A Complete Turnaround

Rated; M
Pairing; HiccupXAstrid
Disclaimer; I do not own anything HTTYD related. Everything belongs to its original creator.

The Hand Of Kindness

=Astrid's POV=

{Monday, January 31, 2022-12:35 pm}

(Cafeteria; Archian Preparatory)

I still couldn't believe that Hiccup showed up Eret, Ragna, Gruffnut, Camicazi, Nadia, and Thuggory at Archia Burger. It was hilarious to watch them struggle for two hours and have no idea what they were doing despite the endless boasting that they could do the job better. Customers had been more than understanding when Hiccup explained things about why orders were messed up, and everything was taking a long time. At the end of it, Hiccup made them apologize to me, then leave the building. After the total embarrassment of those seven was over; we all got back on position to keep working. It's been a few days since, and now we're on the last day of January. I still can't believe that it's been two months since my parents got killed in the house fire; two months that I lost my house, and ended up with nothing. Stoick is still working to find a loophole in the legal system to get the wills of my folks enacted, but I knew it might take a while. It didn't matter since I'm living on the streets with just my one suitcase of clothes, and a few memories I didn't want to lose.

I have my job at Archia Burger, but I only work two or three days a week. Hiccup mentioned that it's slow in the Winter time, and didn't start picking up until April at the earliest. It sucked, but at least I was working and would be fully trained for when it did get busy. The places that I stayed varied on the weather. Sometimes it was under a bridge, other times it was in the Archian Isle Park. I hated it, but unfortunately, paying my $50 phone bill and getting food at school, or on the weekends took most of my money. I've done motel rooms a couple of times if it was unbearably cold and snowing, and that used a lot of cash too. So, most of the time; I'm on the streets, trying to stay hidden from the sight of others so no one would recognize me. Getting showers was harder now because the school figured out that someone was sneaking in and using the locker room showers. To prevent this; the janitors kept the locker room doors locked until 7:30 am when the day began. Thankfully, instead of Health Class now; we had Physical Education, and were allowed to shower at the end.

The gym teacher, Mr. Sven Silenson would release us ten minutes before the next bell to allow time for the shower, if anyone wanted it. So five days a week; I was able to get clean this way. However, sometimes; I couldn't even get a shower in because there were only four available and the other girls would get to them first, and take up the entire time we had. Saturday and Sunday was another story. I didn't use makeup anymore; there was no point. Getting my clothes clean was also a chore; I finally caved and begun started using the laundry mat; this takes money too. I have to get detergent, wash, and dry; that's $10 every week since I use the ridiculously small dryer, which takes a few cycles. I hated living this way, but what choice did I have? Until things turned around for me; this was it. I've done all I can, but I officially have nowhere else to go. No shelters, no home, no friends, a job I can barely support myself on. Honestly, I wondered why I'm even still fighting to stay alive anymore. I never understood why some people killed themselves, not until I had to live this way. Now I can see why people would rather be dead than live the way they do. And the worst part is…All of this happened outside of my control. Day after day, I struggle to find a reason why I'm still here.

In school; it's no different. I sit alone at lunch. I'm barely passing my classes. I don't have anyone I can talk to. I just…don't seem to be able to care anymore. I've officially hit a point where I don't want to keep doing this. What did I have left? Nothing. Nobody would miss me; they'all just say I couldn't cope, and hey, that's not far from the truth. Right now, I'm at lunch in school. I sit at a table on the other side of where Hiccup and his friends are. I don't like being near my ex-friends, and I avoid them as much as possible. And still, every chance they get; they give me shit. Shoving me around, tripping me in the hallway, taking shots at me during gym but saying it was an accident. It never stopped, and it's another reason why I want to end my life. At the same time; something is keeping me here. I don't know what, but it has to be. If I were meant to be dead; I would have been killed with my parents in that fire, right? I was supposed to be home that night, but I snuck out, and that fire was intentional. I inadvertently escaped death by sneaking out to go to Eret's. I still think people are trying to kill me, though.

