A Complete Turnaround

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

Still Young

=Astrid's POV=

{Saturday, February 12, 2022-4:25 pm}

(Berk; Haddock Manor)

I finally understood why Hiccup got pissed off that day in November and ended up socking Eret in the face for talking about Olivia leaving Hiccup. And I think it finally made sense now the morning after Hiccup brought me here to live at Haddock Manor, why he said what he did about not letting those assholes talk about the situation they didn't understand. Olivia did leave Hiccup, but not the way they were teasing Hiccup about. Olivia was sick and had passed away shortly after marrying Hiccup in the hospital. This is why Hiccup rushed away from Dragon Training after getting a phone call; it was because of Olivia, and he had to be at her side when she went. My heart went out to him, and right now; I didn't blame Hiccup for any of the things he said that day at lunch because he had every right to be upset. I'm not sure if the wedding was legal or not, but I didn't think Hiccup cared; he just wanted that moment with Olivia because he loved her. As it stood, Dagur and Snotlout were trying to urge us from the basement to give Hiccup some time alone. Though, I wondered if this is where Hiccup had been since giving Runa to Olivia's father. Has Hiccup been down in the basement watching videos of Olivia, Runa, and himself? Is this why Hiccup said the day Dagur brought Runa to the school that he and Runa were still adjusting to life without her? And it was coming to mind now; is this the reason Hiccup sang that song when my and my former friends and ex were stuck here for two days, then Hiccup walked away with Runa into the nursery. Was it all to do with Olivia passing?

Of course, that last part didn't make sense. Olivia had still been alive when we were stranded here. Or was it that Hiccup knew Olivia didn't have long left?! Oh, my Gods; that would explain everything. Olivia must have been sick for a while, and Hiccup knew that Olivia wouldn't be with him and Runa much longer, so he had been preparing for the goodbye! I've never seen Hiccup cry, and it broke my heart to see how upset he was on the couch right now.

"Come," Dagur told me.

"He's mourning, as his friends you should be comforting him," I mentioned.

"If he wanted comfort, he would have acknowledged we were here. And I'm sure he does know, but it's clear he wants to be alone right now, so we will respect that," Dagur remarked as we got into the elevator, then the doors closed as we returned to the main level.

. . .

(Main Level)

We reached where the adults were, and they noticed us right away.

"Did you find him?" Stoick inquired.

"Aye, Uncle Stoick…We did," Snotlout informed.

"Well, where is he?" Gobber wondered.

"In the basement, mourning…" Heather frowned.

"On a scale of one to ten?" Valka questioned.

"Right now, about a nine. He was watching the wedding," Adelaide stated gently.

"I'll go talk to him," Valka put her hand on Stoick's arm, then left his side to speak with Hiccup.

"He's not having an easy time with it, is he, brother?" Spitelout looked at Stoick.

"No, but that's to be expected when you love so deeply and have to let go; even though Hiccup knew months in advance what the diagnosis was. Olivia got sick right before she found out she was pregnant and chose to continue the pregnancy knowing it would weaken her without the medications that could have saved her life. We knew it was only a matter of time after the birth of Runa," Stoick sighed.

"I never asked back then, but I curious; was that wedding real?" Gobber inquired.

"Every bit of it. I got the forms for parental consent that two seventeen-year-olds marry. And as a lawyer; I legalized it. Val got the bands that her parents wore for them to use. The chaplain performed the ceremony correctly; there were plenty of witnesses present. So yes, Gobber; for a brief few moments, Hiccup was married to Olivia," Stoick stated. Wow, I couldn't believe it. Hiccup did get married, and Olivia was his wife. "It's what Olivia had wanted when she first told Hiccup about the illness; to be able to do everything she could before she went. No matter what; she just wanted to act as nothing had changed to have a normal life like anyone else. Olivia told Hiccup that she wanted to have Runa, and for them to get married to live whatever days they had left together as husband and wife. Hiccup said he wanted to marry her when he turned eighteen, but when the time was running out; we didn't deny them," Stoick added afterward.

Five minutes passed as Valka returned to her husband's side. "How is he, Val?" Frida, Spitelout's wife, asked.

"Heading to his room to get ready," Valka informed.

"What did you say to him?" Stoick asked.

"Don't you worry about what I said, Stoick. I got him to calm down and start getting ready for tonight," Valka stated.

"Fair enough," Stoick replied.

"Can I ask a dumb question?" Gruffnut spoke up.

"Better than anyone I know," I muttered.

"Zip it, Astrid. What is tonight for?" Thuggory questioned.

