie Hotshot, or something along those lines.” 

“She never mentioned anything like that.”

“You have only known her a couple of weeks. She may mention it now that we’re actually standing in the exhibit.”

“She seemed most excited to show me the dragon exhibit.”

“You still haven’t seen it?”

“Only know what Fishlegs told me, and also what my dad said. Haven’t seen it with my own two eyes yet.”

“I think you’re going to like it. But then again, there’s a chance you could be dissatisfied. You have been outside of Berk.” 

“I wouldn’t speak so soon. They aren’t opening it for another fifteen minutes.”

“So we’ll waste time in the weapons exhibit then. There’s no rush in seeing the glory of the museum.” 

He rounded the corner, and gazed up at the sign that gave entrance to the weapons exhibit. An outline of a sword had been carved into the wood, but someone shaped the sign so it looked like a coiled Night Terror. After coming through the doorway he could see the other group that Hiccup had joined up with. Heather and Ferris were standing behind Astrid as she stood as close as possible to the display case with axes inside. As he and Hiccup approached he heard her voice heightening in excitement.

“Can you believe that at some point warriors actually used those? I mean, they look so sharp it’s like the blacksmith just finished their creation.”

“And this is why you dress as a Shield Maiden every year for Halloween.” Heather shook her head.

“You can make an axe that looks more realistic you know.” Fishlegs pointed out. “You shouldn’t have to walk around with that plastic thing from the gift shop.” 

“I really doubt I could make an exact replica like the one in here. Fish, I keep that one I got from the shop because it looks just like that.” She turned with her icy-blue eyes twinkling. “Oh the warrior who wielded that back in the day must’ve had some…”

She drifted off as she saw the two of them arrive. Showing the slightest surprise at seeing the two of them together. She was dressed in a beige sweater, dark blue jeans, and ankle boots just a shade darker than the knitted material. In her hair he could see the familiar leather band she wore, though today covering her forehead instead of functioning as a headband. 

“I invited someone else.” Though he saw Hiccup tense. “Is that okay?” 

“Your dad actually let you out of the house?” Heather tilted her head. 

“He doesn’t know, and I’d like it to stay that way.” Hamish said calmly.

It was a fellow teenager, and what would benefit would it be to Heather to tattle on him? 

“Now we’ve got three dragon-nerds in the group.” Astrid smirked.

“Oh gods we’re outnumbered!” Heather giggled. 

“I can just leave, if it’s too overwhelming.” Hiccup stepped back.

“They’re only joking.” Fishlegs went over and put a hand on Hiccup’s shoulder. “And Hamish, we’re glad that you’re joining us. Another friend to show the new kid the glory of our island!”

“So what’s to see about the weapons exhibit?”

“I may be the “dragon-nerd”, but Astrid’s the weapons expert. She can be your little tour guide.”

Astrid placed her hands on her hips. “If I’m to be doing the talking then I expect a tip.”

“Umm, then let’s just-”

“Hiccup she’s joking. Besides, we can always come back. I think we should be there the moment they open the exhibit.”

“I’m really surprised you want to see it Heather. You’ve already seen it dozens of times.”

“Hey I paid a full admission, I’m getting my money’s worth. And this is kind of the main reason we invited Hiccup in the first place. You and Astrid haven’t shut up about it since Wednesday.” 

“How come the exhibit isn’t open yet?” Hiccup asked.

“Well they have the full skeleton of a Deadly Nadder. There are even some unidentified bones sitting in there as well. Even some fossilized dragon eggs, and actual copies of the Dragon Manuals. Here at the museum, the most business is really around the warmer months. Tourists from beyond the Archipelago come to verify the myth for themselves. But in the cold season we’ve entered, the museum only opens the dragon exhibit on some occasions.” Hamish explained. 

“But, why not keep it open the whole time?”

“They really keep it open for those who believe the dragons actually existed. People like us.” Fishlegs put in. “But it isn’t the museum’s most popular exhibit so they keep it closed when it’s off-season.”

“Really? The dragon-exhibit not the most popular one? Than what is?”

“Well, according the Berk Chronicle the Trails of Chiefs is.”

“The tales of our ancestry.” Hamish told the lanky teenager.

“Then this in-frequent opening should be worth it.” 

The group of five made their way over to the Dragon’s Keep, Hamish’s favorite exhibit. When he was younger, his father used to bring him to the museum. When he wanted to train his son to become mayor once he reached a suitable age. He remembered Hiccup’s ancestors just as much as his own. History was essential as being part of the council of Berk. At least in his father’s opinion. The chiefs were once the pillars of the tribe, but times had changed. Though he still found it beneficial to reflect on their legacy. In Hamish’s opinion however, the dragons were just as much a foundation of Berk. 

It was believed that an ancestor of the Haddocks had tamed a dragon, and sparked a renaissance across the Archipelago. Berk was one of the villages that came to house the most of the reptiles, before they gradually disappeared. Historians not able to agree on what had caused them to leave. Berkians for centuries to pass kept the belief that they would return one day, that the species wasn’t extinct. Hamish had half-hoped that there would be a crowd waiting for the doors to open, though he knew it was also a long shot. Only he and the rest of Hiccup’s friends would be awaiting those faintful towering oak doors to open. 

He waved at Mr. Black as he approached the doors, hazel eyes brightening as he smiled in response. Astrid came to clutch Hiccup’s arm, pointing at the doorframe which was adorned with a Changeling, watching the museum goers as they passed underneath the doorway. As the doors opened, he let out a gracious sigh of relief. This would make for a fun afternoon. 

 

Notes:

Hello everyone here is another update, I am sorry that I entered a hiatus. Good news, I have re-entered the groove, though I cannot give a guarantee on how frequent the updates will be.
Any feedback is much appreciated thank you guys for all your support!

Chapter 21: To The Keep We Go

It felt like a second home. Most of the lights were still off, but he knew that they would turn on eventually. It was an expansive exhibit, and at its center was a towering skeleton of a Deadly Nadder. Its head tilted toward the door, a second dragon watching the arrivals stride through. Hamish watched Hiccup to gauge his reaction. He hadn't known that Hiccup was a fan of dragons, but guessed that if he had gotten Fishlegs excited he must have had some vast knowledge. Astrid practically had to drag Hiccup inside, who had stood frozen at the doorway. His gaze started in the center where the skeleton lay, and then it turned to the left of the room. The lights starting to whir to life. 

Music began playing on the loudspeakers, and Hamish was reminded of the first time he had ever walked into the room. His father, when he was a child, would only take him to two exhibits when he was in his toddler years. The Trail of Chiefs and the history of Berk. Which were supposed to be tied to one another but Berk held so much in importance that they had separated the two. How he had stumbled upon the Dragon's Keep, was a visit when he was brought by his mother. He still clung to her legs and was a small thing. His mother took to carrying him a majority of the time since he weighed so little. It was another rare day that the exhibit had opened, but it was a day that there was a small crowd awaiting the doors to open. 

None of the people were his age, and he remembered his small finger lifting, asking his mother in a rather squeaky voice what the dragon at the entrance was. His mother had scooped her little boy into her arms, gesturing at the tendrils dangling from the reptile's neck. A Changeling, a dragon that blended into its surroundings and was extremely territorial. It was a miracle that someone had managed to see the dragon to be able to capture its likeness. 

"So what do you consider the most eye-catching?" Hamish asked the auburn-haired boy.

He gave a loud sigh, his eyes still scanning the room in its entirety. The green-irises coming to view the skeleton, then eyeing the platform where the Dragon Manuals were. Any important leather-bound book that had seen better years and were being preserved by the historical society. There were other copies, five laying on the small stage. Though only one was in good condition. A copy sitting on a podium beside it, an exact replica that museum-goers could flip through. From all the years he'd flipped through it, the pages had already yellowed. Though there were no strange splotches from its use by the Vikings before them, and the writing and sketches had been done in black ink instead of the charcoal pencils used in the past. 

He knew that the workers sometimes did open the display cases to expose different pages when the exhibit would be opened, so anyone could compare the replica to the original image. 

"It's a lot to take in." 

Astrid and Heather had already gone over to a statue of a Razorwhip, its eyes gleaming emeralds that caught the light and glimmered. Though Hamish wished they were a tad more life-like. He imagined that when the dragons had been around a Razorwhip had more alluring eyes, the slit pupils widened among the sea of green. 

"The exhibit is yours to see Hiccup, and any questions that you have, Hamish and I can answer for you." Fishlegs pulled out a thick pack of index cards from a mud-brown fanny pack held to his wide waist. 

"Well you guys did say you'd show me around." Hiccup's hands fiddled with each other, he seemed to hunch in on himself. "How do you think is the proper way to take it all in?"

"The Dragon's Keep," Hamish gestured to the left of the room,  "is structured in different classes. Strike, Fear, Mystery, Stoker, Boulder, Sharp, Tidal. The species that were held to the classification, and their distinct features. There also, but I think we should save this for last, is a little side room where there are recordings of dragon roars. Or at least what people hoped they sounded like back in the day."

"You sound very adjusted to this room Hamish."

"If you aspire to be a dragon-enthusiast, you need to devour this exhibit." Fishlegs grinned widely. "I bet there wasn't anything like this on Meathead." 

Hiccup shook his head. "Definitely not. Their museum didn't have colossal exhibits on something the world regards as a myth."

"And, how do you regard it Hiccup?"

"My mom liked dragons, and we used to talk all the time about them."

"Liked? What happened?"

"She reinforced my belief as a born Berkian that they actually existed at some point. Hasn't wavered."

"We may have another dragon-expert on the island now." Hamish flashed his teeth for the merest of seconds.

"Gods, we should set up a trivia game for the winter break." Heather snickered.

"You should have kept it a secret then." Astrid gave her friend a shove.

"Hey, we would still need them so that we wouldn't do anything inaccurately!"

"Leave this in our hands if you're offering." Fishlegs swiped a hand across his forehead. 

“So which one would you guys suggest we see first?”

“There are several classifications, and even a list of the dragons associated with each one. Or do you have a favorite species? Granted, while the Dragon Manuals may have a list of the dragons, not every one has been spotted.” Hamish rambled.

“I think you should see the Dragon Manuals first.” Astrid pointed.

“Why?” Hiccup followed her finger.

“That Night Fury you drew. You’ll hardly find anything in its class. If you want any info., it’ll be in the Manuals.”

“They’re basically the Encyclopedia of Dragons, right?”

“At least what the Vikings discovered and documented in these books.”

Night Furies? The new kid liked drawing Night Furies, of all species? He walked over to the platform, where Hiccup was already standing. Searching for where the species may be. Astrid had moved to the Deadly Nadder skeleton, kneeling down with her phone pulled out and aimed toward the bones. Hamish didn't understand how he liked a Night Fury of all species. There was hardly anyone he could talk to about this, but if Hiccup's parents had motivated his belief, how had they not told him about the circumstance with Night Furies? With rather hesitant steps, he went up to Hiccup.

"I don't think you'll have much luck with Night Furies. They're in the manual over here."

"Why are there six different ones?"

"At some point the Berkians decided to rewrite them, after an ancestor of yours tamed the first dragon. One that cannot be touched," He pointed, "is the basic guide on the best way to kill a dragon before the Haddock found peace between the two species. "

"Where would a Night Fury be?"

"I'm quite surprised Astrid would ask you about them."

"Yeah me too." Fishlegs flipped through the one accessible to the public. "That particular species is really your favorite."

"Is there an issue?" He started heading to the edge of the platform.

"Well come and see for yourself." Fishlegs gestured.

"You may need to tell me why it's such a bad thing to be-"

Fishlegs found the proper page. Pointing at the heading displaying Night Fury in both Old Norse and their language. 

"This one is the exact copy of the oldest dated Manual. When they still killed the winged reptiles."

Hiccup's eyes wouldn't leave the sheet. He looked as if debating whether to reach out and touch the page, or keeping his hand tucked inside his coat.

"My dad never told me."

All three pairs of eyes watched the sheet, for the Night Fury had little to nothing written on the page. There wasn't even a sketch to show what the reptile had ever looked like. All it said was that the creature was reclusive, had never been seen, its shots were deadly, and that no one ever lived to tell of its attacks. In fact, what Hamish could recall is some stories in the history of Berk that tailed of a chief who had been killed by a shot from a Night Fury.

"Astrid, you said it was something to see, but there's nothing to see." Fishlegs griped.

"How, did this particular dragon call your attention Hiccup?"

"Well my mother did say that this dragon was of the most mysterious, though I bet he isn't in the mystery class."

"How could she fail to tell you that the museum had hardly anything on this dragon?"

"I bet Fishlegs doesn't have those flash cards of the simple listings from this very room. You, as dragon-enthusiasts, must have some theories of your own no?" 

"But our theories can be made based on fact from what we've seen in here-"

"Hiccup you're trying to make something of a species that was never recorded in these books."

"You can't seriously tell me that these dragons were never sighted. That no tale of word was ever spread of Night Furies."

"Guys, this is why Hiccup should see the Night Furies, and why he'd fit in well with your little clique. Even the museum workers would love to see Hiccup's contribution."

"Why is that?"

Heather jumped onto the platform, already digging through her small black purse and pulling out her cell phone.

"Hiccup will be helping out with the festival this year. Which our theme is of the time of Vikings, the time Hiccup Haddock the 1st tamed a dragon. So the reptiles will be included."

"In our art class, Hiccup drew a picture of a dragon for an assignment." Astrid beamed.

"You're joking, a Night Fury?" Fishlegs' mouth dropped. 

"I even took a picture of it." Heather said with a satisfied look.

She set down her phone, right on top of the practically empty sheet. A Night Fury seen underneath the black heading with little description underneath. It was a dragon with purple eyes, practically life-like, an eye tilted up toward the screen, as if it were watching the crowd around it. Its scales were dotted with silver scales amidst a dominant black, but there were two distinct ears with small spines underneath, curved spines trailing down its back, and paws with short sharp claws jutting from it.

"Though there is no way of proving that it actually looked like that. I will admit, this is a rather marvelous image of its likeness. Hiccup, I've never seen that much detailing done on a dragon.

"I bet you've got more dragons sitting in other sketchbooks." Astrid beamed. 

"You could show this to the head of the exhibit."

"Yeah no." Hiccup shook his head in exaggerated motions.

"Why not?"

"This looks brilliant! How could you not want it shown here?" Fishlegs shouted. 

"Because I bet that whatever is in here is centuries old. The mere drawing of a high schooler doesn't belong in a place like this."

"What inspired you to make you think that they looked like this?" Hamish asked. 

"Well I drew it in mostly black is because it blended with its surroundings. A dark pelt would be hard to pinpoint against a night sky. They may have been nocturnal, and probably weren't social dragons. If they were never spotted among other dragons. I imagine that their bodies were lithe, so they were stealthy, another factor in why they weren't seen. There had to be some bright element to them however, if no one lived to tell the tale. Something that caught a Viking's eye and lured them to their death."

"Shot range?"

"That's supported right here in the Manual. If they never missed then their blasts may have been powerful and snout designed so they could pinpoint better than most. I can't fathom how the color of their fire would have looked though."

"The spines?" Hamish pointed to the image on the device.

"Able to glide through the night." 

“I actually believed,” Hamish leaned in for a closer view of the picture, “that Night Furies were the more peaceful dragons. That they purposely kept away from humans, and that’s why they were never spotted. The islands they lived on may have been inaccessible to humans, or they dwelled underground like Whispering Deaths.”

“Night Furies, I just get the creepy feeling they never made it into the books for a reason. Definitely not a species I’d want to encounter. It could attack me before I’d even see it. Meet a grisly death like that chief who didn’t see its attack in time.” 

“Fishlegs would you actually want to exist in the century that they did return?”

“I know that you, I, and Hiccup would be able to help the world prep for them if they did, but if I’m honest, it’s more calming to view sketches from a sheet than have to see them in reality. I mean just look at the Nadder statue. If that thing came to life and tried to make its way out the dragon wouldn’t be able to bend down enough to get through the doors. The horns on its head blocking it from getting through.”

“Humanity would come to accommodate them. If our ancestors could tame these dragons in the past with very different resources than ourselves, then we can surely do the same.”

“But you’ve seen all these movies with dragons. They’ve been reduced to treasure-hoarders, princess-stealers, or shape-shifters that can mind control humans!” 

“Multiple interpretations Fishlegs.” Heather tutted. “Tell you what, you can tell the theater crew how you’d like the dragons to be depicted in our skit. Hiccup will be our designer.”

“I was under the impression that I was just helping with the festival, not going in excruciating detail as to what the dragons will look like.” Hiccup had left to look at another of the Manuals.

Hamish had helped inform on which species were listed in each Manual, because when they had been rewritten the Vikings of past had discovered so many new species that they had needed multiple books. As they moved from the platform to one of the dragon classes, Hamish had asked Hiccup if he could guess which species were in which. But it seemed that after his artwork had been visible upon the Manual, he closed down. There was still a look of awe on his face as they read over the different species and their distinctive features, but he hardly made any verbal comments. 

“You know if there are any still out there, it’s believed to be the ones no bigger than your fingernail.” Hamish commented. 

“Which means it’s harder to prove since they’re miniscule.” He said, not meeting his gaze. 

“Precisely. But if any of the species survived, it had to have been them. Though there probably aren’t many on Berk. I don’t know how they’d survive in the cold.”

“They probably hibernate in small nests we can’t see.”

“Or they’ve adapted like insects and there’s so many that a new generation is born every spring.” 

“Those are some interesting theories.”

“And we’ll never be able to prove whether ot not they’re true.” 

Hiccup stayed silent the rest of the time in the exhibit. Eventually Fishlegs piped up and suggested that they check out the rest of the museum. As they exited the door Hamish found that they had become rather separate. The girls leading ahead while the others lingered behind. He didn’t know what would be the proper way to show the new kid around the museum. Eventually Heather suggested they should go to the Trail of Chiefs. When inside Hiccup made a comment that it was his dad’s favorite. 

Hamish went to go sit on a bench while the other teenagers guided Hiccup around the exhibit. He had seen enough when he was a child, but he had to admit it was intriguing to see someone react to it. Someone who carried Berkian blood but didn’t experience the island until they were sixteen. His ancestors were in this room, as well as his new friend. There was a time when he lingered around a statue for hours, reading the two paragraphs etched into the rock. A very distant grandfather who had been murdered by his own brother. He had read the description over and over, wanting to envision what it would have been like had he been there to witness what happened to his ancestor.

How a sibling could take the life of another, and wonder if he would have gotten along with this ancestor. A dragon-lover just like him, a Viking who grew up with dragons, though unclear if he had been alive to see them come to extinction. He had only been in power for a mere decade before his brother sunk in the blade. 

“So apparently,” It was only then that he noticed Hiccup was inspecting the display nearest him, “I had an ancestor named Hamish.”

“Well the name isn’t quite that unique in our culture. Vikings having moved on in the world to fit in with everyone else. Hamish Haddock though.” He smiled. “His portrait with his father was one of the only ones found in the ruins of what was once the Great Hall here on Berk.”

He pointed, and while Hiccup followed his finger, his head also tilted to the side. 

“You have no interest in this exhibit.”

“I grew up on this island. I’ve been to the museum plenty of times. Forced to practically have this specific exhibit committed to memory.”

“I don’t see how a line of rulers is something that’ll help you with mayorship.”

“That’s not entirely the point. While your line held chieftainship, ours has been intent on also holding rule in our line of history. Hensleys rising above their station of lord and attaining kingship. Then a democracy was instituted. But either way,” He sighed, “it’s a long line of rulers, essentially. It’s a heavy thing to carry. Seeing this, is introducing the pressure I’ve been born into. To strive to be as great as the family before me. You’re lucky Hiccup. I bet your father hasn’t been raving about the seat you should one day take. How you serve the people. The citizens of Berk look upon you with pride, and these statues and engraved slabs of stone are also making sure you don’t stain the family name. A royal name.”

“Your father really has this ingrained in your head doesn’t he.”

“Government is my future. I learn the structure of Berk, see what power I’ll hold and what I can do to keep our livelihoods as they are.”

“But you like dragons.”

“I’m belittled for it. It’s no secret that I do, but you saw how the three reacted. I’m held to the legacy of my bloodline.”

“You have a paranoid parent.” Hiccup sat down beside him. “Why can’t he know about you being here?”

“The dragons.” He laughed shortly. “He thinks that I’ll be an embarrassment on the family if I continue to come see them.”

“I think he should also acknowledge that dragons may have been a foundation for Berk’s history.”

“As Fishlegs said, we are the few remaining dragon-believers. If anyone deigned to look a little more into history, connections could be made about chieftains and dragons.”

“Hiccup,” Astrid called, “have you had your fill of this exhibit?”

He looked toward her. “Yay, my knowledge of the family just got bigger.”

“You did see the portrait right? They’ve managed to keep the shield in good condition.”

“You can really see the Haddock likeness.” He deadpanned. 

“We can go see the art room then.”

“I know where we can visit last.” Hamish chimed in as he stood. 

“Where?” Heather asked. 

Hamish smiled as he looked down toward Hiccup. “I believe I did challenge you to a duel earlier.”  

 

Chapter 22: They Clashed

Notes:

Hehe I haven't updated in two months, I'm so sorry guys. But here's a chapter, please enjoy!

 Astrid smiled widely. “A duel?”

“I told you I’ve barely held a sword.”

“I’m betting you can hold your own.” Hamish said.

“Well what if the employees don’t let us?”

“Oh I’m down to see a duel.” Heather swooped in to sit next to Hiccup. “You’ve got to show us what you can do new kid.”

“I can talk to Mr. Black!” Astrid shouted. “I bet I can persuade him to let us use the wooden swords.”

Hiccup made a grunt in the back of his throat. “Fine. But I’d like it to be the last thing we do.”

They went to visit the statue room. Most of them were of Norse deities and there was even a Stormcutter as well. Hamish read through most of the descriptions all over again, some as he recalled having the list of offerings in order to keep the gods appeased. At the center of the room was a marble statue of Yggdrasil. The dragon guardian of the World Tree, Nidhogg, lay at its roots. The scales carefully carved throughout and its neck poised toward the branches above. He crouched down to view the dragon closer, unable to reach out and touch it. Hiccup came to stand at his shoulder, watching the guardian. 

"What kind of species do you think it was?" Hamish asked. 

"It doesn't really look like any of the dragons in the Manuals."

“Nidhogg carries an elegance all his own.”

“Imagine actually seeing a dragon that big.”

“Well we’d have to locate the Bifrost first and be deemed worthy enough warriors to set eyes upon him.”

They were headed back to the weapons exhibit after having visited the rest of the rooms when Mr. Black approached them. His eyes set on Hamish’s small figure. 

"There's a phone call for you Mr. Hensley."

Clearly his good afternoon wasn't going to last.

"And they're absolutely demanding to speak to me?"

"Your father demanded to know if you were here."

Hamish internally groaned. He looked at the group waiting for him. Heather, Astrid and Fishlegs were giving him looks of pity, but Hiccup simply looked confused. His father could have simply tried to call him. But he wanted to make this even more public. Single him out among the group he had miraculously found himself with. 

"He's not going to take no for an answer is he?" Hamish asked the employee. 

"I would prefer he didn't send someone and cause a scene." Mr. Black admitted. 

He nodded. "This won't take me long. I will be back."

"Man he must have sent a spy in here." Heather said in a snarky tone. 

"But why would he be unhappy about you being here?" Hiccup asked. 

"The dragons." Is all he said. 

He followed Mr. Black to his office. He had silenced his phone the moment he'd gone inside the museum. Of course it hadn't been a surprise that his father would find out where he was. He would check his texts when he wanted. But it was a satisfying act of rebellion. The mayor probably didn't know that the dragon exhibit would be open today, and if he truly wanted to keep Hamish inside, well the house certainly had measures to make sure he couldn't leave. He saw the phone sitting away from the receiver, and the red hold button seemed as if it was beeping incessantly. There may certainly be a grounding for his week of break, but he didn't regret coming. 

He thanked Mr. Black as he handed him the phone and clicked the button. He moved to the side of the desk, the other person in the room going to stand in the doorway. 

"Hello?" He greeted. 

"Hamish, I don't recall you asking permission to go to the museum."

"I already know what your answer would have been Father. I didn't want to inconvenience you from your day. I couldn't be cooped up in that house all day. " 

"You know why I don't like you going there. Was the exhibit really open today?" He could tell that his father was trying to keep calm.

There was someone else in the room with him. Had he been alone he would've already been shouting that how dare he disobey him and go out, much less not inform anyone. Well he would say the same thing in this conversation, but the tone of voice would be different for phone call then later at home. 

"Yes it was. I know what days they're open. I just wanted to see them."

"I'm sending a driver to pick you up."

"I'll go home later. You know where I am, you needn't worry about anything happening to me."

"This isn't up for debate." The mayor said sternly.

"Sir, I found some classmates to spend the afternoon with. I'm spending my time at the museum with Hiccup Haddock."

"Hiccup Haddock?" He repeated. "You're showing him around the museum?"

"Yes, particularly the dragon exhibit. He's very interested in them. His parents have been supporting his belief that the dragons may have existed in centuries past."

"Yes, well. It is rumored to be a part of his family's legacy. Since some believe that a Haddock was one to tame the beasts. But Hamish, you've seen plenty of it. I wish you would abandon this folly."

"Pitch!" Someone shouted from outside the office. "Where'd you leave the key to the weapons cabinet!?"

"It should be next to the box of papers. Just look for the purple key ring." Then Mr. Black glanced back at Hamish. "My apologies. I'll leave you alone." He closed the door. 

"If you truly believe that dragons didn't exist then you would have already made motions to have the Dragon's Keep removed from the museum. I've also seen the history of our ancestors. They must have had their own interactions with dragons as well." 

"It was a time when Vikings held the Nordic gods in high power. They saw something they couldn't explain and dragons seemed to be the most logical explanation. I've told you repeatedly to stop sneaking away to the museum. What if someone targets you and because I don't have anyone there watching you something happens?"

He couldn't help but shout. "You already knew where I was without needing to contact me personally! You know my movements Father, the chaperones are unnecessary."

"You won't be visiting the museum again for quite a while."

"Father if you please, my friend is waiting for me. I'll let you know when I've returned home. I'd like to be there for Hiccup, show him what he hasn't seen of his ancestors." 

"Don't get home too late. I'll have to inform your mother where you ran off to. I, I hope you make good friends with the Haddock boy."

                                                                              {#$%6(*&^%]

"I still don't understand. What did you mean about a spy?"

"Well the thing about Hamish's dad, is that he likes to keep tabs on him at all times." Heather frowned.

"A couple of years back he was even sent away to spend a year in London." Fishlegs said.

"I think his father mentioned something about that."

"Wait, you've met the mayor already?" 

"He paid a visit to my house a week ago. He and my dad grew up together."

"Ahh political rivals." 

"I assumed so. But he did mention Hamish to me."

"Well, we have to get your ready for your duel." Astrid placed a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. 

"He seemed very eager to do this."

"It's a Haddock vs. a Hensley. You should really see the appeal."

"Yes, but isn't the rivalry usually duked out through politics," He shuffled over to the cabinet, “and not on a set of mats?"

"This'll be fun Hiccup. It's your first time at the museum, and in my opinion this is one of the most thrilling exhibits aside from the interactive area." 

"But what if he doesn't come back?"

“He said he would.” Heather sat down on a nearby wooden bench. “And if he doesn’t sway his father he has the decency to come and tell us he has to go.” 

Astrid opened the cabinet, thankfully having been unlocked by Ms. McClain. She took out the first wooden sword, knowing that each of them were different, given that duels were a commonality in the museum. There were different kinds of swordsman, so that meant different kinds of swords. She’d become partial to a carved longsword that was an exact replica to one in a display case. 

“Okay, so the thing about a sword, is that it has to fit your weight. Not too heavy, not too light. Too light and it could fly out of your hands when you swing. Too heavy, and it’ll be easy for Hamish to knock it out of your hands.” She put one into his hands. 

“There’s no armor aside from these swords?”

“No, so if he does get in some hits, you’ll have some bruises.”

“He didn’t say this had to be a duel to the death right?” 

“The only way one of these could kill you is if Hamish hits the right spot on your head, and head shots are illegal.”

“It could be accidental.” He said hurriedly.

“A typical duel would end when someone’s disarmed.” Fishlegs put in. 

“Or if someone falls to the ground. Although since you are a first timer I think Hamish would let you yield once there’s enough touches.” Heather said. 

“But it’s cowardly to surrender quickly.” Astrid reminded him. “How does that one feel?”

“Like it’ll drag me down to the ground.”

“Then too heavy.” She switched it out.

It took another two tries, but eventually they found a sword that he could swing while keeping a centered balance. 

“How well do you know these weapons?” Hiccup inquired.

“I’ve read up on them. Just how weaponry has come so far over the centuries. When it all comes down to it, I guess I just like the feel of these weapons. How to fight an opponent in close proximity and gauge their movements while calculating your own.”

“You’re living in the wrong century.” He noted.

“Yeah everyone relies too much on bullets now and how many a gun can spit out. Fighting is hardly ever in close combat.”

She took out her familiar longsword and held it in front of her, inches away from Hiccup’s side. He held his own wooden sword gingerly in one hand, his fingers shifting grip.

"You weren't lying when you said that you've never really held a sword."

"Well why would I lie? This actually has weight, and can cause damage. Quite a different thing from those plastic swords you win at festivals."

"Ahh okay. So we'll give you a short tutorial before you guys take to the mats." 

"All right." 

She settled on showing Hiccup some movements, and then providing tips on how to adjust his position. She had no idea of his fighting ability, but didn't feel need to pry. A plastic sword was his experience, and was now having his first duel only minutes after he'd settled into the grip of a sword. 

"It's a two-handed sword, so most of your movements will involve use of both arms. I know it can be tempting to do it with one-hand, but that'll just leave an opening for your opponent to take you down."

Hamish returned, and it seemed as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, his eyes settling on her and Hiccup. He smiled, proclaiming that he would be able to stick around.

"Our duel is on." He told Hiccup as he strode over. 

He too tested out the weights of the swords before settling on his own. 

"Hey Hamish, you don't mind if I show Hiccup a few moves before you start? Just so it's not an easy defeat." 

"I'm in no rush." He shrugged. 

He started to practice on his own, aiming his strikes toward an invisible opponent. Heather came over, offering a pep talk before he engaged in battle. Astrid turned back to face her temporary student. He raised the sword to lie in front of his chest. His gaze focused determinedly on the wood. Poised outward, both hands clutching the hilt. 

"Umm, are you left-handed or right-handed?"

"Could you referee for us?" Hamish asked as they took to the mats. "You did exceptional in the tournament earlier, you're worthy of judging an amateur and a novice."

"Yeah sure, I'd love to." She perked up. 

She went to stand at the center of the mats, standing in between the both of them. Hamish had knotted the sword to his belt, and Hiccup's left hand clutched the sword as if he would be attacked in any second.  

"Okay so I think the best way to go about this duel is a five touch. What will also pass is stepping off the mats, and of course casting aside your weapon and yielding. Agreed?"

Hamish accepted, Hiccup gave a hum of approval. 

"Once weapon is knocked out of hands, you still have to surrender. Retrieving your weapon a second time is allowed, but your opponent in the meantime can still attempt touch." 

The sound of Hiccup's gulp was audible among the group. There were a few other museum-goers in the room, though their eyes weren't centered toward the duel about to commence. Astrid stepped back, moving close to the bench where Heather and Fishlegs sat. 

“Positions.” She called. “Count of three, you may begin.” 

She counted off, both of them beginning to rotate with swords in hand. She finished counting, and they continued to rotate around the mats. Staying the same distance away from each other. Bracing for either to launch forward and attack. 

"So who do you think is going to win?" Heather asked. 

She'd seen Hamish duel before, and had seen how Hiccup had picked up on what she'd managed to teach him. But there was much more of a gray area in Hiccup's past. 

"Don't tell me you're placing bets." Fishlegs shook his head. 

"No, I'm honestly asking. I mean, we know Hamish's skills but Hiccup's a question mark. Who knows, he could actually be able to fend off Hamish."

"Yeah," Astrid noted, "but we should also consider that Hamish also competed in the tournament last summer. Hiccup may not stand a chance."

Hiccup was the first to strike. He dove forward, the sword held solely in his left hand, raising it above it his head then bringing it down toward Hamish's shoulder. Leaving his torso exposed as the distance closed between the both of them. Hamish evaded, his sword swinging forward and aiming to deflect. The swords clacked together, a jarring sound that couldn’t help but make Astrid smirk. They both truly were trying. Hiccup took two steps back, the swords still haven’t having broke connection. He wrenched it back, holding it diagonally in front of him. 

They both lunged toward each other, but Hamish had the advantage and forced his opponent to parry. He had put force into the swing, the other having to take two paces back. He pushed forward before sidestepping to the side, still holding the sword across his chest. Astrid had told him to not leave himself exposed, but he was allowing to Hamish to take the offensive. Which she understood. It was his first time in a duel, someone new to it wouldn’t knew to seize the offensive lest they risk being defeated. 

The swords swung toward their victims, clacking once again. Hiccup hastened a few steps back, Hamish fluidly bringing his sword forward to clash with Hiccup’s. A determined expression set upon Hamish’s face, and his movements changed. No longer gauging his opponent’s responses, now sure he had the upper hand. She recognized this expression, having seen it in the summer tournament. Recalling how the thought had gone through her head that his arrogance would be his doom. But his movements were calculated, leaving no openings. His strikes forcing Hiccup to step back farther and farther, driving him to the corner of the mat. 

Astrid felt that was a good way to go. At least she knew Hiccup was capable of defending himself. She remembered there were some competitors who were able to quickly disarm their opponent, knock them to the ground and yield. Her preference, was gauging her opponent. Starting with two heavy blows and able to pinpoint where they struggled. Never letting anyone take the offensive. Hamish was more cautious. He didn’t let up as he continued to push Hiccup toward the edge. Soon their swords were locked, and if Hiccup took a step back he’d be out-of-bounds. 

They started pushing at one another, the red-head trying to get the new kid to take defeat. Hiccup was bending backward, sparing a glance back to see how close to the edge he was. His arms were shaking, the sword inching closer to his body. This time the connection held, and it seemed to be the advantage of height that Hiccup forced him back with a strong push of his arms. Although there was still momentum, and as he shifted to the side Hamish nearly fell forward. There wasn’t a chance to take the offensive as he quickly regained his balance. Hiccup aimed the sword in a thrust, which Hamish ducked under and raised his weapon, striking Hiccup in the shoulder. 

“First touch.” Astrid cried. 

Hiccup reeled back both of his hands pointing the sword downward.

“Do we need to reset or something of the sort?” He asked. 

Hamish watched him carefully. “No we just keep going.” 

He thrust his sword toward Hiccup’s stomach, but he countered by swinging the sword upward. As they continued Hiccup kept knocking aside Hamish’s blade and attempting to touch, but he’d quickly recover and manage to block. There were a couple of attempts to drive Hiccup toward the edge but he’d learned his lesson. He would realize he was moving too far back and break the connection, trying to skirt to Hamish’s blindspot and touch. Hamish managed to score two more touches, catching Hiccup in spots he left exposed.

Astrid could see how their fighting styles were different. Hiccup had learned to be light on his feet, and Hamish moved in more careful movements, his legs bent low. His center of gravity more sustained than Hiccup’s. A fourth touch was accomplished when Hamish technically sliced across Hiccup’s calf. As they started rotating around one another for an upteenth time, the irritation was clear in Hiccup’s body language. She could assume he was competitive, or in this circumstance giving it his all. It was his first duel, the fact that he’d held out this long or hadn’t yielded was impressive. 

They dove to make contact. Hiccup pointed the blade downward, then suddenly swept it upward. He had been expecting Hamish’s recovery, but instead of attempting a touch at his stomach, he turned the sword backward. Crouching low to the ground then spinning, his leg fully extended. Colliding with Hamish’s legs and successfully sweeping them out from underneath him. He managed a shout and an arm hardly out to brace the fall before his body slammed to the ground. 

“Oh my gods!” Fishlegs shouted, jumping off the bench.

Hiccup drew in two heavy breaths, then seemed to realize they were still fighting, scrambled to an upright position, and held the sword above Hamish’s throat. 

“Yield.” He said while exhaling and inhaling slowly.

Astrid debated with herself for a few seconds as to whether or not it counted as a touch. It hadn’t exactly been one with the weapon. Hamish still had an advantage, even if he was down on the floor. He hadn’t been disarmed before being told to yield. The sword was still held in his hand, should he want to he could get back upright. While there was the issue of Hiccup holding a blade over him, this was a different duel. Should Hamish try to fight back Hiccup would embed it, but these were wooden swords. The battle continues until someone says the two words.

Hamish’s fingers adjusted on the hilt. He came to smile up at Hiccup. He wasn’t being pinned down in any way by his opponent. The threat being the sword inches from connecting with skin. He then let go of the sword, pushing it aside as best he could.

“I yield.” 

