So.. I missed the past two weeks of updates. I'm so sorry! A lot of drama at my job has gone on and I left and I now work somewhere so much better. The only downside, I have to wake up and be there at FOUR IN THE MORNING and I don't get off until around five in the evening. I've been insanely busy with that and trying to find time to write.

On that note, updates will now be on Fridays-Sundays, the day will vary.

AND IN THIS CHAPTER I apologize greatly for miss Astrid. She also has a mind of her own and says something pretty harsh. I am not proud of her. ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO UNTIL YOU FIND OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH HICCUP.

Any guesses yet?

Chapter Four

Astrid looked around at all the decorations hanging on the walls and hanging from the ceilings. All the posters, streamers, all the color. Her eyes wandered the halls to all the smiling happy couples who had just asked their significant other to Homecoming.

She frowned. She despised homecoming. Her and Hiccup went together to one during their first year in high school. It was right before sophomore year homecoming that he left. Since then, she hadn't been to another one. She's avoided school dances at all costs anytime they rolled around. She even skipped her junior year Prom.

Her eyes landed on the new couple. The couple she couldn't stand. Hiccup and Cami. They looked happy and a little bit of something else that she couldn't put her finger on.

"Hey Eret." she looked to her brother who was walking beside to her "Do you know where Thuggery is?"

"Thuggery? I don't know. Maybe the shop class?"

Astrid nodded, changing her direction to head towards the shop classroom instead of going to her class. Eret caught up to her, frowning "Why are you looking for him?"

Garrett Thuggery is Eret's best friend. The two have been friends since they were young. He was almost like a brother to her. Almost. Thuggery had admitted to having a crush on her, and if she considered him her brother, it would be weird. Eret eyed his sister suspiciously.

"Am I not allowed to talk to him? I've known him just as long as you have."

He shook his head "No. You're allowed. But usually he's the one seeking you out. What are you planning?"

Astrid smiled at her brother, hand on the door handle "What makes you think I'm up to something?"

Eret only sighed, following her in to the shop class. He was just glad she looked happier than she did yesterday. Whatever she's up to that's putting her in a good mood, she needs to keep it up. Unless it's harmful. Then he'll need to step in and play the older brother card.

"Thugs!"

"Astrid. Eret. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Astrid smiled, leaning against the table and watching him "Well.. I came to talk to you. Eret just tagged along."

Thuggery wiped his hands on a rag, giving Astrid a smile, leaning next to her "Oh yeah? About what?"

"Homecoming."

Eret, who was previously uninterested in the conversation, whipped his head to look at his sister, his eyes widening "What? Homecoming? Astrid, what?"

Thuggery waved his hand at his friend, keeping his full attention on Astrid "What about it?"

"Do you have a date?" Thuggery shook his head, and Astrid's smile widened "Go with me."

Eret's jaw dropped. Astrid is asking his best friend to homecoming? He took in the look on her face. She was definitely up to something. He just doesn't know what. He wishes he could read her mind sometimes. Astrid is always planning something. He just hopes she's not planning on attacking someone again. Two days since Hiccup's been back and she's both verbally attacked him and physically.

Let's hope she's not going to attack anyone.

"Homecoming? With you?" Astrid nodded, and Thuggery smirked "It's about time you've come to me. Of course I'll go with you, Astrid."

"Good. I'll text you later then." she gave him another smile stepping forward. She hesitated for only a second before getting on her toes and pressing a kiss to his cheek "I'll leave you two alone now. Enjoy shop."

Astrid was almost out the door when she heard a faint "Dude" from her brother. She laughed, shaking her head and almost running in to someone. She looked up, frowning and getting ready to tell them off when she saw who it was. Hiccup. She stepped back, straightening her back and glaring "Get out of my way."

He shook his head "What was that?" he pointed over her shoulder to Eret and Thuggery "I thought you two were just friends."

Is that a hint of jealousy in his voice?

Astrid smirked, looking over her shoulder at Thuggery. He wasn't a bad guy. He's treated Astrid with respect since day one. He never once tries to pursue her in any way. Not even after Hiccup left. Astrid appreciates that so much more than he knows.

"What? You can move on but I can't? You just told me yesterday that I should. So I am. To someone who appreciates me. Do you not like that?"

Hiccup frowned, shooting a glare towards Thuggery. Astrid couldn't shake the feeling she was getting. Is he jealous? Mad? Why would he be? She's just doing what he told her to. And she has every right to move on.

Then, something clicked.

"Is this only because he's your old friend?" Hiccup scoffed, stepping back and turning his glare from Thuggery to her "Oh. Oh my Gods. This is gold. You can date my friend and then tell me to move on, but when I do you get jealous? That's not how it works, Haddock. Now get out of my way."

"Astrid -"

He snapped his mouth shut when someone walked up behind her. His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. Astrid raised an eyebrow, curious. The voice almost immediately made her relax "Haven't you done enough to her? Just let her leave."

"Thank you, Thuggery."