"Uncle Stoick was elected the new Mayor of Archia Isle. Tonight is that celebration, and it's also Aunt Valka's forty-seventh birthday," Snotlout remarked.

"Oh," the six said understanding now.

Stoick checked his watch. "It's going on 4:40 pm and people are starting to arrive. Why don't you kids go make sure Hiccup is almost ready?" he said.

"Sure thing, Mr. Haddock," Ruffnut smiled as once more, the group, all of them, moved back upstairs.

. . .

{Hiccup's Room}

"Hiccup?" Dagur said, knocking on the door.

"Yeah?" Hiccup replied.

"We good to come in, brother?" Dagur questioned.

"Sure," Hiccup called back. Dagur opened the door as he walked in, then the others. "Really, them too?"

"It was your dad's idea," Fishlegs mentioned.

Hiccup sighed; his eyes were still red and puffy from crying. "Whatever, I don't even care. Find a spot and get comfortable; I still gotta shower,"

"Because that takes you long to do," Tuffnut chuckled. Hiccup rolled his eyes as he moved into his private bathroom, then closed the door.

. . .

Seven minutes passed before Hiccup stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, then moved directly across the small hallway to get into his walk-in closet. As the clock hit 4:52 pm, Hiccup came out wearing a black shirt and pants. The shirt was tucked in, and a belt already in place. Hiccup sat on the edge of his bed to slip on the black socks and dress shoes. After tieing the laces, Hiccup stood to slip his arms into a gray vest, which he buttoned closed. Following that Hiccup grabbed the silver tie to put around his neck, then tied that in place and adjusted the collar of his shirt. Hiccup finally got the black jacket off the hanger and placed his arms in, then set it on his shoulders properly. Hiccup's hair, for once, was brushed down in the back and on the sides, but the front was swept over the right side; there was still a little wildness to it.

"You know, it's weird to see you in colors other than brown or green," Heather pointed out.

"It's fucking weird to see me in a suit…I hate this formal shit," Hiccup muttered.

"But you look hot," Ruffnut said.

"Sadly, I'm gonna have to agree," Nadia mentioned.

"And this is why I hate suits…" Hiccup sighed.

"Why? Because you get complimented?" I wondered.

"Because it seems to be the only way people notice me; I'm ignored otherwise for being a loser, remember? I don't exist unless I stand out of the crowd, and I hate doing that," Hiccup informed. "A suit shouldn't make the difference in being seen or not," he added. There was another knock on the door. "What?"

"It's starting, son. You ready?" Stoick asked as he walked in. "Is that the one your mom wanted you to wear?"

"I was going to wear the brown one with a green shirt and black tie, but It's her birthday, so how could I deny her request?" Hiccup replied. It was no they noticed that Hiccup and Stoick were wearing the same suit. Stoick was in black pants and a shirt, gray vest and tie, black shoes.

"I'm sure she'll be thrilled. Anyway, you remember what I told you during introductions?" Stoick inquired.

"Yep," Hiccup nodded. "I'm escorting the guest of honor,"

"Who is that?" Eret asked.

"Astrid is because she's the former Mayor's daughter," Hiccup informed. "Everyone out!" he added. Everyone got up and moved out of the room, then downstairs. Hiccup saw his mother waiting for Stoick.

"It's time," Valka smiled brightly.

. . .

=Normal POV=

{5 pm}

(Ballroom)

Standing before the doors of the Ballroom, Stoick stood with Valka's arm linked to his. In the same form, Astrid was next to Hiccup.

"And now, friends, family, and guests…We present to you your new Mayor of Archia Isle, Stoick Haddock!" someone announced as Valka kissed Stoick's cheek, then removed her arm from Stoick's as he walked inside the cheering and applauding room full of guests.

"Thank you, thank you. It is an honor to be representing the island, but I can assure you that I couldn't have done this without the love and support of my family and friends. Most of them are right here, but there are two others who need to be recognized. First, I give you beautiful wife, Valka Haddock," more clapping as Valka entered the room and took her place on Stoick's right side. "And secondly, I present my only son, who will be coming in with tonight's guest of honor, the daughter of a man we all know, love, and miss. I give you my son, Hiccup Haddock the Third, escorting Astrid Hofferson!" Stoick called as Hiccup and Astrid both walked in and took the left side of Stoick; Hiccup first and Astrid after him. There was clapping as Astrid hated being recognized this way, the former Mayor's daughter.

"So can I just get my gifts to you and mom out of the way now?" Hiccup asked his father.

"It can't wait until after dinner?" Stoick questioned.

"Dinner isn't for another hour…" Hiccup mumbled.