He retracted, holding the wooden blade in his left hand. 

“I thought you said you’d never held a sword before.” Heather gawped.

“Astrid gives a good five minute tutorial.”

“But those were some dirty moves.”

“He left an opening, I took it.” Hiccup said in defense. 

He’d won there was no doubt about it. What he’d done was fair game, and Hamish had proclaimed his surrender. It was just in a way no one else had expected. Hiccup held out his hand, and helped Hamish stand. 

“Are you okay? That looked like a pretty rough fall.” Fishlegs asked as he approached.

“The mats gave a decent enough cushion.” He grimaced, though he pressed a hand to his side. 

“I’m sorry.” Hiccup said. “That was pretty rough.”

“That was an impressive move.” He grinned. “You have to teach me how to do that someday!”

“I, it took me a while to learn myself.”

“How were you, able to do that?” Astrid stared in shock.

“Watch a lot of action movies, do ya Haddock?” Heather smirked. 

“I took a class.”

“Would you happen to know any more?” Fishlegs asked.

“That’s pretty much it.” He shrugged. 

“Well,” Although Heather wouldn’t stop smiling, “that duel was more exciting than I thought it would be. 

“Yeah you two must have worked up an appetite.” Astrid said. “Hamish, we were planning on going out to eat after this, you want to come with us?” 

Hamish watched her carefully before smiling and saying, “Sure. I just have to let my father know when I’ll be coming back home.”

“Where, are we planning on going out to eat?” Hiccup inquired.

“A restaurant on Thunderdrum lane, just a block away from the main plaza. They serve shawarma, Mexican food, falafels, and seafood dishes too aside from our own regional foods.”

“Would there happen to be yak meat?” Excitement clear in his eyes. 

“Oh yeah, a lot of the food places here serve yak meat.” Fishlegs said enthusiastically. 

Hiccup nodded, striding over to place the wooden weapon back in the cabinet.

“How about we visit the gift shop before we head over?” Hamish suggested.

They stored the other blade and then exited the weapons exhibit. As they headed over to the gift shop, Astrid pulled out her phone. Opening it and then holding it out to Hiccup.

“I think it’s enough time that we can exchange those phone numbers now, no?”

He still looked uncertain, but he took the phone anyway. Handing it back to her just as they reached the shop. Upon entry Heather pulled Fishlegs over to the shirts and caps. Hiccup looked around the shop, and his gaze was caught by a round table with statues covering the entire area. As he headed over, Astrid and Hamish followed. She smiled, knowing this would be something that would catch the attention of a dragon nerd. 

Hamish picked up a Snafflefang. “A bit pricy but these dragons are certainly worth it.”

Hiccup hesitated to pick one up. Hand hovering over a Deadly Nadder, a Grimler, then a Boneknapper.

“My godfather, gods I never knew. I have some statues of dragons, that must have come from this very gift shop.” 

“Oh yeah,” Astrid picked up a Riproarer with its head tilted up to the sky, “these are even handmade too.”

“By who?” He said eagerly.

“A private craftsmen. I’ve heard they don’t live on Berk, but this is the only place where you can get dragon statues of this quality.”

“So you can score a profit in making dragons.”

“Yeah…” She drifted off in thought.

Thinking of the drawings she had seen in his sketchbook. Based on the statues and his art style, the two creators were different. While she knew the name of the person who sold their dragons, she knew they could be hard to get in touch with. If she could just find his email, and perhaps get access to Hiccup’s sketchbooks… there was something else that could possibly help him open up to her. 

Chapter 23: They're Filming Today

She’d been texting him all week. Responses that came almost immediately as soon as he’d pressed send. All he could think about when he’d pick up the phone to read the message is how he had hardly ever done this with anyone. He had received emails before, but the sender would keep it strictly to classwork and asking for progress on their commission. No one asked him what he’d eaten for dinner, or what his plans were for break. No one had ever cared.

The thought did linger for a few days as to what Astrid’s intentions were. Wondering if the teenagers here were more elaborate in their targeting. Get to know their victim before pulling out the rug from under their feet. He had heard negative opinions from the Meatheads about Berkians. Saying that the families that had lived there for centuries had ice in their blood. He’d heard they were manipulative.

Although, Astrid had been so kind to him these past few weeks. Kindness he’d hardly ever experienced. Inviting him out for coffee, offering to escort him, giving him the new lock, trying to introduce him to her friends. Even if she was part of a welcome committee, it was a nice feeling to relish in. Today, they were even doing a phone call. Something he only ever did with Gobber and his grandfather. Was this something real friends did? Get to know one another and see what their interests are? Try to give advice where it’s wanted?

And it wasn’t used for blackmail or way to taunt in public? They returned to school on Monday, if she was indeed playing a role, she had the next two days to cause something come the new week. But he kept asking himself this as well: was Astrid Hofferson someone capable of offering someone up for ridicule?

“Have you given any thought to whether or not you’ll take part in Camicazi’s show? I know you’ve at least had a chance to read the script.” She asked.

“Yeah I’ve read it.”

He couldn’t really believe that he’d been offered to partake in this kid-led show. He bet that was very important to Cameron. She seemed to be taking quite a gamble with the new kid.

"So what do you think of the character?"

"Have you read the script?"

"Yeah well I am in the show. Everyone sees each other’s lines. I mean yours and my character are going to the same school, we're bound to meet."

"Hmm. I dunno, this Maddox guy is a bit of jerk." He grimaced.

But his environment's changed. As did mine. Several times.

"His world really got flipped upside down." He admitted.

"Camicazi told me to ask you this, but do you think you can play him? I mean, can you envision yourself in the eyes of Azadani?"

"I guess so?"

"She's been telling me to ask you," He heard her draw in a slow inhale, "but she needs your answer if you're really willing to participate."

"She said Saturday." He adjusted his position in the chair.

"Well the gang was talking the other day, and Eret pointed out how you can't just be dumped into the project. It wouldn't be fair of others who worked for their roles. He got the writers in agreement. If you give a yes now, there can be an audition tomorrow."

"I do have to audition then."

"And everyone is in acknowledgement of Camicazi's bias. She is the creator, and firmly believes you can play the part. But there still lies an issue. None of us have seen you act. So before you're planted in front of a camera, she and Heather will see beforehand if you can act."

"That sounds fair."

Although thinking back on it, he recalled that Cameron had said he looked exactly like how she pictured her character. But it was one thing to look the part, it was another to be able to express this character who felt wronged by the world and was bitter toward those he interacted with.

"Your answer?" She asked hesitatingly.

"Umm I'll do it."

Her tone changed. "Great! I'll shoot her a text! I also am offering carpool to our shooting site tomorrow. Just ask your dad and get back to me if you can make it. If you can't come tomorrow I think she may ask you to stay after school once we're back on campus."

“I’ll keep you posted.”

As he descended the stairs, he couldn’t help but fidget with his hands. He could hardly remember the last time he had asked his dad if he could go out. On the mainland he had never felt comfortable even bringing forth the question in the first place because he didn’t trust anyone. There had been some occasions where his classmates had even showed up at their door, but still he hadn’t gone out. It would take a few minutes of his dad’s prompting, and Hiccup’s stubbornness would win. The classmates leaving whilst grumbling.

Hiccup then being forced to tell his dad that they were of a group that had been teasing him in school. Betting that they had followed him home, that was why they had known what apartment door to knock on. He rounded the corner into the living room, able to see his dad amidst the stacked furniture. Over the past week they had managed to lessen the pile somewhat, what remained was because the two of them had debated whether it would be moved into the garage or if it could still be used in the household.

“Dad, can I have permission to go out on Saturday?”

He put down the scraper, then climbed down the ladder. Putting it down in a tray and coming closer to Hiccup.

“Did your friends invite you to go somewhere else again?”

Well he didn’t know if he could exactly call them friends yet. He’d only known them for a little while. Interacted with very few of the group he’d been introduced to on his first school day. The only person he’d interacted with enough that, while he still had his doubts, but would still like to call friend, would be Astrid. Hamish and Orrick, he would admit he’d like to get to know more.

“Yeah, well I’m helping out with a project and they’re getting together for the day.”

“For the whole day, tomorrow?”

“As far I know, a couple hours in the afternoon.”

“Well I’m fine letting you go out, but are you sure you want to?”

“What do you mean?”

“Where we’ve been before, you hardly ever go out with your classmates. Are you sure you’re comfortable going out with them? It wasn’t incessant prompting that made you ask me?”

A little sigh of relief flooded through him. Thankful for the acknowledgement.

“I think so. I’ve been hanging out with Astrid the most, I guess I’m just really hoping nothing goes wrong tomorrow.”

“Has she told you where it’s going to be?”

“No, but she is offering to give me a ride to wherever it is.”

“All right. Just, make sure you have your location on. I want to know you’re safe.”

“I’ll give you any updates.”

Hiccup left the room to go get the dustpan. There were wallpaper shavings all over the floor from how long his dad had been at it. While shifting through the closet he also grabbed the broom. When he came back Stoick was going back over the wall he’d done and picking at any remaining paper lines. He started to sweep the shavings into a pile.

“What do you think, of inviting your uncle and his family for Snoggletog?” His dad didn’t move his gaze from the wall.

He paused for a second. “But, we haven’t talked to them in years. Not since the incident. You think Uncle Spitelout will respond should you reach out?”

“You’ve talked to your cousin, haven’t you?”

“Well he does hang out with Astrid.” He admitted.

“Maybe you can let him know. That way his father can expect it when I call. But you didn’t answer my question. Would you want to spend time with family for the upcoming holiday?”

“Sure. That way it’s not just you me and Gobber.”

“Great. Now we won’t have the renovations fully completed by the time the holiday rolls around, but I think we can at least replace the furniture and repaint the walls by then. I’ve already sent papers to City Hall requesting permission to redo the floors. Fix up the ceiling that’s been water damaged. Hopefully we can have it done in February or March.”

“So it’ll be a lot of work for the next month.” Hiccup grimaced.

“Well,” His dad chuckled, “it’ll be worth it once we’ve finished up the house to our liking.”

“Yeah.” He nodded.

After throwing out the shavings, he pulled out his phone. Texting Astrid that he would be able to make it to Cameron’s shoot.

                                                                                                               {@(^)0$#}

He made sure he’d diced his part of dinner, and that it was visible so that his dad would know it was already prepped. Astrid had said they’d be done by dinnertime, dinner would surely be ready by the time he arrived. He glanced at the clock on the wall, knowing that Astrid had two others to pick up before himself. Having been told they were going to a place he hadn’t been. His dad had pointed out certain buildings in their car trips around town, so who knows it may be a building that his dad had mentioned but Astrid would give more of an explanation.

His phone dinged with a text message. Astrid was parked outside, to look for a white minivan.

“Dad I’m heading out. I marked where the food is, good luck with dinner!”

“See you soon, have fun, and don’t forget to have your location on.” He called out.

He made sure his satchel held the script Cameron had given him, Epipen and house keys, then he made his way down the walkway and toward Astrid’s car.

“Hey Hiccup!” Astrid smiled at him widely from the passenger seat. “We’re just waiting on the twins. This is Yasmine, she’s also part of the cast for Camicazi’s show.”

“We’ve met.” He waved at her.

He climbed into the back, only one seat having been pulled up and a few boxes stashed into the trunk.

“So what part of Berk are we heading to?” He asked as they made their way to their destination.

“Outskirts of the city, east part of the island. Camicazi’s mom is in close relations with someone on the city council so our shoot site has the proper permission granted.”

“Where, exactly?”

“It used to be a high school on Berk. A second one, but it got shut down 13 years ago. Now it’s just abandoned.”

“How come it was closed down?”

“Population dwindled for a while.” Ruffnut joined in. “City couldn’t afford to keep both schools functioning so they shut down the private school, transferred the students, and expanded Berk High.”

“We’re going to be filming in a prep school?”

“Yeah, the entire campus to ourselves. But as far as I know we’re trying not to use so many rooms.”

“Just how much does she think is going to be accomplished in a day?”

Tuffnut snickered. “Depends on how well the main cast learned their lines.”

Astrid shot him a glare. “I have been reviewing the script.”

The lot was small, and the school, while daunting, seemed small in comparison to Berk High. Once they’d parked Astrid thanked her father for the ride, and the passengers helped unload the boxes and make their way to the main entrance. Two pillars framed the doorway, two high heavy doors awaiting their hands to pry them away. Astrid knocked twice first before opening, and once she’d strode inside a chorus voices shouted a ‘hello’ or ‘hey’. Once he entered, the first thing he caught sight of was the sign "main offices" off to his left.

There was a main entryway, the floors placed of a gray sleek marble that showed the various footsteps that had disturbed the layer of dust. Following Astrid, he placed his cargo among another pile, two students digging through two they had set on a table. In the entryway sat the largest cluster of people. Adults a rarity among the bunch, Hiccup being able to count them on a single hand. Upon further observation, he could see two hallways with the doors propped open, but peering at the depths, he could see that not all the lights were turned on.

“Oh great you’re here!” Cameron cried with joy.

She was sitting on an empty pedestal with a laptop perched on her lap. There was a girl with pale blonde hair peering over her shoulder, who glanced up as Cameron hopped down and made her way over to Hiccup.

“Let’s get this audition over and done with, shall we?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“You nervous?”

“I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t.” Hiccup admitted.

He’d gone over the script before having gone to bed the night before, even pretended his dragon statues were an audience. Cameron called out for Heather, and she came up to the two of them. Astrid had already left to assist a skinny boy with black hair and blue eyes.

“Find me someone who can read.”

“Why not just ask Gustav? We’re not going to start filming until you’re on set anyway.”

“Because I need someone who’s not just going to respond in monotone or with the wrong emotion.”

“We’re not going to need Yasmine for the next scene, maybe she can help you out.”

After Yasmine had been asked to do the second part, Cameron pulled out a tripod from a clear plastic box and plucked a video camera off one of the tables.

“Which room Camicazi?”

“We cleared three rooms in that hall. Second should be soundproof enough that we don’t hear what’s ongoing here. Don’t forget your scripts.”

Cameron led the way, holding the camera in one hand and the tripod tucked in the crook of an arm.

“I thought you asked most of the students to participate. You didn’t ask Hamish? Or Orrick?” He glanced back at the entryway, recognizing some of the crowd as students from Berk High.

She shrugged. “There wasn’t any point. Orrick doesn’t go anywhere without Hamish, and Hamish’s father hardly lets him out of the house. Doubt he’d let him participate in something like this.”

“But the fact that she managed to convince that many people to help out is quite impressive.” Yasmine held open a classroom door.

“Yeah.” Hiccup nodded.

“If this is successful enough I hope that they can use their participation here for their college applications.”

“Maybe you can count this as a theatre club activity and it’s suitable enough.” Yasmine sat down in a chair. “What scene do you want him to do?”

“From episode 2. Scene two. Hiccup give me a second to set up here. Once you’re ready for the camera to be turned on just nod to Yasmine. She’ll be the second person in the scene, but in the real thing they won’t be seen in the show.”

“There won’t ever be a video call or something?”

“Some point. But the actress for the mother isn’t necessary yet.”

The camera was pointed toward a bare wall. Hiccup stepped into the frame. He held the phone to his ear, hoping it wouldn’t ring. He had turned off the ringer but knew that if an actual call came in while the camera was on he wouldn’t be able to stay after the sheer embarrassment. Yasmine, who would be reading the second part, waited for his attention to turn to her. He cast her a single glance while gulping, and she nodded. Cameron’s hand waved for the camera to be turned on.

“You couldn’t be here? Honestly, you couldn’t be here!?” He let anger seep into his tone.

“I had to go.”

“You lied to me! You said you weren’t leaving until December!”

“Plans change Maddox. Whatever job you get in the future, it won’t always go your way.”

“Mom, even an ‘I’m leaving today’ would have sufficed. You managed to tell that sorry excuse for a father!”

There was an aggravated sigh. “You know why Maddox. We’re not going over this again.”

“A goodbye could have sufficed.”

“Well goodbye, is that enough?”

He let a scowl show on his face. It was enough to maintain this anger. The anger he could only let show behind closed doors. How in the past moves he managed to become a target. He knew he was weak. Trying to fight back hardly reaped a benefit. His dad didn’t understand.

“Mom, come on. When are you coming back?”

“I’m new here. I don’t think they’ll let me go back for the holidays.”

“You could at least ask.”

“And risk my job? They’ll think I only look forward to vacations.”

“Well maybe you could tell them that you have a son in another country and you’d like to visit!”

“Maddox I’ve told you plenty of times not to-”

“You took the perfect opportunity to dump me here after what happened at the school. You must have known beforehand that you were leaving so soon.”

“Your dad is going to take care of you while I adjust. I’ll try to work out a schedule but nothing is going to be instant. I’m still your mother, just miles away. We can do calls when I’m available.”

“Stop trying to make him seem like a good person. My half-sister is nearly my age! He did something infinitely wrong and you want me to be okay with it? I bet you yourself aren’t even… Hello? Hello?”

He removed the phone from his ear, breathing hard while clutching the device tightly in his fingers. The mom in this case wasn’t someone the character could rely on. He paced back and forth, counting to ten before stopping and shoving the phone into his pocket. Avoiding looking at the camera before stomping away from the frame. One thing he could tell is that he shouldn’t look at the camera. That would ruin the shot, so he had to get used to it.

He looked back at Yasmine as the camera was turned off.

“That was the whole scene right? Or should I have kept going with the lines afterward, I mean she didn’t continue with the other person who’s supposed to come into the scene so I just did-”

“No the scene is finished, we didn’t need to continue with the half-sister.”

Cameron was nodding to herself, and Yasmine was smiling at him.

“So what now?”

“I talk with Heather.” She took the camera off of the tripod. “You’re free to grab any of the snacks you want. Everyone chips in with what they can.”
She practically ran out of the room. Hiccup strode over to where his satchel lay, looping it over his shoulder. Yasmine was staring at him with a serene expression, then a smile slowly blossomed on her face.

“Any feedback?” He wrung out a hand.

“Hmm, well I can see why she wanted you to be Maddox.” She rose from the chair. “I know she’ll make the wise choice. Come on, we help when there’s something that does require more than a pair of hands.”

“Good to have a day off from the Drinkery?” He asked as they made their way back to the crowd.

“Yeah I even get to feast on what we made.” She pointed at the pastries bearing the logo from the cafe.

They had only just sat down with their snacks when someone came running up to Yasmine. Asking for her assistance because there was a classroom with a broken window that Cameron wanted to use and needed a cover put over the window. A four person job they insisted. Before departing Hiccup promised to keep an eye on her plate.

"Hey." He heard a voice behind him.

He turned in the fold-out chair, making sure a hand held onto the plate holding his snacks.

"I know this is the first in-person but, nice to meet you. I'm Emmett." He stuck out a hand.

"Cameron refers to you as Eret, so does Astrid." He said, taking the hand for him to shake.

"Well however you feel comfortable." The teenager smiled. "I answer to both. Mind if I sit?"

"Chair's not taken." Then he shifted back, looking at the others still sweeping the floors and making sure the windows were squeaky clean.

"So," He hissed through his teeth, "you might be my love interest."

"And you mine." Hiccup answered.

"She had you do the audition already?"

He pointed. Cameron and Heather were sitting in chairs near the office door watching the video together.

"Yeah, and she said it was time for discussion with her co-writer. No verdict has been reached."

"It will be soon. We haven't filmed anything yet because we were waiting for you. She's been so excited to see how you can act. If the two of them say yes, then all of us here are going to see what the new kid can do."

"It's a lot of pressure though. The new kid being given a lead role when there were others that she's known for literal years."

"But you're here, because you want to be. She auditioned almost everyone in the school, asked others who had an image to what she saw in the Azadani character. Can I tell you something, in confidence? Camicazi wouldn't react well to this being spread around."

"There isn't many people I talk to, whatever you have to say is safe in this head." Hiccup tossed a chip into his mouth.

“After she talked to you last week, you didn’t leave her mind. Continuously telling us that you were the one, she could think of no one else. Saying it was a stroke of fate that you moved here at just the right time. She wants to start releasing episodes come the new year, but we’ve barely finished recording one episode. We told her she was moving too fast, because the second lead hadn’t even been cast yet, and that as a last resort she’d have to wind up postponing the release. But then you met with her, agreed to read the script. And now you’re here, meaning you’ll try to make a commitment the best you can.”

“Yeah I’ll still help, even if it’s not her protagonist.”

“She’s still not even finished writing the full season either. Aja’s her beta reader, and a strict one at that.”

“So the story is still left untold.”

“The ending is at least, as far as I know. We discuss it at times but she says she wants to keep me in the gray since I’m a protagonist. Only really discusses it with Heather and Aja. It’s a really good story though, I’m glad she didn’t wind up going down another path. It’s definitely not a run-of-the-mill show.”

“It does have elements that aren’t commonly expressed in media.”

“I bet that if it were different it would probably be your character adjusting to their new hectic life and the new people you’d have to get used to. I would just be a friend you made, without the romance in tow.”

No if this show weren't out of the norm you would be playing my high school bully, Hiccup couldn't help but think, but definitely wouldn't say aloud. However, if Cameron were able to go along those lines, she would have gotten alarmingly close to his own life. Thank goodness she was doing this well-written and intriguing plot.

“Well who knows what her mind could have thought up.” He said lowly.

“Attention everyone!” Cameron had climbed onto a table. “I have an announcement to make.”

The chatter had ceased, those who were in other rooms had come out to see what the director had to say.

“As you know, throughout the course of the preparation of this show I have failed to find someone to play the second protagonist. Three months of auditions in and outside of Berk has wielded little success. That’s all come to an end.” Her voice heightened in excitement. “For those of you who attend Berk High, you’ve heard that there’s been a new kid. I dub Hiccup Haddock as our Maddox Azadani!”

Emmett prodded Hiccup to stand as Cameron gestured in his direction. He nearly stumbled out of the seat, just managing to place the plate on the chair without it spilling. The area where everyone had been working in suddenly erupted in applause, random cries of ‘wow great job new kid’ drifting toward him. Hiccup settled on a nervous smile, a familiar setting coming to mind. Laughs instead of claps and himself covered in food or falling to the ground and backpack contents tumbling outward. Emmett patted him on the shoulder, sincerely yet rather roughly.

“Meaning we can move forward with the episodes!” She called the crowd back to attention. “Episode one will be finished today, so extras and crew let’s finish up the rooms. We start recording in ten minutes!”

She leaped off the table, the same boy with black hair guiding her down as a final support. Her blue eyes locked on Hiccup, and she made her way over.

“Bring out your script please.”

He handed it over. She flipped to a certain page than turned it back toward him.

“Do you think you could memorize this real quick so we can shoot a scene with Eret before the day’s done?” Cameron asked.

“Sure. I, I think I can.”

“Great, there’s a makeup station set up next door. Head on over.”He had to ask someone else where it was as he went toward the second hallway, but he found the room with a blue chair propping the door open and Astrid exiting.

“What do you think?” She let her dip to the side.

Her blonde hair was no longer in a braid, instead brushed out into subtle curls. She wasn’t wearing her leather headband, instead a silver butterfly brooch tucked into the right side of her hair and a braid starting from the parted line continued down to the left end.

“Beautiful.” Was all he could say.

She beamed. “Thanks! I gotta go, before Camicazi has my head.”

“Oh hey!” A voice called him inside. “You’re Hiccup right?”

“I don’t think there’s anyone else on this island with that name.”

“Right, right.”A boy not much older than him smiled widely at him. “I’m Guy, and this is my girlfriend Emberly-”

“Eep!” A red-haired girl shouted.

They were the only people left in the room. Combs, brushes, and hairspray bottles were on a table next to him while the girl had three different chests displaying makeup products.

“I was getting to that.” Guy responded. “She likes to be called Eep. Here, we’ll start you off with hair first, so please come have a seat.”

Hiccup set down his satchel only a few metres from himself, then settled into the navy blue desk chair.

“Hey, before you start, let me get his foundation tone set.”

Eep walked over holding five different bottles of foundation. She held one to his cheek, puckered her lips, then held out another.

“I think you’ll have to make a blend. So the shade is proper.” Her boyfriend said.

“Yeah you’re right.”

Hiccup couldn’t help but still as a hand removed the beanie and fingers made their way into his hair.

“You can trust me. I’ve got some experience with this.”

That, wasn’t all he was worried about.

“Yeah, I saw how you did Astrid’s hair.” Although his breath quivered as he finished.

“So how are you going to do his hair?” Eep asked, pouring some foundation into a small container. “Camicazi didn’t give you specifications like she did me.”

Hiccup wondered if he should mention that his hair didn’t really like staying in one place. Guy answered saying that he was going to try gelling the top while styling the sides, maybe try to see if he could tie some of Hiccup’s hair back given it was long enough. Guy had needed to wet his hair so it could be brushed, and Eep handed him the script at his request. It was how he would first meet Reuben, Emmett’s character.

It was when he’d shifted to Eep’s station that he voiced a debate as to what would be done.

“Wait a second. I have to wear eyeliner for this role?”

“Just a line above your eyelashes. Gives Maddox some character.” Eep gave him a toothy smile.

“The character I’m playing wears makeup?”

“Males can wear makeup too and besides, it’s typical filmmaking to dabble some makeup on the actors. You’ll just have a few additions.”

He forced himself to relax into the chair. “You mean Heather and Astrid aren’t going to have lip gloss or eyeshadow on them?”

“At some point. But for now it’s just natural shades. For Maddox it’ll tend to be that the eyeliner establishes some of his persona.”

This was something new. He wondered if his dad would feel inclined to watch the show once it came out. The comments he’d make as to how he was styled. This Maddox person, truly was outside of the norm.

Sooner than he would have liked, he stood at the top of a staircase, the script being taken from him and the camera tilted to record his movements. He could see Emmett leaning against the wall outside of the camera’s frame. Hiccup glanced at the window, a rather foggy day. As typical of Berk. Here’s wondering how long it would take to shoot this scene.

“Those of you heading up, please be mindful of the mics and cameras!” Cameron shouted. “I only want one broken piece of equipment today thank you very much.”

A cluster of students waited at the foot of the staircase, awaiting their release. Others waiting beside him radiating anxious energy.

“Quiet on the set please! And, action!”

The students from both ends moved, heading down and up. Hiccup tried to move among them, purposely being shoved so that his position would be consistently adjusted. Hardly even moving a pace.

“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me,” He growled audibly.

He made his descent down the stairs, trying to avoid all the people coming up while trying to keep the backpack on his shoulder. He changed his resolve, becoming more determined to shove others back. He knew it was coming when two teenagers barged into his path, the both of them striking him roughly. His footing suddenly changed, having lost balance and hands scraping the wall as he tumbled down the last remaining steps. About to hit the ground when Emmett moved into the frame, first crashing into Hiccup then arms sliding around his waist to stop the fall.

He turned to look at the person who’d caught him, the camera coming closer to the both of them. Reminding himself that this was only a show, and even then, in reality Emmett wouldn’t be a bully. Emmett opened his mouth, about to say something, when all of a sudden there were shouts from the second story hallway. The red light turned off, and Cameron climbed two steps.

“Everything okay!?”

Someone made their way to the landing. “We didn’t clear up here. There’s a huge spiderweb just a ways off. Sorry, startled some of us.

Cameron sighed, turning to face the boys that were still in each other’s arms.

“Looks like we’ll have to do this in another take. Can someone please get a feather duster and a wet rag over here!?”

Emmett made sure Hiccup was upright before letting him go. Hiccup let out a slow nervous sigh. He did admit, Cameron’s boyfriend was attractive, but he wondered just how many takes they’d have to do where he’d be in someone else’s arms.

Chapter 24: Water and Resolution

“Talk about leaving things to the last minute.”

“It’s one of Gustav’s finest abilities,” Orrick huffed. 

“But the due date is supposed to be next Monday.”

“Which is why he thinks today is the perfect time to get started. I kept telling him, we needed to start collecting statistics since before the break! But no! He insisted we had time to do it.”

“You did look for some, didn’t you?”

“I found some, but I am not carrying this on my shoulders. I could barely get him to talk to me, so this is the best I could do. He wants me to meet him at the computer lab so we can start planning who needs to do what.”

“You’ve got four days, and luckily you’ve made headway on it. Just don’t let Gustav take over or it can turn south.”

“It will if you’re stuck with Gustav.” 

“Let me know if you’ll need my help. I know we’re in different periods,” He put a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “but I‘m willing to lend aid should Gustav not pull through.”

Orrick smiled. “I will keep that in mind. I’d offer for you to come with us, but I really don’t need any distractions when we need to get this done.” 

“It’s fine, I’ll look for Hiccup. Maybe we can hang out.”

“I don’t know if you’ll have much chance of that, he’s been caught in Astrid’s barbs.” He went down the hallway leading to the library.

He watched his friend go, and wondered if going to the library would be suitable. Just a place to sit and read a book quietly, and hopefully not distract Orrick. He had his own project, but he and his assigned partner had already finished.

Ever since that day when the new kid had told him and Orrick to stare their bully down, Dogsbreath had kept his distance. Hamish stared down the hallway, wondering of his whereabouts. He could see Hiccup at his locker, Astrid close by. 

Just today, he would ask if he could sit with them, or at least be able to talk to his friend. This person whose father was once close with his own, and who he found could relate with. Someone else to support him besides Orrick, two people he direly needed. He started speedwalking in the brunette’s direction, trying not to glance around or make eye contact with anyone. His reason for being on edge came to fruit, when he heard a locker door slam, and then a hand was clutching him by the neck. Hamish stiffened, legs stopping in their path and blood running cold. 

“Had a nice break?” 

He slowly swiveled his head to see the one face he was trying to avoid. No. he thought it would have ended, that he would be left alone. Chestnut brown eyes gleaming with malice as he stared down at him.

“Relatively quiet.” He managed to say without his voice squeaking. “How was yours?”

“Stressful.” Was all he said. 

“You know, I’ve heard that one of the hot chocolates from the cafeteria can be very soothing.”

“I think it’s been a while since we spent time together Hensley.” 

The sentence spurred him into action, and he jerked to the side, but in response Dustin wrapped his other hand around Hamish’s neck, holding him in place. He tried kicking outward, only for the taller boy to shift out of the way.

“Not like this, can’t you interact like a-”

Dogsbreath started striding down the hall, Hamish caught in his grip. Both of his wrists clawing at Dustin’s, trying to get him to release him or at least slacken his hold. His eyes scoured the hallway, hearing two girls give a shout and others standing at their lockers watching them go past. 

“Dustin, just let me go, you don’t need to-”

“Looks like your little friend isn’t around today is he? Four eyes is going to miss a good show.” 

“ NO !” Hamish yelled. 

He tried planting his feet to the floor, hands grappling at any part of Dustin’s arms that he could. There were no adults, gods there never were when he was attacked. He was horribly conscious of the hands at his neck, calloused skin digging into his throat, any harder of a grip and Hamish wouldn’t be able to breathe. Limbs that fully intended to hurt him in some way. Hamish was shouting, trying to keep from being dragged away. Then he and Dogsbreath passed where he had been heading in the first place. Past Hiccup and Astrid. 

Hiccup had already clicked the lock shut, and had apparently noticed the commotion. His reaction, was completely different than all the other students, even Astrid’s. She was grimacing, but Hiccup looked… enraged. An expression Hamish had never seen on him before. He was glancing at the others who had stood by on the other side of hall. He was the only one not looking at Hamish with pity. He extended an arm toward him, mouth telling Dogsbreath to let him go once more. 

His friend made a move to go forward, intent to follow, but Astrid reached out and clutched Hiccup’s wrist. The senior had stopped moving, a hand leaving Hamish’s neck. 

“Astrid let me go!” Hiccup yelled harshly. 

Hamish turned to see where they were. Seeing the sign next to the door… leading to the basement area. He could guess where they were heading now. His arm was still extended in Hiccup’s direction. He was trying to tear himself free of Astrid’s grip, her second hand holding his waist. Her mouth was moving, but since Hamish was out of earshot he couldn’t hear what she said.

“We can’t just let him get away with it!” 

He heard Hiccup cry as the pair descended the stairs. The closing door echoing around them in the stairway. 

He forced himself to stare at the ceiling, seeing that not all the bulbs were on. There was darkness creeping at the corners of the room and a faint buzzing of the lights. His hands were still pulling at Dustin's wrists, paranoid that his grip would tighten and cut off his air. He couldn't look at him. It was another repeat, another repeat where he would be hurt. He'd go to the hospital. Did there still remain a benefit in trying to fight back?

He could hear the small motion of the water. The light slosh as it hit the sides of the pool. He took in a shaky breath.

"Can you tell me where we are Useless?"

"I think I know the school." He whispered. 

Should he even ask the question? He knew what was coming. 

"But why."

"I thought you could use a nice swim now that we've returned from break. I mean, it's much too cold to do this on shore so this is the next best thing." 

He could see that he had been dragged to a corner of the pool. His trainers were digging into the asphalt, trying to keep from being taken any further. But if Dustin was keen to throw him into the water there was no way of stopping him. While there was faint steam coming up from the water he was not at all eager to be throw in.

"You could use a refreshing taste of reality." His bully snarled. 

"Not this way." 

The sound of the turning doorknob rang through the room. The door slamming to the wall. Hiccup came rushing inside, stopping just a few yards short of the boy held captive. 

"Haddock." Dogsbreath smirked. "This isn't your place."

"I found it hard to accept that you were actually capable of murder." 

"This? This is just to teach him a lesson."

"You're going to try to drown Hamish at one of the coldest times of the year?"

"Would you like to join him?"

He took a step back. "No."

"It'd be just like old times!"

"You really haven't changed." But he didn’t move from his spot. “However rough of a break you had, you shouldn’t take it out on him. 

“He’s the perfect person to take it out on.” Dogsbreath snarled. “He’ll learn something from this, I guarantee it.” 

His arms began tilting his victim toward the water.

“Wait!” Hiccup’s hand shot out. “You know what, sure why not me instead? Just, don’t do this to him.”

“You want to go through this all over again?” He said in a bone-chilling calm. “There’s a difference now… but you’re too late.”

He finally released Hamish. Throwing him into the water. He managed a scream before his body hit the water, sinking as he felt the water descend upon him, intent on keeping him in its depth. He held in his breath as best he could, even though he’d scarcely managed one. There was water in his mouth, and his lungs were already reminding him of the limited time. He couldn’t just shoot up where he was, he could already see Dustin’s hands waiting for him to resurface, and the torture would begin. 

He pressed his feet to the wall, then shot off toward the middle of the pool. Angling his arms so he’d shoot upward and get the air he desperately needed. As soon as he breached the surface he took in a long gasping breath, spitting out the water and arms fluidly moving at his sides to stay afloat. The bully seemed so far away, blurry since Hamish had yet to wipe his eyes, and Hiccup was still in the same spot. A quick swipe, and his vision cleared. Hiccup’s gaze was flicking from Dustin and Hamish, his foot taking a step forward. 

Dustin started running along the edge of the pool, heading for the area where Hamish had swam to. His clothes were completely soaked through, and he felt as if the chill was trying to seep into his skin. He hurriedly paddled away, knowing that the closer Dogsbreath was the more danger he was in. He knew what the senior wanted to do, but he needed to catch him first. Hiccup came out of his stupor, dashing in the other direction. Hamish thought he was coming toward him, to try to get him out of the water before the other arrived, but as he approached the edge Hiccup hastily shook his head. 

“Don’t!” 

He gestured for Hamish to turn back, going past him and intercepting Dustin. Using his shoulder to shove the older boy back. As he tried to weave around, Hiccup made sure he stayed in front of him, the both of them just inches apart. Dogsbreath growled and lunged for Hiccup, but he simply dove out of the way, then wrapped an arm around the senior’s shoulder and torso. Leaning backward to send Dustin stumbling farther away from the pool. Hamish understood what he was trying to do. Not subdue him, but try to keep him away from the water as best he could. 

Luckily, Hiccup defending him had taken Dustin’s eyes off Hamish. He started swimming toward one of the ladders, knowing that heavy, soaked clothes and mildly warm water were not good combinations in the least. Dogsbreath’s audible growls drifted to him, and Hamish paused his stroke to see what was going on. Hiccup was on the defensive, and while they were metres away from the pool he was being forced back as Dustin swung punch after punch. As soon as an opening came Hiccup dove for it, slamming an elbow into the senior’s stomach. He staggered, drawing back two steps, and they paused. 

The older teenager regarding Hiccup, fists clenched in front of his torso. Then he lunged forward once again, a fist aimed at Hiccup’s shoulder. He reeled back, raising an arm to deflect the blow but before the two limbs connected Dustin jerked his arm back and his leg shot out. Striking the younger teenager directly in the shin. There was a sickening smack as the trainer connected with Hiccup’s leg, and down he went. Landing flat on his back and his chest bucked upward, taking in a pain-stricken heavy breath as a hand went toward his left leg. To make sure he stayed down, Dustin kicked him in the side. 

