Moving Forward

Rated; M

Author; Nightstar Fury

Pairing; Elsa and Hiccup

Disclaimer; I do not own HTTYD.

20; What A Day

Ellie couldn't believe how excited she got when Harvey's text came through before breakfast ended saying that Karina and him would join Owen and her at the beach on Saturday, Harvey even offered to drive them. Ellie, though, had to control herself around the others so they wouldn't see how happy she became to know she'd be getting to hang out with Harvey soon. It was always a good time for them with the kids, they had a lot in common including similar pasts. Ellie had waited all week for this, and finally, it was Saturday. Harvey and Ellie agreed to meet at 10:15 am by his truck with all their beach gear and they would arrive just as the beach opened and get a good spot before it got busy. The temperature was a warm 82 degrees with little to no breeze, it was a great day to go to the beach.

(Beach)

As the two had planned, they met at Harvey's truck and loaded up the blanket, beach toys, food, drinks, and small tent if the kids wanted some shade instead of being out in the sun the whole time. Karina and Owen were super excited about going to the beach, both were already wearing their bathing suits under their normal clothes and had sunscreen on so it had time to sit before getting in the water. Harvey was wearing his swim trunks and a t-shirt with sandals while Ellie wore a spaghetti strap sun dress that reached above her knees with a pair of flipflops and her hair was braided and hanging over her shoulder. Parking in a spot up front, the four of them unloaded and went to find a spot to set up. Harvey carried the cooler, blanket, and tent while Ellie got the rest.

"Alright kids, find us a spot," Ellie told Karina and Owen.

"Okay!" the two children hurried ahead to find one. After three minutes, Harvey and Ellie found their kids in a spot that was near the bathrooms and water, but not enough that the tide would reach them. Harvey put the blanket down first and they used their shoes to keep it in place. Next, Harvey set up the small tent for the kids to sit under if they needed shade. The cooler sat by the blanket that held drinks and snacks, Harvey and Ellie stopped at a grinder shop on the way for their lunch in a few hours.

"There we go, all setup," Harvey put his hands on his hips with a smile.

"Can we go swimming now?" Owen asked.

"Do you promise to stay in the water up to your knees only that way the waves don't knock you over?" Harvey inquired as both kids nodded happily.

"And you have to wear your swimmies," Ellie mentioned.

"Yes, absolutely," Harvey agreed.

"And we'll stay eye sight," Karina giggled.

"That's my good girl. Alright, let's get you ready then," Harvey told her while getting Karina set with swimmies on her arms and a hat to keep her head shaded from the sun beating down. Ellie did the same for Owen. "Okay, now remember. If you can't feel the bottom, you're too far out and call for one of us. We'll be right here,"

"Okay," Owen and Karina replied as they rushed to the water and walked in slow, both giggling and splashing each other.

"It's such a perfect day," Ellie smiled wide, "I'm glad you decided to join us,"

"I'm happy that you invited us," Harvey chuckled a little.

"I thought some sun would do you some good, you're paler than me, and that's saying something," Ellie laughed a little.

"Yeah, I guess I've been holed up for a while," Harvey shrugged looking back at the kids to make sure they were okay. "Wasn't in the mood to be social with people after the camp out,"

"That first night wasn't so great and no one blamed you, Harvey. Don't beat yourself up over it," Ellie offered.

"Can't help it. Here I am saying how much she hurt me, and when she begged me to take her back, I said no and hurt her," Harvey mumbled.

"I know it wasn't easy. I've been there before, remember?" Ellie told him gently.

"How long did it take you to be okay?" Harvey inquired. Ellie sat back a little and looked up but continue to smile.

"Two or so months, about where you are now. Granted, I didn't have a three year gap in the walking out and asking to come back but as for decision not to take my ex back when I'd only wished for him to return, a few months before I started feeling better," Ellie replied after a moment.

"After you told him you weren't taking him back, and some time passed, did anything make you feel better? Hobbies or talking to a friend?" Harvey asked.

"Over the two months it just got easier to deal with. I put some distance between us, didn't answer calls or texts, ran into him through the first month and that's when I transferred here to Berktown. Harvey, you can't rush it. You loved Courtney enough to want to marry her and even three years after her walking out, you still have deep feelings for her. I still have some feelings for my ex, and they will always be there because Owen is my reminder that it was real. My ex and I made Owen, accidental of course, and our son will always bond us in a way. If that makes sense?" Ellie answered.

"I guess I understand that," Harvey looked back at the water where Karina and Owen were sitting in the sand trying to build a sand castle. "I'm not trying to rush it. I've accepted that it's over for good and I'll heal with time. Just sucks to wait," he added.