I was beaten up not too long ago walking to the shelter. And today, on my way to school, someone was following me closely. I felt them grab my backpack, but I jerked away and got onto school grounds. By the time I turned, the person was running off down the street. It scared me because I knew now that obviously I'm being targeted. Something Stoick mentioned the day we went over the will. Maybe I should go to the police about it? I didn't know anymore. Perhaps I should let it happen; someone could put me out of my misery. I sighed as I took another bite of my sandwich. I didn't see the point in living anymore.

"Astrid?" I snapped from my suicidal thoughts to look over and see who said my name. Hiccup.

"Yeah?" I replied softly.

"So we've had a couple of call-outs already; I'm trying to find covers, so we don't get our asses handed to us. And I was wondering if you would like to work tonight from 3:30 pm to 10:30 pm?" Hiccup inquired softly. "I know it's your off night, but I remember you saying you wanted whatever we could give you,"

"Oh, sure. No problem," I smiled at him.

"Great. I'm going right there after school. Uh, you can ride with me if you want?" Hiccup asked.

"Um, yeah…Thanks, Hiccup. Should I meet you in the lot after Dragon Training?" I questioned.

"That works. See you at 2 pm then," Hiccup smiled, then went back to his seat. Well, I guess I was working tonight. It was better than sitting around I suppose. Five minutes later, I spotted Dagur coming into the school with Runa in his arms. Why did Dagur have Runa? After checking in, Dagur turned around and headed right into the cafeteria with a very upset little girl.

"Dagur? What are you doing here?" Heather asked quickly.

"Dag? Roo?" Hiccup got up quickly, taking his daughter from Dagur.

"Your mom had to go into work on an emergency an hour ago and asked me if I would take Runa until 1 pm. However, your mom is now stuck there because it's going to take longer and I can't get Runa to calm down…I'm sorry…I didn't know where else to bring her, Hiccup," Dagur explained.

"It's fine…It's okay," Hiccup insisted, but I could see how worried he was. Hiccup got Runa's pacifier from the bag that was on Dagur's shoulder, then he gave it to Runa, positioning her in his arms to rock her to sleep.

"I tried feeding, changing, burping, the cold rag because of the teething…" Dagur listed off. However, Runa seemed to be settling in her father's arms. The cries were light, but nearly as bad as when Dagur had her, and Hiccup used the sleeve of his shirt to wipe the tears away.

"Ssh, Lil Lady…It's okay. Daddy's here now. Don't cry…" Hiccup soothed while bouncing his arms and swaying side to side. "She's still adjusting, Dag…Same as me. Doesn't feel right without her," Dagur nodded, understanding. But I didn't get it. Without who? What was going on with Hiccup that only a few people seemed to know about? I guess it wasn't my place; I had my own shit going on.

"If you ever leap awake in the middle of a bad dream. And for a fraction of a second, you can't remember where you are. Just open your window, and follow your memory upstream. To the meadow in the mountain where we counted every falling star. I believe the light that shines on you, will shine on your forever. And though I can't guarantee there's nothing scary hiding under your bed. I'm gonna stand guard, like a post card of a Golden Retriever. And never leave until I leave you with a sweet dream in your head…" Hiccup began singing softly. I couldn't help but listen in; Hiccup sang well. And there was nothing more attractive than a man being a good father to his daughter regardless of the situation.

"I'm gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow. Gonna paint a sign so you'll always know. As long as one and one is two..Ooh Ooh…There could never be a father loves his daughter more than I love you," Hiccup smiled a bit, rubbing his nose to Runa's. The baby smiled with the binky in her mouth, reaching up to touch Hiccup's face.

"Trust your intuition, it's just like going fishing. You cast your line and hope you get a bite. But you don't need to waste your time, worrying about the marketplace. Trying to help the human race, struggling to survive it's harshest night," Runa yawned, her eyes becoming heavy and beginning to droop in exhaustion.