He shouted, his hand only clutching tighter at his shin. Then the bully lifted his gaze, to view Hamish. A wicked smile on his face as he stepped over Hiccup and began making his way back to the pool. Hamish had only just made it to the ladder, and as soon as he noticed Dustin’s quick approach he threw himself back into its depth, swallowing a mouthful of water. In the midst of coughs he swam away, just coming to approach the other side when he’d see the senior heading down in his direction. Hamish launched himself backward, opting that staying in the middle was his best bet for the time being.

“Don’t make come in after you Hamish, it won’t make things any better when I catch you,” He growled. 

A quivering breath escaped him as he continued to paddle. His desperate gaze turned to Hiccup. He was no longer laying on the floor, sitting upward with a knee drawn to his chest and hands clutching at his calf. His hair was flat on a side due to the puddle he’d fallen in. Hamish shifted his gaze to the older teenager, who seemed to be working up the courage to jump in. 

“I’m not going to make this easy for you,” Hamish breathed. 

His arms were already aching from the constant paddling. He knew that his sentence was baiting Dustin to jump in, but what else could he do? Hiccup was in pain, and he was swimming in the middle of the pool for goodness sakes. But the bully jumping in, it’d be a game of Marco Polo where he could see his victim and once he was caught it’d immediately be life-risking. 

Hiccup had come to rise, coming in their direction, his left leg unusually straight. Hamish wondered if the kick had been strong enough to sprain the bone. He wanted to tell Hiccup to be careful, that he was clearly impaired and it’d be difficult to fight Dustin in his current condition. But the panicked part of his mind alerted him that this was the only person who was preventing him from being drowned. He certainly couldn’t fight Dogsbreath on his own. 

He had been planning to take a running start into the water, when Hiccup came to stand in his way.

“You’re not getting to him,” Hiccup said in hurried breaths. 

He held up a hand in attempts to ward away the bully, though he leaned his weight on the right leg. He’d left himself open, and Dustin knew it. The door clanged open once again, and Hamish chanced a glance back. Seeing that a security guard had finally come on the scene.

“I think I can take the both of you.” Dogsbreath’s smile never wavered.

He looked at the water behind the brunette. One fierce enough shove and Hiccup would land in the water along with Hamish. His fists had just buried into Hiccup’s shirt and began to push when the security guard grabbed Dustin’s arms and wrenched him away from Hiccup. Holding him as he struggled, staying in the same position until he’d settled down.

Their grip not loosening in the slightest, the guard started pushing him toward the exit, telling him that he’d have to face the headmaster for what he did. Neither of them moved, not until Dogsbreath and the guard had disappeared and the door had closed once again. 

“Thank the gods.” Hiccup said in a sigh of relief.

He came as close as he could to the edge, extending a hand out to Hamish. But Hamish continued to paddle, still staring at the door. Sure he was cold. His clothes felt as if they were weighing him down. The water had left an odd taste in his mouth. But somehow he couldn’t bring himself to calm down. Still watching the door, in awe of what had happened. Hiccup called out to him, and it snapped him out of the trance. He held out his hand toward the new kid.

“No, no one’s ever stood up for me like that.” He marvelled as Hiccup’s grip tightened, pulling him out of the water.

First making sure he had a good hold of his hand before his other arm went underneath Hamish’s and he pulled him out of the water. He started shivering the moment both his shoes were on solid ground, clutching Hiccup’s hand as the sound of dripping water echoed around them. 

“Well first time for everything right?” Hiccup made sure he wasn’t swaying on his feet. 

He nodded. “That’s certainly not how I wanted today to go.” 

“Come on, let’s get you a seat on the bleachers.”

Continuing to clasp Hiccup’s hand as he guided him over to the bleachers in the area where onlookers sat to watch the swim meets. The season didn’t start until the next year, but luckily the water was still being heated. However, he was in no way prepared to have taken a swim. 

“With everyone looking, not doing a thing, I thought that instead of food it’d just be lungfuls of water for lunch. They were letting him get away with him doing this to me.”

“He won’t get away with it anymore. Not with me here.”

“I would’ve thought the new kid would be even more afraid to face him because they didn’t know what he was capable of. But… he talked as if you two have history.” 

“It’s all my fault.” He said. “Erm, we don’t want you to get hypothermia, what can I get you so that you’ll be warm?”

He pointed to another set of doors beside the bleachers, his entire body shuddering from the chill. 

“What’s through there?” Hiccup asked. 

“You du-don’t know?”

“I’ve never been down here. Not taking physical education this year.”

“Luh-locker room through there. If they’ve, heh, left the door open there should be a cupboard with towels. I can dry off a bit before the lunch hour is over.”

But somehow he couldn’t release Hiccup’s hand. Warmth, the knowledge that this person had saved him. Somehow he still imagined that Dustin would come running through the doors a second time and this time strangle him with his bare hands. Hurting him, was the only way he could seem to appreciate the school day. Hiccup gave him a tender squeeze, but when Hamish looked up at him, he wouldn’t meet his gaze. 

“That door open, and we’ll be able to get you warm.” He said softly. 

Gingerly, he released his hand. Hiccup hopped off the bench, heading in the direction of the doors. 

“I’ll be right back.”

Hamish stared at the water, wrapping his arms around his torso, curling in on himself to gather what warmth he could. The water had yet to stop moving, but he knew that since it was no longer being disturbed it would be still. Surreal with hardly a wave in site. When the door opened once again, he couldn’t help but jump. Looking at the wrong door as footsteps approached. 

“Getting warm is the most important thing right now,” Hiccup said, climbing the two steps, “so I brought as many as I could carry.” 

Hamish couldn’t see his face, due to the six towels in a neat stack held in his arms. He stood taking the one from the top stack, and laying it down where he’d left droplets. He sat back down, taking another when Hiccup offered it to him. He wrapped it around his waist, then a third went over his shoulders to cover his torso.

“Hiccup? What did you ma-mean, it’s all your fault?”

“I-” He drifted off, sitting next to Hamish, the towels moving to his lap. “He didn’t manage to do anything, but I should’ve been able to… take him down.”

He recalled when Hiccup had knocked him down in their duel at the museum. But granted had Hiccup swept out Dustin’s legs as he had him, he wouldn’t have landed on mats like Hamish did. 

“This is in no way your fault. I just got wet, and that bully is finally getting what he deserves.”

“Well I, I have a secret to confess. About Dogsbreath.” 

“How do you mean?”

It still made him gawp somewhat in how he knew of Dustin’s nickname, given that he’d only been at the school a few weeks. He couldn’t help but think that he was about to admit that somehow he was the cause of him being bullied all those years. Or somehow the cause of him having been dragged to the basement area. Hiccup still wouldn’t meet his eyes. A hand started to tug at a corner of a towel. 

“First off, you are right. He and I, do have history.”

“Beyond, yer-your arrival here?” He tilted his head.

“Yes. Would you happen to know, what school Dogsbreath attended before coming to Berk?”

“I believe he was from Berserk. When he arrived he was the talk of the school.”

“Dogsbreath and I attended the same school on Berserk, six years ago.” He finally looked him in the eyes. “And just like you, he bullied me too.”

His eyes widened. “It, didn’t go well.”

“Back then, well I was the quiet little kid. The dragon nerd. I tried not putting myself out there, but Dogsbreath enjoyed picking on me. No matter that we weren’t of the same grade, not even in the same lunch period or sharing any classes. He sought me out. What’s different between here and there, is that he actually had other kids who helped him pick on people. I do think it’s been lucky that no one else supports him in what he did here. Although he hasn’t been properly penalized.”

He shifted his stare to the pool, his eyes vaguely cloudy. His mind elsewhere. 

“I wasn’t the only one he picked on, but it was distinct that I was his favorite. Two boys the same age as him would hold my arms as he hit me, or keep me boxed in while he threw me around. Then there was finally a breaking point.” He suddenly shivered, as if he was the one who had been thrown into the water. “The final bell had rung. I knew I had to get out of the school before he’d catch me… but he’d stolen my backpack. A special one with a dragon design on it. I wanted no part of it, willing to run home with nothing. But, he cornered me. 

The other students, even a teacher saw me being dragged away by him and the two boys. No one, did anything. He and one boy beat me in an empty janitor’s closet, another boy standing at the door. When I couldn’t even stand up, they left me in there. Locked me inside. I came back into consciousness and pounded on the door for someone to let me out. Next time I woke up, I was in the hospital. In the aftermath of it all, Dogsbreath was expelled. Then a classmate told me his family had moved.”

“So that’s the history you two had.”

Hiccup gave a light nod. “So much changed because of him. My dad picked me up from school much more frequently. He had me take self-defense classes so I could fight back in case anyone tried attacking me again. He got me a cell phone once I was released from the hospital.”

“It was bad enough where you could’ve died.”

“Yes. Seeing Dogsbreath pull that again, similar to me…”

He tried to see it in Hiccup’s eyes, and realized both circumstances were paralleled. Someone being attacked by the same boy, and bystanders letting it happen. 

“Thank you.” Hamish put a hand on Hiccup’s knee, nearly drawing back when the other stiffened. “If it hadn’t been for you, I would’ve… been sent to the hospital too.”

He looked at him with a sorrowful stare. 

“This won’t a forgettable afternoon.”

“No. But it could’ve been worse. And Dustin will be seeing the headmaster. A punishment has to come from this.” He wrapped the towel tighter around himself.

“Right.” His foot began tapping the bleacher beneath.

“And hey umm, I thought you were from Meathead?”

“Not just Meathead. I’ve lived on Berserk and Meathead.” He quickly resolved.

“So you were born on Berk, moved to Berserk, then Meathead, then back here. Man,” He shook his head, “it’s been a crazy life.”

He let his head bob over his neck.

“Indeed. You know, I would appreciate-”

The door opened again. Both of their heads lifted to see another security guard. Coming in their direction.

“If what we discussed stayed secret.” Hiccup finished in a whisper.

Six years ago, how the bully came to be here. It really wasn’t Hiccup’s fault. He nodded to his friend, knowing just how sensitive the topic was. 

“Hamish? Can you come with me? I’ve been alerted to the situation. We’ll get you into some dry clothes, to the nurse’s office.” She ascended the two steps.

He stood from the bleacher, glancing back at Hiccup a final time before coming to the guard. She wrapped an arm around his back, and helped guide him down.

“You’re all right?” She asked.

“Shaken, is all.”

She turned back to glance at Hiccup.

“Good on ya lad.” She smiled. “You’re a savior.”

He hadn’t moved from his spot, but Hamish was able to hear a quiet thank you. He and the guard came out of the basement area, ascending the steps to the first floor of the school. The first face he saw as they came out was Astrid’s.

“Where’s Hiccup?” She asked worriedly.

“Still downstairs.” The guard replied.

Astrid regarded the tenth grader wrapped in a towel, clothes soaked. A single glance of sympathy, then she made her way past them. Opening the door and descending. He recognized that frantic run, the panicked expression. It was the same way she’d reacted when she had found Hamish on the basketball courts time ago. He couldn’t help but think bitterly. Not raise a hand to help him, but Hiccup was the one she concerned herself with. He wasn’t in danger, yet it was like he was the one who’d been targeted. 

But hopefully, now things would be different. They would change, perhaps for the better. 

 

Chapter 25: Punishable Aftermath

He was glad that he hadn't fallen into the water as well. Astrid had stayed with him the rest of the lunch hour, trying to get something in his system. But he couldn’t help but stare at the empty table where he knew Hamish and Orrick sat. She tried getting him to say what had happened, what had come of his going downstairs. He had snappily responded by saying that she knew what had happened. If no one was going to take action, he would do it himself. Although he did thank her for getting a supervisor like he’d demanded. 

He spent the next period with fingers drumming the desk. Wondering what would come of the lunch hour’s occurrence. If the adult hadn’t shown, he wasn’t sure if he would’ve been able to win in a fight against Dustin. Still surprised that he’d been able to break free of his frozen state and actually defend Hamish. But he couldn’t help but stew in anger. He’d known that Hamish had been treated like this for quite a while, and that he was dragged through a whole hallway and all the students could do was cast Dustin’s victim a look of pity. 

Hiccup could say that if nothing had ever been done, one day Dustin would have caused the death of the mayor’s son and all people could say was how unfortunate it was that he’d been targeted. He could feel eyes on him, and thought about how quickly the information would spread once it was released. He hadn’t said a word, and if Hamish hadn’t returned to class there’d be a delay in the spread. Dogsbreath, he had no idea. They only shared one class together, and here was hoping that he’d actually been suspended for attacking Hamish.

He’d heard enough about how nothing had been done. Astrid said that he was frequently confronted by the older teenager. Similar, to how it’d been when Hiccup lived on Berserk. He wondered how Dogsbreath had been able to do it so well, be able to attack someone and prevent others from raising a hand to stop it. Even here on Berk. That he could convince people to only watch as he inevitably pummeled someone else. 

He couldn’t help but feel something jump in his stomach when the class phone started ringing. He could feel Astrid’s eyes on him, noted how her hand was only inches from his. But at the moment he felt, she was nervous around him. He had yelled at her back at lunch, struggling against her and displaying more anger than he intended. Her startled gaze as her grip finally slackened, then stepping away. Hiccup was surprised she hadn’t asked him if there was something between him and Dogsbreath. 

But he’d already confessed a major secret. One person was enough, and this person deserved to hear it. Know how he felt about the hell they’d been put through since he’d gotten Dogsbreath expelled. 

“Hiccup?” Mrs. Terres called. “Head over to the office, the headmaster wants to see you.” 

He narrowed his eyes in the slightest. This was to be expected, since Dogsbreath would face a punishment he would attempt to point the finger at Hiccup. Any altercation at the school, and everyone involved would be questioned. He remembered, after all he had been suspended before. He just, he didn’t think that this time he would have to encounter the headmaster. Hoping that perhaps this time around he could stay out of trouble. Or trouble stay out of his sight. 

His classmates stared at him while he stood. Astrid whispered to him, see you later . Hiccup took in a quiet breath, gathering his things then latching his satchel over his shoulder. He could only imagine what was running through their heads as he left. The new kid had been part of what had happened downstairs. Soon it wouldn’t just be among the three of them. The whole school would know come tomorrow. 

The halls were quiet as he made his way to the first floor. He tried to take silent steps, but was sure a faint click of his prosthetic could be heard. It could be all in his head. If someone else were around, perhaps maybe they could hear the mechanism which allowed him to walk properly. It wasn’t usually audible, but Hiccup had been wearing it for so long that he was conscious of any noise it could make. Even as he descended the stairs, his head continuously moved, looking around him to see if there was anyone else taking a small trek down the hallways. But when he finally arrived at the office there hadn’t been a person in sight.

One of the staff asked him to take a seat. The headmaster’s door was right down the hall. He took a short glance before sitting down in the cushioned chair. Hugging his satchel to his stomach as he wondered what he would be called into. He didn’t know what the headmaster looked like, here he was about to meet him for the first time. Having to explain what he had done during the lunch hour in Hamish’s defense. 

He heard the bell ring for the passing to fifth period, and the door hadn’t opened. Not yet having been called inside. All he could assume was that Dustin was still talking with the headmaster. He’d glance up whenever someone stood, thinking it would be to acknowledge him. A couple occasions Ms. Myrles had turned to look at him, but since his arrival no one had said a word. At least not directed toward him. 

There was the occasional ringing phone, and Astrid came in just before the final bell. She almost immediately spotted him, and after greeting the others who worked in the office area, made her way over. Sitting down in the seat beside him. 

“Still haven’t been called in?” She asked. 

He shook his head. Glancing down the hallway, where he could see a light in the headmaster’s office.

“He might still be in there with Dogsbreath.” 

“Yeah.” He said shortly.

“Are you nervous?”

He didn’t respond. His gaze shifting upward to watch a light that seemed to buzz. 

“He just wants to know your side of the story. You were involved with what went on downstairs. I know this is the first time you’ll meet him, I haven’t exactly had a chance to point him out to you. You’ll do fine. You shouldn’t be in any trouble.”

It was then that the headmaster’s door opened. Hiccup couldn’t help but stiffen, hearing footsteps approach the main area. There were two different sets, and he came to see Dustin followed by a woman who may have been his mother. Their hair was a similar shade of brown. 

“You just don’t know when to stop do you?” 

The older woman was clutching his arm tightly, pushing him forward. Hiccup quickly told himself, no he wouldn’t try anything, not with this many adults . Dustin rolled his eyes, but didn’t reply. Although once he spotted Hiccup he growled in his direction.

“This isn’t the end of it young man.” She angrily hustled him out the door. 

“I’m next.” Hiccup made a movement to stand.  

“Wait until you get called in. ”

“So that means waiting longer.”

“He may have other things to take care of beforehand.”

“Astrid dear, I’ve got some errands for you.” Ms. Myrles called. 

She gave Hiccup a smile before leaving the seat. He leaned back in his chair, clutching the arm rest until his fingers went white. He glanced at the clock, nope still enough left of the school day. So Astrid worked in the office for her fifth period, that was something new to learn about her. If Dogsbreath’s mother was called… that could mean that his dad would be, no he wasn’t the one in trouble. He’d defended, a friend. Sure he did get some bruises, but the bully was a bulldozer that never stopped unless something stronger stepped in. He and Hamish weren’t higher than the senior in that category.

“Hello.”

He looked up, seeing someone looking down upon him. He could only assume it was the headmaster, himself having been so lost in his thoughts he didn’t hear the man’s footsteps. He slowly stood upright.

“I’m Headmaster Vikat.” He held out his hand for Hiccup to shake. “Why don’t we talk in my office?”

He nodded. Not like he could do anything else. The headmaster led the way down the short length, exposing an area with a single lamp lit and gray light spilling into the room. Hiccup watched the back of the headmaster’s head as he walked. He had neatly dark brown cropped hair, and walked with his back perfectly straight and a confident stride. He had seen that the man kept his goatee as neatly trimmed as the hair on top of his head. Once they were inside, Hiccup’s gaze scoured over the office. 

The desktop computer had been left activated, the walls were painted burgundy, and a single bookshelf and two black file cabinets were set to the left corner of the room. There was a black metal framed basket on the wooden desk overstacked with papers. Two chairs sat in front, both with wooden armrests and leather cushions. 

“Could you close the door behind you?”

A hand left the strap of his satchel to shut the door. The glass rattling slightly as it clambered shut. Headmaster Vikat sat in his chair, sliding it up to the desktop. He watched Hiccup with a light smile, who stayed at the door. 

“You can have a seat.” Eyes following him as Hiccup situated himself. 

“Hiccup Haddock, is it?”

“Yes.”

“Son of Stoick Haddock?” 

“Yup.” Already gritting his teeth behind closed lips.

He leaned back, his foot brushing the satchel where he’d left it on the floor. Hiccup looked down, seeing the plaque on the man’s desk, reading HM Gunner Vikat. Initials G.V.

“Well it was due time to have the next generation grace our school. But I don’t see that you’ve been registered in…” 

“I attended school on the mainland.” He finished for him. 

He scrolled down on the mouse a few clicks more. 

“ Many other schools.” He noted. “And your father brought you back this year.”

He didn’t say anything. This was new information to the headmaster, but certainly not to him. But he would allow this man to figure out the obvious on his own. Hiccup noted, that his accent didn’t sound Berkian. Also how Mr.Vikat hadn’t made a personal opinion about his dad. 

“You do know why you’re here?” The headmaster tilted his head. 

As he did so Hiccup could swear he could see a faint scar on the headmaster’s neck, just peeking out from underneath his collar. Dark brown eyes watched him carefully as Hiccup adjusted his position.

“Because of what happened at lunch.”

“Indeed. I have talked to Mr. Querett, and would like to hear your side of the story, given that you were also involved.”

“The whole thing?”

He nodded. “From the moment you saw the two boys.”

"I was heading to the lunchroom, and while I hadn't been actively searching for him, I knew that I would eventually see Hamish inside. But just when I reached the first floor I saw the two of them storm past me, with Dustin's hands wrapped around Hamish's neck. Heading in the direction of the door to the basement of the school." 

Telling the story of what had happened was like re-living the entire experience all over again. But he couldn't imagine what was running through Dogsbreath's head as it occurred. What he possibly hoped to have accomplished by trying to drown Hamish. Back when it had happened with him, there had been no reason behind it. In Hiccup's eyes it seemed like Dustin had finally let his psychopathic tendencies show. While he spoke the headmaster didn’t interrupt him, hardly any emotion gauging on his face. 

It was a careful gaze with which he watched him, sending a chill down Hiccup’s back. Fumbling over his words more often than he would have liked. Astrid had assured him, there was no possible way he could get in trouble for this. Leading him to wonder how exactly Dogsbreath had tweaked the tale. He stopped once he reached the part where the senior had been taken out of the pool area. Hiccup didn’t want the headmaster to know of the conversation between he and Hamish. 

That would stay between the both of them. He could hope. 

His hands were clasped against each other, and Hiccup wondered how they’d suddenly become so sweaty. Trying not to seem too panicked, he ran his palms across his jeans. The headmaster nodded to himself for a few seconds, watching the door for a few seconds. Hiccup let out a small sigh of relief, the exhaled breath extended for a good moment. 

“You didn’t see anything beforehand, any conversation exchanged between Hamish and Mr. Querett?”

“Not until they passed by with Dustin holding onto him.”

“And what exactly prompted you to follow them Mr. Haddock?” 

“I have heard of Dustin having attacked Hamish, and Orrick, several times before. But no one has ever stood up for them, so when I bore witness to him being taken downstairs and my fellow students watching with fear, I told myself I had to go down there. Someone had to defend Hamish because Dustin had a clear intent to hurt him.”

“And why not call a supervisor instead? Or a teacher?”

“I told my friend Astrid to get one. But I wait, and Dustin would have had a chance to hurt him. I couldn’t let that happen.” 

“And you felt it necessary to pick a fight with Mr. Querett?”

“I had to keep him away from Hamish, even if it meant risking my own wellbeing. I have dealt with bullies before, and they don’t always give up easy.”

“At your other schools?”

“Yes sir. I have...” He hesitated, wondering if telling Mr. Vikat of the circumstances of his past was a good idea.

It did feed into why he went downstairs. Finally face the bully who has disrupted his life six years ago. He just wondered how the detail would work in his favor and how it would affect what Dogsbreath had told the headmaster.

“Met Dustin before.”

At this the headmaster did raise his eyebrows slightly, his gaze shifting to the desktop computer. Eyes narrowing slightly after a few clicks of the mouse. 

“He bullied you as well.” He concluded.

“A long while ago.”

“He did mention that you two knew each other. Not exactly going into detail as to how.”

Of course not, it would get him into even more trouble. That is, if this person actually decided to give him a proper punishment this time around.

“Now you two are attending the same school once again.” Mr. Vikat continued. “Considering what he did to you Mr. Haddock, did you feel compelled to follow Hamish and Mr. Querett downstairs in a desire for revenge?”

Hiccup straightened in his seat, trying to keep the anger from showing. “I’m sorry?” Though his tone was perceivably tense. 

“You were at one point targeted by Mr. Querett, and today you came to witness a fellow classmate being attacked as well. From what you explained, you stepped in to fight him. The chance to get even with the young man who had hurt you.”

“I acted in someone's defense, Mr. Vikat.” His voice hardened. “Regardless of Dustin and I knowing each other previously, I wasn’t going to stand by and let a classmate be attacked and perhaps even having to be sent to the hospital.”

“Mr. Haddock there were other ways to handle this other than throwing punches at a classmate.”

“I guarantee you, that there was no other way. Dogsbreath doesn’t stop just because someone tells him to. He won’t back down without a fight, or someone of authority stepping in.”

The headmaster leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together and placing them on the desk. 

“You did prevent something disastrous from happening to Hamish, changing the outcome of the usual occurrence. Thanks to you, all he’ll have to worry about is hypothermia.”

“May I ask, but will Dogsbreath be expelled from this?”

He could swear that Mr. Vikat let out an irritated huff through his nose. 

“He is still a senior, and on this island there is nowhere else to go.”

“But he’s hurt Hamish before, and today he could have-”

“I am aware of it.” He cut Hiccup off, shooting him a cold glare. “Mr. Querett will still receive a punishment, but as long as he stays in attendance and maintains his grades, he will be able to finish his final year.”

“He could hurt someone else, if nothing’s been done before he’s still capable of continuing to-”

“You defended the boy he tends to target the most Mr. Haddock. We can only hope he’s learned his lesson.”

No he hasn’t. He needs to be sent to a juvenile facility so Hamish and I can actually walk through these halls without worrying that someone will give us bruises.

“You’re free to go Mr. Haddock. Thank you for speaking with me.”

Hiccup was more than eager to sling his satchel over his shoulder and vacate the seat. However he hadn’t made it to the door when the headmaster made a final remark. 

“While what you did was a valiant deed, I do ask that you try not to make a habit of picking a fight with your classmates.”

He clenched a fist, then quickly made his way out. A more logical decision would have been to expel him. Dogsbreath was still keen on attacking Hamish because he knows he won’t face that harsh a punishment from the headmaster. He’s grown used to it, and fully taken advantage of it, and Hamish suffers the consequences. How could Mr. Vikat not see how dangerous the senior was?

---

When Hiccup emerged from the hallway leading to the headmaster’s office, Astrid could see that his shoulders were visibly tense. He wasn’t happy, that much she could deduce. She wanted to approach him, at least ask what had happened, but he wouldn’t even glance in her direction. Simply walked up to Ms. Myrles and asked for a pass back to class. As soon as the slip was in his hand he left. 

I’ll have to ask him about what happened later. She couldn’t fathom why the conversation with the headmaster had left him in a sour mood. Hiccup had done a good thing, facing a bully who had been tormenting Hamish for so many years. However, she couldn’t help but feel nervous about Dogsbreath’s retaliation. She had shoved him away at some point, shouting that he leave Orrick and Hamish alone. It’d resulted in harsh punishment for them both.

She still shuddered at the memory of a barely conscious Hamish on the basketball courts. Broken glass from Orrick’s glasses leaving cuts on his cheek. Quickly shaking her head, she returned to her task of tucking envelopes into the administration’s mailboxes. Her attention then seized when the headmaster came out of his office.

“Has it arrived yet?” He asked Ms. Myrles. 

“Oh yes!” She perked upright, moving with the wheeled chair to another end of the desks, and held up a gray large bag. “Dropped off mere five minutes ago.”

Astrid recognized it, she could swear there was food inside, and a very delicious smell at that. Headmaster Vikat caught her watching their interaction and gestured behind him. 

“Astrid, may I have a quick word with you in my office?”

The envelope slipped from her hand back into the basket. 

“Sure.”

“Don’t worry about your task darling, I’ll finish what’s left.”

“Please keep it warm if you can Riley. This shouldn’t take long.” 

He allowed Astrid to lead the way as they walked toward his office. She told herself the same thing she had Hiccup. You were a witness, he wants to hear about you saw. But she had far less of an involvement, the headmaster was right. They would be in and out in no time. She remained on the edge of the seat as he sat down. 

“You were present when Mr. Querett passed by with Hamish?” Leaning forward as he spoke. 

“Yes sir, I was with Hiccup.”

“The both of you nearby before the boys descended to the pool area?”

“Yes.”

“And how did you react when Mr. Haddock went to follow them?”

“I,” She let out a steady breath, “tried to stop him. Dustin will pick a fight with anyone who gets in his way. Two people getting hurt by that bully wasn’t ideal.”

“What did he do?”

“Telling me to let him go. I told him that he’d only get hurt too, and he said that we couldn’t let him get away with it.”

“I’d imagine he wasn’t saying this calmly.”

“No, frankly I’d never seen him that worked up.”

“Did it seem to you, that he seemed, eager , to go downstairs?”

She shook her head. “No. Just that he didn’t want Hamish to be hurt, and was running to his defense. I don’t think he likes bullies. Well I mean no one does but he’ll defend anyone who’s wrongfully being harassed.”

“All right.” He said pensively. “Mr. Haddock did ask you to find a supervisor and alert them of what was happening downstairs?”

“Yeah, before he rushed downstairs.”

“You didn’t feel prompted to follow?”

“After I got the supervisor they told me not to follow, so the situation wouldn’t escalate any further.”

“They also knew Mr. Haddock went to the pool as well?”

“I told them that too.”

Although she hadn’t any idea what the supervisor had walked into, and when she asked Hiccup later he didn’t want to say anything. Hamish was soaked to the bone, but she didn’t know any further. 

“Thank you Astrid, you were of sufficient help.”

“Have a good day, headmaster.” She said as she exited. 

She was there, to back up Hiccup’s story. The reason to have spoken to her as well. It led her to wonder what it was like for Hiccup at his old school. If there was something on his record that made the headmaster think he was a troublemaker. She could guess now, why Hiccup had come out with a look of fire in his eyes. 

 

 

Chapter 26: It'll Always Come Back

He was sitting as close to the space heater as he could. A thick purple blanket wrapped over his shoulders. He hadn’t stopped shivering, and the loaner sweatshirt and pants he’d received weren’t providing the warmth he craved. He had it on the highest setting he dared. Knowing that any higher and he would be cooking the exposed skin. Namely, his face. For once the nurse had been sympathetic. In no way having tried to alleviate the blame of what Dustin had done. But there was a moment when he told her of what the bully had attempted to do, that horror blossomed on her face. 

A hand coming to cover her mouth. Hamish couldn’t help but think bitterly, internally smirking. He had told her dozens of times prior of what the senior had done to him, but she always brushed it off. Today there was no way of softening what Dogsbreath had tried to do. He had asked when he could go back to class, but the nurse informed him that the headmaster had excused him from what remained of the school day. To just, stay here and relax until the final bell would ring. The other students were in their sixth period, and here he was. 

Assured that there was no chance of catching hypothermia, but still feeling hopelessly cold. He wanted time to go faster so he could crawl under his blankets at home. Perhaps chance a nap before his father would wake him saying dinner was ready. His mind once again wandered to what the supervisor had told Dustin, how he would see the headmaster for what he’d done. Undoubtedly that meant he would be talking to Hiccup and himself. Judging by the hour he wanted to bet that he would be in the headmaster’s office tomorrow morning. 

Or he would be asked to leave these blankets, and abandon this warmth he was working hard to achieve to go to his office. He started to ponder what he would say to his father. There would be a bag full of wet clothes, actually no he would have to extend them somewhere to dry and he would be bound to find them. Bring his shirt or pants and ask Hamish why it was out of place. What could he say? That he had taken a swim in his clothes, a faucet had gone rogue in the bathroom, he’d fallen into the snow at some point… or the truth?

That a simple Wednesday had resulted in a bully deciding he wanted to drown him? There wasn’t any way his father could manipulate it so he was to blame, right? He did nothing wrong, had tried his best to get away from Dustin. Someone else showing up had finally tilted the circumstances in his favor. 

He began to hear the door open, scrambling upright and only just climbing onto the observation bed when they entered. Feeling the instant difference from blasted warmth to the delayed heat. He shifted to look at the door to view upon who’d walked in. 

“Headmaster.” Hamish said in form of greeting. 

The headmaster had noted his quick dash, but didn’t comment on it. Only looking at him kindly and holding out a gray bag.

“I brought you something to eat.”

Hamish’s eyes widened. “Re-really?”

“Really.” Headmaster Vikat nodded, approaching to give him the bag. 

His hands took the bag tenderly, but he was struggling to not just rip the bag open and see what food was about to be shoveled into his mouth. 

“They did give you something earlier to eat, didn’t they?”

Hamish opened the bag, seeing a styrofoam container and a plastic bag with a cup of liquid in it. Judging by the wine red color he could guess it was agua de jamaica. He pulled out the drink before carefully extracting the container.

“They gave me a sandwich and a water, but it wasn’t filling.” 

The headmaster nodded, using a hand to brush off a seat before sitting down. 

“Are you, all right?” He asked cautiously.

Hamish settled a hand on top of the container, and he noticed just how tense he really was.

“It’s going to take a while before I stop shaking.” He said lowly. 

“I’m sorry you had to go through this.” Headmaster Vikat said solemnly. “Luckily you’re here instead of having to spend the rest of the day somewhere else.”

“You’ve talked to them?” Hamish asked.

“I have. Mr. Haddock provided very vivid description, while Mr. Querett seemed to negate many details.” 

He propped open the container, seeing a faint cloud of steam loom upward as he saw two chicken enchiladas with cheddar and mozzarella cheese nestled alongside a bed of rice. His stomach faintly rumbled, and he smiled down at the meal. This looked like it would fill him up. But he resisted the urge, momentarily having forgotten his manners. You don’t eat when maintaining conversation with someone, no talking with your mouth full. Although, the headmaster had been kind enough to bring him warm food, wouldn’t the polite thing be to show that he would eat what he was brought?

“Dogsbreath doesn’t ever see himself as the villain in what he does. I can’t imagine what he thinks is justification.” 

“He couldn’t find a good enough reason to excuse what he had done. And unfortunately,” The headmaster seemed to hesitate, “this wasn’t the first time he had harassed you. You didn’t eye him in a way he didn’t appreciate?”

“No sir.”He clenched the plastic fork in a hand. “I didn’t even know he was there until his hands were around my throat. He said that it was a pity Orrick wasn’t there to see it. He… started to drag me down the hallway.” 

He couldn’t watch the headmaster as he spoke, eyeing the enchiladas. Seeing that the cheese had been melted to look so delectable and the orange-colored rice didn’t look sticky, like the grains wouldn’t need to be separated. 

“I understood he was angry. I tried, to make him see that he didn’t need to take it out on me, tried to convince him to let me go. In the meanwhile everyone just stared as he pulled me across the hall.”

“You’re not going to eat?” He had noted the manner in which Hamish was eyeing the food. 

“I can…”

He smiled. “Yes you can eat while we talk. A good meal will help lessen your exhaustion. Perhaps ease your shaking.” 

“Thank you!” He quickly said, cutting into the enchilada with his fork. 

Relishing the warmth unleashed in his mouth as he chewed. The bitter yet not spicy sauce sliding down his throat and the cheese blending perfectly with the rice. A hand reached out for the cup, taking some heavy gulps of the agua fresca. 

“No one made an attempt to follow you two downstairs?”

“Hiccup did.” The fork idly dug into the rice. “I heard him yell at Astrid that they couldn’t let it happen, but she physically held him back. Then when Dustin held me over the pool, he came in right at the nick of time. I do wonder what he said to her.”

“He arrived before Mr. Querett had thrown you in the water?”

“Yes. Didn’t immediately try to stop him with force, first trying to stop him through means of conversation. Even offering to trade places.”

From the corner of his vision he could see that the man’s eyebrows lifted in the slightest. 

“I never expected that the new kid would say something like that. Dustin was all the more keen to threaten him. For a moment, he did look just as frightened as I was.” 

“And what Mr. Haddock offered wasn’t enough to deter him?”

“The way he acted, he’d have hurt the both of us if he could. He told Hiccup that he was too late and threw me in the water. But before I made it to the surface I swam the other direction, and it became a game of keep away.”

“He didn’t get there in time to stop you from falling in?”

“No, and when Dogsbreath tried to get to me Hiccup came forward and started holding him back. Distracting him.” 

“He no longer tried using words.”

“Sir, there really was no way to stop him without getting physical. Words don’t work on him, as I have mentioned before.”

“He didn’t manage to subdue him?”

“No they grappled for a while before Dustin kicked him super hard in the shin and it brought him down. Hiccup managed to get back up and hold him off just a little while longer until the supervisor arrived.”

“What happened afterward?”

“He got me some towels to dry off before I was brought here to the nurse’s office.”

The headmaster gave a heavy sigh, silence hanging between them. Hamish shoveled in more food, already having finished an enchilada. He could see the man’s occasional glance at him, recognizing the look of pity. A victim , no different from usual. 

After swallowing a bite he asked,“Was it enough? Or need I provide more details?”

“It was sufficient, and works in hand with Mr. Haddock’s story.” 

“We aren’t inclined to lie about something like this. Dogsbreath would, to make it seem like what he intended to do wasn’t all that bad.”

“Nonetheless this was a very serious thing Mr. Querett attempted, no matter the attempts at sugarcoating it.”

He looked toward the headmaster. Would he tell him what he’d always wanted to hear? The teenager that had been harassing him for years would finally be expelled?

“I understand that he can still be considered a minor, but this can be considered attempted murder. At the very least conspiracy to do so. There is a difference because Mr. Haddock stepped in to your aid. I spoke to Mr. Querett and his mother, and he won’t be let off easy.”

“But he’ll still be a student here at Berk High.” He had heard of this dozens of times before. 

He continued as if Hamish hadn’t spoken. “I warned him several times, and as he continued to target you and Mr. Bloomfield I took away other opportunities he had here at the school. None of it would go on his record if he stopped. Yet we sit here today. For what he did earlier today, I have suspended him.”

This wasn’t new to Hamish. The headmaster had done this in other instances, one being when he had been left injured on the basketball courts. His fingers set the fork down in the container, and he prepared to voice his protests.

“Yes I know.” He had been able to guess what was about to be said. “He has crossed the line. He’ll be suspended for two weeks. This will be going on his permanent record, follow him into adulthood. Given that the semester also ends in these weeks, he won’t be allowed back on campus until the next year. He will have to take his finals apart from the other students.” 