"A little tip, find something that keeps you distracted and makes you happy. For me, a distraction was knowing that one day there will be a guy in my life who loves me and my son, someone who wants to be there," Ellie looked forward at the two kids playing still. "As for what made me happy, it was being with my son. Owen always makes me smile,"

"I know the feeling, Karina can do the same for me. Being with someone else, though, not sure if I ever could. I'd always worry they would leave," Harvey looked down a bit.

"You can't think like that, Harvey. You say it now because you were hurt and that pain still lingers. But one day it won't and you'll meet a girl who will make you wonder why you ever thought Courtney was the one. I know that sounds awful but you have think about in the sense that if you and Courtney were meant to be, she wouldn't have walked out on you," Ellie reminded putting her hand on Harvey's while he looked at her hand on his, then at her. "Trust me," she smiled.

Finally, Harvey smiled back at her. "I trust you," The two stared at one another for a few seconds before the giggling of Owen and Karina snapped them out of it. Ellie pulled her hand from his lightly and Harvey wished she hadn't, he felt a lot of comfort in her touch. And for a brief moment, he wondered who Courtney was.

"Good. You'll see, Harvey. You won't feel like this forever," Ellie stood up. "I think we should join the kids," she added while pulling off her sun dress and Harvey saw her wearing a light blue two-piece.

"Yes, yes we should," Harvey said quickly recovering from admiring Ellie's beauty as he stood up and removed his shirt.

"Oh, um, could you possibly get my back?" Ellie asked holding up the bottle of sunscreen.

"Sure," Harvey took the bottle from her as Ellie turned and moved her braid out of the way while Harvey got some on his hands and began rubbing it along her shoulders and back.

"You have very gentle but stong hands," Ellie pointed out and Harvey laughed a little.

"So I've been told," Harvey replied while making sure he got the sunscreen on her lower back too. "There, all done," he added while stepping back.

"Thank you. Would you like me to do yours?" Ellie offered.

"Please," Harvey smiled as Ellie then began to apply the lotion to his back and shoulder, Harvey enjoyed her touch. When she was done, the two started heading for the water.

"Harvey?" came Courtney's voice.

"Ellie?" that voice sounded like Sydney's. Ellie and Harvey both turned to see the gang there. Ashlyn, Rylee, Andrew, Sydney, Courtney, Syrus, Dominic, Ford, and Tyler. "What are you two doing here?"

"Outing with the kids," Ellie informed with a smile while motioning to Karina and Owen playing in the water.

"Well, wonderful. Now we can all hang out," Ashlyn laughed. Harvey gave a smile but inwardly groaned. Great, so much for it being just him, Ellie, and the kids today.

"I'm sorry guys," Ellie suddenly stated as Harvey glanced over at her, "The outings with the kids are just us four. You're welcome to sit in the same area, though. See you in a bit," Harvey couldn't believe it. Ellie told them they couldn't join because it was hers and Harvey's things to get together and hang out with the kids. "Come on, Harv," she grabbed his Harvey's hand and headed for the water with him.

"Wow. Sounds like a date more than an outing, we just watched them put sunscreen on each other," Syrus remarked.

"Don't be ridiculous. Ellie and Harvey as a couple? Would never happened. We all know Harvey still cares about Courtney, it's why we don't see him outside of class," Dominic put his arms over his chest with an eye roll.

"It doesn't matter if he still cares about me," Courtney sighed as she put her beach bag down, "Harvey won't be with me again because I hurt him," she added.

"But, Court, you're basically saying that you don't care if he ends up dating someone else," Rylee said as Courtney lowered her head a little.

"I just want him to be happy, he deserves that after all the hurt I caused him. I'll always love him but if someone else makes him happy, then it would just go to prove that he and I weren't meant to be after all. They say that if you truly love someone, you have to let them go; if they return then it's meant to be and if they don't, then they were never yours from the beginning," Courtney said gently. Little did she know that Harvey had come closer to get something off the blanket and heard everything she said. Was Courtney telling the truth? Did she honestly want him to be happy? Had Courtney accepted his decision to not take her back and was trying to move on in her life too?

Harvey returned to the water with the kids and Ellie, laughing and having a good time with them. The friends set up close to Harvey and Ellie's area and mainly watched Harvey play with both kids, smile, and have fun. Since seeing him again back in September, they had never seen Harvey this laid back and happy. It was so different and weird because he wasn't like this with any of them. For nearly an hour, Harvey, Ellie, and the two kids were in the water and now the time was reaching lunch. A good thing too because after all that time in the water, they were hungry.

"Alright kids, lets get back to the beach for some lunch," Ellie instructed. Without argument, Karina and Owen made their way out of the water and onto the beach. Just as Harvey and Ellie were out, they looked back to see more waves coming in and the sky was darkening rather rapidly. There wasn't rain in the forecast today but hey, things happened. Ellie picked Owen up in her arms and hugged him tightly. "So much for a good day at the beach," she frowned looking at Harvey now.

