Change Of Heart
Pairing; Hector & Briana(Hiccup X OC)
Rating; M for Mature
Disclaimer; I do not own HTTYD or the songs I might use.
21. From Himself
{Normal POV}
{Two Weeks Later}
Finals Week had arrived the students of Berk Isle High School. For the next five days, the students would be testing, and for the Seniors; it would mark their last exam to decide if they graduated in June or not. Officially, it was only three weeks away now, and the twelfth graders were more than ready to be done, and move on with their lives beyond high school. However, while everyone else was studying their hearts out, one senior was not; Hector Haddock. The eighteen-year-old couldn't bring himself to focus on his studies for finals, and at the same time; he worried very little about the end result. There had been many instances where Hector proved he could completely zone off, then look once and know exactly where they were. Also, Hector knew more advanced things and proved that too in his Algebra class. No, Hector wasn't worried about it one bit. Every day was the same for him; wake up, shower, go to school, do very little work there, then go home, and aimlessly wander around the empty home. Glenn had his own place, so he couldn't always be there to keep him company, and the school friends were studying up for finals. Hector did venture out to the city most nights and hang with his gang. Although, his mood didn't alter much there either.
Hector would sit on the couch with Toothless at his feet and either enjoy a cigarette, or light beer. Hector wasn't smoking weed or drinking anything hard because he wasn't in the mood, plus, he knew if he indulged in those harder things; then he would lose self-control, and he'd break down from the loss of his parents. Hector didn't want that so he wouldn't go crazy, but he would lay back enough to relax and try to take his mind off what happened. It never lasted long. The sadness always came back at some point, and there was nothing he could do about that. Mourning the loss of your parents wasn't easy, and coping was even harder. Tonight was a Saturday, and Finals started Monday morning bright and early at 6:30 am. Hector decided to go into the city with Toothless; he could use a little company. Hector pulled up on the bike to see things set up like a block party. Toothless jumped off as Hector kicked out the stand, then shut it off, and removed his helmet.
"Hector!" the Hell Drakes greeted as they made their way over to greet him.
"Hey, bro! Didn't think we'd see you tonight," Ryder smiled as Hector connected his hand to Ryder's, then the others though, some turned into hugs.
"Needed to get out for awhile," Hector shrugged.
"Don't you have exams?" Dimitri inquired.
"On Monday," Hector replied.
"Staying out with us?" Sawyer wondered.
"Haven't decided yet," Hector sighed.
"And how are you doing on everything else?" Derek questioned.
"Rather not talk about it if that's cool," Hector closed his eyes.
"Then how about a beer?" Kayne put his arm around Hector's shoulder.
"Something stronger, please?" Hector gave a half-smile.
"Soco and Cola it is," Ethan chuckled. Hector relaxed a bit now; yeah, he could always count on these guys to understand him if nobody else did. The group led Hector into the heart of the party, and Aaron handed him the drink he loved so much. Hector just hoped it was enough to keep him from slipping more into his depression. No matter what he did; nothing took away the pain of knowing his parents had been gone a month next week. Nothing took away how badly it hurt to know they were dead, and not coming back. Hector spent his time talking with friends; having a few cigarettes and taking hits off a joint that was shared between a few people. Hector had been there for two hours, and it was 7 pm now.
"Hector! There you are," came a familiar voice. Hector looked up to see Harper there along with her other friends. Well, Hector guessed he could say they were his too since the wake and funeral two weeks ago.
"I've been here for two hours. There are only about twenty-five others; how could you miss me? I'm the only one here with auburn hair and green eyes," Hector retorted.
"We just got here. Derek invited Harper, and she asked if we wanted to come too," Alyssa informed.
"Surprised he wants her here. There's a deal going down in ten minutes," Hector mentioned.
"Sis! You came," Derek smiled as he hugged Harper.
"Dude, why'd you invite them?!" Victor smacked him upside the back of the head.
"What? It's not like they don't all know the truth?" Derek countered.
"We've got a handoff in ten!" Ethan reminded.
"Oops. I forgot about that," Derek muttered.