He could hardly believe what his ears heard. Dustin-free halls, until the next year?

“Really?” Voice scarcely above a whisper. 

“He’s already been taken off campus.”  

A shaking hand raised a forkful of rice. Liberty, to be experienced for a short time. Then he thought of his soaked clothing.

“Will you be informing my father as well?” Hamish asked. 

Headmaster Vikat let out a small sigh through his teeth.

“That’s entirely up to you. You are the one who went through the ordeal. Would you like to tell him yourself or for I to inform him?”

“I’m scared he’ll blame me for it happening.” He admitted. 

“You are not at fault for this. Mr. Querett’s actions were of his own decision.”

“Yes. You can tell him, please sir.”

His throat started to tighten, and Hamish found trouble swallowing. Feeling on the verge of tears, but no liquid gathered in his eyes. He closed the container, setting it aside and wrapping the blanket tighter around himself. Staring at a single spot on the floor as he wished that he weren’t here. Momentarily stirred from his panicked state when he heard the older man move his seat closer to where Hamish sat. 

“You know I can’t help but think, that when he comes back he’ll do something to Orrick, or even Hiccup, in retribution. Maybe even look for me off campus and hurt me, us , somewhere else.”

“Hamish, thinking like that is in no way good for you.” He placed a comforting hand on the boy’s shoulder.  “There is no reason to place additional stress on yourself.” 

“He’s targeted me so many times, Orrick as well. His mom has had to buy him new pairs of glasses numerous times over the years. I’ve grown far too accustomed to it, to believe that it’ll simply stop because someone fought him, acted in my defense to keep me from being drastically hurt.” 

“Mr. Haddock spared you from having to endure a horrible event. He stood by your side, defended you. You can find comfort in that.”

Would he do it again if Dogsbreath tried something else ? Would he have to come to rely on the new kid to defend him because he was incapable of doing it himself?

“Would Dustin, have been expelled had he actually held my head down in the water?” He sniffled. 

“It wouldn’t have been handled by me at all. We would have called the authorities and he would have been sent straight to a juvenile facility.”

“Well he attempted to do so,” He found strength in his voice, “why couldn’t that have happened?”

The headmaster rose from the chair, leaning on the bed beside Hamish. 

“Because I acted with the belief that he’ll have finally learned his lesson. He won’t be allowed back on campus until the next year. These next four weeks should be sufficient time for him to start reevaluating his actions. It’s his last chance. Should he try to do anything when he returns, to you, Mr. Bloomfield, or even Mr. Haddock, he will have to get his high school diploma somewhere else.”

“Can that be a promise?” He asked meekly. 

“I promise that he will no longer have any opportunities.” The man said firmly. 

He gave a glum nod. He should be happy about this. The fact that Dustin was one step away from being expelled. That someone had finally stood up for him, acknowledging that he couldn’t defend himself and didn’t ridicule him for it, instead willing to fight someone… they had history with. Sparing him from having water in his lungs, to have sputtered out cries to a single person. His shaking began to intensify, almost causing the blanket to slip from his shoulders. 

This senior held no regret for what he did, only bitter about the fact that he had gotten in trouble for it. Hamish’s defender now living with the fact that he had prevented someone from experiencing something similar to him, for a second time. There had to be something to change from this, Odin please grant me mercy. He couldn’t push away the thoughts in his head. Oh gods, of course Dogsbreath knew that he was dangling by a thread. 

He would most definitely hold Orrick or himself accountable. It had been years of harassment, the both of them fearing for their lives. Hiccup nearly having lost his six years ago. Hamish considered Dogsbreath capable of creating the logic in his mind of how these three people were the cause of him being so close to expulsions. Never mind that his previous times had brought him to this point. 

The headmaster leaned closer, his arms beginning to gesture outward. Hamish glanced up, recognizing what the gesture requested. He was too upset, not thinking clearly enough that he threw himself toward the headmaster. Allowing him to wrap his arms carefully around the distraught young boy, careful not to dislodge the blanket from Hamish’s shoulders as he embraced him. 

Hamish tried to will himself to calm down. After this, he couldn’t allow himself to be vulnerable. His father surely wouldn’t allow this… wouldn’t offer a hug for what his son had endured once he heard about it in the evening. For now, he simply accepted the comforting touch someone was willing to provide. He would be crying right now if he could. But tears were something he could no longer summon. Too many having been shed crying in his bed. Fear a lingering shadow watching him as he laid awake, wondering when would be the day Dustin would finish him off. 

“He won’t be able to hurt you anymore.” Their voice seeped in through his invasive thoughts.

“But he nearly did so today. So many people stood by sir, none daring approach as he took me away. They knew it was going to happen, yet didn’t act to stop it. Only one person.”

“They had their own fear as well Hamish.” He said quietly.

“How powerful Dustin must be then.” Hamish said bitterly. “That they always stay rooted in their spots, every single time Dustin pushed either I or Orrick down. And the fact that my father knows of all this yet still berates me for it, as if things would be different if I returned a punch.” 

His hands came to clutch the headmaster closer to him. His father wouldn’t embrace him, but he could drop his guard around the headmaster. He’d always been there for him, whenever Dustin had hurt him and he couldn’t vent his frustrations to his parents. 

“That is the way of a Berkian. Show someone you can fight and they’ll think twice in raising a hand against you. But your father, he needs to understand that you are different. Not everyone is meant to be a fighter.”

“I could never tell him that. He already considers me enough of an embarrassment.”

The headmaster shifted as he sighed. He had sat down beside the younger boy, arms still tenderly around Hamish. The sophomore didn’t seem willing to let him go.

“He’ll come to appreciate you. You are a very bright boy, and one can consider it a good thing you haven’t inherited the rashness of a Berkian.”

“I can’t imagine he’ll have a good reaction to what he hears from the call later on.”

“Should he have a reaction that upsets you, you’re welcome to come talk to me tomorrow. Although I assure you that I will tell him what I have done for your protection.”

Hamish wearily sighed. “Thank you, Headmaster Vikat.” 

---

It was rare to see Hiccup in a foul mood. Sometimes it was because he had been teased at school and he had held his tongue, or the grumpy phase that usually came after Stoick told him they would be moving again. This time, was different. Hiccup wasn’t normally one to display anger, or at least not in his presence. A defeated persona yes, a gloomy one as well where he pushed the fork around in an entrancing motion, but not where it looked as if he were a pot about to burst. 

“One of the rare nights I cook, and you don’t seem to have much of an appetite.”

He straightened at these words, fingers adjusting on the fork and putting two bites into his mouth. Now that he had gotten his son’s attention, he could see the unwillingness to look him in the eyes.

“No it’s good. Just…”

“Mind elsewhere?” He asked. 

Stoick had already finished his meal, still picking at a slice of buttered toast while Hiccup had only gotten halfway through. He had picked up his reading advice and opened the story he had left off on.

“Yeah.”

“What happened today that has you like this?”

“I had to go talk to the headmaster.” He spoke in a low voice.

This wasn’t usually a good sign. Hiccup had his handful of suspensions.

Stoick tilted the device. “Is this something I’m going to have to be involved in?”

“No.” Hiccup shook his head. “It was dealt with without need of parental assistance. Or at least, I wasn’t the one in the biggest trouble.” 

“So,” He sounded rather intrigued, “what did happen that you were sent to the headmaster’s office?”

“I umm, got in a skirmish with a student. But it was in someone else’s defense!”

To his surprise, Stoick actually smiled. Hiccup shoved more food into his mouth, rapidly chewing as he tried clearing his plate. 

“You know, most dads would be berating their kids for getting in a fight.”

“Hiccup, you’ve had a history of being bullied by your classmates. To hear that you fought for the sake of someone else is something to be proud of!”

“But I don’t feel like that.” His son muttered. 

“I told you those classes would one day pay off.”

“Oh they definitely did,” He said with a roll of the eyes.

“Who was it, that you had to fight?”

Thinking that if the last name sounded familiar he could guess why the person had acted in that manner. Most Berkians could be rather brash and mutton-headed. 

Here is where Hiccup started to appear even more uncomfortable. 

Chewing another bite before saying, “Dustin Querett.”

He clicked the lock button on the device. His attention now fully on his son.

“The boy from Berserk?”

“This is where he came after he got expelled.” The teenager seemed to shrink in his seat. “After what he did to me.” 

Stoick could feel an anger rising in him, never having wanted his son to have had to deal with him again. As Hiccup said, the older boy must’ve been here for six years, meaning he had been here since they had returned a month ago. However it wouldn’t do him any good to snap at his son, since the anger wasn’t toward anything Hiccup had done. 

“Who was it you had to defend?”

Glassy green eyes looked at him. “The son of the mayor, Hamish Hensley.” 

“So the boy essentially came here to bully another?”

“Seems that way.”

“Is the lad okay?”

“Somewhat.”

“But that’s not why you’re acting like this.”

Hiccup rolled his shoulders, rising from the table with an empty plate. Taking his dad’s as well as he walked to the sink.

“Just that it didn’t rub well with me. Hamish didn’t deserve this happening to him.”

He had a mind to continue to prod more details from Hiccup, but he also guessed it wouldn’t improve his mood. Just like him, Hiccup had inherited the trait where if he didn’t want to speak the greatest amount of prompting wouldn’t make him speak. Hiccup rinsed off the plates before passing him to go upstairs. 

“You did a good thing son. I’m proud of you.”

There wasn’t an audible response, but Stoick saw his head move up and down. Stoick thought of the phone sitting in his office. Perhaps the mayor should receive a call tonight.

Notes:

Hey guys thanks for reading! Any feedback would be much appreciated!

Chapter 27: Unshakeable Nightmare

He walked out of the classroom, keeping the green notebook tight in his fingers. He wanted to work more on the story that he had started in class, but he knew that he would have to do it when his dad wasn't watching. He was rather reluctant toward reminders of his mom. Heading to the cubby area, seeing his cubby neighbor immediately backing away as he approached.

"Need as much room as you can get." She smirked, her foot hitting his metal leg as she walked in a wide berth around him.

"You're going to need to tie your shoe before you trip Arana."

"Don't tell me what to do Haddock," She muttered, stomping away.

He bent down to grab his backpack, but all he found was a wooden surface with a few patches of dust. Not again , he wasn't able to take it anymore. He was ready to beg his dad if they could move again. He needed to avoid this, it would mess with his schoolwork. It couldn't have been Arana who had taken it. He would have noticed. There were still other classmates who were getting stuff out of their cubbies as well. It couldn't be them. Usually the grades stayed within each other. Other students from other grades hardly mingled.

"Why me," He muttered to himself.

He wouldn't go to confront them. That always resulted in trouble. Hurting him, ridiculing him, boxing him as an outcast. He'd go home without a backpack. His dad would ask questions, all he would say was that it had been taken. When his teacher would question his missing assignments the next day, hopefully he could get them to understand that it had been stolen. She had to know who. Only a few months in this miserable city and they knew about the ongoing harassment. There was no one who would cover him. They were on his side. They invited him to pick on Hiccup. Better than playing hopscotch or bocce ball.

"Aren't you looking for something Haddock?"

Hiccup quickened his pace. Already feeling his eyes begin to tingle, his arms wrapping around his torso in efforts of comfort. The notebook held tightly to his chest.

"You can keep it." He hissed. "You seem to like it anyway."

"With this stupid dragon on it? Your crappy sack is only good for fire fuel."

"Cool. Go ahead." Yet his voice continued to follow as Hiccup resisted the urge to look back.

He really did like that backpack. Gobber had given it to him for his birthday the year before. He had kept it in his closet for three months because he didn't want it destroyed at school. Guess he would just have to tell Gobber what had happened later. Hiccup tried to walk faster, his notebook still clasped against him. Then he felt his legs give way as he was pushed to the ground, the spiral bound notebook sliding across the floor until it was stopped by the wall. He tried to rise quickly, to get to his notebook before the situation could get worse, but he was stopped when a white grungy sneaker stepped in front of his hand, only just missing his fingers.

Two sets of hands locked on his arms and torso, wrenching him to his feet.

"You have the backpack!" He cried. " Just leave me alone!"

The hands on his arms held him into place, and he couldn't help but welcome the raging panic.

"Not again, please, Dogsbreath," He started to beg. "You can burn it, I said you could, I don't want my dad to see anymore bruises, just let me go home for once,"

"You need to care more about your stuff Haddock."

"You keep ripping my things, how am I supposed to!?"

"Not everything lasts forever."

"Because of you!"

"Your daddy can buy you more."

"Just let me go, and keep the damn backpack!" He attempted to pry the boys hands off of his arms.

" Are you going to cry Haddock?"

"You would want that," Hiccup snarled.

"We can take you somewhere private enough to do whatever you like."

He managed to shake off one of the boy's hands. He knew he couldn't engage them hand-to-hand, and running would at least help get one of the supervisors. He kicked the other boy with his prosthetic leg, but felt nails drag across his sleeve as he jerked free. He still carried the vain hope. He knew what would come, that he would always lose, but you can't suppress the human instinct to fight back and try to survive. But something made him stop short. Why fight, he would always ask. It would only make things worse. He just remembered screaming.

"Someone help me! Mrs. Kali! Please! Don't leave me to this!"

The noises coming out of his mouth unwillingly as he was dragged backward, his wild thoughts wondering where he was being taken. Usually Dustin would hurt him in the public spaces of the hallway, he wouldn't offer Hiccup the mercy of isolation. He was thrown into the janitor's closet, his body colliding with the edge of the metal shelves. He sagged backward, remembering he couldn't allow for a single moment of weakness or Dustin would penalize him for it. Hiccup couldn't allow for him to be kept in that box.

He tried to run to the door, for a hand to grab onto the back of his shirt and throw him back once again. He was able to stay on his feet, seeing one of the boys at the exit while Dogsbreath and another cornered him inside. Every breath he took shuddered from the fear coursing through him, desperately wishing that he wouldn’t be here. He tucked himself as far away from them as he could. 

“Please just leave me alone,”

A hand curled into his shirt, pressing him into the metal shelves. 

“The fun hasn’t started yet.” He growled.

The first fist caught the side of his jaw. He wanted to buckle to his knees, but knew that left him all the more vulnerable. Instead a hand clutched a shelf beneath him as the explosion of pain rocked through his head. When a hand wasn’t trying to inflict a blow he was trying to get away from them the best he could, but the simple fact stood that he wasn’t allowed to leave the room. It took all of his strength to stay upright and not just collapse to the floor as Dustin pummelled him. 

The boys’ vile laughs and his own shuddering breaths all he could hear. He would raise his arms to fend off a blow, leaving his stomach open for a fist to sweep in. With the terror that swept through him and the overwhelming urge to escape, Hiccup hardly noticed the tears cascading down his cheeks. Then he saw it, in an instant where he collided with a lower shelf, a chance. 

He suddenly lunged out, able to grab the boy’s ankle and pull it out from underneath him. With an opening in sight, he dragged himself a short length on his knees then rose and made a mad dash for the door. Dogsbreath was able to quickly close the distance and wind a hand into Hiccup’s hair, stopping him in his tracks. 

Shaking him as he heaved in agonizing breaths, feeling as if his hair were mere seconds from being torn free of his scalp. He threw him back, and as Hiccup managed to stick out his arms to brace for impact, two baskets and a couple bottles of cleaning liquids falling to the floor. He was sure a hand was bleeding, but it was one injury among the many. Dogsbreath was enjoying this, his pained screams and tear-stained cheeks. His mad squirming and unsuccessful attempts to evade him. 

He could no longer stay upright, his strength now sapped. But as he fixed his gaze towards his attackers, he could see that the boy was watching Dustin out of the corner of his eyes, with distinct fear lacing his features. He thought he heard them say that maybe it was time they stop. The words falling deaf on Dogsbreath’s ears, who had noticed that their victim had slunk to the floor. 

The other boy backed away, and convinced the second to leave. Now faced with the bully, Hiccup was conscious of one of the bottles having broken and whatever cleansing fluid soaking into his clothing. Giving a short cry as Dustin’s fists lifted his torso off the floor. 

“Enough,” He croaked, “ please Dustin,”

His smile sent chills down his spine, causing Hiccup to shudder in his grip. A hand going to futilely pull at Dustin’s, blood dripping onto the older boy’s hand. With a groan of disgust, he released him, letting Hiccup fall back to the ground. He slowly moved, feeling a sharp pain in his side, his face numb, his left leg hardly responding. Even through all this he shifted until he was on his stomach, arms attempting to support him. 

He heard a flick, head slowly turning to see Dustin hold a lit match to his backpack, stabbing it rapidly and charring the material. Once he’d finished he threw it at Hiccup, where it smacked his shoulder then skid to the side. Consciousness began to slowly fade away, and he could hear his voice begging for Dustin to leave him alone.

The last thing he saw was the older boy looming over him a final time. 

He jerked upright in his bed, instantly rolling off and hands going to clutch his throat. He let his elbows catch the brunt of the impact as he tried to catch his breath. He could swear that there was a lingering taste of bleach in the back of his throat. The smell definitely trapped in his nose. He took in heavy breaths, staring down at the rug. Eyes boring into the material, mind still trapped in the nightmare and not yet aware he had awakened. 

Continuing to shake, not willing to stand as he still saw Dogsbreath standing over him. He should’ve guessed it, of course yesterday’s events would have triggered it once again. The memory he wished with every fiber of his being would disappear from his mind. It’d been two years since the nightmare had struck, the constant reminder of the event that had occurred in his fifth year. 

It hadn’t been a good outcome, that horrific event. He had awoken to a strong smell filling the room, first aware of the closed door, then of the liquid coating a side of his head. He hadn’t been able to tell just how long he’d been unconscious, and was surprised he wasn’t dead. Barely able to breathe, the smell trapped inside since the door had been closed. 

With the little he could muster Hiccup had dragged himself to the door and pounded on it until someone came to free him. Continuously coughing, conscious of the fact that his weak fists wouldn’t attract anyone’s attention. After failing to spot anything he could use to pick the lock he forced himself to his feet and used his entire body to hit the door. Reawakening the pain of his wounds, but he had been desperate to escape. Finally someone released him, and he passed out again. 

Expulsion had been enough for what Dustin had done to him. A cut hand, broken ribs, a sprained wrist, bruises on his back, torso, and arms, his face with a single bruise. The bullies had even struck his bad leg and he couldn’t walk for a week.

But in turn, that led to Dogsbreath being rejected to enter any other schools, and from what Hiccup could guess, prompted his family to move here to Berk. In result of that, cause someone else who was just as scrawny and defenseless as himself to become his next victim. Living on an island where no one could bring themselves to expel him because there was no other place he could go. If anyone had deigned to listen to Hamish, entered into a juvenile facility. That way he would have to coexist with bullies just like himself. 

As Hiccup wished, see for himself what it was like to be bullied. Hiccup finally found his breaths evening, the taste of bleach subsiding. He spent an additional moment lying still and silent, wondering if his dad had been awoken from the noise. The door didn’t open, and he didn’t hear any movement in the hallway. He sighed audibly, lifting himself to his knees. Maybe his dad had learned to sleep through his son’s startled awakenings, having gotten used to it from the many times a nightmare had struck. 

He thought of Hamish, and how he was faring tonight. If he had his own nightmares which plagued him. Could he be lying awake, just like him? Could it be worse for his, friend, because his father didn’t sympathize with his situation? Hiccup stared at the clock at the table. Sun not due to rise for another hour, but he definitely wouldn’t be catching another wink of sleep. He feared if he did so he would see the face of the bully in the body of a demon. 

He spent a while laying under the blankets before deciding to go make himself some coffee. He’d need to have a couple since it would become difficult to stay awake while in school.

---

Astrid tried her best, but she ultimately failed. Hiccup refused to sit with her and her friends, determined to sit with Hamish and Orrick. This time she wouldn’t be joining him. Although he could feel her eyes on him as he strode over. Everyone knew that Dustin had been suspended, and wouldn’t be around for what remained of the year. Which, was only the rest of the month, given they were already in December. 

Either way, it meant that the two boys would be able to walk around the hallways without fear of being harassed. Hiccup felt it was a win, while also wishing yesterday hadn’t had to occur to have reached it. He placed his tray on the table and slid onto a stool. No sooner had he stuck the straw into the box that someone threw their arms around him. Clutching his torso tightly in a sideway embrace. He instantly tensed, not used to the touch.

“Thank you , so much Hiccup . ” The words sounded rather muffled, but Hiccup could understand what he said. 

“Yeah,” He patted Orrick’s shoulder, “I’m glad he finally got what he deserved.”

He squeezed him even tighter, and Hiccup wondered if this was a hug or attempted suffocation. He came to expect this kind of pressure from his dad, given his size it guaranteed bear hugs, but he wasn’t used to this from a new friend. 

“I get how it must have been hard.” 

  Hiccup’s head straightened, turning to glare at Hamish, who sat across from him. 

“You told him?” He said accusingly. 

Hamish gave a shrug, pushing Orrick’s tray to the other side of the table. He had sat down beside Hiccup on the next stool. 

“Trust me when I say that this isn’t going to leave our little group. I felt compelled to tell him, he was a victim of Dogsbreath just like you and I. He deserved to know.”

“I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want people to know though. What happened that time ago can’t be used against you.” 

His shoulders stiffened. “I know. But it means people give you that look of pity, and then that leads to scrutinization. Who ever wants to hear that you were nearly killed when younger?”

“Well it’s not suitable conversation for a meal, maybe a heart to heart with candles and warm drinks. But it’s okay, for us to know Hiccup. Unlike anyone else here at the school we empathize with you.”

“We could get t-shirts.” Orrick said with a smirk. “We survived the Dustin Horror Ride written in large lettering.”

“Or we can get our savior the great Hiccup Haddock the Third a crown, or a halo.” Hamish joked.

“Neither. I would’ve been a lot happier had he been expelled.”

“He is gone for the rest of the month, but the headmaster told me that it’s his last chance. If he doesn’t learn his lesson after the suspension, and tries something in January, he will be expelled.”

“You mean that if he gets caught next semester then he’s gone.” 

Hiccup thought to the man he met yesterday. He had let Dogsbreath go to that extent of hurting Hamish, and only saved from it because he did something no one else had. Hiccup could hear the words, now sounding scorning in his head, of the headmaster calling him a troublemaker. Wishing he could crumple that slip of paper sitting in his locker. He’d still picked a fight with a classmate, that meant detention. For a mere day, but it certainly felt like a warning toward his actions. 

He picked up his fork and started eating, if the other boys noticed his change in demeanour they didn’t comment on it. They ate in silence for a while, and Hiccup could swear he felt the occasional gaze sweep over him, and he knew where it came from. But his thoughts came to wander back to his conversation the day before.

“It was my first time meeting the headmaster yesterday.” He said. “Astrid had told me that he walks the halls on occasion but he hadn’t been pointed out to me.”

“You would’ve met him eventually.” Orrick responded. “Maybe at a pep rally. Maybe if a teacher sent you to his classroom too.”

“Classroom?”

Hamish glanced at him. “He also teaches a few classes here at Berk High.” 

“That’s, wow. So I umm, noticed that his accent was different. Is he Berk-born?”

“No, he isn’t. Been on the island for about eight years now, I think. Although I don’t remember what part of the Archipelago he's from.” Hamish said.

“So he works as the headmaster, and a teacher too?”

“Even owns a few businesses around town too.” Orrick said offhandedly. 

“He’s only been here eight years and he became headmaster, owns businesses, and even teaches as well?”

“Well not everyone is eager to come and live here.” Orrick swallowed. “We get the worst of second winter and most everyone here still holds Viking beliefs, however stale and odd they may be.”

“Have you heard about another high school on Berk?” Hamish asked.

“Yeah, Regina said it was closed a while ago.” Hiccup frowned. 

“Exactly, the staff is limited enough as it is. Headmaster Vikat was asked to handle more, and he stepped into the role. About five years ago. It is quite a heavy plate he carries.” 

“Well.” Is all Hiccup said.

Considering everything he is handling, he could see why the headmaster had implied that. He dealt with enough of a harasser, yet not doing enough. He already carried enough pressure. It didn’t better much of his opinion toward the headmaster. He’d still gotten in trouble.

“Hiccup do you have any plans for Snoggletog?”

He looked up. “Why?”

“My family always hosts a large dinner for the holiday. Consider this your cordial invitation, your father is also welcome.” Hamish beamed. 

“Oh I’m sorry,” He gave a small hiss, “my dad already invited family over. But, I would want to hang out another day during the winter break.”

“Aww dang it. All right, I’ll start talking to my father, see if he’ll let me go out. Can we exchange numbers, so that we can finalize plans?”

This time he didn’t hesitate in handing over his cell phone.

---

She found it hard to act like nothing was wrong. But the reality was that yesterday, Astrid had seen a different side of Hiccup. She was still trying to figure out whether it hindered her crush, or if instead it had strengthened it. How he had responded in seeing what Dustin had done. Their exchange hardly leaving her mind.

“What could you possibly do?!” She didn’t seem keen on letting him go. 

“Stand up for him.” He had snarled. “After all, none of you seem to want to.”

“You don’t think I’ve tried to?”She hissed in a low voice. “I saw that standing up for them only means he does something worse to them later.”

“That shouldn’t be enough to scare you off.” He said firmly. “By backing down you show him that he can do whatever he likes, and that you’re compliant to it. I’m going after them. You don’t have to go down there, but fetch a supervisor and send them downstairs, please.”

He extracted himself from her hold and ran for the door. 

He really didn’t like Dustin, that much she could deduce. She still hadn’t worked up the courage to ask Hiccup if he had been bullied at his other school, frankly hadn’t found a suitable conversation in which to bring it up. She’d been suspecting of it since the moment she’d tried to get Hamish to go the nurse’s office, and even when they went to the Drinkery together. She could tell herself it was probably true, but it would never be verified until Hiccup admitted it. 

She looked down at her desk partner. His head had sagged to the table, eyes slowly sliding shut. For a second she considered rousing him, her hand rising, but then she saw the sketchbook set beside him. His outline thoroughly completed. Maybe Mrs. Terres wouldn’t be too angry about him nodding off. 

“You okay?” She said softly.

“Didn’t get enough sleep last night.” He said with a yawn, eyes still closed. 

“Homework kept you up?”

“Something like it.”

“How have you been faring, in catching up with what you’ve missed?”

He groaned. “There’s still some things to worry about before finals. My teachers told me I won’t be penalized for the assignments I wasn’t here for, but the exams are cumulative.” 

“Right, the units you missed could be crucial.” 

Hiccup stirred with a shrug of his shoulders, his hand wrapping around his pencil as he lifted himself into an upright position. Opening his eyes slightly, but a drowsy look apparent. 

“You know, I could help you. Maybe I could tutor you, I already took some of the classes you’re in. We have time before the exams.”

“But you have your own classes to worry about. I’m an inconvenience.”

“Not at all.” She shook her head. “I could come over to your house some day next week, and we can study together!”

He glanced down at his paper for a minute before looking at her again. 

“It’s really all right?”

“It’ll be a study date.” She grinned. 

Notes:

Hey y'all any feedback is much appreciated! :)

Chapter 28: She Stepped Inside

“I’m kinda nervous.” He confessed.

His dad quirked a smile. “Why?”

“I, I invited Astrid over. To the house.” He said in rushed tones. 

“Now why would that make you nervous?”

“It’s the first time I’m having a girl over, and I haven’t invited anyone over since I was six.”

“Then it’s due time.”

“She offered to help me study for final exams, and well yeah. She’s coming over next week. I gotta stash all the boxes sitting in my room, we’ll need to move the rest of the furniture to the garage, I need to figure out what I’ll offer her to eat-”

“You’re panicking a couple days too soon Hiccup.”

“Better I freak out now than the evening before because then I’ll be in a stuttering state when she comes.”

“Fine.” He shook his head in amusement. “Let me know what I can help with.” 

It was a strange concept, having someone over. He’d never been that close to anyone, that he felt it necessary to invite them over. It was one thing to be ridiculed for how he portrayed himself at school, if someone was privy to what went on in his home life, he felt the harassment would increase. It was suitable to be paranoid now, so he wasn’t paralyzed the moment Astrid crossed over the threshold. 

Maybe, if her coming over went well, he could build up the confidence to invite others. Bring Hamish and Orrick over one day. Host a movie night like Astrid had mentioned on occasion. But he may have been thinking too far ahead. He’d barely been a month on the island of Berk. Barely learning how to be a friend. Still wondering if he merited the people who had come into his life. 

These fellow teenagers who liked the image he set before them, but not knowing his secrets. And even though he had revealed some to Hamish, there still lay more untold. That fear still remained, of when those words would spill from his mouth, that they would turn on him. Smiling faces shifting to maliciousness. Or scorning, disapproving looks. How they suddenly didn’t want to be near him. 

It was still difficult to gauge, if they were capable of doing so. Hiccup glanced down at his leg, the home leg he liked wearing. She couldn’t see it. Not on that day.

---

She was buzzing with excitement. Her backpack was a little heavier when she left for the school day, but the weight was worth it for how she would spend her after-school hours. Going over to Hiccup’s house, to tutor him. However when she was picturing what they would do, studying wasn’t all she had in mind. Astrid would be stepping inside one of the oldest houses on the island, seeing how her new friend’s family functioned. She hadn’t asked if she could stay for dinner, and their current plans were to walk to the Drinkery and from there go to his house. 

She might get to meet Hiccup’s father in person. She wondered if they’d study in his bedroom, the living room, perhaps even the dining room. If his father was the kind of parent who had their child leave the door open when they had someone over. 

There was only this remaining week to study for Finals, also realizing she needed help as much as he did. Able to perceive that Hiccup was a studious person, explainable by the fact that he would be studying when an art assignment was finished early. 

In the last class of the day, the teacher gave them the opportunity to have an early start on homework. She pulled out her cellphone, deciding the work could be saved for later. Reading over the group chat, messages still having been unread from the night before. In the late night hours Snotlout had expressed anxiety, confessing he was nervous for the upcoming holiday because his uncle had reached out to his family, and his dad had agreed that they would be spending Snoggletog at the Haddock’s home. 

Even though Hiccup did hang out with them a couple days a week over the lunch hour, she had hardly seen Snotlout and Hiccup have a conversation with each other. He still wondered if Hiccup was bitter over what he had done when they were kids. Intentionally not talking to him because he held a grudge. 

She’d tried to make him see otherwise, telling him that Hiccup had forgiven Camicazi, surely he didn’t hold anything against Snotlout after six years. In the end he gave in to peer pressure from their friends and he would get Hiccup what could be deemed a pardoning gift. And again, Astrid prodded that he shouldn’t wait to apologize to Hiccup, even if it didn’t seem like he held a grudge toward Snotlout. 

She met Hiccup at his locker once the final bell had rung. 

“You ready to go?” She said perkily. 

There was a twinkle in his eyes as he looked at her.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” His voice quieted at the end. 

“Want to do the music thing again as we walk?”

“Sure, I have some I think you might like.” He said as he slid on his gloves. 

As they walked, they managed to keep conversation over the songs they played. It took Astrid a single verse and chorus to learn the song Hiccup was playing, and she couldn’t help but sing along as it continued. It was a familiar song from her childhood, lyrics absorbed into her subconscious. He asked how long she would stay at his house. She said that her parents would be by to pick her up at seven. 

He seemed nervous, she could clearly tell, but she couldn’t say anything. It would intensify the emotion. Although it did make her wonder why he could be nervous. She didn’t think there was a reason to, they would be studying, it wasn’t like she was interrogating him and would report her findings to his teachers. The best she could guess, from what she had found of Hiccup’s mannerisms, is that he wasn’t entirely comfortable with their study date. That perhaps he hadn’t asked people over enough and was afraid he would do something wrong.

A small part of her wished it was because he liked her too. 

However, it wasn’t the most likely circumstance. 

“So what would you like to drink today?” He asked as they entered. “It’s my turn to pay.”

She couldn’t help but smile. Her admiration for Hiccup climbing a wee bit higher. They ordered the same pastry again, but this time she chose a different coffee option. 

---

“That’s honestly how you remembered it?”

“Yeah,” She laughed while shaking her head, “hey I know it sounds a bit quirky but the fact stuck!” 

“I know,” He gave a small chuckle, “everyone does have their own ways.” 

“And now you won’t forget it.” 

He took out a highlighter and colored the written line in a bright green. 

“You also said that this page is important?” 

“Mulch is big on it when it comes to that unit. He’ll definitely have a short answer for that one.”

“So that, and the multiple choice questions.”

“Well luckily Mrs. Terres isn’t even giving us a final. We’ll just be helping with the backdrops for the festival.”

“I can’t believe there was money in the budget for that.”

“Heather told me we’re actually just painting over old sets from the drama room. No one’s planning on doing A Midsummer Night’s Dream any time soon, so we can reuse them for something Viking themed.”

“We don’t even know how many we have access to, and what those designs will even be.” 

“Us art students have several tubs of paint sitting in a cabinet, all we’ll get to do next week is have fun repainting them white. Meanwhile you’ll go over designs with Mrs. Terres so Milka can give the final thumbs-up.”

“Ugh right,” His head sagged onto the desk, “I need to start on those so I’ll have something for her next week.”

Her hand brushed against his. “Don’t worry about it now, you should focus on making sure you don’t fail the exams next week. With me here, that’s not going to happen.” 

She propped up the textbook on her lap. Her study guide was already riddled with annotations; in all honesty she probably should have transferred the notes to a notebook page, but she’d written down far too much to start a sheet now. They had been studying in his bedroom for at least an hour. His parents weren’t home. Hiccup had shown her some parts of the house, the living room, the kitchen, a bathroom. He was eager to show her his art room, still in progress, he claimed. 

There had been two easels set up. The floor covered by a giant blue tarp for paint spillage, and the walls were not completely white, yet. She rather admired his bedroom. His bed was modest, his dresser had at least 8 dragon statues on it, which helped her figure out her Snoggletog gift. He had four book shelves, two of them filled with nothing but sketchbooks. 

Astrid hadn’t been able to work up the courage to ask if she could see one. 

“I’m ready for a break.” She proclaimed. 

His eyes continued scouring the page. 

“Pleeeassseee?” She drew out the word. 

“I want to finish these questions.”

“But it’s pointless for me to just be sitting here.”

“Music.” He responded.

“Fine.”She pouted, pulling out her headphones. “Then we break together.”

“All right with me.” He glanced at her as he spoke. 

She pressed play on her music, and stared out the window, able to hear Hiccup scritching on his paper in the far background. She wondered if she would get to meet his parents before she would be picked up. Hiccup hadn’t been able to give a set time of their arrival, and she could see why he walked everywhere. Both parents working, he had to get home on his own. 

“Who usually gets home first? Your parents, I mean?” She voiced out of curiosity. 

“Well…”

“Do they go to the same workplace?” She asked. 

She lowered the volume while waiting for a response.

“My dad usually gets home around six. My mom, I haven’t had to worry about her getting home for a long while.”

“What do you… oh.” 

She pulled out an earbud. Hiccup wrote one more word before closing the textbook. 

“I think we’re ready for that break now. I made us some snacks, they’re down in the kitchen.”

“Divorced?” Astrid clicked pause on the current song.

“My mom,” He stared at the floor with empty eyes, “passed away when I was six.” 

She felt bad, should she apologize? She had just been staring out the window waiting to see when a car would come into their driveway, and instead she’d brought about-

“I’m so sorry. It’s probably not a good subject to go over.”

“Never easy, but you learn to say the words.”

There really wasn’t a need to pry into how it had happened. It made her  realize, that Hiccup had always talked about his mom in the past tense. Hiccup had one parent, and from what he had told her had gotten along great with her.

“How was she with dragons?” She put on a light smile. 

His sorrowful expression did improve, gaze lifting to meet hers. 

“She got me into this obsession.” He said happily. “My little self doodling dragons with her, she’d help me figure out which color the scales should be. She actually left a notebook. Liked to call it a Book of Dragons too. I kept it, after all this time. In there she wrote her own theories on what the fire-breathing reptiles might’ve been like.”

“Wow, her own Book of Dragons. Is that how you developed that design on the Night Fury?”

“I remember talking about it with her, before she passed. We came up with it together and she integrated it.”

“Where is her book?” She looked at his bookshelves.

“I keep it in the closet. My dad doesn’t know I have it.”

“Oh, okay. Does he have something against dragons too or…”

“No, it’s just that, it was something dear to my mom. Miraculously one of the things we didn’t lose. Some of the reminders, can be hard. Snacks, in the kitchen, come with me?”

She let the subject change pass. It was a sore subject, for both Hiccup and his dad. She stood from her chair and followed Hiccup out the door. As they descended the stairs, she asked:

“Hey did Camicazi give you another part of the script?”

“Oh yeah,” He responded as he opened the fridge, “gave it to me yesterday. But she wrote On Call on the front page.”

He placed a burgundy colored tray on the dinner table.

“What does that mean?” He asked.