He gave her a smile, watching her walk out the room. His face went from smiling to a glare real quick. He looked to Hiccup "Just leave her alone, dude. She's finally happy."

00000

Homecoming came a lot faster than anyone had expected. Astrid had gotten a babysitter for Opal, went dress shopping with Ruff, and got her hair done with Heather. She wasn't completely ready, but she had no other choice. It was there whether she wanted it to be or not. Her and Thuggery had gotten along better than usual. They grew closer, and people were finding it weird.

Thuggery and Astrid? An item? Weird.

Astrid was feeling better, though. She hasn't had another run in with Hiccup, and that makes her feel good. She could live without seeing him everyday. She went two years, she could go longer.

"So, Ruff. Who exactly is your mystery date?"

"You'll see when he gets here."

Astrid sighed. For two weeks, Astrid had been bothering her friend nonstop until she would spill who she's going to homecoming with. Ruff hadn't budged. She kept saying the same thing "You'll see at homecoming."and Astrid had never been so annoyed.

She just needs to know!

"Do I know him?" Astrid asked, leaning closer to the mirror to focus on her makeup while talking "Oh! Does he even go to our school? Do I like him?"

"Yes, yes, and yes."

Astrid leaned away, glaring towards her friend "Tell me."

"Just wait. Are you planning on a romantic evening with Thugs with only one eye done?"

"What?" Astrid's eyebrows furrowed as she turned to look in the mirror and snorted "You distracted me."

Russ smiled. Astrid seemed genuinely happy for the first time in two years. She never thought in a million years that Astrid would go for Thuggery. She shifted in her seat, smiling knowingly at her friend "So, Thuggery, huh? How's that going?"

"It's not going anywhere. We're going to homecoming together." she said with a sigh, setting her makeup down "We're just friends."

"Just friends." Ruff mumbled, turning to look out the window for the guys "Are you doing this because Hiccup is -"

"No." Astrid stood, walking to the closet to pull out her dress "Thuggery is nice. He respects me, and that's all any girl could ask for, you know? I guess… Maybe there could be something. But I'm not using him."

Something alright. Astrid felt weird. Was she starting to like Thuggery? It was a possibility. They had hung out everyday for the past two weeks. He had taken her on dates and hung out with her at her house even when Eret wasn't home. She wasn't too fond of the dates. One minute she's not going on them and then suddenly she is. It's weird. A big part of her likes it, but the other part isn't happy about it. But she feels happier than she has since Hiccup left.

"What are you thinking about over there?"

"Huh?" Astrid blinked, looking to her friend "Oh. Nothing in particular. Just… Everything."

Ruffnut hummed, shrugging and standing to walk towards the bathroom to change into her dress. Astrid narrowed her eyes at the bathroom door. Could Ruff be going with Lout? No, he would be busy bragging about it. Eret? What is she even thinking? He's dating Heather and taking her. It can't be Hiccup or Thuggery. There are just so many possibilities and Astrid needs to know. The curiosity is going to kill her.

"How do I look?" Ruffnut walked out, doing a twirl and smiling at her friend who was sitting on the bed."

"Looking good… Now, who is your date?"

Ruffnut rolled her eyes. Astrid wasn't to let this down. Ever.

Astrid sighed, standing and smoothing out invisible wrinkles in her dress "He must be a nerd if you aren't telling me."

Ruff shrugged "Maybe. You're about to find out."

"They're here?"

Ruff nodded, and the two made their way down the stairs and to the front door where Eret was with Heather by his side. Heather turned her head to look at Astrid and smiled "You look really pretty."

Ruff and Heather exchanged looks, frowning at each other. The two have never gotten along and they weren't about to even try and get along just for their friends. Astrid smiled and nodded "You do too, Heather."

Astrid was so excited to see who her friends date was that she almost completely forgot that she was waiting on her date to come through the door. Her smile brightened when Thuggery walked in, a corsage in hand.

"Look good, Thuggery." Ruff called, leaning against the couch and crossing her arms "You clean up nicely."

"Thank you?" he raised an eyebrow at her before walking to Astrid, his smile returning "You look… Amazing."

Astrid reached out, running her fingers down his tie and looking up at his face "So do you. You do clean up well."

Eret look at his sister and friend, rolling his eyes. He hadn't been too thrilled about the idea of Astrid asking Thuggery to go to homecoming with him. It was even worse when the two started hanging out together every day. He could see something forming there before his sister could. He's not sure how to feel about a possible relationship between the two.

"Thuggery." he snapped, glaring at his friend. Heather snorted, rubbing his arm "Keep your eyes on her face."

"Eret!" Astrid hissed, tugging at Thuggery's jacket sleeve "Ignore him."

Astrid only looked away from Thuggery when the last member of their group walked in. Astrid's eyes widened and she smiled, spinning on her heel to look at Ruff "Fishlegs! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Surprise?"

"So." Eret said, clapping his hands together and smiling "Everyone ready?