"As you wish then," Stoick nodded as he gave Hiccup the microphone, then had Astrid go with him and then led Valka and Astrid off to the side. Hiccup held the device in his hands, tapping the top a bit.

"Can I get everyone's attention up here, please? Yes, thank you," Hiccup started as everyone quieted down and looked forward. "Alright, so tonight is pretty big for my dad becoming Mayor and all, but it's also my mother's forty-seventh birthday. So, as my father put me in charge of the entertainment, which will be music for you all; I thought we might kick it off with a little something I've prepared for them. But first, I have one song for both; something they taught me growing up to make me into the young man I am today. So Mom, Dad; this is for you…"

Hiccup moved to the laptop on the stand hooked up to two speakers. Dagur and Snotlout got two chairs to have Stoick and Valka sit down on in the middle of the floor before Hiccup, who pressed a button as the room stayed quiet.

"You know there's a light that glows by the front door. Don't forget the keys under the mat. When childhood stars start shining, always stay humble and kind," Hiccup began as Valka instantly held Stoick's hand, leaning her head on his shoulder while both smiled proudly. "Go to church cause your mama says too. Visit grandpa every chance that you can. It won't be wasted time, always stay humble and kind," Hiccup continued as the music picked up a bit.

"Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie. I know you got mountains to climb, but always stay humble and kind. When the dreams your dreaming come to you. When the work you put in is realized. Let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind," Hiccup sang. Snotlout handed Valka a tissue when she began tearing up.

Things softened again. "Don't expect a free ride from no one. Don't hold a grudge or a chip, and here's why. Bitterness keeps you from flying; always stay humble and kind. Know the difference between sleeping with someone, and sleeping with someone you love. I love you ain't no pick-up line, so always stay humble and kind," Hiccup went on as Stoick turned his head to kiss Valka's forehead, then they looked back at their son performing.

"Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie. I know you got mountains to climb, but always stay humble and kind. When those dreams your dreaming come to you. When the work you put in is realized. Let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind. Yeah!" the music continued as Hiccup grabbed his guitar that had been sitting off to the side, beginning to play along until it softened to almost nothing again. Hiccup took a breath. "When it's hot, eat a rootbeer popsicle. Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that Summer sun shine, always stay humble and kind. Don't take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you're going; don't forget to turn back around. And help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind." The music ended with a little guitar tune. Instantly, Valka and Stoick were up and clapping. Soon after, the rest of the room followed suit.

"Oh, that was wonderful, son!" Valka exclaimed.

"Well, you two were the inspiration. I got raised on those morals, and still live by them to this day," Hiccup reminded with a smile. "And now…if you'll take your seats again…I have your separate gifts to give. Mother, you first…" Hiccup added as he changed the song while Valka and Stoick returned to their chairs. A projector screen dropped from the ceiling, and Hiccup turned it on, then the projector turned on and showed Hiccup's computer screen as he was clicking through files until he found one that said; Mom's Birthday Gift, clicking it twice, it brought up the video player. "Frigga, dim the lights, please?"

"Dimming the lights."

The first thing seen after Hiccup maximized the window on the screen was an opening message. For the woman who gave me life, and whose love knows no bounds; this is for you. Happy Birthday, Mom! Hiccup clicked the start button as the music began with just a piano; then other instruments joined in. On the screen the first picture shown was Valka, seventeen years ago, holding her newborn son, which was Hiccup. After that, it showed Hiccup in the NICU of the hospital, hooked up to wires, tubes, and monitors.

"It takes a lot to know what is love. It's not the big things, but the little things that can mean enough. A lot of prayers to get me through, and there is never a day that passes by I don't think of you. You were always there for me. Pushing me and guiding me, always to succeed," Hiccup started.

"You've shown me; when I was young just how to grow. You've shown me; everything that I should know. You've shown me; just how to walk without my hands…Cause Mom you always were; the perfect fan," Hiccup sang. The video was endless pictures of Hiccup's first year of life with his mom and dad, even some with Gobber, Spitelout, Frida, and a younger baby Snotlout. A younger Fishlegs, Alvin, and Termagant showed up a couple of times too. Valka was already crying, but smiling too.

"God has been so good. Blessing me with a family, who did all they could. And I've had many years of grace. And it flatters me when I see a smile on your face. I want to thank you for what you've done. And hope I can give back to you, and be the perfect son!" Hiccup continued as Stoick held his wife closely.