“She’s set to start releasing episodes by the end of January. Since you were the last one added to the cast it’ll be a bunch of rushed film days, and as you are a protagonist Camicazi needs you available throughout the holiday.”

“So don’t make plans to leave the island?”

“She’ll need your number, and yes. Call you, and you gotta be ready to film the next day.”

“And, your script doesn’t say that?”

She shook her head. “Yours and Eret’s.”

“What about Snoggletog?”

She thought of last night’s conversation. 

“Oh you’re spared for that day, the day before and after. Camicazi goes to spend the holiday with her family in Skullion. Rest of the break is fair game.”

“Okay.” He nodded slowly. “I think I can handle that.” 

“So what’s this?” Astrid picked a roll off the plate.

“Flattened wheat bread with a lathering of cream cheese, minced pecans, and strawberry jelly.”

She tilted her head, pulling out toothpick before taking a bite. There was a loud hum of approval as she chewed and then taking a larger bite. Hiccup gave a sigh of relief as he took a roll and bit into it as well. 

“Oh while the topic of that, my friends wanted to invite you to our holiday potluck. After New Year’s we’re planning on gathering at Snotlout’s house and sharing food.” She said while picking up another. 

“Well that sounds fun. I would like to go, need to talk to my dad though. Can I invite Orrick and Hamish?” 

Her train of thought came to a blistering halt. She, hadn’t considered. Sure these two weeks would certainly be blissful without Dogsbreath haunting the hallways, but she hadn’t thought about his victims. She’d made friends with Hiccup over this past month, and he’d also created a bond with the two sophomores. Hiccup noticed her pause. He pushed a roll toward her. 

“I think they could use more friends, and it would be nice to have them with us on that day.”

“Hamish, and his dad,”

“His dad should want his son to have friends, and it doesn’t hurt to ask.”

She nodded. “I’ll ask the others if they’d be okay with it.” 

“Great. I’ll tell them as soon as I have the green light. Want to finish these in my room? I’ll bring a bag of chips too.” 

“Sure.” She took one more as they ascended again.

They cleared their textbooks and notebooks from the desk and set down their snacks. She looked at the shelves, the sketchbooks seeming to glow in her perspective.

“Can I see some of your sketchbooks?” She finally worked up the courage to ask.

“Hmm?” He looked toward she gestured. “Yeah sure.” He said quietly. 

She plucked one from the middle. Honestly she was overwhelmed with the urge to look through every single one, but told herself that she had to be polite. Resist the urge and just look through a few. If he came to trust her later, maybe he’d show her his favorites. Before she opened the one in her hands, she glanced at the others, deciding which she would look at next. Astrid sat, starting to flip through the book.

“How old are the sketches in this one?” She asked. 

“That one, is from when I was 9.”

“And you filled it in how long?”

“About three months.”

“Whoa.” She started flipping eagerly through the book.

There were dragons in these as well, but some pages had a sunset, or the view of a snowstorm through a window, the wind so harsh it caused leaves to fly through the air. She set down the sketchbook and pulled out another. Hiccup picked up up the one she left and idly flipped through it, and she wondered what ran through his head as he looked at drawings he had completed over six years ago. 

“Wait a second.” She went back to one that had caught her eye. 

“What?” He watched her as he set down the book slowly. 

“I recognize this place.” 

She turned the page toward him. It stretched across two pages, and the rings of the sketchbook did not obstruct the panoramic drawing. It bore a rippling pond gleaming from sunlight, a statue of a Viking guardian on the far right, and a Loki tree dipped over the water, a branch inches from breaching the water’s surface. The grass seemed to glisten and there were blue oleanders scattered through yellow dandelions beginning to change into their fluttering seeds. 

“Oh.” He said. 

“It’s in Lava Ville, Eret told me about it. You managed to capture its likeness quite beautifully.”

“Thanks.” 

“But, how did you manage to get it so lifelike? I mean it really does look like you sat at this place and drew it to completion.”

“My dad took me there, I had to seize the view.”

“But how did you come upon this place? It’s a guarded secret among those who live in Lava Ville. You had to prove yourself to the citizens and be living there long enough to have been told where you could find this pond with the statue. No tourist could just stumble upon it.”

“I went looking for it.”

“You had to know where to go. Eret’s told me enough of this place that I know it is in no way simple to get to.” 

“Well I managed to find it when I went on the-”

“You know, you knew about Cameron’s Skullion accent too. I’ve been living on Berk for years and I can’t recognize it that easily. I’ve even talked to her about it, she says that not everyone recognizes it unless they lived on the island.”

She saw him straighten, press his back to the chair, causing it to creak loudly. His expression the same as when she had met him. That same cornered look. 

“Hiccup, I,” She had to tell him what had been pressing at her. 

She’d caught enough discrepancies, stuff that didn’t make sense.

“I think you haven’t been telling me everything. That you knew this place intimately to have drawn it. Recognizing her accent. The mentions of you having been bullied.”

A hand had settled on an armrest, clutching it so tightly his fingers were white. A hand tucked into his hair. She was scaring him, but she couldn’t keep this in the back of her mind anymore. 

“You seem to know parts of the Archipelago quite well, for someone who moved from Berk, to Meathead and then back. I guess what I’m really trying to get at,” Her eyes locked on his slumping form, “is what are you holding back?”

“This wasn’t supposed to happen.” A broken voice said. 

She couldn’t respond, her fingers frozen on the sketchbook page. 

“I thought my efforts were sufficient.”

“I’m sorry, it’s something that didn’t sound right to me. If you lived in Lava Ville I’ll understand, if you’ve had someone from Skullion as a neighbor that’s fine.”

“But it’s still a lie.” He griped. “Not the full truth.”

“Then what is it?” 

“I…” The hand slid down to his jaw. “I think what you need to know first, and I am in no way trying to guilt you, is that you were the first friend I’ve had in a very long while. I haven’t had a good experience, where I lived before, that when we moved back to Berk I told myself no one could know. I couldn’t go on like before, and have myself go through the same thing.”

“First friend?” Astrid said in a whisper.

“But well, you figured out this much. I can’t keep you in the dark anymore.” He sighed. “I’m not, just from Meathead.”

“Yeah I mean you must’ve lived in the same city as Eret to know-”

“And not just Lava Ville either.”

He couldn’t look her in the eye. She could hear how he strained to spill this truth that she’d pushed to hear. 

“Then, how much have you moved?” 

He let out a loud exhale. “Twelve times.” 

First her eyes widened, then she had to blink a couple of times to ensure she’d heard properly. 

“That, but you were,”

“I may have been born here but certainly moved a lot in these sixteen years of life.”

“Twelve times?” She repeated.

“Please, I mean I’ll tell you where I’ve been, but do this in return. Don’t tell anyone else. You don’t even have to talk to me after you go back home. I’m okay with that. But I really don’t want anyone else to know.”

“To save your reputation?”

He nodded, but his eyes glistened with fear. Astrid tried to give him a comforting smile. 

“It’s okay. I promise. Cross my heart, lock it, and hope Loki steals the key.” She made the X over her heart. 

He breathed heavily, each breath quivering. 

“So if you have moved a lot, where have you been?” Astrid asked calmly. 

His shoulders sagged, and his gaze shifted from the window to look at her.

“We can, go in order then.” His breath still struggled to slow. “My parents moved, before I was one, to the United States. I spent the first six years of my life living in Connecticut. Then, after my mom died in a house fire, my dad was offered a new job which required him to come back to the Archipelago.”

Astrid’s eyes widened, but she didn’t interrupt.

“Of the cities of the Archipelago, I’ve lived in Hysteria, Sleipnir, Outcast, Visithug, Red Thorn, Lava Ville, Berserk, Skullion, Volandon, and then Meathead.”

“That’s, wow you weren’t kidding. Twelve places, and, and now you’re back where you started. How long do you think you’ll be staying here?”

“My dad said we’ll be staying, but judging from much we’ve moved I can’t believe that’s true. Honestly I think we’ll be moving again before I even finish the school year.”

“Of all the places you went, which is the longest you stayed at?”

“We stayed on Meathead for two years, everywhere else it was a span of months or barely breaching a year.” 

“And, you were bullied at these places? So much so that you can’t tell anyone else here?”

“Exactly. I don’t want to be targeted again. I was treated like an outcast, a fungus. When we arrived here I didn’t care if I wasn't accepted. I just didn’t want to have to constantly be looking over my shoulder. So I hid it… until you realized the oddities.”

“I won’t do that to you. Just because you’ve been to all these places, it doesn’t change you as a person.”

“Doesn’t it? I don’t stay in one place for very long. I’m a born-Berkian but I know nothing about the city.”

“Well you’ve been learning about it since you got here. I think it’s really cool you’ve lived in so many places in the Archipelago, that you have this experience in your back pocket. I also, understand that you don’t want anyone else to know.

“S-seriously?”

“Yeah. Thank you for telling me this truth.”

It’s a truth I wanted to know. And, I do feel bad that I scared you to hear it, but it helps me get to know you. She understood him more, and instead of being scared off like he feared, she felt more gravitated toward him. How he’d gone through all this, and this was who he had to become. She could be his support, if he could trust her. Astrid wanted to convince him he could. 

“Berk is your home. You’ll be accepted here.”

Then a loud sound reverberated through the house.

“Hiccup! I’m home!” A gruff voice called. 

Hiccup watched her carefully, and the fear had vacated his system. He donned a small smile, very faint but there. 

“I, thank you for being my friend. Come on, it's time you met my dad.”

 

Notes:

Hello y'all any feedback is much appreciated! :)

Chapter 29: A Snoggletog Dinner

Wearing suits in his household only occurred a few times a year. Hamish's father had always insisted the boy wear a suit, to show sophistication and refinement instead of displaying his scrawniness full-on. Hamish awoke at dawn that morning, listening to a light drizzle pouring out his window. His first instinct was to go back to sleep, but he remembered that if he didn't wake up himself, his father would come into his room and shake him awake. The first thing he did as soon as his feet touched the floor was go over to the curtains and draw them away. 

Though it would be a rainy day for Snoggletog, there was still enough light to illuminate the room. Goodness knows he wouldn't be allowed back in his bedroom once guests arrived later in the afternoon. He wished he could stay in his room until the party, given they’d already cleaned the night before. However he knew that eventually someone would come and chase him out. Either of his parents or the other guest they had staying with them. 

He wanted to chance peeking out his bedroom door, see if he’d woken. His father had invited his cousin Alvin to the holiday party. His mother too, well technically Hamish’s aunt, but she had chosen to stay in London. Hamish had spent the year with the Treacher family, staying with an aunt of his cousin’s. Not blood-related to Hamish, he didn’t quite know the details. He could never remember the proper terms for what the aunt would’ve been in his family tree. Alvin, in his mid-twenties, had already moved out.

Although his cousin was tasked with taking him to school every day, he was lax in the single job he was given. He could recall several days where he’d have to find a bus which would get him close enough to the home he was staying in. Other days where Alvin would leave him on campus an hour early while it was pouring rain. Then the days where he would do what was asked of him there was a woman in the car. Always a different one, and they enjoyed taunting Hamish for his appearance. The odd hair and scrawny figure.

It hadn’t been a pleasant year, and he was glad that he had been able to talk his father out of sending him there again. The downside was that his cousin was here, and would be staying for a week, having arrived only yesterday. Hamish quickly changed, then made his way to the bathroom which lay between his bedroom and the guest room. He had only clicked the door shut when he heard another open. Guess he and Alvin had awoken around the same hour.

---

“So tell me about this potluck again, and don’t leave any details out.”

Hamish sighed. “It’s for the Saturday after New Year’s. The gathering is at the Jorgenson house, and there will be nine people there along with those who live in the house. It starts around two in the afternoon, and Hiccup said that the latest it’ll be over is nine o’clock. They’d like to know if I’ll be going as soon as possible so they can begin coordinating who will bring what.”

“You trust these people enough?”

“I’m not going to be alone with them, Hiccup and Orrick are coming. I would also like to give them a ride to the Jorgenson house too.”

“How did you even get invited to something like that?” Alvin snarked. 

When he had spent that year in London, he had known about what Hamish had endured that had gotten him sent to another country. He also knew how the harassment hadn’t ceased even after the year he wasn’t on Berk. Alvin knew his cousin wasn’t popular in the least.

“A new friend of mine.” Hamish couldn’t help but straighten as he said it. “He was invited by the friends he made, and he convinced them to invite me as well.”

“Let me guess, these other classmates were ones that grew up with you and still treated you like nothing.”

Hamish glared into the scrambled eggs sitting on his plate.

“Yes.”

“What’s his last name?” Alvin said to his uncle. “This Hiccup person he mentioned.”

“A Haddock.” Hamish’s father responded. 

“Uncle, you’re letting him hang out with the son of a political rival?”

Shaughn watched his son who avoided their gazes. 

“I support it.” He said to Alvin. “He’s been a good friend to Hamish since he and his father moved here. Besides, while his father was mayor for a long while, Stoick certainly doesn’t intend to follow in his footsteps.”

“How can you be so sure of that?” He pointed with his fork.

“I spoke to him in person and he assured me of it.”

“He’s of a politician’s family, lying must come easily to him.” 

“Stoick is trustworthy, I am certain of that.” He turned his gaze toward his son. “You know everyone who will be attending?”

“Yes.” Although he hesitated to say, because of the other ears listening. “They are good people. Some are keen on pulling pranks but I’ll have my own friends.”

His father nodded. “All right. I’ll think about it. You also mentioned that you wanted to invite Hiccup over?”

“Yes, since he won’t be able to come to the Snoggletog party today.” He perked up.

“I can give you a yes for that, just let me know when he’ll be coming and going. You can also let him know he’s welcome to stay for dinner.”

He thanked his father, now eating eagerly. Hiccup would be allowed in his house, and Orrick would come too. Hiccup was going to follow through on his acceptance of teaching him and Orrick some self-defense moves. Maybe then his father would appreciate him a little more.

---

This was the last year he’d be wearing this suit, he told himself. It already felt tight around the thigh area, and the sleeves no longer covered his entire arm. At least it was a sign he was growing, and who knows what size he would be come the next year? He slid his sweaty palms on his pants once again before glancing upward.

For the next hour, he needed to have a smile plastered on his face. Entirely forced, because he wasn’t exactly overjoyed in greeting all the guests that would be venturing into their home for the party. Guests that his father wanted to keep on his good side, relatives he saw once a year, and of course those his father was close with in and out of work. These people who would hug him or shake his hand, then be on their way. 

First impressions were key. The guests had to feel welcome, but shouldn’t the host feel likewise? Comfortable that they would have them in their company, not contain this growing dread where one knew every movement would be watched?

There were only three guests that his smiles were genuine for. Unfortunately they had yet to arrive. Orrick and his mother tended to arrive at the same hour, every year. Always at 5, while late at least it was punctual. When he had asked his father those weeks ago if they could invite the Haddocks, he had been happy to imagine Hiccup and his parents coming to his home. Another face he would be comfortable with. He really wished Hiccup had been able to come, but no, his family was hosting their own party.

He already knew what his father’s answer would’ve been if he could be at the other party than this one. “ We have to keep up appearances Hamish, you must be here for our annual party.” Yes maintain his family’s reputation. A reputation that placed stifling pressure on himself. He stretched the smile a little further as he shook hands with someone on the city council. A woman with short blonde hair and kind green eyes.

Keeping an eye out the window while a majority of the guests drifted into the parlour, he sat down in a chair set beside the coat rack. He had always been assigned greeter for the holiday. He allowed himself to relax, but maintained a straight spine because he knew his father wouldn’t want him to wrinkle the material. The suit had to remain in good condition. Just a little bit longer, he told himself. 

Then he could indulge in the giant jug of eggnog. Make sure his and Orrick’s snack hadn’t been taken out so it would be ready by the time he arrived. He heard a knock on the door. He took in a small breath to steel himself, then fashioned a smile and went to open it. 

“Good evening.” 

“Hello Headmaster Vikat.” He closed the door as quickly as he could to not let in the cold.

Second winter had yet to arrive but the winter chill had intensified. He could bet that there would be a storm before the new year.

“Hamish how are you? Still the greeter I see.”  

He gave the man a quick embrace.“Yes Father doesn’t want me doing anything else. Most of the guests are gathered in the parlour if you’d like to join them.” 

“Have there been many arrivals?”

“All my relatives have arrived, and some of the council.”

“What about your friend?”

“No, he and his mother won’t arrive for another while.” 

The headmaster had just opened his mouth to say something else, when Hamish’s father emerged from the parlour. 

“Headmaster Vikat!” He cried with joy. “I’m pleased you could make it. Won’t you come join everyone else?”

He gave a fluid smile, gaze drifting to Hamish for a quick second. “I’ll be in soon, may I step into your bathroom for a quick minute?”

“Of course, just down that small hallway, I trust you remember which door.”

“Thank you Mr. Mayor.”

With a nod of his head, his father stepped back into the other room. The headmaster turned toward Hamish, placing his coat on a hanger. 

“I could bring you something to eat while you wait.” 

“Oh no, I don’t think that my-”

“It won’t be too much of an inconvenience, a well-fed greeter is a happy greeter. You could keep it right there on that table. A majority of your guests have arrived, so snacking on something could help keep you entertained.”

Hamish sighed in relief. “That would be nice.” He said meekly. “Perhaps a glass of my mother’s eggnog and some carrots?”

Headmaster Vikat smiled. “I will return shortly.” He then leaned in closer, glancing at the entrance to the parlour before speaking. “I did bring you a gift for the holiday. I’ll bring it in after dinner, all right?”

Hamish couldn’t help but straighten in excitement.

“You didn’t have to, sir.”

“It’s my pleasure.” He squeezed Hamish’s shoulder tenderly. “I only hope that you’ll like it.”

He looked out the window again as the headmaster departed. Still guests to wear a forced smile for, but now some of the stress had escaped him. New thoughts in his mind of what the man might’ve gotten him. He brought Hamish a gift every year since his father had begun inviting him to their Snoggletog parties. He’d always treated it like a secret between the both of them. 

The gift was always something dragon-themed, so he understood why the headmaster wanted to deliver it discreetly. Hamish had told him several times of how his father hated his special interest. He was glad there was someone to talk to about the dragon lore he’d learned about. Someone to bounce theories off of. Orrick was there to listen as well, but he would always be glancing over his shoulder when in discussion of it, like someone would come and harass them over the topic they spoke of. 

If there was ever a party he went to, he wanted Orrick at his side. Of course he was seldom invited to events so it hardly occurred, but he enjoyed having Orrick with him at their Snoggletog celebration. Able to have someone close to him during an event where he was always uncomfortable. Relatives make a remark on how he’s hardly grown, asking which grade of school he’s now in, then their attention going to his father and mother and he’s temporarily relieved. 

Orrick being there was always great. Someone he could talk to with no anxiety in his voice, someone there to steal snacks from his plate when he wasn’t looking, that is if he wasn’t allergic to it. He and his mother were always invited to the Hensley holiday party because Mrs. Bloomfield had once been an employee of Hamish’s father. Secretary for over ten years, and she had only changed workplaces two years ago. The Bloomfields were practically part of Hamish’s family. It was quite nice to have your best friend also be close with your parents as well. 

Dinnertime had finally come, with Orrick sitting to Hamish’s left and the headmaster to his right. This year the meal was an oven-roasted ham, but Hamish had a disliking to the gravy poured over the meat. It left a weird aftertaste. With each bite he took he made sure to toss in some green beans or slip in some biscuit. 

“All right, how about Snow Wraiths?” The headmaster asked. 

“The books weren’t exactly detailed on it, but one thing the author was sure of was that they were hardly visible. So that means they must have blended with the snow. Scales a pale white, and their wingbeats similar to winds you feel in a snowstorm.”

“Sure they must’ve blended well, but they had to have been large dragons. It could’ve played against that.”

“Polar bears are huge as well,” Hamish responded, “and yet they can get through the snow as well. Even slip well between the waters. And perhaps just like polar bears, the Wraiths didn’t have many predators. Even considering the environment they lived in as well. Dragons don’t normally like the cold. There’s no other species in the books which was described as living in snow.”

“So they were evergreen, if they could survive that kind of climate they were active throughout the year.”

Hamish nodded. “I’m not too sure about that. Perhaps if they stayed in the climate they preferred, but I do think that if they ventured out of the cold they wouldn’t do well in a tropical climate.”

Headmaster Vikat took a sip of his drink. “And what of their diet? Living in a landscape like that, how would they possibly find food?”

“Right, in cold areas animals still aren’t walking the surface. Maybe, they liked to burrow between the surfaces to find prey.”

“So you’re suggesting they have advantages in the air and underground?”

“Like a Whispering Death.”

“Could they swim through the water?”

“If they did eat fish, they’d have to swim far below the surface because fish stay where the water’s warm. Since they lived in a cold climate the fish would be far down in the ocean. But there really is no telling what they could have eaten. Not every dragon ate fish.”

“But dragons didn’t eat humans.”

“There was still other prey.” Hamish responded. 

“As you mentioned not many creatures live in such a cold climate. How do you think they could’ve spotted what they ate?” 

Orrick spoke up. “A creature gives off a heat signature. Given that it can be hard to see in a snowstorm, maybe the Snow Wraiths had heat vision. Spot their prey before it spotted them.”

Hamish watched him eagerly. “That would make perfect sense as to why their description is so brief in the Manuals. No one could get close enough because the Wraiths could see them before they could!”

“A dragon with heat vision?” The headmaster said in awe. 

“But of course we have no way of telling if it’s true. However it does answer some questions. If no human could also never get close enough to them to describe them, it could also be that they were extremely territorial.”

He knew his voice must’ve carried somewhat, because his head turned to look at his father and he was watching him questioningly. Hamish took in a breath, then quieted and bent his head down to look at his plate. He would probably be asked about what they were talking about later. 

As the plates were cleared, the headmaster stood. He smiled down at Hamish. 

“I’ll be right back with your present.”

---

This was too much food for seven people. Yes the number sounds large enough, but considering the diet Hiccup was used to, this was overwhelming. If his dad couldn’t convince his uncle and family to take home leftovers they would be stuck with the same leftovers for two weeks. Uncle Spitelout had seen his reaction to all the food and had merely given a laugh and said he needed to fill up so he had enough fat to stay warm during second winter.

Hiccup could barely chuckle at the joke. He got the feeling that it was serious. A split second thought of how he wished he could be a dragon that hibernated through the winter. Then he wouldn’t mind having so much food before him, and it would be okay for him to sleep for 5 months. Luckily he wasn’t pressured to eat more than he wanted.

For now the evening had been nice. He had been nervous to reunite with relatives he hadn’t seen in at least six years, and scarcely even contacted. He may have been given a cell phone after the near-death experience, but he certainly hadn’t gotten ahold of his cousin’s number. As far as he knew his dad and uncle hadn’t even exchanged a phone call. 

He’d been nervous for their arrival. Helping his dad to clean the house as best he could, making a list of what needed to be made and also timers for how long each dish cooked. He stashed his home leg into the closet and even made sure it was in a box covered with clothes in case his cousins went looking. Snotlout’s younger sister Adelaide was at the proper age for her to be curious of new places. 

No one had seen his relief when neither his uncle or aunt mentioned his leg. Best he could guess is that they’d forgotten he’d lost it. Snotlout had certainly never commented on it over the past month they’d been back on Berk. Adelaide had been too young to even know that her cousin was missing a leg. If they didn’t remember, he wouldn’t mention it. Hiccup was also assured Gobber wouldn’t offhandedly say it. He knew how his godson felt about others knowing about the leg. 

They had just finished dinner, and the adults had stayed in the dining room. Adelaide had started begging to watch a movie, and after heckling her mother for a good hour she asked Hiccup if the 10-year-old girl could be excused. Now he and Snotlout sat in the living room while Adelaide looked through the collection to pick one. 

“You guys don’t really have that many.” Snotlout mentioned. 

“We don’t watch much. Dad did get us a Netflix subscription back when we were on Meathead though. But even then we hardly use it.”

“See anything you like?” He asked his sister. 

“You have Rio!” She joyfully shouted.

Making her way over and handing the DVD case to Hiccup. He slipped it out of its case, inserting it into the DVD player. He had settled back in his seat when Adelaide squeezed in next to him, taking one of the pillows and clutching it to her chest. 

“How does your family, usually spend the holiday?” Hiccup asked.

Snotlout sighed. “Usually just us. Family friends my dad invites. Sometimes an aunt comes, from my mother’s side, but for the past few years- it’s been us.”

“Past few years?” Hiccup glanced at him.

“Usually we’d be at Grandfather’s. You remember him don’t you?”

“Yeah of course,” He grimaced, “but I only saw him once a year.”

“You and your dad weren’t even here for the funeral.” 

“Dad didn’t tell me he’d passed away until a couple months after the event. I had a phone call with him where he told me happy birthday, then he and my dad got in a fight and contact ceased. He died less than a year later.”

“And your dad had already stopped talking to mine. After your incident.” 

Hiccup glanced at the TV screen. Did he remember the full details?  

“A lot changed.”

“So much that your dad cut you off from everyone else? That I never even got your cellphone number, Adelaide learned about you and Uncle Stoick from pictures and what we told her. Mom asked around too, asking anyone from your mom’s side and from my dad’s side too. Hardly anyone talked with you or your dad. All they knew was that you left Berserk.”

“I got letters from them on occasion.” He barely spoke above a whisper. 

“Why did your dad cut you off from the rest of your family? Your uncle, even your grandfather? I mean, there’s hardly even any pictures of your mom.”

“I don’t know.” Hiccup admitted. “But I also never asked either. Why we didn’t go to any family gatherings. There had to be some. We left Berserk because Dad got transferred for work.”

“But even when you lived in the States, your dad and mine talked almost every week. Just as much with your mom. Dad said that your parents would come to stay on Berk for a month each year.”

He started thinking of his family members, uncles and great-aunts he could hardly remember. Fire looming at the edge of those memories, recalling that night where he’d lost his mother. 

“Things have changed so much Snotlout. After Mom died, then the incident on Berserk,” 

He didn’t want to remind Snotlout what had happened. Hiccup couldn’t gauge if his cousin would keep it between them or talk about it with his friends. He wondered how Astrid would react if she’d heard it. 

“Both my dad and I were closed off. I learned to stop asking. If Dad wanted it to just be me and him, and Gobber too, I wouldn’t push for more. ”

“Then who was the one who said our families should spend the holiday together?” Snotlout adjusted his position. 

“Dad did. When he got transferred here, when we moved back into our ancestral home, he said things would be different. He asked if I’d be okay with having someone over for the holiday. I accepted.”

“What could he work as that you had to move around like that?”

“I don’t know.” 

“Well then,” Snotlout offered a smile, “looks like things are changing then.”

“Yeah.” Hiccup looked down at the girl pressed to his side.

“I have an offer to bring forward.”

“Oh?” He turned his head. 

“If you’re interested, I can give you some of our relatives phone numbers. Most have them have accounts on Whatsapp. You can give me your email too. I bet some of them would like to know what’s been going on with you and Uncle Stoick. That is, if you’re okay with it.”

“That would be great.” 

He patted his cousin’s shoulder. “And in the meantime, maybe we could catch up on lost time.”

Hiccup stared at Snotlout, hugging his little cousin for a brief second.

“I’d like that. It has been six years.” 

Notes:

Thanks to @jayalaw for beta-reading!

Feedback is much appreciated! :)

Chapter 30: Citrus and Scales

He was checking to see if the bag of lemons was properly sealed when his phone pinged with a message. He knew his ride would be arriving any minute, and here was the signal. He unlocked the device, seeing Hamish’s text that they were waiting outside. He switched chats, and texted his dad he was leaving and would text him when he was on his way back. Taking the tray carefully into his arms then tucking a bag onto a wrist, he headed toward the car. 

Hamish opened the door for him, supporting the tray as he climbed into the vehicle and into the middle seat. He settled the tray on his lap and put the bag between his feet, glancing at the front seat. The driver was the man he remembered from a couple weeks ago who had glared at him. 

“Hiccup this is the family driver Mr. Trevis.”

“Hello.”

“Ye better not spill that in the car.” He said, shifting the joystick to drive. 

“Yes sir.” He adjusted his grip on the tray.

He had already sprinkled a few drops of lemon on the fruit so there was a chance of dripping. He’d also tried to ensure that he’d wrapped sufficient plastic over it.

“What did you guys bring?” 

“I made fish ceviche.” Hamish pointed toward the back.

“My mom helped me make pecan tassies.”

“Well we have three courses right here. We could just go to my house and eat this,” Hamish joked. 

“Yeah,” Orrick sighed, “but we’re expected.”

“Can you believe that though, we are being expected.”

“I’m still surprised you even got us invited. They never would’ve extended an invite had you not stepped in.”

“You guys are my friends. And I’m trying to get to know them too. I don’t exactly, get out much.” Hiccup said sheepishly. 

“Trust me we don’t either. My father is especially strict.”

“And I really only feel comfortable with Hamish.”

“So it seems, we’re all stepping out of our comfort zones today.”

“May Thor keep a protective eye on us all.”

“We’re going to be in close quarters with Camicazi and the twins, something’s bound to happen.” Orrick grimaced.

The other two nodded in agreement. When they arrived, the other two had pushed Hiccup to the door, imploring him to knock. They each held their dishes, all three of them hesitant to cross the threshold even as the door lay open. Astrid had opened, smiling at the three of them, and within the house someone shouted that the party could begin. 

When they set out the food, Hiccup’s dish was one of the first to be descended upon.

“It’s diced fruit.” Fishlegs said. 

“But why are there lemons and chili powder?” Snotlout asked.

“And some of it looks slick. Who brought this one?” Ruffnut asked. 

“I did.” Hiccup used a fork to point. “There’s cucumber, oranges, mango, pineapple, papaya, and cantaloupe. The lemon addition is something a neighbor introduced me and my dad too. Add some salt and lemon and it gives the fruit a delightful tangy taste. I did leave some without if you guys just want the regular fruit.”

“But you’re going to eat it with lemon and salt?” Orrick asked.

“Definitely.” He reached over for the serving spoon.

“Did you guys know that pineapple actually has a digestive enzyme?” Fishlegs took the spoon offered by Hiccup.

“Okay and?”

“It’s the fruit that basically eats you back. Eating a lot can make your tongue feel weird, because the enzyme is essentially eating away at your flesh.”

“That’s amazing!” Tuffnut cried.

“Okay keep the pineapple away from Tuff.” Astrid spun the plate.

“I wish I’d known that before,” Camicazi grumbled, “I already know what the weird tongue thing feels like.” 

“Well dig in everyone!” Heather yelled, gesturing at the food. 

---

“Okay okay. Favorite movie?” Hamish took a bite of his pastry.

Hiccup bounced his head for a few seconds before responding, “ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice .” 

“Wait a minute.” Orrick waved a hand. “The clip in Fantasia or the movie?”

“The one released in 2010.”

Orrick watched him in confusion.

“ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is really your favorite movie?” Hamish pulled out his phone. 

He shrugged. “Yeah of course. It’s got magic, funny protagonist, gripping plot. Been one of my favorites for years.” 

“I haven’t seen that movie in years. That’s the one where the main character did something cool with lightning right?” 

“With Tesla coils, experiment he was doing for college. But it did work for the magic bit.” 

“Oh now I remember,” Orrick glanced at Hamish’s screen, “you know you kind of sound like the main character.”

“Yeah I’ll admit that’s another reason I like it. It’s cool to see a movie where you and the actor sound similar.”

“All right!” Eret clapped his hands and stood. “Has everyone eaten to their fill?”

Fishlegs widened his eyes, shoving in what he had left of his cake. Everyone else murmured a yes, while Hiccup, Orrick, and Hamish glanced around. 

“All right then let’s go.” 

Ruffnut ran into the hallway then returned with their coats, distributing to whichever belonged to who. 

“What’s going on?” Hiccup asked. 

“Right, you’re new. This is a little tradition we do.” Heather slipped on her gloves. 

“That involves going outside?” Hamish hesitantly accepted his coat.

“Is this like a ritual you do or something?” 

Eret laughed. “No nothing like that. Just a little adventure.” 

“And you do this every year?” Orrick asked. 

“Can I go with you!?” Adelaide burst into the room.

“How far are we going to go?”

“Not far.” Astrid smiled. “You’ll see.”

“Every year.” Ruffnut grinned. 

Snotlout took his sister by the shoulders, and while the 10-year-old sister looked dejected she cast a devious smirk at the table with everyone’s dishes. 

“But my father thinks that we’ll be in the house the whole time,” Hamish protested as they exited through the back door, “if he finds out we went somewhere else, I could-”

“You’ll be fine Hamish. Sure people know about it but it’s still pretty secluded.”

“Besides you’re a teenager.” Camicazi smirked. “Your father should be letting you have some thrills. You have plenty of time to be living behind a door in later years. But these are the years you’ll want to make golden.”

“But I could get grounded.” He mumbled.

Tuffnut slung an arm over his shoulders. “We’re not leaving you behind dude.” 

“Unless you want to be stuck with Adelaide.” Snotlout sent a glare back toward the house.

“Look umm,” Hiccup had placed his hand on Fishlegs’ shoulder, “I really would like to know where we’re going.” 

His gaze was aimed toward the forest. Hamish couldn’t but glance at his leg, thinking of when they were at the pool those weeks ago. Would someone ask why Hiccup was so nervous about it? None of them knew he’d been bullied prior, how perhaps he could be paranoid to what would happen while outside. 

“You all right?” Ruffnut asked.

“I don’t know the island.” 

“Well it was supposed to be a surprise, but we always have the potluck at Snotlout’s house. He lives close to a very fun spot.”

Hamish ran it through his head, where the Jorgenson family lived, popular yet secluded spots of Berk. How Eret carried a giant bag full of towels. 

“After we eat, we go and spend some additional time-”

“This is a way to get to the cove.” Hamish deduced. 

“You got it!” Camicazi shouted. 

Hiccup still looked nervous, but he wound into the group as they trekked through a worn path of the forest. It took around fifteen minutes, and the gang went through a separate entrance than the one Hamish knew of. It was more narrow, so much so only one person could go through at a time. Once they came through, Hiccup let out an audible gasp.

“This, this place looks amazing.”

The cove was a secluded place on Berk that had remained rather untouched as Berk was expanded. There was a large lake and a gaping waterfall, moss covered rocks, trees draping over the water, and the shore covered in thick grass. Hamish remembered his father having told him that for a time they wished to make it a tourist attraction, and there was even construction done, but in the end the project was left undone. The only sign that humans had touched the place being a decline where the rock and dirt had been carved away. 

If anyone wished to bring a vehicle down they could use the decline, but judging from the lack of tire tracks the cove remained intact. As he looked around he could see a small shelf of rock, a bird’s nest with three white speckled eggs. 

“This looks amazing.” Hiccup said in awe.

“Let’s head down then.” 

Heather went over to the edge of the rock, leaning down and clutching at a rock. Hiccup neared the edge, and was able to see how there were plenty of handholds to climb down.

“You’re not coming?” Astrid asked. 

“I can’t go that way. I’m not the best climber, and I really don’t want to hurt myself.”

“It’s not that difficult.” Eret said, making sure the bag of towels had no chance of slipping.

“Yeah but I’m not exactly confident to do so.”

Hamish couldn’t help but stare at Hiccup’s leg. He could see why Hiccup didn’t want to chance the climb down. 

“Well then, I guess you could go down the decline, it’s for those who can’t make the climb.”

“Yeah,” He began to back up, “that works for me.”

“I’ll go with you.” Hamish followed behind him. 

“Okay if you’re going that way. Orrick come on let’s go.” Tuffnut grinned. 

“Wait what? You expect me to go-”

“I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.” Tuffnut said reassuringly.

Orrick cast one last desperate glance in Hiccup and Hamish’s direction, but he then nodded his head and made his way over. Clutching onto Tuffnut’s hand as he lowered himself down to the first foot rest. Hamish and Hiccup made their way down the decline. 

“So it looks like they’ll spare us, but gotta make sure at least one of us goes down that way.” 

“Yeah.” Hamish chuckled. “You know, I can guess why you had to go down this way instead of down the cliffside. 

“Can you now?” He had his head turned toward the waterfall. 

“You’ve got a bad leg.”

He turned his gaze toward him. “What makes you say that?”

“Look I may have had water in my eyes when you fought Dogsbreath, but I saw where he hit that brought you down. Your left leg, below the knee.”

“Well yeah.” When he exhaled it left a lingering cloud. “You’re right. But it’s not quite a bad leg.”

He stopped in his tracks, glancing down at where the rest of them had gathered. Even looking to the end of the decline to make sure no one would come to try to rush them. 

“It’s definitely not something I want to risk climbing with.” He leaned down, pulling up the pants leg.

“Whoa.”

  From below Hiccup’s left knee, there was a prosthetic attached to what remained of the calve. The metal a gleaming sliver, what appeared to be a white bandage covering the stump, and a fake foot tucked into his boot. 

“It’s more like no leg.” He said in a low voice. 

“That definitely explains why you couldn’t make the climb. You’re disabled.”