"It's no trouble; they'll be okay. Everyone else here is just partying, and you guys can handle your business with the other gang," Xavier stated.
"I'll safeguard them and cover you from Xavier's, boss," Hector stated to Dimitri who looked unsure of letting those unfamiliar with things be in the open area where things could go bad at the drop of a coin. "I am your eyes after all," he added.
"Aye, that be true," Aaron nodded in agreement.
"You up for it, Hector. You've been inactive the last few weeks," Jeremy asked.
"I'm good," Hector stated firmly.
"It's settled then," Dimitri stated.
Hector finished his drink, then motioned for the friends to follow him. While walking by Kayne, the man handed him a spare gun. "Watch our backs, bro," he instructed.
"As you've always had mine," Hector nodded as he entered the house behind the rest, then closed the door. Hector set himself up on the couch by the window that looked out to where his boys would be. After assuring his angles, he gave them a thumbs up. Hector checked over the gun, then slid the clip into place before pulling back the top to load it. "Stay quiet, and if I tell you to get down; do it," he told them.
"Got it," the friends nodded.
"There shouldn't be anything going wrong, but we prepare for just in case," Hector informed then focused his attention outside while keeping himself slightly to the side, but peering out too. Hector put a small earpiece in that had a microphone across his cheek. "Raseri to X; you got two vehicles coming in straight, one each on left and right,"
"Good eye, Raseri. I see 'em. It's a hand-off, don't need four cars for that. Stay ready," Xavier replied. Hector knew that Xavier and his guys were on watch too, and if anything looked off, they alerted one another. The Hell Drakes could hear as well, but they wouldn't reply to make things seem normal.
"I'm ready," Hector responded as he held his gun up, but made sure it was out of sight from the window. "Lead car has five passengers, one driver. One driver and two passengers each in the others," he informed while holding up a pair of binoculars. "Two armed in the lead. Driver and passenger in each of the sides are armed as well. Leader's weapon is in the front of the belt. His guards are armed with their's under their coats, right side in a holster. Passengers of the sidecars are ducking on the sides with rifles. The third person in the lead vehicle has a handgun, and so do the drivers of the sidecars,"
"Oh, you're good," said one of Xavier's members.
"I'm not eyes and infiltration for no reason, y'know," Hector scoffed a bit. "Rifles are both semi-automatics," he added. Hector watched as the exchange started; it was supposed to be drugs for money. Hector checked in the inside of the briefcase with his binocular/goggles; something didn't feel right to him suddenly. "Don't hand-off,"
"What's up?" Xavier asked.
"My gut says something isn't right, guys. Check their cash first," Hector warned while watching to see what Dimitri would do.
"Something wrong, my friend?" asked the leader of the opposing gang.
"I want to see the money," Dimitri remarked.
"Oh, come now, Dimitri. We've had dealings in the past; you know we're trustworthy," the man chuckled some.
"I had dealings with Jax, not you. Sorry, nowadays, we check everything before exchanging. So open it up, and we can get on with this," Dimitri stated. The male gulped as he had the man on his left step forward and open the briefcase.
"Make the call, Raseri,"Xavier said.
"Fake bills, boss. No watermarks and the shade of green is too dark," Hector responded.
"What game are you playing? You think I can't tell that it's fake cash?" Dimitri huffed. Hector saw the man get nervous and move his hands to his waist.
"Krow, Jo, Viggo, Trecher, Savage, Ryker, and Crusher move your hands slowly to where your weapons are but do not draw them," Hector instructed. The five males did as they were told while the other gang members were going to go for theirs.
"I wouldn't do that to you," the man tried.
"Not buyin' it. Get outta here before you get hurt. No deal," Dimitri scoffed as he snapped his fingers and the Hell Drakes prepared to walk away. As soon as Hector saw the two rifle wielders take up their positions; he knew shit was about to hit the fan. The right guard to the leader pulled his gun as Hector's eyes widened.
"Scatter!" Hector yelled. "Get down, now," he told his friends. A shot rang out, then Hector returned fire. Three shots to at the places where the leader and his guards were. Hector shot the two sidecars, making the rifle members jump back, then take refuge in their vehicles.