"Who says we can't still have fun?" Harvey chuckled as Ellie blinked a little. Harvey ran towards the parking lot and then returned five minutes later with a long bag, he set it down and opened it up as he pulled out the object then began putting it together. After another ten minutes, they saw what it was: a canopy tent with vinal sides that allowed them see through. "Always come prepared," he shrugged.

"Well, you are certainly full of surprises," Ellie giggled as she and the kids walked in and started to dry off with their towels.

"I do my best, Mi'lady," Harvey offered a bow preparing to walk in but stopped seeing the others, finally, he sighed. "Grab your stuff and get in here so you're not caught in the rain. It's just a passing storm, be over in fifteen or so minutes," he told them. Without arguing, the nine of them got their things and got inside the tent. Harvey zipped it shut and Ellie handed him his towel, "Thank you," he started drying off while Ellie got their grinders out.

"Harvey, what would you like to drink?" Ellie asked him.

"I'll just do one of my beers; they are at the bottom on the right," Harvey replied. Ellie nodded and got him one as he took it and cracked the top open.

"You drink the same kind my dad does," Ellie stated.

"Mike's Harder Strawberry Lemonade?" Harvey arched a brow and she smiled to confirm that it was a yes. "I guess they don't really count as beers, but they are good,"

"Never tried it," Elli shrugged as she went to take a sip of her water bottle. Harvey chuckled as he held it out to her and she looked at him questioningly.

"Try it. You won't be disappointed," Harvey offered. Ellie took the can from him and tried some; then her eyes lit up with joy. "Told you," he winked as she handed it back to him. "I have more if you want one," he offered motioning to the cooler.

"You don't even taste the alcohol," Ellie mentioned, "Are you going to be okay to drive if you drink?"

"I'll be okay. Plus, I'm eating too. The bread will soak up a lot of the alcohol. Don't worry so much, El. I never get totally wasted unless I know I'm not going anywhere the rest of the day," Harvey chuckled.

"I trust you," Ellie replied as she gave a soft wink to him.

"Dada, listen music?" Karina asked him while eating her sandwich. Harvey got his phone out of his pocket and pulled up the music app then selected the FAVES playlist and let it play. The one nine were eating but not saying much, they knew that Ellie already stated that this outing was for her, Harvey and the kids. After fifteen minutes, it was still raining and no one seemed to care much about it.

"Hey, got the room for one more," came a familiar voice, Harvey turned around and saw Heather there, so he pulled the zipper up and let her in, the shut it.

"I thought you were busy today," Harvey asked.

"Everyone else was here, so I figured what the hell and came too," Heather shrugged.

"Auntie!" Karina cheered as she got up and ran into Heather's arms.

"Hello beautiful, are you having a fun day?" Heather asked as she rubbed noses with Karina.

"Ellie, Owen, and Dada are always fun, we do the bestest things," Karina smiled wide.

"I'm glad. Go on and finish eating now," Heather placed Kari down and sat down on the blanket to keep eating her ham and cheese sandwich. Heather noticed the others and how quiet they were, then she saw Ellie and Harvey just sitting there. How entertaining. Heather moved to Harvey's phone and started scrolling through his music.

"Heather, what are you doing?" Harvey asked.

"Putting on decent music," Heather replied as she turned it up and set it back down while Harvey rolled his eyes. "So how has the day been aside from the sporadic weather?"

"It's been great. Owen and Karina swam for twenty minutes; then we joined them for an hour. Weather changed and now we're here," Ellie smiled softly. "Once it clears up we're going to go back to swimming," she added.

"After we rest for thirty minutes. Don't need anyone cramping," Harvey chuckled.

"Yes, quite right. And you're a divine swimmer," Ellie cooed.

"It's one of my favorite things to do, swimming with the tidal class dragons is incredible. I haven't been to the beach since I was fourteen," Harvey relaxed on the blanket with his arms behind his head then closed his eyes.

"Well, then you're welcome for letting you relive your childhood memories," Ellie giggled some as she moved a piece of his bangs out of his face. "It's good to see you so happy again,"

"Honestly, it feels good to be this happy again. I suppose I owe that to you, Ellie. Thank you," Harvey looked over at her gently as Ellie blushed a little.

"Gee, I love you too, Harvey," Heather rolled her eyes at him. Harvey sat up and kissed her cheek as she nearly choked on her soda.

"Relax Heather; I owe you my life because, without you, I might not be here right now. You and our friends at the sanctuary," Harvey told her as Heather beamed and hugged him.

"Awe, you do care," Heather chirped.