“I bet I could, I’ve tried climbing before. But they don’t know about the leg, and I’d like to keep it that way. If I get hurt it’ll only beg the question as to why. So best I take the easy route down.”

“Another secret to keep.” 

He let the pants leg fall, nodding. 

“You know if we’re giving little secrets, I have one too. My father’s made jokes that I would be deemed a Hiccup too, had we been in Viking times. He still calls me that from time to time. My mother too.”

“So we’re both Hiccups, even if your dad didn’t want to give you the name.”

“You know,” Hamish cast him a side glance, “their group might be eccentric at times, but I don’t think they’d respond badly to you telling them what you’ve told me.”

“I’m still not sure about it yet.”

“I may not be able to make as good friends with them, but they’ve let you into their group. 

“I’ve dealt with not being accepted for a while. I’m not ready to tell them, and I don’t know if I ever will be.” 

He sighed. “Okay. We should pick up the pace a little bit. Orrick probably already beat us to the bottom.”

---

"Are you sure you don't want a ride home?" Astrid asked again. 

"No, I’m in the mood to walk home today. I live close enough." 

Hiccup waved goodbye as she made her way over to her parent's car, and then made his way down the sidewalk. He had received several warnings of when the proper time was to endeavor on a walk home in the winter season. If he could be honest, winter was his favorite season. The air was most crisp, the streets would be covered in white snow before cars or human feet would come along and turn it into slush. Though there hadn't been that harrowing storm his friends had warned him would arrive. They had just entered the new year, it could still be bound to come. 

He started to hear a distant cry, something calling out from the midst of the forest. He had been told by his dad earlier that he would take him for a hike through Raven Point, but he hadn't learned enough of Berk’s geography to know if where he was now counted as the forest. He'd have to ask Astrid the next day. 

He ventured off the sidewalk, his boot sinking into snow. Only sinking a smidge before he felt the dirt underneath. He took out his cell phone, texting his dad to let him know he was on his way home. He wanted to make sure that the sounds weren't from a wounded animal. If someone were hurt, he wouldn't want them suffering out in the Berkian cold when they could be given help. It had sounded like mysterious croons, then they started turning into words. He wondered if he was hearing more than one creature. Also hoping that these creatures wouldn't attack him and leave his bloodied corpse in the cold for his dad to find. Since the temperature was so low it would probably take him longer to decay.

They started to become the distinct sounds of croons, unable to pinpoint where he was hearing them from. Tapping the screen, he turned on the cell phone's flashlight. Wondering just how far he wanted to go into the forest before he'd relent and head back. This thing may not want to be found, or was purposely evading him. Which probably meant it wasn’t something in need to assistance. Then he caught another sound, that seemed to hook him into the search.

"I’ve never smelled anything like that, what do you have, what’s in there?"

"Hello?" Hiccup called out.

"Just a little farther. Not safe. They could see."

But the voice communicating with him, sounded strangely childish. Male definitely, but they were young, and sounded rather impish. Shy, almost as if they were afraid.

"It's all right." He coaxed. "I don't mean you any harm. Are you okay?"

"Fine. Glad to find someone."

Then Hiccup could swear he saw movement. Catching something whisking itself through a bush some ways to his right. Deeper into the forest. He hastened his steps to catch up to it.

"Just how far do you want me to go!?"

He was still unfamiliar with this part of the island. If he got lost, it would be a rather embarrassing call to make to his dad to come find him. Although he did count on the fact that his dad said he knew the island like the back of his hand. Then the sounds stopped. But he could swear there wasn't anything to see, just darkness. No matter where he pointed the flashlight.

"Where did you go?" He said out loud, hoping that whatever he was hearing would respond or make more sounds.

The faintest rustle would do. He remembered that Tuffnut had commented that some of the forests may be haunted. His sister and Fishlegs had agreed. If you could get Fishlegs frightened about something that probably didn't exist, it was a warning to be heeded. He took a step back, no longer hearing any movement. Just the winter breeze telling him it was time to head back home. Hiccup turned on his heel, and started making his way back to the street. Guided by a streetlight seen somewhere in the distance. His boots crunching the snow beneath him as he continued his trek. Then he heard a vague cry of alarm, something sounding like a bat flapping its wings. Or a bird having taken flight as you passed because you'd startled it. 

He still held his flashlight in front of him to make sure he wouldn't slip on the snow. But then something jumped in full view of the light, watching him intently with vivid acid-green eyes. It was small, could be no bigger than a raccoon, but instead of fur... it had scales. Watching him with a tilted head. Inspecting him as much as he was it.

"Oh my gods." He stumbled backward. 

This had to be a hallucination. His mind playing a trick on him, karma for having the obsession over those much-debated creatures. He made a gesture with his hands in attempts to shoo it away.

"You're bigger than I thought." He heard.

The creature stepped closer, the white light bouncing off its green eyes. Displaying its full body covered in black scales. Hiccup's next step caused him to slip and fall to the ground. 

"This can't be happening," He said out loud.

Trying to scramble to his feet to get away from it. This was one of the biggest reptiles he had ever seen, and he knew that they couldn't take this kind of weather. It wasn't possible, he couldn't believe it, only one thing could describe what this must be, the Norns couldn't be this cruel.

"You're not real!"

"No please! You're the first human to understand me!"

He stopped moving, the for-sure dragon having gained courage to come toward him. His hands remained on the ground, his prosthetic still bent toward his body and his real foot digging into the white crunchy material.

"What do you mean?" His voice shuddered as he spoke. 

"I've tried with others," Its eyes watched him intently, “but they just hear croons and run away on their two legs. But with you, it's worked." 

Hiccup let it come to his torso. He found he couldn't move, he was marvelled by the creature. His phone had fallen beside him, the light cast straight into the trees. The dragon approached, and Hiccup couldn't help but stiffen. There was no longer any doubt that he was hallucinating. It was right in front of him, smelled of sea water, and an unfamiliar not at all pleasant smell. He managed to climb to his feet, but couldn't bring himself to distance himself from the reptile. He was wracking his brain trying to figure out which species it was. 

It must've been a baby, judging from how small it was. But the voice he had heard coming from it sounded of an adolescent. Its tail was definitely longer than its torso, and had a pelt of completely black scales. So the earlier moment where his gaze had been set in front of him, he couldn't have possibly seen it. But he also noted, that the dragon was erring its own caution. Still a foot away from Hiccup, sniffing the crisp air around them. 

"You look scared." It commented.

"Yeah, well it's typical to react like that when you're supposedly communicating with a creature that's been extinct for hundreds of years."

"What's extinct?"

"Meaning your species is dead. There aren't any like you around anymore."

"I've been asleep for a long time. Does that count as extinct?" 

“No. It doesn’t. That, is something we humans call hibernation.”

“Humans don’t hibernate?”

“No, most animals tend to do that, when their bodies can’t cope with the sudden change in temperature.”

He was most boggled by the fact that he seemed to communicating with the dragon so fluidly. The dragon was making croons or warbles, he could distinguish the sounds, but he felt that as his mind interpreted the sounds it was becoming something he could understand. He had hardly ever imagined how he’d react if he’d encountered a dragon had they existed in his lifetime. Never guessing that it would be explaining to a small creature in infancy stage what hibernation was. 

"So, are there more of you out there?" He pointed behind him.

He was assured that the dragon wouldn't attack him, he remembered that they weren't prone to attack unless they thought you would do so first. The dragon paid him the courtesy of moving deeper in the forest, looking into the dark depths. It even climbed up a small snow bank and made a mournful croon.

"Not that I've seen." It responded. "I've been alone since I woke up." 

"Well that's unfortunate."

He saw his chance to leave. To go home and see if the warmth would help clear his head. He still couldn't believe it was possible. He continued up the slope, but was aware that the dragon was following, its head close to his right foot. 

"Where are you going?" It sounded startled.

"I was heading toward home before."

Then he managed to see a blur of black before he felt something hit his back. He shouted, falling to his knees as the black dragon prodded the bag at his arm with its snout.

“This is where the smell is coming from!” It cried triumphantly.

At Hiccup extending his arm to try to support the dragon’s weight, a strap slid down. As soon as it saw that it was wide open it slipped inside.

“No no no. Get on out of there.” He set down the bag, trying to get it to come out. 

"But you can't leave me! Not when I finally found someone who isn't scared of me and can talk with me!"

"This is where you're safe." He told it. "Hardly anyone can see you among these trees and snow. Why haven't you gone out to the streets?"

"Wings can't lift me. It’s harder to find food now." 

"Look, bud, I'll come back tomorrow. Okay? Just make sure you're not seen. You have somewhere to sleep don't you?"

"I’ll come with you to your home." Its green eyes stared up at him imploringly. 

"I don’t think this is-”

“ Pleaseeee ? I don’t want to be alone anymore.” 

He let a heavy breath, but he slid the straps over his arm again. Sealing them inside, but it began to squirm, and Hiccup bet that it was inspecting what lay inside. 

“Okay. But you have to stay quiet, and only come out when I say it’s safe.”

Guess he was sneaking a dragon home. The dragon must’ve been awake for a while. It must have had some place it liked to spend the night. But the dragon seemed to want companionship better than whatever nook it was staying in.

He needed to clear his head, make sure his thoughts were in the right order. As a born Berkian, he'd been told plenty of times that the dragons were bound to come back. Though he knew that the Berkians had also never considered hibernation. He bet they assumed that they only lay beneath the surface, in the deepest craters or secluded in volcanoes. Never did he imagine that they would come back now.

Even worse, he could actually communicate with one. He made it back to the sidewalk, having rescued his phone from the snow. He would definitely need to put it in some rice to ensure there wasn’t permanent damage. He didn’t want to have to ask for a new phone for the new year. 

 It was a somewhat familiar situation. Communicating with something he couldn’t believe was possible. The voice of the creature, reminded him of a voice he recalled from when he was little, before his mother died. Hearing the same croons that also registered as a language he could understand. He had a friend who sounded liked that.

---

He heard two knocks on the front door. Judging by the hour, Hiccup had arrived at the hour he said he was. Before he rose from the desk chair, he made sure that he closed the laptop. It was his son’s last day before they'd begin the new semester. Stoick was glad that his son had opened up over the past few months, going out with friends, even an entire group. Hiccup hadn't been around that many people since before they'd left the States. After his mother had passed away, he'd become much quieter, and tried to make himself seem as if he didn't exist. After the attack when Hiccup was ten, he'd pushed for the young man to attempt making more friends. Insisting that if someone were around to protect him he wouldn't be targeted as harshly as he had been by the Querett lad. 

He opened the door, seeing how the cold weather had affected his son. He wasn't shivering, but his nose had gone red and was also lacking gloves.

"How was your night out son?" He closed the door behind him. 

"Well eventful Dad, to say the least."

Hiccup began to pry off his scarf but seemed to hesitate at the beanie. He wished his son would show off his hair, if he could be frank, it reminded him of Valka. He had inherited the exact same brown shade. It reminded him of when Valka had been thirteen. She had cut her hair into what she called a pixie cut, and her hair simply refused to lay still. Stoick had refrained from asking her if she purposely combed her hair in irregular strands. Though looking at his now teenaged son, he could deduce that it simply was natural. He set a bag down before removing his coat, hissing as the sleeves slid past his hands.

"That's why I've told you to wear gloves out there." He berated him. "This isn't like Meathead where you can get by walking around without them."

"Gobber already got me hand cream Dad... I just don't use it. And the gloves make my hands sweaty. Makes the paper all smudgy when trying to draw..."

"I thought we'd watch a movie before you turn in for the night. I can make us some drinks."

"That hot chocolate Mom liked?" He seemed to perk up.

"Sure, I finally managed to find a shop that sells it. Had to inspect the shelf rather closely might I add."

"Huh, who knew a shop on Berk actually sold bars of Mexican hot chocolate." 

"The little things you find when you have a determination to look for it."

"Now we just need to find those lemon-flavored cookies, the ones in the silver cellophane with six in each packet. Those were delicious."

"Those I think you'll have to scour the online stores for."

"They were there in the States, why not here in the Archipelago?"

"Because some people here still enjoy their mutton soaked in mead."

"Ugh, I can't believe Uncle Spitelout actually brought that."

"You did mention that your evening was eventful. Care to tell?"

He had tried to get his son to converse with him more often. When they had lived on Meathead, Volandon, Skullion, he only seemed to go into the kitchen and have food. They would hardly discuss anything of Hiccup's school life. Although his son did make it perfectly clear that he wasn't happy about it. 

"Yeah about that," Hiccup rubbed the back of his head, "Dad I saw something pretty weird on the way home." 

"Another legend your friends told you about?"

"Dad you've said yourself that some areas of Berk are haunted."

“You weren’t dropped off?” Stoick raised an eyebrow.

“No, I decided to walk home.”

    Then he looked at his son’s hands once again. He could see that on his right some of the skin had split, a red line of blood visible through the crack. Grabbing his son’s hands, he brightened the lights in the living room.

“This is why you need to be careful. Get some of that cream on your hands while I make the drinks.”

“But it’ll sting.”

“Then you should have been wearing gloves or at least put on the cream beforehand.” And he pointed to the stairway. “And make sure you wash your hands first to get the blood off.” 

“Fine.” He started rolling up his sleeves as he headed for the stairs. 

    Taking the bag he had taken with him by holding it against his chest. Stoick stepped into the kitchen, heading for the pantry and pulling out the grocery bag still containing the hexagon-shaped box. Placing the box on the island before opening the door under the sink and stuffing the bag into a larger paper bag. He debated whether or not to make it for himself, but the chocolate reminded him so much of his wife. He didn’t feel like tearing up around his son. He wanted to be there to hear about his evening, a rare night where he was willing to talk about something. 

    He saw his son coming down the stairs with a large bottle in a hand. Reading the contents on the back while not watching his step as he descended.

“Gobber said that this Nivea brand is supposed to be really good quality.”

“Is that what he gave you for Snoggletog?”

“He gave me a choice. This and three other bottles or a leather sketchbook that looked distinctly like dragon scales. I already had another that a friend gifted me from school. Figured the bottles would do me good.” He planted the bottle on the island. “Gobber also said these would help for when the snowstorms finally hit.”

“If he handed them over for the second winter season then that means he knew it’d affect you.” 

“I just don’t see how my hands could get any worse from this.” 

He took out the small electrical whisk. “They can’t. You go out without gloves after the storms hit and you’ll get frostbite. And I am not paying for mechanical fingers, already paying enough for your leg.”

“Har har.” He pushed down on the nozzle.

    He left the kitchen rubbing his hands together, and the sound of hissing came from the hallway as he left. Grumbling vaguely heard. Stoick merely replied that he should have been putting on the cream much sooner as he pulled out the steaming mug from the microwave and poured the liquid into a plastic container. He flicked the whisk on, and held it in the container, the liquid turning in a whirlpool. The milk slowly turning from a white dotted with brown to a soothing light brown. 

    Stoick turned off the mechanism, pouring the brown liquid into a mug. As it was the last day of Hiccup’s winter break, he found it necessary to celebrate. He went over to a cabinet near the sink and pulled out a bottle of rum. He had only just set it on the island and gone to grab a glass when he heard a thud upstairs. At hearing additional noises, he started approaching the staircase, in time to see a black-scaled reptile come racing down the stairs. 

It only cast him a single glance before its head jutted toward the living room, and it went racing toward the living room. Stoick followed behind it in time to see that the creature had jumped onto Hiccup’s lap and trying to lick him.

“I told you to stay upstairs!” He scolded the dragon.

They had pressed a paw to his face, tongue licking underneath his chin. Their throat rumbled in response. 

“I know I know, but I said I’d come back when I could.” Hiccup tried to make them sit down properly. 

“You snuck a dragon into the house?” Stoick asked. 

“I, it wasn’t entirely of my choice. He didn’t want to be left alone, since we’d made a connection.” 

“And, you can talk to it.”

“Dad, you’re not acting like you’re that surprised to see him.”

“Well no.” 

He couldn’t hide it any longer. Not with the proof sitting right in front of him and leaving his hands slick with saliva.  

He sighed. “That isn’t the first dragon you’ve met.”

Notes:

Hello everyone, just wanted to let you know that for the month of June there won't be any uploads. I'm currently trying to do where I'll publish a chapter a week before it rolls around. Any motivation you can offer or feedback is much appreciated, thank you! <3

Chapter 31: It's Tomorrow

His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?” 

The dragon must’ve noted how Hiccup’s tone had changed, because they stopped trying to lick him and settled on his lap. Giving a croon as they placed their head on top of their arms. 

“Look, I know as little as you do.” He said to the dragon. 

“You’ve met other dragons before.” Stoick repeated. 

“I don’t- other dragons? There’s more than one?” 

“I, let me go get your chocolatito.” 

“Dad what aren’t you telling me?” 

Stoick saw him try to stand up to follow, but at the little dragon being jostled he settled back down. He tried to control his breathing, pulling out the cork for the rum bottle and pouring a portion into the glass. This wouldn’t be easy, and he honestly should have expected that he would have to tell him. But he wasn’t ready, not by a long shot. He couldn’t guess that his son would bring home a dragon after a potluck, and try to sneak it into the house. 

He returned to the living room, holding out the mug for Hiccup to take. The dragon lifted their head, trying to peer inside the mug. 

“It’s called hot chocolate.” Hiccup took a sip. “And it’s not for dragons.” He added as it tried to take a lick at it. 

“Is it to your liking?” 

Hiccup watched him suspiciously. “We aren’t doing movie night anymore.”

“No I suppose not.”

“He’s sitting right here, meaning if you know something about the dragons, you have some explaining to do. You’re not mad about me having brought one home. And… you claim he’s not the only one.”

“This is going to be hard to say, but I can’t keep this from you anymore. There’s nothing I can say now that would make you think otherwise. Not when you’ve brought the evidence home.”

“Tried to make me think otherwise…” He said in a whisper. 

Where to start ? Tell him about the dragon’s involvement, Hiccup’s, or start from when he began getting involved?

“Do you remember much, from when you were six? After your mum died?”

“I remember... being in the hospital for a while because of my leg. The funeral. Someone on Mum’s side took the ashes with them when they returned to the Archipelago. Then the hotel- that we lived there for, it might’ve been a month?”

“How about when Gobber came to visit?”

“Oh yeah. He brought some people with them, they wanted to talk to you. You asked Gobber to take me somewhere. This, has to do with the dragons?”

“It’s been ten years, to our knowledge, that the dragons started returning. Son my job is, it’s finding those dragons that are starting to reemerge and place them somewhere safe until society could be ready for them.”

“Your real job?” He said skeptically.

“The people that came were from the Archipelago; they had founded an organization called Tomorrow. For these past years, those who take part are finding dragons and placing them into a hidden sanctuary. Taking care of them and trying to learn about the returning creatures.”

“Okay. How did you get involved with them?”

“They heard about what happened, or rather Gobber told them. And Hiccup,” Stoick heaved a grated sigh, “it involves what happened to your mum.”

“What does Mum have anything to do with this?”

“It was- my actions caused us to lose her. One day, when you were six, I went to pick you up from school. Upon finding you, you were seated next to a bush, excitedly talking to it. You said you had made a new friend, and that they were a little shy, but you pointed out they were inside. I thought you’d made an imaginary friend, and when I told your mum later that evening, she said it could have been a spirit as children your age were more likely to see them. Over the next few weeks, I would pick you up from that very spot, but you didn’t introduce your classmates to them. When I asked you if you’d told them about your new friend, you responded to me- saying that this friend didn’t want to meet your schoolmates. That they were afraid of being seen.

It was always at that same bush. And I could never convince you to invite them home. Every time, you would say they didn’t want to be seen. I began to think, that it wasn’t all in your head. There was something in the bush that would wait for you as you came out of school each day. And whoever or whatever it was, they only trusted you because they never spoke to me or anyone else. Even then, the creature never wanted to show itself to you. One day, I approached the bush, and managed to see what scurried out of it. You yelled at me, telling me I’d scared them and that they might never come back because of my actions.

But what I saw, frightened me as well. As we are Berkians, we of course believed that the dragons would return. We probably knew what had made them leave, but as centuries passed the information was lost to us. Some of the population came to believe they’d come into extinction, and like your mother and I, we felt they would come back, but could never tell when. Not knowing what had them leave the surface in the first place. However there was no mistaking what I saw when they were scared off, it was a dragon. A tiny little thing, a Terrible Terror with green and dark red scales. 

I never told your mother. She knew of your friend, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell her how your friend turned out to be a species long thought to have disappeared. I had trouble coming into terms with it myself, that dragons were starting to return. Or how a Terrible Terror had even managed to come out in Connecticut. But what I was assured of, was that you were talking with a dragon, and had been for a number of weeks. The Terror only felt comfortable around you , and wouldn’t reveal itself to anyone else.”

He could see one of Hiccup’s hands beginning to tremble, and to compensate for the shaking he began to stroke the winged reptile’s back. Who certainly made no debate and seemed to scoot in closer to Hiccup’s stomach. Tail curling around his torso. 

“Because of my own fear, and the fact that I couldn’t rid it- though I had come to terms with having seen an actual dragon and it not being a figment of my imagination, I had you cut ties with the dragon. At the time, I had thought there wouldn’t be consequences to my actions. I hadn’t stopped to consider that if one dragon had come into the open, more had emerged. Then the fire happened. Valka claiming there was something she had to retrieve, you running back in to help her after I’d gotten you out. One of the firefighters informed me that it wasn’t anything inside the house that had caused the house to burn down. 

It seemed someone had set fire to it. But they never found a culprit, if there was anyone who held something against I or your mum. At least, the officers investigating never found anything. But those that I worked for, did.”

“The people from Tomorrow.” 

“Yes, while you were gone, they asked me to regale what had happened. What the firefighters had discovered. Gobber had convinced them to come out to the States because after everything had collapsed, I told him of our mysterious circumstances. Your mother wouldn’t have believed it a trick of the mind, and neither did Gobber. We’re Berkians, the belief of dragons runs in our blood from generations past. After Gobber had told them what had happened, they went back to the ruins of our house. They found that same Terror in the rubble; it had gathered some of your things that had remained intact after the fire. 

What they came to tell me Hiccup, is that you are what they called a dragon-whisperer. There was no mention in history of them, where there were people who could communicate with them. In their studies the best they could find was that humans had attempted to learn the language of the dragons in order to communicate. Perhaps it was even how the first of your namesake tamed the dragons. But of course there’s so little there isn’t a way to prove it. 

I was told that the dragon probably grafted to you because it knew you could communicate with it and it found comfort in that. But there wasn’t a way to reverse my actions. They came to offer me a job, involving you. They’d had difficulty getting the dragons out into the open because after centuries of being under the surface, they’re not trusting of humans. Tomorrow had proof enough of their existence, seeing them skirting through Berk’s forests and caves, but given how the rest of the Archipelago believed the dragons were myth, the team of Tomorrow is acting to make sure those coming back to the surface aren’t hurt. So they wanted to find them, figure out which species were returning, and deliver them to the sanctuary where they could be safe until we were ready to publicly announce that dragons had returned. 

Them finding out about the ability you have, provided them perfect opportunity. So I took the job, which involved staying in each of the Archipelago’s cities. They wanted to see if it was true that dragons came to you knowing you could communicate with them. Once we moved to Hysteria, their theory came true. The dragons seem to know that you can communicate with them, and gravitate to you. Thanks to you Hiccup, over the past ten years we’ve been finding which species have resurfaced here in the Archipelago and gotten most of them into the sanctuary.”

“How did I, never see them?”

“Sometime you’d catch a glance, but even though they communicated with you, they were still hesitant to fully reveal themselves to you. But you never bonded with any like you did with the Terror.”

“And you found out I was talking to them by-”

“You’d tell me about voices you heard. You would hardly leave the house save for walking to and from school, so you’d tell me where you’d hear the voice on the route. Easy enough to find the dragons from there.”

“And you made me believe it was all in my head.”

“Or that a spirit accompanied you as you walked.”

“So every city that moved to, it was to find new dragon species? And the different amount of times we stayed, why?”

“Some had more species than others, and not all of them revealed themselves immediately. While we were in those places as well I tried to find recruits for Tomorrow to continue the search and see if they could convince the dragons to go to the sanctuary.”

“And a majority you’ve found…”

“Because of you. Even if they never fully revealed themselves, it was enough for us to know of their presence.” 

Hiccup stayed quiet, eyes wide and staring at the floor. He had stopped stroking the dragon’s back, and they turned to watch him. A curious look in their gleaming acid green eyes. 

“Where’s the facility?”

“Right here on Berk.”

“So, they changed your job description? Is that why we came back?”

“For now we’re working on developing sanctuaries in other cities. But we’re also switching priorities.”

“To what?”

“We’ve gathered enough dragons, and been able to see just how many have returned to the surface. We’re working in preparation, to tell the world that dragons have returned.”

“And, we really aren’t going to move around anymore?”

“Unless they decide in the future to send me to the remaining cities, but for now yes. We stay here.”

He nodded, although Stoick could see that a hand clenched into a fist. 

“How could you have hidden this from me? For ten years? Not told me I have an ability such as this?” He said in a quiet voice. 

“They also said, that if you were in full knowledge of your ability, more dragons may actually approach you. Risk coming into the open, so I never revealed the information to you.”

“Look at where we sit right now Dad. There’s one sitting in my lap . I came to interact with one, regardless of my knowledge of this gift.”

“Well this one certainly seems more eager than the others.”

Hiccup stroked the back of their head. “He didn’t want to be left alone. I wasn’t going to leave him in the cold.”

“You’re a kind soul son, hence why those dragons felt they could trust you, and to a further extent us.” 

“How could you have done this? What you’ve essentially told me, is that we lost Mum because of me, you have this job, because of me, and we’ve moved around so much, because of me .” His voice began to crack. “It was all because of me. All of this, everything that happened. Sharpshot setting fire to the house, Mum trapped, and- and I’ve had this ability that you couldn’t even tell me I had!”

He placed his hands on the dragon’s torso, and set them down on the floor. Hiccup raised his hands to his head, staring at the ground and beginning to back out of the room.

“All these years, feeling like it’s been my fault that we move so much, that I’ve felt like a castout, being cut out from the family- and it’s true. If I hadn’t spoken to him, if I hadn’t said we needed to stop being friends- we’d still be in Connecticut! She’d still be here. I might’ve actually had-” Hiccup sounded on the verge of tears.

Stoick set his glass on the table, but didn’t come to rise from the chair. There would be no placating Hiccup, he wouldn’t listen to anything he had to say. He knew he would have to tell him at some point, and while expecting anger he didn’t expect it to this magnitude. 

“There’s no telling if-”

“You did this for them,” He pointed a finger toward the winged reptile, “you didn’t do it for my benefit! You took advantage of me, and took this job for the dragons. It was my gift, and you couldn’t tell me that I was capable of such a thing.” 

“Hiccup you’ve done a marvelous thing, these dragons wouldn’t be safe if it weren’t for you-”

“Yet if it was truly something to marvel at you would’ve told me a heck of a lot sooner that I was capable of something like this!”

“Well you know now, so-”

“After I’ve already been through all this! That this happened, because you lied to me for years- so much could’ve been prevented- my dad manipulated everything, this gift got me into those situations,” His gaze lifted to glare at his dad, “how could you?”

He ran out of the living room. 

“Hiccup,” Stoick tried to follow.

“Just leave me alone!” He shouted.

Stoick had only made it to the landing for the staircase when he heard a door close. And since he knew this about his son, the lock engaged as well. He ran a hand against his forehead. There was never going to be an easy way to tell him about this. Even if he had considered telling Hiccup when he was younger, a reaction like this was entirely possible. He turned his head to see the dragon coming out of the living room, and unless he needed glasses, the reptile was glaring at him.

“I couldn’t stop this.” He said to them. “I knew he would get angry, but what else could I have said?”

They attempted to pass him to go back up the staircase. 

He held a hand up. “I think we should give him some time alone. This will pass, or later he’ll let me talk to him.”

Kneeling down to the creature’s eye level, he held out the palm of his hand. For a second, the dragon withdrew. But when Stoick turned his head to the side, he heard them take a sniff, then press their snout into his hand. 

“You are safe now, and I know a place you can go where you won’t be alone anymore. Would you like to go?”

The acid-green eyes peered upon him curiously. 

“Come with me.” 

They went into his office, where he picked up the phone to make a call.

---

He could feel tears building in his eyes, but at the current moment his anger overwhelmed any desire to cry. He’d had a mind to slam the door, but didn’t want the sound to startle the dragon he’d left below. Hiccup took in a shuddering breath. As he locked the door, he could see the bag he’d taken to the potluck knocked over. The bag of lemons ripped to shreds, a wedge having distinctly been chewed and spit back out. Still slick with a thick saliva. 

Guess the dragon had a sour surprise. He wasn’t the only one. For a second he remembered that he had abandoned the dragon downstairs, left him with the father- that had been lying to him for years. All those years where Hiccup had asked what his job had entailed, and details while never going in depth never strayed toward finding dragons and delivering them to a sanctuary. A safe haven for dragons, that lay on this very island. 

While the dragons were safe, he’d endured ten years of bullying. Being treated like an outcast. He tried to think happily of it, how it was thanks to him that the dragons were safe and not at risk of being eliminated by humans who didn’t believe. Knowing this now, reminded him of times when he would hear a voice, asking him how his day was, the occasional time when he’d run home terrified because it was a voice that wasn’t connected to a body. 

It would… follow him home. Then the voice would disappear once he’d told his dad, and he’d always thought it was because it was in telling him that it would subside. But no. It had always been a dragon, and the first one he had met, was the one who came to cause his mother’s demise. He went over to the bookshelves, easing out the only one which held a sketch of his mother. He flipped it open to the page, and stared at her fondly. Lightly touching the drawing of her hair with a heavy sigh.

“I’m so sorry Mum. If it weren’t for me,” He tried to hold back a sob, “you’d still be here. We’d all, still be together.” 

As he rolled the desk chair over to his closet, he thought of something else. He pulled out his mother’s Book of Dragons, and after setting it on the table he rose. Pulling out each sketchbook which he knew held a few artpieces of Night Furies. If there truly was a Night Fury sitting in his living room, that he’d actually brought home, he’d gotten details wrong. It was possible the reptile could be another, but considering his appearance didn’t look familiar to any of the dragons Hiccup knew of, a Night Fury was the only one he could deduce. 

A Riproarer mostly had purple or burgundy scales; there was a possibility the little dragon was a Vampire Spydragon, as they did have black scales, but he didn’t think their bodies were as lithe. But thinking of what he’d seen, he knew what he needed to adjust. They didn’t have any purple scales, more spines behind the ears, a second set of smaller fins on their tail. He flipped open a sketchbook to an empty page, but once he held the mechanical pencil he hesitated. His dad had just told him that dragons had been returning for over ten years, but if the person finding them didn’t even know, it certainly wasn’t made known to the public. 

Should he even go forward with it? Have an image that directly correlated to what awaited downstairs? Astrid could see his new addition, and she would definitely ask what it was. Could he really bring himself to tell her he had tried a different design for the Night Fury? No, he shouldn’t risk it. His dad had worked these years to keep it secret, he should respect it. While he had done it with no consideration for Hiccup, he still found appreciation in him taking part in a good cause.

He came to close the sketchbook, and opening the Book of Dragons. As a sort of tribute to his mother’s memory. Reading through his and his mum’s notes, wondering just which lay in Tomorrow. If their theories held accurate to the creatures returning to the surface.

Sometime later he glanced out the window, seeing a car pulled up to the front of the house. Two people exited and came to the front door. He stayed at the window sill until they came back out, catching a better sight of a carrier held in someone’s hands. Hiccup couldn’t help but glare, and with a jerk closed the curtains. There went the little dragon, on his way to Tomorrow. A new home.

Well. At least he’d no longer be alone.

---

The next morning, he didn't feel like his mood had bettered. His first instinct was to glance toward the window, where the night before his dad had submitted yet another dragon to the sanctuary. Another one found, thanks to him. As he readied himself for school, he was aware of his dad’s presence. But didn’t venture a word toward him. Thankfully, his father didn’t attempt to force conversation either. 

This was a ten-year secret his dad had withheld. Hiccup hoped he understood that there would be no easy way of getting over it. Not when the life he’d endured had come in result of what he was capable of. Reflecting upon it, he could still feel the flames of anger coursing through him, but not a desire to shout at his dad once again. He’d exhausted what needed to be said the night before.

It continued to nag at him the rest of the day. Even as he tried to sit through lessons, his mind would wander to what his father had told him. All his fault . He seemed to have finally been pried out of his thoughts at lunch time. 

“This is all your fault Haddock!”

He had barely turned when two hands dug into his sweater and slammed him into the lockers. Astrid had hastened two steps back but looked keen on picking a fight. 

“What do you mean?” He said in a still voice. 

“If you hadn’t stepped in I wouldn’t have gotten suspended!”

“That was your own fault.”

Hamish had noticed what was happening and began to come forward, a frenzied look on his face. Orrick stopped him, placing both hands on his friend’s shoulders to hold him back.

“Or did you already forget what you attempted to do four weeks ago? You wouldn’t have gotten off easy for attacking a classmate.”

"Don't think this is the end. I'm going to make sure you suffer!"

"And I'll make sure you deal with the same that happened back on Berserk." Hiccup said in a steely tone. "You better start thinking about what you'll do afterward if you actually follow that drive for revenge."

With a jerk he pried Dustin’s hands free of his shirt. Dogsbreath was still too close for comfort, and he felt a slight hint of fear beginning to build in the base of his stomach. He wouldn’t go against his firm belief. If the bully was allowed to think he had free reign he would only continue acting in his brash manner. He would be more careful about not getting caught, meaning that since he knew he was on his last lifeline, he may attack his victims in seclusion now. 

“You had to come back to Berk didn’t you?” Dogsbreath hissed.

“I was born here. As far as I knew there’d always be a point where I’d come back.”

His hand went for Hiccup’s sweater once again, to hold him firm against the lockers. Hiccup’s arm had raised to block the hold when a male voice made Dustin stop short. 

“Mr. Querett, I believe you are on your final warning.” 

Both teenagers turned their heads to see the headmaster. Hiccup heard Dustin take in a sharp exhale, and he hastily took steps away from the smaller boy.

“We were just having conversation sir.” His gaze drifted to look at the floor. 

“It doesn’t seem like that.” Headmaster Vikat said sternly. 

Hiccup shifted to the side, coming to Astrid’s side. Her hand went to clutch his forearm, like she wanted to protect him. 

“Hiccup? What say you of this?”

What could he say? Thank you for arriving before the situation escalated, are you trying to accuse me of something, no he really was just talking to me and getting a little too close for comfort ?

He went with, “He’s angry about what happened last semester.” 

Headmaster Vikat nodded. 

“I would recommend you carry on with your lunch hour Mr. Querett and leave him alone.”

He scowled, but he walked away from Hiccup. Heading past the headmaster and going toward the direction of the cafeteria. The man watching him until he had left the scene entirely. Hamish came up behind him, but Hiccup didn’t deign move forward. He could guess Dustin wouldn’t try anything, he surely would no longer sacrifice his last line, but he still didn’t want to be near him if he wanted to try anything. He couldn’t deny there was still leverage Dustin held over him.

The leg and the many moves. Sure over the past month Hiccup had made the secrets known to two people, but Dustin would surely demonize him if he ever exposed the information. Astrid started walking forward, pulling Hiccup with her, and he could see his other friends following.

“I’d like to have a quick word with you Hiccup.”

Now? He told his friends he’d meet them in the cafeteria, but in all honesty he didn’t want to be left alone with the headmaster. But he’d made it apparent he wanted a private word. He followed behind Mr. Vikat, the two of them coming into the next hallway where there were fewer students. 

“Even though Dustin is on his last line, I would advise you to be careful. There doesn’t need to be any additional conflict at the school.”

“Sir, he approached me first. I did nothing to incite it.” 

“But the fact of the matter is that the both of you have history. And it seems one is intent on enacting revenge on the other.”

“That’s not true-”

“I would like to have a conversation with your father.”

“He’s at work right now. His hours are always changing.” Hiccup quickly said. 

He took out a card from his pocket. 

“Well if he isn’t available, just give him this. Have him contact me and we’ll set a date and time.”

Hiccup could feel a frustration beginning to grow, at how this man insisted he would pick a fight, and now he would bring his dad into it. 

“All right, sir.”

Fat chance I’m doing that. He turned and headed toward the cafeteria. Once he was sure he was out of the headmaster’s line of vision he crumpled the card in a fist and stuffed it into a pocket. 

 

Notes:

Happy Pride Month y'all!
I'm afraid this is the only upload for the month of June, but I hope you enjoy! Any feedback is much appreciated :)

Chapter 32: Radio Silence

Home and school were two separate things. School would be filled with voices of teenagers and adults alike, conversing among each other with words that would soon become dead air. Home was different for each and every student, but for Hiccup, it was devoid of any human voice. He knew it wouldn't be permanent, but for now it was preferable. His dad hadn't attempted to say anything. They carried on throughout their days while still caring for one another. Hiccup would have dinner ready by the time his dad got home, and in return his dad would have a pot of coffee ready by the time he came downstairs in the morning.