"You've shown me; when I was young just how to grow. You've shown me; everything that I should know. You've shown me; just how to walk without my hands…Cause Mom you always were; the perfect fan," Hiccup took a breath as the music lifted. "You've shown me how to love. You've shown me how to care. You've shown me that you will always be there. I want to thank you for that time…And I'm proud to say you're mine!" Hiccup sang out in a high pitch that most didn't think he could do. During that last bit, it sounded like there were others singing with him, but it was just Hiccup by himself with different levels of music meshing together.

"You've shown me; when I was young just how to grow. You've shown me; everything that I should know. You've shown me; just how to walk without my hands…Cause Mom you always were; the perfect fan. Cause Mom you always were…Mom you always were…Mom you always were…You know you always were…Cause Mom you always were; the perfect fan," the music fell to a finish as Hiccup approached his mother, kneeling before her with a smile. "I love you, Mom,"

Valka through her arms around Hiccup, hugging him tightly and balling with tears. Hiccup stood up with her, hugging back. The video finished with a collage of pictures; just Hiccup and his mom. It was a touching video, and it showed that Hiccup put a lot of work into it. Every photo scene was something from Hiccup's life growing up the last seventeen years.

"I love you too, son. Thank you; it was beautiful, and I demand a copy!" Valka insisted.

"Already burned you a disc with the song and slideshow," Hiccup presented her with a square, wrapped gift. Valka smiled, kissing Hiccup's cheek, then the two separated with all the clapping. "And now, Dad…For you…A little something from an old memory when I was about four," Hiccup grinned. Suddenly, Stoick paled.

"Hiccup…" Stoick warned.

"It's nothing bad, I swear. I wrote something based on your raising me but how I remember it," Hiccup chuckled as he changed the video to something that had been labeled; Dad's Gift. Just like the one for Hiccup's mom, he prepared something for him and his father too. The music started fast-paced.

"Driving through town; just my dad and me. With a happy meal in my booster seat; knowing that I couldn't have the toy until my nuggets were gone. A green traffic light turned straight to red; he hit the breaks and mumbled under his breath. My fries went flying, and my orange drink covered my lap. And then at four-years-old; I said a four-letter-word. It started with S and dad was concerned. So he said, son, now where'd you learn to talk like that?"

Instantly Stoick face-palmed, but he smiled, and so did Hiccup. "I said; I been watchin' you. Dad, ain't that cool? I'm your buckaroo; I wanna be like you. And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are. We got cowboy boots and camo pants. Yeah, we're just alike, hey, ain't we, Dad? I wanna do everything you do…Cause I been watching you," Hiccup sang.

"So it was you who he learned to say that word from!" Valka pointed at her husband.

"Hey, I…It slipped!" Stoick defended himself quickly.

"Well, your son just busted you, my friend," Gobber laughed.

"Thanks, son…" Stoick said. Hiccup just winked.

"We got back home, and Dad went to the barn; he bowed his head, and he prayed real hard. He said; Lord, please help me help my stupid self. Then that side of bedtime later that night, he turned on my Scooby-Doo nightlight. I crawled outta bed, and I got down on my knees. I closed my little eyes, closed my little hands. Spoke to God like I was talking to a friend. And my dad said; Now, son, where'd you learn to pray like that?" Hiccup continued as Stoick just smiled, shaking his head and smiling.

"I said; I been watchin' you. Dad, ain't that cool? I'm your buckaroo; I wanna be like you. And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are. We like fixing things and holding Mama's hands. Yeah, we're just alike, hey, ain't we, Dad? I wanna do everything you do…Cause I been watchin' you," Hiccup sang the chorus again.

"With tears in his eyes; he wrapped me in a hug. Said his little bear is growin' up. And I said; but when I'm big, I'll still know what to do…" the music slowed a little. "Cause I been watchin' you. Dad, ain't that cool? I'm your buckaroo; I wanna be like you. And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are," the music picked up again. "And I'll be strong as Superman. We'll be just alike, hey, won't we, Dad. When I can do, everything you do…Cause I been watchin' you. Hey, yeah. Oh, oh…" Hiccup finished.

One more, the room erupted into applause and cheering. Stoick got up and hugged Hiccup tightly. "I'm proud of the man you've become, son," Stoick said.

"Thanks, Dad. I guess I had a pretty good teacher," Hiccup smiled. The hug ended as Hiccup got the projector off, the screen up, and the lights back to normal. "And with that…It's time to celebrate!" Hiccup called out as he got more music playing and set the microphone back to it's stand before going to stand with his friends. Astrid smiled a little; Hiccup was definitely a very talented man. Four songs in one night, all of which had meanings to specific moments in his life that meant a lot. So far, things were off to a good start, but the night was still young; who knew what else could take place.