"The storm is over!" Owen and Kari cheered as everyone looked to see that the rain had stopped and the clouds were headed North, blue skies were returning and the warmth too. "Come on, let's build a sand castle!" the two said at the same time grabbing their toys and unzipping the tent to get outside and start building. Harvey got up and offered his hand to Ellie who took it as he pulled her to her feet and smiled.

"Let's join them," Harvey told her.

"Absolutely," Ellie nodded and then they left to sit with Owen and Karina, helping them build their sand castle. Heather sat back watching, it was only a matter of time now. Ellie and Harvey were going to end up together very soon, Harvey wouldn't fight his feelings but the question remained if Ellie would fight hers. Heather could see them and that Ellie was holding back. Still, there was time for things to develop and they would the more time that Harvey and Ellie spent together.

The nine friends could only watch after coming out of the tent as Harvey and Ellie worked with the kids. They saw it, Harvey and Ellie kept exchanging glances at one another and smiling happily or engaging in light conversation. There was denying that the two got along well and liked one another. Harvey just admitted to being happy again and it was thanks to Ellie and Heather being there for him since Courtney's leaving. Perhaps their first thought wasn't so off, Harvey and Ellie could very well end up together.

All of them spent the entire day at the beach, swimming and having fun. Harvey and Ellie took the kids back into the water, jumping waves and having splashing fights. Harvey and Ellie were laughing and smiling the whole time. Finally, it was getting later as the sun began to set and the sight was breathtaking. Owen and Karina were sitting right on the waters edge watching the sun sink below the horizon. The friends were packing up and preparing to leave as Heather looked towards Harvey and Ellie, smiling softly.

"You know, I haven't been this happy in a long time," Ellie told Harvey while they were sitting back and relaxing. "Is it bad to say I have more fun with you than the others?"

"Is it bad if I say the same thing?" Harvey replied to her and she looked over at him curiously, Harvey looked at her gently and smiled, "I do enjoy spending time with you, Ellie. You're easy to talk to and always manage to make me feel better,"

"Oh," Ellie looked down a little and blushed. "Harvey, I have a confession to make and I hope you won't be too upset with me," she went on as Harvey's eyes widened a bit. "I was worried that you weren't okay after the camp out and wanted to find a way to check on you but I know I'm not allowed at the staff dorms and I didn't think you'd just answer me if I asked. But I knew you always went for play dates with the kids, so I set all this up to make sure you were all right,"

Harvey was a little taken a back by the confession. Ellie was worried about him so she set up the beach day just to make sure he was alright from the camp out two months ago? Well, true. Harvey had been down lately and sitting around his dorm except for classes. "Why so concerned for me?" Harvey asked.

"Because I've been where you are before and I know how much it sucks to love someone and have to walk away. I suppose I just don't want to watch you go through what I did. Also," Ellie paused looking over at Harvey, "I-I like you,"

Harvey was shocked, Ellie liked him? It was surprising and a bit of a relief at the same time for Harvey liked her too. What route did he go down? Tell Ellie he liked her back? It wouldn't be a lie but was he ready to pursue another relationship? There would be much to talk about before something like that came into the picture. Hearing Ellie sigh brought him from his thoughts, was she upset that he hadn't answered her? Taking a deep breath, he moved his hand to hers as she gasped a little and looked at him with slightly widened eyes. Heather heard the others shift behind her in shock of Harvey's actions as she put her arm out to stop them from making anymore noise.

"Ellie. If we're being honest here, it makes me happy to know that you were so worried you planned a play date to hang out just to check on me. I enjoy hanging out and talking to you, ever since that first night in the diner. When I'm with you, I can't help but smile. You always manage to get me to see the brighter side of things and I don't feel the pain of the past," Harvey stated, "What I'm saying is that I like you too,"

"Y-You do?" Ellie asked and Harvey nodded to her as the friend's eyes went wide. Harvey and Ellie like one another and just admitted it!? Courtney felt her chest tighten a little, though she had wished for his happiness, it hurt to see him basically move on. "Well, I guess we should probably talk about things then. I mean if you're interested in possibly dating, I'm okay with whatever,"

"I would like to be with you but there are things to discuss first, seeing as it's already late, we can get together another night with just us and talk. For now, I believe both kids are tuckered out and need dinner, a bath, and bed. Is that all right with you?" Harvey asked.

"Of course, that's fine with me. We can go after the sun sets," Ellie smiled and Harvey did the same and then they moved closer together as Ellie laid her head on Harvey's shoulder and he placed his head on hers. "This has been a perfect day,"

"I couldn't agree more," Harvey replied as he was already feeling better about his choice to admit that he liked Ellie as she apparently liked him. There was still much to figure out, but as Ellie had put it, the day had been absolute perfection.