Otherwise not a word was spoken. 

His anger had definitely simmered down over the next couple days. Yet he still couldn’t bring himself to talk to his dad. How would he even initiate a conversation? Talk to the person who had lied to him for ten years… and didn’t apologize for it. How everything he’d been through for so many years, had been by decisions of his own father who didn’t act in his son’s best interests. Rather for a species which had disappeared centuries ago and the secret lost over time.  

Hiccup had seen his dad’s face as he finally revealed the secret. Fascination on his face of what his son was capable of, marveling of how this previously thought to be extinct creature gravitated to him. How his own son held the capability which Vikings of past may have held. Yet, Hiccup had wished there had been more guilt on his dad’s face. His expression to change as he realized just how he had incidentally caused Hiccup’s horrible circumstances. There hadn’t been anything of the sort. Instead, Hiccup could swear that his dad would’ve started shouting at him had he continued his own beration.

He had found it best to walk away from it. And knew his dad had let it happen because he knew Hiccup would get over it. But what he didn’t realize, was that Hiccup was always going to be angry about it. Feel at fault for what had occurred over the past ten years. 

It was already Thursday. He had yet to tell any of his friends, and they had noticed his change in mood, but thankfully once he had told them he didn’t want to be pushed, they backed down. But he could see the concerned looks, the lingering stares before eye contact would have them avert their gaze. Astrid was the only one who had pushed a little further, even asking if he wanted to take another trip to the Drinkery if he needed to vent to someone. But he had declined because in all honesty, he had the invading thought that he would be told that he was in the wrong. He couldn’t tell anyone about the dragons, best he could have told her was how his dad had kept a secret for a decade. 

He figured it was better for it to just blow by. His friends didn’t need to know, and to be honest he considered Astrid capable of going to confront his dad. When he considered telling them, it made him think of what Hamish had told him. How he’d been accepted in their group of friends, and they could be trusted. However, Hiccup didn’t think he trusted himself. If he was worthy of having a group of friends such as this.

“It really is okay for you to go out to eat with us?” Snotlout asked. 

“Well let’s just say I’m not in the mood to ask for permission. The more likely thing is that I’ll still manage to get home before he does.”

“All right then. You’re in Dagur’s car.” 

“How many are we going in?”

“Heather’s brother is taking some, and then Eret another.” 

“Ah.” 

“Meet you at the front gates. Soon as you can once final bell rings. We won’t leave without you.”

Hiccup shut the locker door, saying a quick farewell before he started speedwalking to his next class. Before the semester began to intensify, the gang had decided to go out to eat. A restaurant that Hiccup hadn’t been to. For a while, he hesitated going out after school. He still wasn’t eager to see his dad. He’d rather the less time the better. Best he spend time with people he had come to call friend. 

Less time to spend awaiting the moment his father would arrive home. Hiccup did wonder on occasion if he should say something, but even after four days had passed he didn’t know what to say. He wanted his dad to apologize, that much he could be sure of. 

He wanted to see the dragons, just how many species lay in that sanctuary, that had come to be there because of his gift. He would glance out his window at night, wondering just where on the island the sanctuary lay. How far his dad drove from day to day in order to visit this place that held once-extinct creatures. He also wondered about how exactly they’d managed to keep the sanctuary so hidden that the other Berkians knew nothing of it. 

Fishlegs was so utterly infatuated with dragons, he would freak out in discovering various of the winged reptiles were being kept on the very island he lived on. Hiccup bet that when the Tomorrow workers finally unleashed the secret, his fellow dragon-obsessed friends would visit the sanctuary far more than the museum.

Once the school day ended he first made his way to his locker before exiting to the parking lot. It wasn’t hard to find his group of friends, gathered together before their rides would arrive. To his knowledge it was a pizza restaurant which they were heading to, but he knew nothing else. 

“I hope you brought an appetite.” Tuffnut slung an arm over his shoulder. 

“Well I haven’t eaten for a couple of hours. That’s the best I can do.” Hiccup gave an impish shrug. 

“Good. Cuz we like to order the large dishes.”

“And now we have ten people, so maybe we’ll actually finish it this time.” Ruffnut said with a smirk. 

“One person makes more of a difference?” Heather grinned. 

“Another plate at the table, more of a portion to go down another belly!” She shouted. 

“And what if he doesn’t like it? He’s never been there before.”

“I like pizza.” Hiccup said meekly. 

“All right, Eret said we’re good. Those going in the pick-up let’s go.” Camicazi started waving people over. 

“See ya there.” Heather waved to Astrid. 

Yet as she walked away, Astrid looked to Hiccup’s direction. A few minutes later another car pulled up next to those who remained. The twins, Hiccup and Heather. 

“A second chariot needed?” The driver stepped out of the car and gave a grand sweeping gesture to his vehicle. 

He was hardly taller than Hiccup, and he could only assume it was Heather’s older brother. They shared the same green eyes, but while Heather had raven hair her brother was a redhead. 

“Hey Dagur.” She went over to hug her sibling. “Glad you could help us out.” 

“Sure thing. Luckily your gang went out the one day I don’t have an evening class.”

“And, no shift?”

He shook his head. “No. But working the whole weekend though.”

“Yeah got it.” She glanced at the others. “All right hop on in. Dagur this is Hiccup, the newest addition to the group.” 

He made his way over to shake his hand. 

“Hey pleasure to meet you. Dagur Oswaldson, I mean I think they’ve told you about me. I’m Heather’s older brother.”

“Nice to meet you too. Thank you for taking some of us.”

“No prob. I do this a lot for my little sis and her friends.”

While they were in the car Dagur seemed intent on continuing conversation.

“So Hiccup,” He called, “you’re the new kid at Berk High. Same grade as them?”

“Yeah. But I was, actually born here on Berk before my parents moved.”

“Oh where to?” 

“Lived in the States for a time. Then my dad moved us back to the Archipelago. Majority of time in Meathead.”

At least give some truth that wouldn’t have him called out for a lie. He couldn’t gauge if Dagur would be as observant as Astrid was. He didn’t want to expose a secret to someone he had just met.

“Whoa. That’s quite a move. Did it for work?”

He tried not to give an irritated breath. “Yeah.”

“While me and Heather haven’t moved around as much, can somewhat relate with you. We’re living on our own right now.” His tone softened. “Our parents didn’t really have many intentions of raising us.”

“Dagur,” She had a pained grimace on her face.

His head made a quick glance toward his sister, then he adjusted his seated position. 

He grimly chuckled. “They were never really around.”

“Yeah.” Hiccup tried to offer something in sympathy. “My dad didn’t really act in my best interests either. But, I think you take very good care of your sister.”

“Better I be there for her than the ones who weren’t. Our aunt however, does pitches in with payments. But yeah, we have been getting by.”

“Someone’s there for me.” Heather responded, rubbing her brother’s shoulder for a few seconds. 

“And it can really make an impact.” Hiccup said.

Dagur pulled into a parking space, shutting off the engine. 

“What time should I come back?”

“Umm, I’ll text you. I don’t know how long we’ll want to stay.”

“Kay. Bye! I hope you guys have a good time.” 

As they stepped out of the car Dagur shouted, 

“Don’t forget my doggy bag!”

Heather rolled her eyes as she shut the door. 

“Does he normally give you guys rides?” Hiccup asked as they made their way toward the entrance. 

“When he can. Works at least 30 hours a week and still takes classes.”

“But he tries to be there for you the most he can.”

“Yeah.” Heather said wistfully. “He’s been, like my parent since ours left.” 

“Hey it’s okay.” His hand brushed her shoulder. “Luckily he has been there for you.”

As they sat down he sidled into a seat between Eret and Astrid. 

“Dagur didn’t talk your ear off too much?” She asked.

“No. Not really. But I did find out about their parents.”

Astrid gave a short sigh. “Yeah. Not like your mum, but well they made some very bad decisions as parents.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, so Hiccup,” A menu was slid before him, “tell us what kind of toppings you like.” 

Two giant jugs of lemonade with chia had been ordered, sitting in the center of the two tables pushed together. There had been a debate as to whether or not to order an appetizer, but eventually the consensus came to be where the sooner the pizza was ordered the better. Some were expected home sooner than others. 

“All right so I know it’s a little abrupt, but do you think you’d be able to make it for a film day on Saturday?” Camicazi asked. “I really need you there.”

He had seriously signed on to being a protagonist. This was to be expected. Didn't make any less anxiety-inducing.

“Yeah I think I can.”

But if the same situation still stood on that day…

“But I think I’m going to need a ride.” 

“Sure we can do that. I’ll text you the address. We reserved a show room at Freya’s Cove.”

“On Berk?”

“Yeah.” 

“And don’t forget to send your address.”

“Just how early do we need to be there?”

“We’ve got it from nine in the morning to the afternoon.” 

“All right.”

Enough time to be out of the house. His dad normally did stay home on Saturdays. If they still weren’t talking by then, well so be it. Maybe his dad would take initiative this time around and start the conversation. What he’ll say to him first, he’ll leave that for the future. 

The plates began to be distributed as the pizzas were set on the table. Camicazi had already downed two slices when she pulled out her phone. 

“Ahh heck yes. Eli finished editing the trailer!” Camicazi held the phone out for Eret to see. “Just gotta give it a final checkover and we can upload it.”

She looked to everyone else. “Ya wanna see?” 

Everyone stood from their chairs and crowded around her phone. She tilted the phone to widen the screen and clicked play. Hiccup tried to stay to the back, trying not to show how eager he was to see it. As he was someone who had scarcely gone out in his life, and was now involved in a project such as this, he felt excitement course through him. This was actually happening. His face would be going on a screen, and this would be released for, the world, to see. Anyone who comes across this will see his face. 

He watched himself on the screen, looking angrily in either direction, but only showing a smile for one person. Yet when in conversation with Eret’s character, that anger was shed. A guard still up, but one could perceive that they would begin to grow comfortable around each other. Slowly but surely, and the viewers would be along for the ride. 

“So? What did you guys think?”

“That I’m glad that you chose Guy to do hair than Ruffnut.” Snotlout said. 

Ruffnut shot a glare his way.

She crossed her arms. “That’s why I got wardrobe with Tuffnut.”

At the sound of his name, Tuffnut straightened in his seat, coming to pull out his phone.

“Speaking of that, Mom’s outside.”

“Oh we’ve gotta go. Mom said she could take us to the mainland so we could find those outfits you wanted.”

Heather gave them a skeptical look. 

“You actually managed to find a place that sells them?”

“At least a thrift store that’ll have close to what you want.” Tuffnut nodded. 

The twins picked up their bags and waved at the group before rushing out the door. 

“Wait a minute they’re leaving?” Hiccup asked.

“Yeah, umm why?”

“They were my ride back home.” He said with an inhale through his teeth.

“Oh.” Heather laughed. “Can be forgetful, the both of them. Can’t tell you how many times we’ve had to enter reminders into their phones so they remember to do something.”

“Heh, but they managed to remember something for a show. But an assignment due the next day, not important enough.” Snotlout said with a roll of his eyes. 

“Dagur and I can take you back.”

“Wait a sec, your dad’s not home?” Astrid asked. 

“No, he’ll get home later.” Hiccup sent his gaze to the floor. “I’ll take that ride, if you please.”

---

As he walked toward the front door, he did come to note how there was no car in the driveway. Turns out he’d beat his dad home after all. A stroke of luck for him, he could go into his room and wouldn’t have to come down except to grab his night snack. He glanced back, waving at the ones in the car before entering. He strode into the living room, sitting on the couch to pull off his shoes and prosthetic. 

His dad used to chastise him for keeping the cork-lined foot anywhere but his room, but on the fourth day of radio silence he didn’t care. Hiccup hobbled over to the cabinet, taking the other foot and coming to fasten the foot to the stump of his leg. At home he was more comfortable walking around with a pair of sweatpants, but for now he didn’t have the urge to climb the stairs to trade out his jeans.

He squinted to get an accurate count of the time on the clock sitting on the TV table, seeing 5:46. He knew that he had only eaten a few slices of pizza less than an hour ago, but found that he was desperate to swallow down something cold. Even if he wasn’t communicating with his dad, if he arrived after Hiccup he would leave him dinner. It was, just- he didn’t think of it as overreacting. Over ten years, of thinking that his mum died in a house fire that had mysteriously started in the middle of the night. 

He had lost his leg because he had ignored his dad’s orders and ran back inside. Moving around all over the Archipelago and never planting roots in one place. His dad giving the same excuse that there were several locations where they needed him. Only to find out, everything had occurred, because of him. A dragon he had talked to set the house on fire. Dragons found him on whatever island they went to. These people his dad worked for knew about his ability, and from the dragons he’d find they would integrate them into the sanctuary. 

He took out a movie, one he hadn’t seen in a while. He slipped it into the disc player, glancing at the curtains to see if the headlights had yet attempted to pierce through. He was due home soon, and when they were still on good terms Stoick would let Hiccup know when he was coming home late. 

He made it through about five minutes of the movie, but still continued to glance the clock. Sure he’d already eaten, but his dad wouldn’t know that. He hit pause on the remote and stood from the couch. Heading to the kitchen and opening the pantry. He couldn’t make anything heavy like chicken cuts and green beans, but he could at least have a soup brewing on the stove by his arrival. 

He managed to find a packet of sopa de fideo. A simple soup, and if his dad wasn’t satisfied, then it was up to him to set up his own meal. This would benefit Hiccup in the end as well, if he got hungry later in the night. The pizza was a rather early dinner. His stomach was bound to ask for food later, and he could get around having to eat with his dad around. Stay upstairs where he would have some sounds to fill the silence. 

He set some water to boil, and once it was bubbling he put in the pasta. Whatever time he got home, there’d be something on its way to being done. Once they’d softened, he added some salt and lemon. Lowering the flame then heading back to the living room. Putting play on his movie once again. 

He stiffened when there was a knock at the door a good while later. You’d think he would’ve been able to hear when his dad pulled into the driveway. But there hadn’t been that familiar noise, he hadn’t seen the glare of the headlights beating against the curtain. Besides, if it was his dad he would know that Hiccup still wasn’t speaking to him. He pressed himself deeper into the couch. His dad had a key, he could open by himself. 

But an uneasy feeling began to grow in his stomach. It couldn’t have been his dad, surely there  would’ve been a sign of it. Either way, he didn’t have an urge to open the door. If one of his friends had decided to pay him an unexpected visit they could simply send him a text. Gobber could call the house phone as well. Not able to quell the anxiety, he picked up the remote and lowered the volume a tad. 

He felt something jump in his stomach when knocks at the door rang once more. Okay, rather insistent salesman. But when he wouldn’t open they’d have to get the hint and leave. It wasn’t his dad, it couldn’t be his dad, he would have a key. Definitely knowing that Hiccup wouldn’t open for him. He then jerked upright at a different sound.

Someone was inserting something into the lock. He couldn’t believe it. He thought they would have left if no one was home, why were they… 

He made his way out of the living room in time to see the doorknob turn. He watched, his eyes centered on the extra lock that hadn’t been set, as the dark maple wood door swung open. Revealing a group of men set on stepping into his home.

One of them pulled out a lock-picking device from the knob. With Hiccup standing dead center of the hallway. His eyes widened as their gaze focused on his, and he had an impish hope that once they saw him they’d turn tail and leave. Maybe they had expected the home to be empty and planned on entering anyway. Yet that wasn’t the case. 

Hiccup raised his hand to throw the remote, but as he fulfilled the motion the man drew out a weapon in response. His arm froze in mid air, the remote almost having reached his shoulder. A pistol was aimed at the center of his face, his chest heaving as the safety was taken off.

“That’s it,” The man closed the distance and held the pistol only a few inches from his forehead. 

From behind the gunman, he could see the other men cross the threshold. The final one being a familiar face.

“Headmaster?” Hiccup said in astonishment.

Gaze wandering to the men who had filed in alongside him, a side glare at the one holding a gun inches from his temple. Coming to see the headmaster close the door with a motion of his shoulder. Using a handkerchief he had taken out of his pocket to lock the door. Both of them. Sealing Hiccup in his own house.

“What are you doing here?” His tone hardened.

“Your father hasn’t arrived?”

“N- no.”

Coming so close to admitting he had no idea what time his dad would get home. But the current situation stood where the headmaster had broken into his home, and with company.

“I- I ask that you come another evening when he’s here.”

“I think not.” He glanced at the gunman. “Get him into the living room.”

“Get out.” Hiccup growled. 

“Not to worry Hiccup. We’ll simply wait for your father’s arrival.”

 

 

Notes:

Long time no see y'all! Hope you've been having a good July! Here's a long-awaited chapter! Hope ya enjoy! Any feedback is much appreciated <3

Chapter 33: Home Visits

The pistol was shifted to dig into his temple. He stumbled sideways, moving until his leg hit the furniture. He was forced onto the couch, the gun coming to leave his skin.

“Where’s your cell phone?” The gunman asked. 

“I, it’s in-”

“Out, and onto the table. Go on.”

Hiccup slid his free hand into his pocket, and he withdrew the device. Placing it on the table in full view of the invaders. The gun was then stowed into a holster, and the gunman stood at one end of the couch. A glance back, another man at the doorway to the living room. A third at the curtain, and the headmaster had rounded the couch, heading toward his dad’s chair. 

Four were to remain standing. His exit was barred for the time being; although he was already thinking of how he could escape. The headmaster wanted to see his dad. That much Hiccup had been told on Monday when the card had been handed to him. He had stuffed it into a pocket of his satchel, and after finding it on Wednesday he’d tossed it into the first trash can he found on his walk home. Even as he looked at the headmaster sitting in his dad’s chair, he was glad he had never handed the card over. 

He didn’t seem to want to speak to Stoick Haddock with good intentions. That much being apparent when he’d broken into the house with others in tow. 

“Why have you come?” Hiccup asked.

“The headmaster is allowed to make home visits Hiccup.”

“Yeah, but alone . Without company.”

“They’re necessary.”

“My dad isn’t a threat.”

“You don’t consider it so? He’s a big man Hiccup, you surely must know what he’s capable of.” He kneaded his hands together. 

“So you’re looking to pick a fight with him?”

“I’m prepared in case he decides to do so.”

“This isn’t to talk about my behavior at school.” He said.

“What time is your father coming home?”

“As I said on Monday, his hours constantly change.”

“And he doesn’t you bring in light of these changes?”

“No, I’ve become accustomed to it.” 

“Now why wouldn’t he tell you?”

“He doesn’t bring up his job much.”

“No details of what goes on in the workplace?”

“It’s not usually a topic of discussion.”

He had to let his dad know. Contact him. There were two ways to do that, either get the phone from the table, or make his way to the office. He knew he’d be breaking his promise to himself, but he had to contact him. He had to alert him to someone breaking in. His dad must know something about him, that he didn’t. A reason the headmaster was hostile toward him. 

But he also wasn’t eager to have his dad find out. Hiccup may not have been the only person his dad kept secrets from. No one in their family knew that Stoick had taken a job such as that. With hardly anyone knowing, perhaps his dad had been left vulnerable to being attacked. This was a consequence he was coming home to… if Hiccup couldn’t tilt the circumstances to their favor. 

He looked toward the television screen, the movie still playing. He was certainly no longer in the mood for it, yet it continued. The villain had come to find out what the protagonist was capable of, that he may be the powerful sorcerer that had been sought after for centuries. Hiccup adjusted his other hand, coming to realize it was still occupied. Something he had intended to use as a weapon but had been prevented from doing so.

This was as good a time as any. They were waiting until Stoick arrived. The headmaster’s gaze had come to scour the living room, even settling on the television. But as it came to swivel back to look at Hiccup, a plan formed in his head. Start with a distraction. He raised his arm, throwing the remote at the man’s face. Vikat’s head snapped back, the device then bouncing to the carpet. 

Hiccup instantly jumped off the couch, snatching the phone off the table. At crossing the threshold for the living room he leaned down to elbow the man barring the exit. Sinking into his stomach and moving him out of the way for Hiccup to continue running. 

He bolted down the hallway, for a millisecond debating whether or not he should go into his dad’s office. No, too easy and too little time for them to break down the door. The utter ordeal spelled out DANGER . 

“Get him!” The headmaster shouted.

Sounding remarkably familiar to how the villain had said that same phrase in the movie. As he climbed the stairs he opened the messaging app for his phone. A quick glance to open his dad’s chat, and he set to typing. Vikat wanted something to do with him, it was the only way to ensure his dad wouldn’t be put in danger as well.

His finger clicked send as his other hand pushed on the doorknob to his room. He slid inside and just as quickly shut the door. Clicking the lock then moving immediately to his right to attempt moving the dresser. As it moved just a few inches, the dragon statues on the piece of furniture were knocked from their place. The door was now blocked partially, at least a way to temporarily impede them. 

He could hear feet stomping up the stairs. Hiccup began to back up to the window, looking at the phone. Coming to see the sent message was badly written . His dad wouldn’t be able to tell it was a warning of what awaited him. He immediately switched apps to try to call. With a harsh pound the door was forced open. 

Then pushed further to shove the dresser aside, casting a statue to the floor. The men slipped through the now open door, swooping toward him. Hiccup's finger moved to press dial. He swung a fist forward, but they evaded and came behind him to seize an arm. The second man grabbed the other holding the phone, prying it from his fingers. He swiped at them to try to take it, the man then throwing the phone to the ground. 

The moment it hit the floor he stepped on the device. Smashing it to the point where it was irreparable. Hiccup thrashed against the men holding him, but they only held tighter to his arms and avoided his legs. They nearly lifted him off his feet as they escorted him out of the bedroom. He managed to see what dragon had fallen. The one Astrid had gifted him for Snoggletog, the impact having broken the custom made Night Fury. 

He was dragged back down the stairs and forced back onto the couch, a hand keeping him pinned to the backrest as two men withdrew to their original positions, and as Hiccup made another move to stand once again, he felt the pistol bury into the back of his neck, skin separating the barrel from his spine. He tried to calm down by telling himself that they needed him alive, they wouldn’t kill him before his dad arrived. It was simply resting in this spot because they’d seen just how he fought back. 

Hiccup came to watch the headmaster, who was pressing the heel of his palm to his temple, where the remote had struck. 

Mr. Vikat glanced at one of the men.

“His cell phone?”

“Crushed and left upstairs. Didn’t manage to make a call.”

He gave a single nod, knitting his eyes shut as he massaged the injury. Hiccup thought smugly of the bruise that would come to appear. 

“You certainly went to quite an effort,” The headmaster said heavily, “but I’m afraid you are to remain here until he arrives.”

Hiccup wondered if he could confess that he had tried to text his dad. Try to convince him and the men that he had contacted someone on the outside. He was reminded of the barrel at his neck. Hiccup had to admit, he was scared to see what they would do if he tried to call a bluff. 

An ice cold chill ran down his back as the headmaster evaluated his anxious expression. A smile coming to lace his features.

“For your sake,” He removed his hand, “you’d better hope he comes soon.”

---

He saw the text from his son before he stepped into the car. They hadn’t spoken since Sunday, and every night he would get a lecture from Gobber that he couldn’t let it continue. It’d already been four days, they’d managed to maneuver around each other with not a single word exchanged. His friend said that he had to mend things with Hiccup, because while his son hadn’t spoken with Gobber, he knew that Hiccup was hurting inside. 

Stoick had carried that for years. Moving from island to island, to protect his son, without having told him the reason was for his safety. It was never going to be easy to tell him, when he’d have to. He couldn’t have thought of a good moment to break it to him. It certainly wasn’t suitable when he was six. 

He checked the text message Hiccup had sent. It was hardly legible, jumbled words with such wayward spelling that he couldn’t guess what he’d been trying to say. It had been sent an hour ago, and judging from how he hadn’t amended it, he guessed that it may have been an accidental text. Or that he had written something but came to change his mind. Either way, it wasn’t clear if Hiccup was still angry with him. He’d be home in a while, if he truly did want to speak to him he would see what would happen upon his arrival. 

It was nearly seven, Hiccup would have dinner ready. He really did need to fix things with his son. Gobber had even suggested he buy him a gift as a peace offering, and if Hiccup needed, allow to be shouted at once again. But there weren’t secrets between them any longer. Not when Hiccup knew the true reason they’d moved around so much, how they’d fallen into it, and what his actual job was. 

Stoick pulled into the driveway, checking his phone once more. Thinking that perhaps he should have called Hiccup. Although he had to admit he didn’t want to put himself through being sent to voicemail. He still thought Hiccup was angry, with good enough reason. Ten years, putting Hiccup through this crazy life, and how he’s come to tell him. A dragon following him home. Stoick having to sit Hiccup down and saying he had a ten-year secret to reveal. 

He slid the key into the lock, turned the doorknob and tried to open the door. But he heard the ka-thunk of the second lock. How even as he tried to push the door open, something else held it shut. He tried turning the key a little more, in case he just hadn’t opened the door properly. Once finding the door wouldn’t open he began to knock. He didn’t understand. Hiccup would never place the second lock if he hadn’t arrived. 

It had happened too many times where the second lock had been engaged, Stoick unable to come in, and his knocks having to rouse Hiccup from a nap he was taking. Even if they weren’t on good terms he still wouldn’t leave him locked out. He knocked two more times, then coming to hear the second lock shift. He moved a step back, the door opening. But not revealing Hiccup, instead a man with cropped cut blonde hair and a pierced ear. Stoick’s eyes narrowed.

“We’ve been expecting you.” The man opened the door fully. 

He waved for Stoick to come inside. For a second, Stoick considered throwing them to the floor, but it was ‘we’. Meaning more than one person, meaning Hiccup was in danger. He crossed the threshold and the door was closed behind him, both locks engaged. No stepping out of it. Before he could chance calling the authorities he had to see if his son was okay. In the meantime, he had to see what these intruders wanted. It wasn’t a break-in. It was a confrontation.

He suddenly heard his son’s voice shouting “No!”

Stoick ran into the living room, eyes surveying the room and asserting the threat. He removed his coat, placing it on the armrest of the couch. Aside from the man who’d opened the door, there were four other men in the living room. Hiccup in the hands of one of them, arms restrained, and as Stoick’s eyes swept over him from top to bottom he saw that the man had put a leg in front of Hiccup’s. Neutralizing his prosthetic leg. 

He nearly hastened a step forward, but saw a man’s hand move toward a holster. That was where Stoick was to stay. If they were armed, he’d have to be more careful about attempting to free Hiccup.

“Hiccup are you all right?”

“I’m-”

“Stoick Haddock. What a pleasure it is to finally meet you in person.”

One of the men spoke. He stood to Hiccup’s right, dressed in a black blazer and burgundy dress shirt. Unlike the other men who wore black sweaters and jeans. 

“Aye. And who might you be?” He asked cautiously.

“From the school, Dad. Headmaster Vikat.” Hiccup piped up, looking toward him out of the corner of his eye. 

“And what business do you have in my home?” A hand curled into a fist. 

The sight of the man posed as further evidence that Hiccup had attempted to fight back. At his left temple, the skin was off color, coming to turn the familiar shade of a bruise. Hiccup had managed to leave a mark. 

“I wished to speak to you.”

“Have we met before?” He narrowed his eyes.

He shook his head. “Not in person. But I’ve come to learn quite a bit about you Stoick.” 

Vikat sent a pensive look toward Hiccup. 

“You said that you didn’t know of the job which he took upon?”

Hiccup haltingly shook his head.

For a second Stoick felt relief. In how even though Hiccup now knew the long-kept secret, he still kept it without needing prompting from Stoick. 

“It’s high time to let the cat out of the bag, don’t you think?”

“What are you-”

“You’ve been doing the Archipelago a service, of finding the dragons which have come to return. After centuries of having been thought of as nothing but myth, Viking prophecy has come to pass and they are beginning to emerge from the depths of the earth.”

“Dragons?” Hiccup asked in confusion. 

“Why Hiccup you live on the very island where the Vikings of past had vast involvement with the creatures.”

“That’s why there’s a dragon exhibit in the museum.”

“Indeed.” He looked at Stoick slyly. “For a decade, you have been partaking in finding the species that have resurfaced, and delivering them to Tomorrow, a sanctuary founded with the intention of harboring the winged reptiles. Hiding them as the world isn’t ready for their return yet.”

“How are you in knowledge of all this?” 

He would’ve been notified if the headmaster had also been included in knowing of Tomorrow’s mission. But that couldn’t be why they now stood here...

“I believe I should make proper introductions.” Vikat said to his son. “Indeed a name your father recognizes.” 

You’re sure about that ? Although Stoick knew the headmaster was about to make himself familiar, it didn’t lessen the feeling of impending doom. There were few enemies he didn’t know the appearance of. As Stoick was tasked differently, he had never met any of Tomorrow’s enemies in person. But in warning to keep a wary out, he had been shown pictures. 

“I’m known to you as Viggo Grimborn.” He said with a sinister gleam in his eyes. 

The urge to get Hiccup away only grew stronger as the name sunk in. He let his jaw drop, his eyes coming to widen. One of their- he’d broken into his - was threatening his son- Stoick drew in a heavy breath. He already had the advantage. From Vikat breaking in before his arrival, and who knew how long Hiccup had spent in his company, he held the upper hand. For this round, Viggo held all the cards in achieving what he wanted… and it certainly wouldn’t be good for either of the Haddocks. 

“Why are you here?” Stoick said angrily. 

“I wish to send a message, and you are the best person I can give it to. Your superiors are sure to heed my message.”

“Well?” He asked. 

“There’s a simple way we’ll be going about this Stoick. Submit every single dragon you’ve brought into Tomorrow and the places of their whereabouts, and I will return your son.” 

“You don’t need to get him involved. I can deliver you the dragons, but only if you leave him alone.”

“I’m afraid I need a little incentive. A manner of securing that you’ll do as told.”

He drew closer to Hiccup. The tips of the headmaster's fingers touched his jaw.

"Don't touch me!" Hiccup cried.

They retracted for a few seconds, and Viggo glanced at Stoick with a chilling smile. "Your son has spirit." 

Then his hand returned, fully locking around the boy's chin. "He’s the most valued person in your life, yet he had no idea of your actual occupation. While valuable, not trustable is he?"

“I knew the dangers in him knowing.”

“It still doesn’t spare him from this. I’m giving you two weeks. If you fail to oblige, you’ll never see your son again. And I would recommend only spreading this message to your superiors.” 

“Two weeks to move-”

“It should be more than enough time.” Viggo stared at the cowering teenage in his hold. “You have to make a choice Stoick, of which you hold more dear. Your son, or the dragons you’ve been rescuing for a decade. Am I understood?”

Stoick wanted nothing more than to throw the man out the window. But there stood three others in the room, and his son in a dangerous position. 

“Yes.” He ground out. 

“Good. Now gentleman, I believe it’s time we make our exit.” 

The first to move was the man who held Hiccup. Pulling him backward and to the doorway of the living room. Viggo coming to follow. 

“No! Leave me - Dad! Dad!” 

Hiccup tried to push them away, stretching out what he could of his arm toward Stoick before it was wrenched back. Stoick then lunged forward, at least hoping to touch skin, when he felt something sink into his back. There was a flick of a switch, and he no longer progressed. Feeling electric shocks coursing up and down his spine. He dropped to a knee, moving an arm back to try to remove the attacker. 

His gaze shot toward the hallway, thinking amidst the pain of how Hiccup couldn’t be taken. A hand held the couch as he tried to move toward the entryway. Coming to cry out again as a second device was dug into his left side. 

“Dad! Dad! What are you doing to him!? Dad!” He heard Hiccup cry.

Unable to take the shocks any longer, he felt his body slacken. Falling to the floor with a heavy thud. His vision having blurred, but all Stoick could be thankful for was that he was still conscious. He saw boots go into the hallway. 

“Two weeks Stoick.” Viggo called out. “If you ever wish to see him again.” 

 

 

 

Notes:

Long awaited chapter, hehe this is starting to become a trend innit? All right, to the best of my ability, I will try to update at least once every month. Thank you all, I appreciate you immensely! <3

Chapter 34: He Should Have Known

It hadn't been enough to knock him out. However, the electric shocks were certainly enough to keep him incapacitated. Enough to keep him on the floor, unable to move, as they did the same to his son and took him out of the house. He managed to smash a couple of fists into the floor, roar at the departing men at promised revenge, but he could not prevent the deed. He heard the door click shut, their descent to the sidewalk. He managed to heave his torso off the ground, using his arms to drag his uncooperative legs to the window. He latched a hand to the curtains and whisked them open.

Letting what existed of the moonlight seep into the dim living room as they went toward a car parked in front of the house. Stoick tried to drag himself upward, but instead was met with a throbbing pain in his lower torso. Feeling as if somehow the prongs were still connected to his body. Through semi-glazed vision, he saw the men bind his son then place him in the trunk. Four men. The bastard had brought four men to subdue him and take his son hostage. 

How could he have not seen this coming? He'd remembered what had occurred the year before. Viggo was the culprit. But it was only that. He hadn't gone any further than just stealing that from Tomorrow. Since nothing had been done with it for at least a year Tomorrow had just assumed it wasn't of much worth to the crime lord. Stoick reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone with a trembling hand. Opening his contacts then glancing at a favorited number. 

He was just short of pressing call when he realized it was dangerous. Viggo must’ve already been inside for at least an hour. If his infiltration had been the reason why Hiccup had sent the jumbled text. Stoick watched the car drive away with his son trapped inside, and came to switch apps to message his friend. 

“ Gobber I need you to come to the house. And to contact Mala and Throk and have them come as well. This merits a state of emergency for Tomorrow. ”

" Did something happen with Hiccup? I told ye that you should’ve apologized far sooner, "

" That isn't the current issue right now. " 

" All right I’m heading out. Why didn’t you call? "

“ I need you to also bring a device to check if there’s bugs in the house. ”

“ Someone broke in? ”

“ I know my phone is safe because it was on my person. But the house might still be at risk. I’ll give more detail once you arrive, but Viggo broke into the house. He's taken Hiccup. " 

" Stoick you need to call the Guard! "

" I can’t do that yet, it might risk breaking our arrangement. Look just get here as fast as you can so I can properly explain. "

" Fine ."

He stared at the final message, breathing heavily as he braced a hand to the floor. He had to get out of the room, be prepared for their arrival. If the room was compromised he couldn’t stay inside. Of course any other room could be dangerous. Stoick dragged himself to the couch and heaved himself upward and rested on the couch. Displayed on the television was the main menu for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. 

Hiccup must have been stressed out to have watched it. Even when he was on holiday he had never put the disc in. It was a favorite, but ever since they moved to Meathead he hardly ever saw it. When the first knock sounded on the door, he could hardly lift himself to his feet to open it. 

Each step he took sent electric sparks up his leg. He opened the door to find Gobber with an unbuttoned coat and cap dangling precariously off his head. He pressed a finger to his lips, and gestured for him to come inside. He shut the door as quietly as he could, then pointed at the living room. Waving his arm to signal for Gobber to bring out the device. 

He activated it, taking slow steps as he maneuvered around the room. There were no alarming beeps, meaning that the room hadn’t been bugged. As Gobber returned, Stoick came to stumble into his office. Even if the other room could be compromised, they still needed a private enough space to converse in. A quick inspection of the alternate room, and Stoick shut the door, letting out a grated sigh. 

"Where are the rest of them?" He said lowly.

"They're on their way. Don’t have a time of when they’ll arrive. What did he do to ye Stoick?" 

"Heh, what he did to me?" He replied grimly. “The bastard took my son, that’s what.”

“But you’re walking odd.”

"Hit with a weapon. I'm lucky they didn't leave me with a wound."

"Well of course. Viggo would want ye alive to tell the tale. How long ago since he took Hiccup?"

"I contacted you the second the car left."

"The Guard could have caught him if you'd called in that instant."

"And what? Have the possibility of Viggo harming my son when I broke our agreement? I couldn't risk it. Hopefully he won't be hurt. Grimborn took him as a hostage, I pray to the gods that he's taken care of." 

A quiet knock stalled the conversation.

"I've got this one Stoick." 

Their superiors came to walk inside, and Stoick maintained a finger to his lips until Gobber had shut the door. 

"All right." Mala crossed her arms. "What's this dire situation you needed us here for?"

"Just what did you inform them of?" He looked toward Gobber.

"Tomorrow is at risk." Mala responded curtly.

"You also believe your home is as well?" Throk drifted to stand in a corner of the room. 

“We already checked to see if a bug could have been planted. So far the living room and here are safe. But other areas could be compromised. But for now we can have private conversation in here.” 

"I haven't disturbed the scene so you could see for yourself. Though there isn't much to see. But I swear there has to be something he left behind."

"Stoick, I highly suggest you get to the point." 

"Answer me this first. What do we know about Viggo Grimborn's presence on Berk? Shaughn had told me that he had been bordering Berk but you haven't said anything since." 

"You're asking this based on the invasion of last year? Before we relocated you?"