"RETREAT!" one of the males from the lead car called. Hector fired two more, and hit the leader on the side, but nothing that would be fatal. The other gang tried to return fire, but Xavier and his members jumped into action. Hector watched as one gun fired from the lead car, and someone yelled out in pain. Soon, the other gang was gone.
"Ethan's been hit!" Derek said quickly, kneeling before his friend.
"Fuck. Stay in here," Hector ordered the friends, then he hurried out the door to check on Ethan. "Bring him to Xavier's so I can get a better look," he told them. Dimitri took the drugs case, then Ryder and Victor helped Ethan into Xavier's house. "Here, set him on the couch," I motioned. The boys lowered Ethan down as I inspected his arm. "Just a graze, my friend. You'll be good as new in two-three weeks. You got a first-aid kit, Xavier?"
The man nodded as he went to get it, then returned a few moments later as Hector cleaned up the blood with a warm rag, then cleaned it out with rubbing alcohol. Hector put some gauze next, then wrapped the arm tightly, and tying it off. "Thank you, Hector," Ethan panted a little.
"You're welcome. Give him a Percocet that should take care of the pain," Hector replied, but then he noticed Derek walked slowly, trying to catch his breath while holding his side. However, the guy was trying to make it seem like no big deal. "Derek? You alright?"
"Huh? Y-Yeah, I'm okay," Derek said, and then he stumbled a bit. Kayne and Sawyer caught him, and Derek cringed a bit. Hector moved towards Derek and made him move his hand from his side only to see blood coating his hand, and Derek's shirt.
"You idiot! Why didn't you say you were hurt!" Hector scolded. Of course, Harper was instantly concerned for her elder brother.
"I-I was worried…about Ethan…" Derek forced out.
"You're useless to worry about someone else if you end up dying from blood loss, dumbass! Towels, and hot water now," Hector demanded. "Lay him down, carefully," he said next as a spot was cleared on the couch and two towels were put down. Sawyer and Kayne put Derek down as Hector moved Derek's shirt out of the way. Harper was crying, being consoled by Alyssa and Rylee. Hector grabbed one of the thicker dishtowels, then placed it over the wound while holding firm pressure. "Aaron, come hold this for a second," Aaron did so as Hector hurried outside and got something from the sidebar from his motorcycle. Hector made it back inside as he knelt down in front of the couch while placing the box on the floor next to him. Hector began pulling things out as the others watched.
"I-Is he…going to live?" Harper whimpered.
"Rest assured that I won't let him die because as soon as he's healed; I'm kicking his ass for not saying anything," Hector stated while grabbing a needle, then a small bottle of something. Hector put the needle in the top, then turned it upside down as he pulled the plunger down to add the right amount. Hector pulled the needle out, then flicked it a couple of times to get the bubbled out. Hector had Aaron move the towel only slightly so he could get closer.
"H-Hey, what are you doing?" Derek asked. "I-I don't like shots!"
"Are you seriously afraid of a fucking needle?" Hector asked as Derek nodded. "You can shoot up Heroin in the arm, but you can't handle a needle on the side?!"
"It's different on the side! It hurts!" Derek protested.
"No shit! You got shot," Hector told him. "Look, it's just something to numb the area, okay? Ketamine," he sighed. Derek nodded as Hector inserted the needle and Derek flinched. Hector pushed the plunger in until the liquid was gone. Hector pulled the needle out and set it down as the rag was changed out.
"How bad is it, Hector? W-We should go to the hospital," Alyssa insisted.
"And tell them what? My friend got shot in the side during a drug deal gone wrong?" Hector rolled his eyes.
"Hector! He could die with a wound that deep; it's not just going to close! It needs stitches!" Harper screamed in fear.
"And what the hell do you think I'm gonna do? Go get a drink of water, and chill. I told you; I won't let him die," Hector said as he pulled out a curved needle, stitching thread, and some other things. While Hector waited for the Ketamine to kick in, he was working on clearing away as much of the blood as he could. Hector poked Derek a few times with the needle. "Can you feel that?"
"Feel…what?" Derek asked.