"I'm gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow. Gonna paint a sign, so you'll always know. As long as one and one is two…Ooh Ooh. There could never be a father loves his daughter more than I love you," Hiccup took a breath, then began again as Runa snuggled into her father's arms more. "I'm gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow. Gonna paint a sign, so you'll always know. As long as one and one is two…Ooh Ooh. There could never be a father loves his daughter more than I love you," Hiccup sang as Runa was fast asleep in his arms, cuddled close to his chest, and gripping his shirt in her hand.

"Definitely a Daddy's Girl," Snotlout mentioned.

"How are we going to do Dragon Training? Your mom can't take her, and your dad is…Well, you know," Dagur asked. Why didn't Dagur say why Stoick couldn't take Runa?

"Dagur; it won't be a secret soon; we're just keeping it on the down-low to avoid the press. Personally, I don't care who knows. Either way…I need you at Dragon Training for the arrangement to be legal. At least until the end of February when I turned eighteen, so we'll just have to have Runa with us," Hiccup stated. "I only have one class between this and training, so I'll keep her with me," he added.

"As long as you're sure; I'll get the field ready," Dagur nodded. Hiccup sat back down in his chair, adjusted Runa a little more, then began eating again as if nothing changed before Dagur brought her there. I went back to eating my food and minding my own business.

. . .

=Normal POV=

{10:40 pm}

(Archia Burger)

Astrid had never worked a seven-hour shift before, but it wasn't bad overall. 5:20 pm to about 8:00 pm was the busiest time, and then she helped with closing. Archia Burger was only open from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm. Opening for just the workers was at 8:30 am, and closing began at 8:30 pm. Nice and even times for everything. Astrid was tired and ready to get some sleep. It had begun snowing outside around 7:45 pm, very light fall and just beginning to stick to the ground.

"Good work tonight crew," Hiccup told his night staff. It was Astrid, Hiccup, Mikkel Haugen, Colden Kongur, who is Ander's older brother, Signy Ostberg, and Garet Raseri.

"See you all tomorrow!" Colden called as he hurried to his car across the lot.

"Bye!" Signy waved as a car pulled up with her older brother driving; Signy got in and then they were gone. Colden left in his truck, and then Garet and Mikkel hopped on the bus which picked up on the sidewalk facing the main road. Now, it was just Hiccup and Astrid remaining.

"Thanks for working tonight, Astrid," Hiccup said.

"Oh, no problem," Astrid replied gently. "Well, goodnight, Hiccup," she added before beginning to walk away after zipping the coat and pulling up the collar around her neck. Hiccup watched a moment or two, then he got into his Jeep, started it up, and headed out of the parking lot for Archia Burger. Astrid walked in silence to her place for the night, under a bridge right by the building; it didn't take more than five minutes to get there. Astrid pulled her suitcase out of it's hiding place, and quickly changed out of her work uniform, then prepared for bed. Unfortunately, the snow was falling heavier now and she might have to find somewhere else to stay. By 10:50 pm, Astrid was on the move again to find a dry, warm area.

. . .

Hiccup didn't feel right about leaving Astrid to walk when the weather was getting this bad. Hiccup pulled a U-Turn at the next legal place to do it, and he went back towards Archia Burger to see if he could find Astrid. By 11:10 pm, he had no luck. Sighing, Hiccup prepared to leave, but just as he did; he caught sight of Astrid just up ahead. However. What he saw; he didn't like. Astrid was shivering, walking slow with her backpack and drawstring bag on her back, and a suitcase being wheeled behind her. Hiccup watched Astrid turn down into an alleyway. Hiccup carefully drove up to the spot, and got out of the Jeep with his flashlight after parking on the side of the road. Hiccup made his way into the place he saw Astrid go, and spotted her under an awning, laying on the ground with a thin blanket over her, trying to stay warm.

"Astrid?" Hiccup asked. Instantly, Astrid sat up to see Hiccup standing there.

"Hi-Hiccup…I-I…" Astrid began. The stammering was all Hiccup needed to know Astrid was reacting to being caught in her predicament that she clearly didn't want others to know. Astrid was homeless and living on the streets. Everything Hiccup saw right now is what gave him all he needed to figure that out.

Crouching down, he extended his hand to her. "Come on,"

"Come where?" Astrid asked.

"With me to my house," Hiccup stated.

