(A/N) So I'm not entirely sure if any of you guys are liking this so far, but here's chapter two for you!
Hiccup was still frozen, Cloudjumper laying at his feet while his owner gripped the side of the table's chair with his free hand. The teen's face was still pale, and he didn't care to think about rather or not he should start preparing his backpack for school. Astrid heaved a long, heavy breath on the other end of the line, her mother and father arguing in the background.
"Told you he'd screw up!" Mr. Hofferson shouted, hitting Hiccup hard. "You're only making it worse! You should be focusing on your daughter and not her boyfriend!" His wife, Astrid's mother screamed even louder. Astrid may have been a sixteen year old rebel, but damn her parents were protective when they wanted to be. The insults meant for hers and Hiccup's 'stupid' actions-to put it lightly-could be heard with more worry than fury. Mr. Hofferson, one of the strongest men Hiccup knew and his own father's best friend, sounded like he was about to burst into tears.
Finally, with a force Hiccup didn't know he had, the boy spoke. "Astrid I...you know I can't be there for you right now. As much as I want to, I don't want to anger your parents more." Hiccup nearly tripped over his words, but remained strong with a voice of reason. Astrid didn't seem to agree on the other end of the line, hanging up imediatly.
Hiccup flinched when the sound of Astrid's phone being slammed on the table before hanging up echoed in his ears. He slid down in his old wooden chair, face still pale. The teen's eyes, normally bright and colorful like a forest in spring, were dull and distant. Half lidded and unfocused. His mind was taking everything in a bit slowly, and it caused a discomfort Hiccup was not prepared for.
How did this happen? Hiccup was so prepared, ready for college in two years, and finally managing to get over how often his father was away. He was getting better as a blacksmith, loved his part time job, and so much more. His plan was perfect! Then...well then he had to go and screw up. Taking things a little to far when it came to him and his ray of light's private moments. Why did he have to be so stupid!
Hiccup face palmed, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. "What am I thinking?!" He suddenly shouted, waking Cloudjumper. The teen looked down at the dog, finding the canine the best thing he had to talk with. "Here I am, pitying myself and cursing my plans for the future when Astrid's breaking down in a way I've never seen before! It's my fault this happened. It's all my fault she's going through this. If I'd never asked her to go with me that night..."
Hiccup's voice trailed off, his face gaining some color back though his lip trembled. His hands shook, and the cloth on his red tunic became wet with sweat. An alarm on the teen's phone went off, saying it was time to leave. Hiccup ignored it though. He ignored everything. With a long, heavy, trembling sigh, he stood up and shoved his hands in his leather shirt pockets.
"There's nothing I can do about it now. I'm not going to be one of those guys who just ditch the girl. Astrid's worth so much more than that. She's not a regular teenager, she's one of the few lights I have in life. I can always confide in her, so now it's time I return the favor. I may not have been prepared for this, but hey! I've done so well working on my college and school plans, so I've got practice on figuring everything out." A small, sad smile came to Hiccup's lips.
I've got to get to school, but how in the name of Thor can I focus knowing I'll be... his thoughts made him freeze in his tracks. Hiccup nearly choked on his own breathing as his eyes widened. His mind was finally comprehending and analyzing everything. The shock had warn off, and now came reality like a pile of bricks. Terror and sadness overwhelmed the boy. Then there was something else too though. A feeling Hiccup couldn't quiet label. Urging himself to go out the front door, dragging his feat, Hiccup let rays of sunlight wash over his body. He wiped his sweaty face with his sleeve, and thought of what was to come for him and Astrid.
"How can I focus on anything knowing I'll be a...a dad." The answer was simple really, he couldn't. No way could Hiccup ever focus on his own school and life problems when thoughts of how he was supposed to help Astrid with a little bundle (who may very well become a pain in the neck like himself) that was his own offspring filled his mind.
Hiccup got into his small red car, started the engine, pulled a light jacket over his shoulders, and drove to school with a hole new perspective on everything. He couldn't be his regular self who always liked to take risks and never care if others disliked his childlike nature. He had to gain responsibility. Otherwise, him and Astrid would never be prepared before the child eventually came along. Their child.