"Good. Now, try to relax a bit. Aaron, dab when I tell you to," Hector said. Aaron nodded as Hector got started with stitching, and telling Aaron when to dab the area clear of blood. It took a bit, but Hector finished. Hector cleaned the area, then he put gauze pads over the stitches, then he wrapped it carefully with a white ace bandage, then followed up with a thicker, brown one. Hector cleaned everything up, then closed the box after putting his things away. Hector cracked a beer open, then sat back on the couch while taking a sip. "Let him sleep," he said when Harper got close to ask how Derek felt.
"B-But," Harper began.
"Let him rest, Harper. Derek will be fine as long as he takes it easy and doesn't bust the stitches. The guy is lucky that bullet only ripped through his side and left a deep graze because I'm not equipped for anything bigger," Hector informed. "And don't look at me like that. Yes, I know how to treat wounds. Learned plenty from my mom, who is…was a Veterinarian, and Glenn, who was a Marine Medic/Mechanic,"
"So if it were larger, or worse, we'd have to go to the hospital?" Briana asked.
"Nah. Just my house where the rest of the stuff is. Gangs typically lose members who get badly wounded because there is no way to get them medical treatment without revealing where the injury came from. That would generally end in a lot of people getting arrested. No cops, no hospitals; that's a rule. Right next to the one about staying loyal or dying a traitor," Hector stated.
"That's correct. Members of a gang know the risk of dying if a deal goes bad, like tonight. Derek didn't say he was hurt because he didn't think anything could be done to stop what would come; the worst case is that he died from infection or blood loss," Sawyer sighed.
"However, none of us anticipated that Hector here was medically trained," Xavier chuckled.
"And that's always a bonus for a gang; having someone who can treat injuries. So I believe, Hector, that medic just got added to your title of Hell Drake Infiltrator/Eyes & Ears," Jeremy laughed a bit.
"I'm a man of many talents," Hector shrugged as he relaxed and took another drink from the beer.
"Saved our butts tonight, just like against Sons of Odin," Ryder said. Hector sighed heavily.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Dimitri inquired.
"Those guys were Sons of Odin. I recognize them from that night I showed up and stopped their ambush. I might have told the cops that SoO was my gang, and where to find a large majority of them, but some are still skulking around on orders from Rex to find who got them popped," Hector closed his eyes. "They weren't here for a deal; it was to look for a supposed traitor. It was to find me,"
"Well, they might be looking for who got them arrested, but they don't know you talked, right?" Kayne asked.
"I don't know. There's a slight chance that they could have seen me, but I don't know for sure. Aside from losing my parents, and mourning; I've been staying away to try and protect you guys. As long as I'm around, and unsure if they know who said something; you're in danger because of me," Hector turned his head away. "Even if they don't know I got them put away; Rex knows I messed up his ambush on you all, and I'm sure he's been seeking revenge on me for it,"
"That doesn't matter to us, lad," Aaron mentioned.
"It should matter to you. I'm a walking target, and you guys by association are targets," Hector muttered.
"Hector, it doesn't matter because we're still here because of you. What would have happened tonight if you hadn't been hiding out to watch everyone's moves? Those guys could have shot us, taken the drugs, and their fake cash to trick someone else with. It didn't happen because you were here to call everyone's position, and you trusted your gut when something didn't feel right," Sawyer said.
Your specific skill set combined with us makes us next to invincible against enemy gangs," Victor interjected.
"And remember that you also protected us when Rex was going to ambush us," Jeremy added.
"You got yourself caught by accident when you stayed back to cut the power, and stash our stock. And even then, you protected us by giving up another gang. When you got out, you didn't come right back to keep us safe because you knew the cops were likely following you. Hector, regardless if you're a target or not; we'll stand with you, and keep you safe. You've had our back, and we've got yours, no matter what," Dimitri smiled while putting his hand out. Hector connected his to Dimitri's, then the same with the rest. Hector smiled a little now, finishing his beer, and relaxing; he truly did have the best friends in the entire world. However, even with all this; depression from losing his parents was taking over, and they couldn't save him from himself.