00000

Homecoming wasn't like Astrid remembered. There were more lights, more people, more dancing. More… Everything. Last time she was at homecoming, no one had wanted to dance at all. Now, everyone was. When did people start to enjoy dancing?

She still hates it, but she's not about to let that ruin her night.

Thuggery was a better date than she had thought. He hadn't left her side once, and a part of her really appreciates that. He'd brought her water or snacks anytime she asked, and asked her if she wanted to dance with him instead of just assuming.

Was she actually starting to like Thuggery?

The music slowed down and Astrid sighed contentedly, turning and throwing her arms around his neck "I can't thank you enough for coming with me."

"Anything for you, Astrid."

He looked like he was about to say something else when someone tapped his shoulder. He looked over at them and his smile fell, his hands tightening on Astrid's waist. Hiccup stepped around him, looking to Astrid before his eyes fell back on Thuggery "Mind if I cut in?"

Thuggery frowned, looking at Astrid. She let her arms fall to her sides and she shrugged "I guess I don't mind."

Thuggery nodded, stepping away and looking to Hiccup "Don't do anything stupid."

Astrid tensed up when Hiccup stepped in Thuggery's place. He put his hands on her waist gently, the same spot Thuggery's had been. She was mad at herself. There was just this part of her that could never say no to Hiccup. Even if it meant dancing with him.

He cleared his throat as Astrid set her hands on his shoulders "You look beautiful, Astrid."

Astrid's heartbeat skyrocketed. He wasn't allowed to say things like that to her. He wasn't allowed to look at her like he cares. She looked away from him and at the ground "Thanks."

Hiccup sighed, tugging Astrid closer. She swallowed loudly, surprised at how close they were. It was like everything she wanted was happening… At a time she didn't want it. She was having a good time with Thuggery, but, now…

"You could at least act happy."

"Why would I?"

He hummed, looking down at her. She was still the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Astrid was nervous to look up to see just how close they really are. This was a horrible decision. Why couldn't she tell him no?

He leaned down, bringing his hands fully around her and pulling her to him… In a hug? She was take aback and dropped her hands. She agreed to a dance. Not a hug. Not anything. She was about to push him away when his words made her freeze.

"I still love you."

They were so quiet she almost didn't hear them. Her breath hitched and she pushed him away faster than she thought she could "What?"

"Nothing." he stepped away from her, eyes wide "I have to go."

Astrid stood in her place, watching Hiccup rush off. She bit her lip in debate and frustration. She shouldn't follow. She really shouldn't. She should just go find Thuggery and go back to enjoying her night. But the other part of her, the part that still cares a great deal for Hiccup, had to know why he would do that. She hiked her dress up and took off towards the exit to catch up to him.

"Hey!" she watched him tense up at her voice before he started walking fast "Don't you dare walk away from me again."

She finally caught up to him, grabbing his arm and pushing him against the wall "What the hell was that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Astrid. Go away."

"No." she stood her ground, refusing to let his act get to her "You said you still love me. Why would you say that?"

"I don't… I wouldn't say that I love you. You're hearing things. You must have gone insane the past two years."

Astrid stomped her foot. She felt childish for it, but he was making her feel like that. How come he can act like this? Tell her that and claim he didn't?

"You did! I heard you loud and clear. Why would you say that?"

He rolled his eyes, gripping her shoulders and looking in to her eyes "I don't love you, Astrid."

"But… But you said.."

This guy was never going to stop breaking her heart. She really shouldn't care so much, but she can't help it. She felt completely numb. Like she did when he first left all over again.

Astrid knows what he said. She knows that's what he said and that he meant it. Why is he still lying? Why is he trying to hurt her?

She can't stand him.

"You know, when you left, I thought you had died." she stepped closer, doing her best not to let it show just how much she was hurting "I wish you had." she spat at him before turning and walking back to the dance hall.

Thuggery had just been walking out to find when she walked right into him. He laughed, grabbing her shoulders to her balanced "Hey, slow down there. Where are you off to in such a hurry?" his smile fell the minute he took in her face "What happened?"

Astrid sniffed, shaking her head "Nothing. I'm sorry I ran out like that. Can we go back to your place?"

He nodded, reaching for her hand and leading her out the door.

Eret came around the corner a few seconds later, Heather still by his side. He had seen the look on his sisters face, and he knew exactly who to blame for the look. Fortunately for him, Hiccup hadn't left.

"Eret, don't do anything crazy."

He waved her off, heading towards Hiccup who was leaning against the wall, an arm wrapped around his side. Eret grabbed his shoulder, shoving him in to the wall "What the hell did you do to her now? You need to leave her alone."

Hiccup didn't look the slightest concerned or shocked. He just nodded at Eret, clearing his throat and wincing "I… I need to go to the hospital."

Heather and Eret exchanged looks before Hiccup passed out, leaving Eret to catch him "Oh Gods, okay.. Come on, Heather."

Neither had any idea what was going on, but maybe he could finally figure it out. He is the one having to rush his old best friend to the hospital. Hiccup has a lot of explaining to do.