"You said that without a doubt it was him. Did you ever find out if he was here on the island?" He asked with further persistence.

"None of us have ever seen him face to face. For all we know he could have already infiltrated Tomorrow."

"I can tell you with certainty that we can put a name to a face, and I would like to bet that you have met him before." 

"He revealed himself to you? Just a while ago?" Mala cast a hurried glance toward the door. 

"Why, in this very house. He broke in with a group of four men and took Hiccup hostage."

"That's why you disregarded the question. You leave him alone while you're at the base?"

"Throk, the boy is sixteen years old. He's too old for a babysitter. He gets home of his own means."

"How soon ago was this?"

"A half hour ago, and I don’t know how much longer he was here with my son."

"A name to a face? You're saying he's already established a presence on the island?" Mala tilted her head. 

"Just like you put yourself in a position to be able to communicate privately with Shaughn, Viggo asserted his own position. He's the headmaster of Berk High. Gunner Vikat."

"Him?" Throk scowled. "I had my suspicions about him, but I managed to still the doubts-"

"He presented himself as nonthreatening. Hence the need for the alias."

"That would mean he's been under our noses for five years. And has been on the island for longer." Her voice hardened. "But why target Hiccup? We purposely didn't list him in records as a dragon whisperer because he was the only one we knew of."

"Then he must have gotten ahold of my record. Knowing my name would mean he'd find out I have a son."

"You were able to piece it together that quickly."

"It was all I could think about.  My son has just been taken before my very eyes. There is the possibility that since he had my information while Hiccup and I were on Meathead, he had been watching us from that time."

"And you think that perhaps he saw Hiccup communicating with a dragon?" 

"If Hiccup were isolated enough to have talked to a dragon and he had seen it by chance, he would have taken the boy almost immediately. I don't think Viggo knows. He never mentioned it when I arrived."

"He was in the house for an untold time with your son in company?"

"I can assume that much. I did receive a strange jumbled text from him before I came home, but I didn't think much of it. I haven't had a chance to check where the phone is. It could still be on his person or lying somewhere in the house."

"Viggo wouldn't have the boy take the cell phone. It would mean he could be tracked."

"So we have to assume that he doesn't know that Hiccup's a dragon whisperer. Did you train him so he can hide the fact from Grimborn?" 

"He barely found out." Stoick said quietly.

“What?” Mala asked.

"He didn't know." 

"What do you mean he didn't know?" Throk demanded. 

Stoick sighed. "Hiccup had no knowledge of his gift. He found out on Sunday evening."

"How exactly, did he finally confront you of all this?" Mala said carefully.

"The Night Fury we included. It followed Hiccup home after he had gone out for the afternoon. I had to tell him when he actually saw a dragon for himself."

"Stoick, ye didn't say why Grimborn did it."

"Well he's been trying to get into Tomorrow for years, we've managed to ward off several of his men and associates. . We're lucky he hasn't tried to bomb his way inside."

"No, he knows that would attract too much attention. It's why he tried to hack into the system a year ago."

"He took Hiccup hostage. I have 14 days to submit the dragons. Only then will he be returned home."

"14 days? That's giving us enough time to make sure he's found guilty for his crime."

"And also enough days to prep the dragons for transportation to wherever he wants to keep them captive."

"More days for my son to kept under his watch." 

"Why take this long to strike? You've been on the island for two months already." Mala asked. 

"I think only Hiccup could give us an answer. He's the one who's been attending the high school for those two months. He could tell us if Vikat had tried getting close."

"He might not have intended to break into the house at all. Perhaps asked the lad to set a meeting with you." 

“Hiccup never told me anything about Vikat wanting to talk to me. Although…” I don’t think he’d hide the fact from me…

“Stoick?”

“He did get called into the headmaster’s office last month. Got in a fight with a past bully, but Hiccup assured me that the headmaster didn’t request my involvement.” 

“Do you think he could have kept the fact hidden from you?”

“He would have done so if he had suspicions about him. Yet he never voiced any of those to me.”

“The lad holds things close to his chest, he may have kept silent about it.”

“Either way we won’t know, because he isn’t here.” Mala eased into a chair. “Viggo knows you work for Tomorrow, and has taken your son, our dragon-whisperer, for leverage.”

“And that only reveals some of the information Viggo may have. He may be withholding other details until they work in his favor.” Throk said.

“So how do we go about this?” Gobber asked. “Grimborn doesnae want the Guard involved, and we have two weeks.”

“One of the biggest risks is that the only known dragon-whisperer is in the hands of one of our biggest enemies.” Mala said gratedly.

“Although it does work to our benefit that he only just found out the fact.”

“14 days, he really must be confident about this falling through that he gave us that long of a deadline.”

“He’s been on the island for eight years, and might have been planning this confrontation for a year.” Throk said gruffly.

“And somehow we practically played into his hands by having you return to Berk.” 

“There may have been no way to avoid this.” Gobber said grimly. 

“And it is indeed-”

“Can- can I offer anyone anything to drink?”

He hardly looked up to see his superior’s shocked expressions. There were two ‘no’s’ from Mala and Throk, and Gobber accepted a water. Stoick slowly rose from the chair, and made his way out of the living room. There was still a slight sting in his right foot, but he managed to make it to the kitchen without stumbling. He had only just opened the fridge when he heard another set of footsteps entering the kitchen. 

Gobber caught full sight of the beer Stoick had pulled off the shelf. He gave his friend a pointed look before popping off the cap and taking a large swig. He shook his head disapprovingly, pulling out the device and going through the kitchen and dining room. By the time he’d finished Stoick had taken three more gulps. Gobber set the device on the island then reached over and took the drink from Stoick’s hand. 

“You can’t get yourself into a state like that, not when there’s this much-”

“He was right in front of me. And they took him- he was practically within arm’s reach Gobber.”  

Gobber gave a heavy sigh. 

“We’ve been lucky these past years that he’s yet to claim the dragons. He knows the proper way to strike Stoick. It’s by miracles that we keep him at bay. And what happened tonight,” He looked toward the hallway, “shows that he’s gotten through cracks. Not as at bay as we thought. Simply came in a different door.” 

He reached into a cabinet and pulled out a glass. Then moving to the sink and opening the faucet. He had drunk the entire glass and proceeded to pour himself a second portion when Throk and Mala entered the kitchen. She gestured to the device, then shaking and nodding her head.

“It’s safe.” Gobber replied. 

Throk came to eye the opened drink sitting on the island. Looking to Stoick with a look of concern. 

“For now, Mala and I think it’s safe to assume that he only has your information.” 

“If he had the information of someone who lived here on Berk he would’ve already used it to his advantage.”

“As it stands now,” Throk said with a sigh, “he chose to get your child involved in the process. Coincidentally someone important to us as well.” 

“We also hold something to our benefit that Hiccup barely found out about the existence of Tomorrow. Nothing stands to be exposed. ”

“But it will since we are being forced to hand over the dragons.” Gobber said.

“We have a chance to have this work to our favor.” Mala said. “We have two weeks, we can use a number of those days to see if there isn’t another way out of this.” 

“And if we push this to the last minute? Viggo might be inclined to change the deal and Hiccup’s put more at risk.” Gobber asked. 

“He already holds Hiccup’s life in his hands, there’s no further risk than that.” Stoick said bitterly. 

“Even worse if he somehow guesses why you were employed by us.” Mala said with a grimace. 

Stoick raised a hand to cover the left half of his face. 

“I don’t want to think of what Viggo would do if he did.” 

“All right so we’ll settle for this. We try for a week to see if there’s anything we could do that would get Viggo exposed, and if not... we hand over the dragons. We can’t risk our dragon-whisperer staying in his hands.”

Chapter 35: Unanswered Texts

She was very unappreciative of this feeling. There was a voice in the back of her head telling her that she shouldn’t be overreacting, but as she stared at her phone the nagging feeling only grew stronger. Over the past month she had learned that Hiccup wasn’t a comfortable texter. But had also come to learn that he never left a message unanswered. Never for more than a couple of hours. 

Her phone reflected her messaging app, no response from Hiccup. From a message left since 6:14 last night. It was already past noon now. The seat next to her in Art lay empty, and Hiccup hadn’t been at the meeting during lunchtime. 

It began to make her wonder if somehow she had angered Hiccup. Or that he was upset with some of her friends. Something had caused him not to answer the texts she’d sent. 

“No one’s heard from Hiccup?” She sent in the group chat.

“ You would’ve been the first one he texted Astrid .” Ruffnut answered. “ None of us have gotten anything. ” 

“ If he were sick he would’ve told us right ?”

“ Something might’ve happened with his phone we don’t know . Just give it time Astrid. Might be going through a rough time or something.”

“ He has been off this week. More drawn-back.” Heather wrote. “ Could be an issue with his dad, we won’t know anything unless he admits it.
When we see him. ”

But she just felt a knot of dread take root in her stomach. She flicked over to her’s and Hiccup’s chat. Seeing that last message, how there wasn’t even a sign he had read it. It just said delivered . Beginning to contemplate asking her mom to take her to Hiccup’s house to see if everything was all right. Or perhaps she was just overreacting. It was only a day. 

No matter how long they’d been talking, Astrid still didn’t know enough about Hiccup’s home life. This day he was missing was just an unknown variable, and as Ruffnut had said, would only be resolved if he reached out to her and discussed it. However, there was still this rest of the day to get through, continue with this nagging worry. Even her tasks during office period weren’t keeping her mind off it. 

As she walked toward the headmaster’s office, she skimmed the contents of the pages she held. Maybe something she could tell her friends about later. Just some minor gossip to spread. 

She opened the door, knowing he was inside because he hadn't emerged after entering 20 minutes prior. As the door opened, she managed to see the headmaster bring something down from his face, opening a drawer and tossing it in.

"Ms. Myrles asked me to bring you some papers." She said while feigning a smile.

He gave her a slight nod, while for a second Astrid thought he would berate her for coming in without knocking. She had incidentally walked in while he was on phone calls a couple times last semester. He stretched out an arm as she handed over the manilla envelope. She took slow steps back, awaiting her dismissal. If she made it to the door without saying anything she could assume their interaction was concluded. But she was still three steps back from the door when his head lifted from the sheet.

"I'm afraid some parts are missing, could you ask her to reprint it please? Then bring it back."

"Yes sir." She strode forward and retook the envelope.

Able to see that the drawer he'd opened was improperly closed. She held her breath as she left his office. Sealing the packet she held in her hands, although in honesty she resisted the urge to glance back. What she'd walked in on the headmaster doing. It wasn't like it was anything incriminating, nothing that merited an "Oh the headmaster's hiding a major secret." 

But it was something that made her tilt her head. Headmaster Vikat had been rubbing at his temple, and she managed to see the compact mirror he slammed shut and placed inside the drawer. It made her wonder why he would have a mirror in the first place. Maybe he wore makeup, concealer of some sort. Or was fixing his hair, making sure white hairs were hidden from sight.

She couldn't count it as totally strange for him to have a mirror, wasn't entirely odd at all. It probably wouldn't have called her attention if he hadn't hastily hid the object from sight. When someone does that, meant there was something to hide. But now wasn't the time to relegate upon it, she couldn't question him about it, not at the moment. He'd never seemed like the type to hide things, while not very conversational he was friendly toward Astrid. Although, now that she thought about it, he made sure she felt heard, he never actually spoke of himself. Only exposed something of himself when relevant to whatever topic Astrid had brought up.

She walked up to Ms. Stiles and handed her the papers, relaying what the headmaster had asked.

---

His eyes shot open, throwing himself upward. He was breathing heavily, and it was as his gaze came to look around the room that he lowered his hands. Feeling the bonds holding his wrists together, seeing a closed door just a few metres away, and how he really was not lying down on a bed. It was a hard floor underneath him, and a surrounding chill. 

Hiccup looked at the cords wound around his wrists. Moving his right to test the strength of the knots. He wanted to assume the door was locked, if it wasn't they probably would've tied him down in a way that held him rooted to one spot. There weren't any windows in the room, and though it looked like an office setting, there was simply a desk and a chair. No dressers, items upon the desk, posters or bulletin boards on the wall. For all he knew, this was an unused office. Since it was a windowless room, he had no way of knowing if he was still on Berk, or had been taken to the mainland. Where the headmaster would want to keep him for the duration of the two weeks.

The ropes he felt, could be removed. If he was left alone long enough to undo them. If there wasn't anything in the desk drawers, he may need to find another way to open the door. As he started shifting his arms against the bonds, he came to look at the door. But his mind was set on the memories of the night before. 

Just before the taser had hit and weakened him. It was just- hearing a different name for the headmaster, seeing the look of horror on his dad's face. The terror that then came to course through him. He had only just found out about Tomorrow four days before, discovered what his dad had been doing for ten years. It didn't occur to him that an organization like Tomorrow would have enemies like what the headmaster had presented himself as.

The dragons given home in that sanctuary, now having to be torn away and delivered to an evil man, in exchange for a mere teenage boy. Just how many dragons lay in there, how many species had he incidentally found, that these people who took part in Tomorrow came and rescued them from a world they no longer recognized. Like there may have been ones that lived in dumpsters, clustered in tree branches whose leafy cover hardly hid them.

Yet the image that continued to burn in his head, was how his dad looked. He knew who this Viggo guy was. It was rare for his dad to ever show fear, the only time he could remember his dad caught in such a stupor... was when the house burned down. Just before Hiccup ran back inside to look for his mum.

Although in his six-year-old mind, the memory was different. Face shrouded from the darkness, but the firelight displaying the color in his eyes, perhaps seconds away from tears. This recent memory however, it was as if he were frozen. Suspended in an expression of shock, feeling helpless. 

He visibly bristled. If even his dad was afraid of him, he’d fallen into rather nefarious hands. Someone risking a human life for a newly returned species. 

Then Hiccup thought of the little dragon who had just been taken to the sanctuary. Picturing the headmaster now standing behind it. The must-be Night Fury’s eyes watching him curiously while sinister hands reached for their scales. 

He started tugging harder at the ropes. There wasn’t time to waste.

---

Although he greatly wished it, there was no way to turn a rope into a sharp tool. He’d undone the knots binding him as quietly as possible, gaze watching the door intently in case someone came in. There was one such occasion that someone did, but all they did was leave him a sandwich in plastic packaging and a boxed juice. Luckily not taking enough note to see that his restraints were loosened. 

Now he tried to wander the room, still trying to be silent, if they heard a commotion- someone who could be waiting outside could come to investigate. 

He managed to pry open one of the drawers of the desk. While it did look somewhat intact, the metal compartments were rusted enough that you had to shift it back and forth to get it open. Imagine trying to do that while maintaining silence. He was paranoid they would return to the room, perhaps this time it even be the headmaster ensuring his hostage was still present. The first drawer yielded nothing, only if you want to count the spider that showed irritation at its hiding spot having gained light. 

it wasn't until the third drawer that he found something that could serve as a temporary lock pick. Approaching the door however, had him holding his breath. Hiccup had no idea what awaited him outside. The room gave little indication as to what building he may lay in. It could be underground, five stories above ground, or opening a door to a hallway which exposed a churning sea. He didn't even have any idea if he were alone. All he could really count on was the fact that the doorknob had an accessible lock on both sides. 

Back when he'd been trapped in that janitor's closet by Dogsbreath, there wasn't a lock on his side. So perhaps this wasn't a school building he was being kept in. But that was one of many options. He lowered himself onto a knee, pressing his head as close as possible without touching. He wound in his little makeshift pick, holding it with both hands to ensure it wouldn't bend easily. He tweaked it right, and with each little opening he felt he wound it inside until he felt it stop. There was only so much he could do, and all he could hope was that the metal piece wouldn't break from the pressure he was about to place on it. 

He took in short breaths as he moved it. Then when he was finally graced with the light click , he eased himself off his knee. Placing a hand to the knob but still hesitating to open. There weren't any audible footsteps, and it had been a long while since the food had been brought. If they were coming back at this convenient moment, now may not be the right time- No. If he waited someone was bound to show and this escape attempt would be all for naught. He slipped the lock-picking device into a pocket, then took a heavy swallow. 

His hand jerked the doorknob and pried it open. He glanced around at either side of the hallway, then took off running to the left. Hiccup looked upward, in hope of seeing the red exit signs or something that would show the way to a stairwell or a fire exit. He had only just taken the next hallway to the right when he heard movement. 

"The door's open, he's left!" 

He pressed his arm to his sides for a few seconds before hastening his pace. Still seeing no exit signs, he started looking around. The building had golden brown walls, he hadn't spotted a single window, and there wasn't any furniture in the hallway. But there were at least five doors as he passed a hallway. Pursuit would begin, and if one had called out, that meant more would come in tow. He didn't know just how many guards the headmaster would have to prevent his victim’s escape.  

He started placing his hand on  the doorknobs, quicking pushing down to get them to open. Lock after lock after lock. No this was only slowing him down, and as there were oncoming pursuers, he could be overrun. Then footsteps came too close for comfort. He dashed to another hallway to the right, spotting another to the left just a few meters ahead. Once crossing in that direction, he tried once again on a silver doorknob. This one opened, and he slipped in, easing the door shut. Pressing himself to the entryway as he listened to the outside. 

Hearing racing bootstomps pass by, he let out a long exhale. Glancing around the room. There were no lights on, and unfortunately no window to peer outward. Hiccup made sure to keep his breaths quiet. What kind of place was he being kept in? Had Headmaster Vi- no Viggo- placed him in an abandoned building intentionally hard to navigate? 

The room he had swooped into must’ve been a security room. It was smaller than the room he had run from, with a long desk pressed to the wall. Four monitors to the left, then an unactivated computer to the right. Only three drawers beneath and a desk chair with the green cushion darkened from excessive use. He approached the monitors, expecting to see a camera aimed towards where he’d been, instead finding just how many exits there were. 

He could manipulate the displayed images, tweaking a small joystick showing a circular stairwell. Judging from the distance of camera to ground, he could now deduce it was a building of three floors. Now to figure out where he was being kept, and just where he was to where the stairwell was located. Although, now all he could think about was how the longer he spent here the more chance he stood of being cornered. 

He came to look around. Since this posed as a security room, there must be a phone, a communication device. Hiccup moved the mouse for the monitor, coming to find the desktop was locked. He couldn’t chance guessing passwords. When he couldn’t find the phone, he backed up to the door. Maybe he wasn’t looking well enough. There just- what security room didn’t have a phone? Even if the guards had cell phones there had to be another mode of spreading word. 

He leaned down to see underneath the table, and after running his fingers across various cables, he found the one that froze his suspicions. 

There had been one. It had been disconnected and removed. His breath hitched as his gaze returned to the cameras. He had seen the men before. They were no longer going in different directions. 

No phone, and the door miraculously unlocked. The man who had him taken had been able to gauge he would come here, he’d been cornered. He wondered just how thorough this adversary was. 

This man had planned ahead, been able to guess that Hiccup would come to this room to escape pursuers. A room to seal him in. The voice telling him he had the ability to escape growing a bit quieter, he could hear hesitation in their repeated encouragement. He’d already spent enough time in here, and if this is where he was meant to be corralled, they were waiting for him to exit. Not to breach, to await the naive fox emerging from its hole. 

He couldn’t stay in here forever, if there were already people waiting for him outside, then in time  they would come in and subdue him. Hiccup glanced back around the room aggravatedly, there really wasn’t anything in here he could use to contact anyone in the outside world? 

He pulled out his makeshift device, sinking it into a drawer at the desk. Something- there had to be something. Once he heard the right click he jammed it open. They already knew where he was, what did silence matter now? He sifted around for a walkie, only finding sheets of paper and an unopened box of paper clips. 

No, this room contained no contact. Now, he had to face what awaited him. But he begrudgingly skimmed a few of the sheets, wishing the words could be of some relevance. 

Hiccup crept over to the door, placing a slow hand to the doorknob. The best he could do was run. But where he stared down, the prosthetic seemed to stare back at him. Bracing himself, he threw open the door. 

Using an elbow to shove aside the first assailant he saw. There were five men he could see from a quick jerk of his head. He crouched low, striking another as he passed. He made it to the next hallway when he felt it press to his side. Throwing himself to the wall as the shocks jolted through him. A hand went back to hold the wrist with taser in hand. He grit his teeth trying not to scream. 

Another was pressed to his right shoulder, activated even before contact. His gaze shot up to the fluorescent light in the ceiling. Feeling his legs grow weaker as he sagged to the ground, trying to resist vision going black.

So close. 

Chapter 36: The No-Show

“Astrid please tell me he’s texted you by now.”

She glanced at her phone. “Nothing since Thursday.” She admitted. 

“It’s nearly eleven why isn’t he here!?” Camicazi demanded. 

Astrid couldn’t help but let her head sink. Seeing the messages she’d sent still left unanswered. Not even a sign that he’d read them. She could’ve gone yesterday to his house, but she got the sense that if it was a disconnect- to leave him in peace. 

It made her realise that she had become attached to Hiccup since meeting him in November. It just continued to nag at her at how he'd been over the past week. Already seeming withdrawn since Monday, edging its way into peeved when the headmaster had finished discussion with him. 

"He knew, how important this was." Camicazi was squeezing the edge of the script in her hand. "And the fact that he doesn't have the decency to let us know he couldn't make it. We're all here, I thought he could guess how much we needed him. All these people and yet the one we-"

"Look," Astrid butted in, "I don't know if you guys noticed, but Hiccup wasn't really all there this week. Maybe something happened that tipped him into the deep end. We don't know what goes on at his house."

"Yeah, I'm trying to tell myself that. But Astrid, come on how much you asked yesterday? You really think he should've keyed us in on something ." 

"I do wish that. But what can we do now?"

"Try to figure out how we can salvage this waste of a film day." She said bitterly. 

Her finger jabbed at her phone screen. Once she'd unlocked it she flicked open her messages.

"Give him a call. He might pick up if it's your caller ID."

Astrid slipped her own phone into her hand. It wasn't like she hadn't tried. The last three calls in her log were of her dialing Hiccup the night before. One right after the other. She heaved in a heavy breath, then let it sigh out as she raised the phone to her ear. We're sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable, or has been disconnected. She clicked the hangup button. 

"Astrid?" Eret asked. 

She could only shift her head in his direction, but didn't make eye contact. Keeping her gaze to the burgundy tablecloth. 

"I can't get through. Either he's sending me straight to voicemail or he's keeping the phone off."

Or his dad sent him off without a phone. Now she did have a mind to see if his records were even still in Berk High. Man she wished she could think positively about this.

"I'm not getting anything either. Not group chat or private chat. We can resort to other measures." 

Camicazi pulled her chair then climbed onto the seat. 

“Does anyone have Hamish’s number?” She asked to the gathered crew.

“I’ve got it!” Eli cried as he stood. 

He made his way over to Camicazi.

“What do you need it for?” He asked.

“Well, Hiccup is supposed to be here today. He hasn’t responded to any of our texts. Maybe he told Hamish something he didn’t tell us.”

“Just something to figure out what happened.” Astrid said worriedly. 

Camicazi stepped away from the tables as she dialed Hamish. Astrid felt keen on maybe inching closer to catch the conversation, but figured there was a reason she wanted to keep it private. She tried to picture what Camicazi was saying. Wishing she had a better ability to read lips. The call didn't even last three minutes before she hung up. She approached Eret again, looking to Astrid with displeasure. 

"Hamish has sent his own texts. Hiccup hasn't answered either. I didn't think it was possible for someone our age to actually go off the grid."

"I mean, are we sure he's even okay?"

"Yeah well, I'm going to handle that later. All right, we’ll just film today’s scenes with a step-in double. Guy!” She called. “Please tell me you brought some wigs.”

“I’m labeled hairdresser for a reason.” He answered. 

“I need one, brown hair. Style it just like you did Hiccup’s hair.”

“I can try, but none are to his shade of brown.”

“We’ll worry about that later, as long as it’s styled like his we’ll be fine. Once we figure out what happened. Maybe we can reshoot the scenes later.”

Astrid still stayed glued to her seat as she began to watch the rest of the crew mill about. 

"Eret, we're going to have to cut this short. Sure we can have a double, there still isn't much we can do. After filming, think we can swing by Hiccup's house?"

---

All he could really do was just lie in his desk chair. What could he do? His superiors were barely allowing him to leave the house. We’ll figure out what we can do from the base. Let us handle this. He was a special circumstance in the case of Tomorrow. Various precautions taken because of what he had done. He had moved to the United States, he was the one with a son with a special gift. There even lay the burden of knowing that his father also had involvement. 

Consenting to the base being built in the more secluded part of the island, the organization’s intentions. Oh gods this was really going to be on his mind now?

Even without knowing about the dragons, the former mayor had wanted Stoick to return when he’d found out about Valka. The relentless questioning when he had discovered that he and Hiccup had returned to the Archipelago. Demanding they move to Berk. He was only thankful that his father had never made a connection as to Stoick and Tomorrow. Never came to know about Hiccup’s ability. 

He straightened in the chair as a knock rang on the front door. He pulled out his phone, sending a message to Mala. 

" I have someone at the front door. Two teenagers. They could be from Berk High ."

" Just as we discussed yesterday. Hiccup's going missing wouldn't have gone unnoticed. If they've come to ask questions, well ease them into the situation. Perhaps there's some way we can wriggle out of Viggo's trap ."

He rushed out of the office before they could knock again. 

"Hello." Stoick said.

"Hi, Mr. Haddock?" The male asked.

"Aye." He opened the door wider. "And who might you be?"

"I'm Cameron, he's Emmett. We're classmate of Hiccup's."

"Oh, I thought so. It's rare to see teenagers selling stoop to stoop these days."

The young girl offered a small feigned smile.

"Won't you come in?"

It was to be as courteous as he could. Why leave two high schoolers waiting in the cold at his door when he could attend to them inside. He knew what they wanted, the moment they mentioned their relation to Hiccup. There could only be one reason the fact would be brought forward. Yet, their names had never popped up in previous conversation. Hiccup had mentioned Astrid, and her friends. There was Hamish, the mayor's son. He wondered why it was this pair coming to him in concern for Hiccup. 

"Can I get you anything to drink? Water, tea, coffee, maybe hot chocolate? I have the little packets as well as the chocolate blocks-"

"Oh we're all right. We were just- see we came here because,"

"We wanted to speak with Hiccup." Emmett continued. 

"He's not here at the moment."

"Where is he?" Cameron demanded. 

"Why is it that you're looking for him?" Stoick responded. 

"He was supposed to meet up with us in the morning. He never showed."

"And he wasn't in school yesterday." The young girl joined in. "He didn't even answer any of our texts."

"There's been a family emergency. I had to send him on a ferry Thursday night." 

"He never told us any of this." She responded. 

"Pardon me sir, but wouldn't you have needed to go with him?"

"I have something to finish here, and I would meet with him later."

"All of us have been worried about him," Cameron thrust out her hands, "none of us got any word about this, he didn't even read our texts-"

"He didn't take his cell phone with him." Stoick grimaced. 

Both of them stared at him wide-eyed. 

"Why not?" The teenage boy asked. 

"You know how delicate they make phones these days. Drop one in rough enough a way and it breaks."

Or as had been found in Hiccup's bedroom, shattered into pieces. 

"His phone broke. And he still left without one?"

"He knows my number. He could still call me from any landline or a borrowed cell phone. I'm sorry he had to leave in such a rush that he couldn't alert you."

"Sir was it really dire enough that he had to leave?" The girl said sourly. "He's part of a project that we really needed him for, he really didn't run it by you while you were taking him to the ferry?"

Well considering they hadn't been speaking since Sunday evening :

"He didn't mention it. Was concerned of leaving without a phone, but I told him we could buy a new one over there. Once I manage to make the trip myself."

Cameron, her blonde hair bouncing as she bobbed her head, cast a glance around the living room. Stoick wished there was something for her to notice. But the television remote had been removed. The DVD player shut off. And the pistol hadn't been fired because no shell casing had been found. 

"Do you happen to have the number for the landline where he's staying?" Emmett asked. 

Here Stoick offered an uncomfortable smile. As convincing as possible . 

"I don't think my relatives are going to want to pass the phone to someone claiming they want to speak to Hiccup. They're rather private people."

It was easy to perceive how the girl cast a disapproving glance toward him. Her lips still remaining tucked to the side. 

"When will he be back?" She came to ask.

"Once the matter is resolved."

Rather a half-truth. 

"How long could that take?" She responded. 

"My family isn't one to make things easy. We could hope they'll be reasonable, but well Hiccup hasn't called to update me on the situation."

He tried not to think of exactly what position his son was in. 

"Can- can we give you one of our numbers so we can be kept in the loop? We're worried about Hiccup."

You're not the only ones lass. 

"If you'd like. I can't guarantee of how quickly I can provide an answer."

The two of them strode back toward the front door. Emmett held out his phone with his contact info., Stoick writing it on a sticky note. He opened the door, and they strode down the walkway. He waited a few seconds before shutting the door, then made his way into the office. 

Pulling out his cell phone to call his superiors.

"Well how did it go?" 

"I can only hope they were suspicious enough. They certainly didn't leave in any relief."

"We'll see how they go about it. As it's teenagers they may try to take matters into their own hands."

---

Astrid felt a vibration from her phone. Pulling it out of her pocket to see a text from Camicazi.

" IIs your brother home from his shift yer ?"

" No, why ?"

" Hiccup's dad gave some exsuse. He's on soem trip, fmily emergency. But he said hsi phone broke. Think your brother and his partner would pay the house a visit ?"

" He's only a beat cop I don't think he can "

" Then bring it up to his boss or something. His dad is hiding something, Eret and I swear"

She twiddled her fingers as she reread the messages. Trying to figure out what to write next. 

" I'll make sure he gets to the bottom of it"

Chapter 37: Brother Inclusion

He had been drifting in and out of consciousness for most of the day. When there was really nothing else to do but shift in restraints and stare straight at the door, one found you got bored very quickly. When trying to rouse himself from a sleepy state he would have to tweak his neck to alleviate the ache. He had awoken a long while earlier to find he was bound anew, but now a biting metal instead of ropes. Placed into a chair where his wrists were held to the armrests.

He came to blearily open his eyes again, realizing the sound that had woken him was the door opening. Forcing his eyes wide open as the person tucking away the key approached him. Making a muffled sound of shock when they seized his jaw and tilted his head up toward them.

"So you're the one he wanted."

The man moved his face from left to right.

"Risk so much in taking one of his students."

He let him go, pulling out a key and unlocking a set of handcuffs. Then grabbing him by the arm and pulling him up harshly.

"Now let's get one thing straight. You make any attempt of fighting back, try to run, and I will make sure you regret it."

His mind admittedly still remained in a clouded enough state that the delivered threat took a while to sink in. What he came to focus more on was the fact that a wrist was still held to the armrest and the shoulder in pain. Hiccup tried craning his head, get a better look at the one who'd pulled him from the seat. Spotting brown eyes glaring daggers and a bald head. Questions running through his head, who was he, why did he need a promise-

The fist gripping his arm tightened.

"Understood?" He leaned his face closer to growl at him.

Holding back a pained whine, Hiccup hurriedly nodded. Trying to pull back from the one who held him. He was then released, dropped clumsily back into the chair. His breaths picking up at having felt the sharp metal of the cuffs pressing into his skin.

Chest bouncing for a split second as the man laid hands on him again. Calloused fingers holding his wrist as they unlocked the final pair of handcuffs. Removing the gag from his mouth, yanking him out of the chair and out the door.

Hiccup almost felt tempted to try asking where they were going, but for now he gauged this man was prone to anger. For now it was treading cautiously. Observe the actions of this new adversary. He recognized some of the hallways they passed, maybe even spotting the same surveillance room he'd found.

It was when they reached a final door that had the blissful red exit sign Hiccup had searched for before that they stopped. He only wished he'd noticed a window while having been escorted. Some way of knowing what the outside looked like, possibly pinpointing where exactly he was. He was released for a brief second, stiffening upon seeing someone else approach them extending a black sack. Only having a chance to cast a wary glance at his attendant sporting a thick green coat before the material was thrown over his head and pulled down a length of his torso. Feeling a drawstring tightened and knotted together at his back.

"Not a word." He was told.

Then came the sound of the door opening. Bristling as he felt the cold air, reminded of the lack of his coat. The shuffling of his feet muted against the sack as he stumbled down steps. He could see a faint red blink through the material. A hand at his shoulder then his lower back forcing him down. Lifted into the air then placed on a vaguely scratchy surface. A carpet, when he was able to swipe his fingers across.

"Wait-" He tried to say.

The door came down. His breaths accelerating once again as he was covered under two layers of darkness. The car jerking beneath him as the engine spurred to life.

He couldn't guess how long they'd been in the vehicle. He hadn't been restrained, and had always heard of how when kidnapped and placed in a trunk to try and feel a light and punch it out, but it was a matter of trying to navigate the darkness. How it really felt as if any source of air was sealed off.  He tried at the very least to kick his leg upward, but he had the feeling his thumps wouldn't make a difference. With one capable leg, he certainly wasn't strong enough to kick it open.

He'd realized they made an arrival when he found himself trying to grip the floor as the vehicle made a continuous turn. He recognized the forward jerk of the car as the brake was released. Gods where had he been brought to now?

Holding his breath as the trunk was opened and Hiccup was pried from the boot of the car. Sensing a change of terrain beneath his boots, gravel to smooth ground.

The sack wasn't removed from his head until he was sat down. He gazed around warily, seeing a table before him seating 10, himself having been placed at one of the head chairs. It was a dining area, to his left he could see an arched doorway and spot cabinets. Hear sizzling and clinking. Must have been the kitchen.

The man who'd brought him there had disappeared, but viewing what could've been an exit- there stood a guard at the threshold. Hiccup wondered how far he could run before being caught. Or how the one who'd threatened him would react if he were the one to catch him.

He didn't want to think so, over and over. He didn't want to be here. He didn't want to have gotten caught up in this. Gods he wondered what Astrid was thinking. What any of their friends were thinking. He thought of the shattered phone on his bedroom floor, thought of the leg left in the living room. How he was stuck with this one while trapped here. Sure it could be like a runner's prosthetic leg, but having it in full view of someone he wouldn't want to know his disability existed, he was awaiting Viggo making a comment on it.

"That's the issue with these small towns. Once this is over, it will be dangerous. "

"Are you so ill-trusting of the reputation I've come to build?"

He adjusted his position in the seat at recognizing the approaching voices. Head looking back to see his kidnapper accompanied by the one who'd dragged him from the office emerging from the hallway. A quiet gulp as he watched them head toward the table.

"When you told me that you had taken a hostage to use against Haddock, I didn't think you meant a child."

"We prepared accordingly based on what we were given."

"A student from the very high school you run."

They settled in chairs at the other side of the table, Hiccup's eyes still following them. The man with a thin stripe of hair on his chin for a beard shot a glare toward Hiccup. The headmaster fixed a careful gaze on him.

"He returned to the island. There was nowhere else to go."

Hiccup was trying to figure out a retort, at that moment two men emerging from the kitchen carrying plates and walking toward them.

He looked down at the plate set in front of him. Then lifting his gaze to see that another plate joined Viggo and the bald man's. Skillet cooked fish fillets paired with white rice and guacasalsa.

"Food?" Hiccup questioned.

"I don't see any reason to deprive you of a decent meal. You are going to be in my company until your father does as he's told."

"Company, yeah, that's what you're calling it."

"The alternative Hiccup, would be leaving you in a room by your lonesome. Indulge in what you're given."

Admittedly he gave no more protest as he reached for the fork and placed a portion onto the utensil. Throwing in a few bites, flinching at seeing grape juice poured in the glass next to him, and then he lifted his head to continue watching the man who bore the name Grimborn. The other sitting next to him. He couldn't have just been a mere second-in-command. None of the other men Mr. Vikat had been accompanied by were seated at this table. Definitely not eating with them.

"He's your brother." Hiccup broke the silence.

If he was wrong he was sure the headmaster would have voiced a denial. Instead he only reached over and took a sip of the dark liquid from his glass.

"Does he have a fake name used on the island here too?"

"It's not as necessary for him to dwell on the island."

Hiccup glanced at the one sitting beside the two-faced headmaster.

"But he wanted to be there when you confronted my dad." He concluded.

He wondered if his dad- Tomorrow, knew about the brother. Or if the both of them managed alternate identities to hide their criminal activities. A crime family, he wanted to think. Who'd set their sights on the organization his father was apart of.

"Your father should have thought better of what he got involved in, in consideration for your life." The brother said.

"He couldn't deny something that he grew-"

"The Berkians of centuries past had a unique relationship with the dragons.  The Haddock family, far more intertwined than most. I would harbor a guess that no matter how Stoick tried there wasn't escaping his former obligations."

"And you truly think that he'll squander it for getting his runt back?"

"Hiccup shares his father's belief." Viggo answered

Named adolescent sank his head down as he placed a forkful into his mouth.

"Even had a short tour of the facility just yesterday."

"You informed me of this."

"You want to make sure this comes to its completion? What with your listed potential risks? Ensure he doesn't escape before their time is up."