"Hiccup, no…I'm f-fine…" Astrid protested.

"Astrid, this is no time to be stubborn! You can stop the act, alright? Seeing all this; I figured it out. Now, get up and come with me," Hiccup told her.

"It's not your job to take care of me!" Astrid stated.

"Astrid, you will freeze to death out here! This storm is going to get worse!" Hiccup yelled.

"I'll be okay!" Astrid countered.

"No, you won't! Stop arguing with me! You will end up mugged, raped, or dead; I can't walk away knowing those possibilities. Okay? You need help, so don't push away the one person who is offering a helping hand! Shut your mouth, get up, and let's go! I'm not giving you a choice anymore!" Hiccup glared angrily. Wanting to cry, Astrid held back the tears, then put her hand in Hiccup's as he lifted her to her feet. Astrid shivered some as Hiccup grabbed her three bags, then carried them towards his Jeep with Astrid following. "Get in," Hiccup ordered as he put her things in the back seat.

Astrid got into the passenger's side and struggled to stop shivering. Hiccup moved into the driver's seat, closing his door, then cranking up the heat for her. Hiccup clipped his seatbelt, and Astrid did the same. Hiccup threw his gear into Drive, then headed for Berk. Astrid didn't say a word the entire time; she was just staring out the window. Hiccup knew he could have been a bit nicer about it, but this was serious. Hiccup hadn't known how bad Astrid's situation was until tonight when he decided to go back and offer her a ride. Hiccup couldn't walk away after seeing what he did because at that point; anything that happened to Astrid would have been his fault for not stepping in when he knew something was wrong.

. . .

{11:45}

(Berk; Raven Point Hills-Haddock Manor)

Between the slow drive from the city to Berk, then up to Raven Point Hills in the snow; it was about 11:30 pm when Hiccup's Jeep reached the gates of Haddock Manor. Hiccup scanned a badge card from his wallet, then the gate opened to allow them inside. Hiccup parked his Jeep in the Motor Court within his spot inside the garage.

"You really don't need to do this, Hiccup…" Astrid sighed, not looking at him.

"Enough, Astrid," Hiccup stated calmly, but it seemed like he was angry at her. "I've had my suspicions for a while about your situation, but after seeing what I did tonight; I couldn't walk away from it. Alright? You're homeless and were living on the streets. You were going to end up severely hurt or dead, and that is not something I could ignore. Now, I don't want to hear any more about this. You are staying here until you get back on your feet and can survive SAFELY out there,"

"Since when do you make decisions regarding me?" Astrid questioned, a bit stunned at what Hiccup said.

"Since you decided to start making stupid decisions. You have nothing left, Astrid, and you've gone as far as you can without help. Tonight, you needed it desperately and I chose to be the one to give it. I'm sure it's not something you're used to as of late with everything that happened, but this is what compassion, sympathy, and kindness are. Stop fighting me, and just accept that everyone needs a little help sometimes. The faster you do that; the better things will be. Now, it's late, and we can talk about this in the morning," Hiccup told her.

Astrid sighed again, nodding. The two got out of the Jeep and got Astrid's bags. Getting inside the house, Hiccup took Astrid upstairs to a room across from his parent's. Hiccup opened that door and set Astrid's things on the edge of the bed. "This will be your room," Hiccup stated. "You have your own personal bathroom, there are towels and bathrobes in there. So, why don't you grab a hot shower, and get some sleep? Alright? Are you hungry? Have you eaten today besides lunch?"

"I ate at work…" Astrid replied. "I'm not hungry right now,"

"Then take the shower, and get some rest. We can talk more in the morning," Hiccup said, then he backed out of the room and closed the door. Astrid looked around the room; she couldn't see much from the one light on the nightstand by the bed. Honestly, though; she was just tired and would shower in the morning. Astrid still couldn't believe Hiccup came looking for her and forced her to come with him. And at the same time; she was grateful and shocked that Hiccup of all people had extended a helping hand to her in a time of desperate need. Astrid changed clothes, set her alarm, then climbed into the bed and knocked out moments later.