I understand that this is fanfiction, but if you feel awkward reading for certain reasons then please don't read this or wait till you feel better to read it. I'm worried about you guys and I don't want my writing to make anyone feel bad. So only read if you feel you are content with this. Or go read some fluffy fanfiction.
I'm sorry if that sounds weird but I don't like making people cry so much... I'm sorry.
Alright I'm done I'm done being weird.
Jack's subtle movements woke Hiccup as he tried to slip off the bed. He turned around and tucked the blanket around Hiccup gently, kissing his forehead. "Hey, I have to go but I promise I'll be back, alright? I won't miss a day. I promise." His fingers were cool against Hiccup's lips as he traced his mouth lightly. "So just get some rest and I'll be back as soon as I can Hiccup. Okay?"
"Okay," Hiccup whispered. "I love you."
"I love you too. Hiccup I love you." Jack kissed him and kept looking over his shoulder as he left. With one final wave, he was gone.
Curling up tighter in the blanket, he struggled with cuts and bruises. Mainly it was the pain in his leg that was bothering him. That's right. I'll never be able to walk like before. He pulled the blankets over his head. I'm going to be an even bigger freak than I was. Val flashed before his eyes and he felt a tug at his chest. Nothing is like it was. Everything is breaking apart.
"Hiccup?" He stirred at his name, peeking out from the blankets to look at his dad. "Is everything alright? Does it hurt anywhere or should I call a nurse?" Stoick was awake, looking like he hadn't slept at all. Knowing him, he probably didn't.
Rolling painfully onto his back, Hiccup stared at the ceiling. "I'm okay," he lied. There's no need to worry anyone. He closed his eyes trying to fall back asleep, but found he couldn't without Jack around him. Suddenly feeling cold and unprotected he stayed awake, eyes closed but conscious of everything. There was a profound sense of loss both because of Val and his leg. He knew they were missing, but it just wasn't registering in his head and he couldn't fathom an emotion. Eventually he just drifted off into a sort of half-sleep half-awake state, trying to figure everything out in his mind.
There was a knock on the door and for a split-second he thought it was Val. His heart thumping in his chest until he looked and saw Old Wrinkly with Toothless in the doorway. They had grocery bags of gifts, the plastic straining under some of the weight. "We brought all the gifts aside from-" He stopped and coughed putting the bags down on a chair. "I don't know what you want to do with them."
Stoick leaned his elbows on his knees and ran a through his hair. "I'll have to figure something out," he muttered. "Furvus?" Toothless looked at him, his usual cheery eyes hollow. "Did you sleep well?" Nodding he went over to Hiccup and without a word laid down next to him, pressing against his side lightly. "Thank you for watching him," Stoick said as he watched him.
"It was fine." Old Wrinkle waved him off, going to sit down. "He slept in your bed; I didn't think you would mind." Hiccup looked down at Toothless and saw his eyes water as he moved closer to him. No wonder he smells like Mom's perfume, he slept on her side… didn't he? He lifted his hand and found Toothless's fingers, holding on tightly. "Hiccup, how do you feel?"
He thought of all the possible things he could say. All the possible lies he could tell to make them believe he was fine. Old Wrinkly would know. He would always know. So instead of lying, he cleared his throat and kept his eyes on the ceiling. "My leg hurts." Toothless seemed to shrink from his legs, giving a worried look. "You're okay," he insisted, "it's just-" Just what? Just the fact that right now I have a stump where my foot should be? Merry Christmas to me. He quickly yelled at himself internally and shifted. Val would be telling him how lucky he was to be alive… if she was alive. She would be making everyone laugh and smile, trying to cheer up the room. He felt sick and made a gurgling noise in the back of his throat.
"Hamish, if you're in pain just tell us and we can call the doctors." Stoick stood and left the room, calling out for a nurse before Hiccup could stop him. He came back in with a male nurse and motioned to his son with a sweep of his arm. "His leg is in pain, is there anything you can give him?"
The nurse went over to the clip board hanging on the edge of the bed and read through it, clicking his tongue every now and then. "I should be able to give him something, just give me a minute and I'll be right back." He gave Hiccup a once over and left the room.
Is there medicine for not being able to feel anything? Hiccup brushed his thumb over Toothless's knuckles, feeling how rough they were from him running around. Is there a pill to make you feel something aside from pain? He tried to make patterns in the ceiling, finding there weren't any that could tell him what he needed to know. Old Wrinkly moved one of the bags. "Why don't we open presents? Maybe that will help." Help what? Hiccup pursed his lips. He could understand where his grandfather was coming from, but it seemed like nothing was going to help him.
"Toothless," he said, "go open your presents it's okay." I can at least try to be okay.
Toothless crawled off the bed and went to Old Wrinkly. He got handed all his gifts and was back by Hiccup's side. The nurse came in with a tray. Two little pills in a cup and some water to wash them down. He took them without a second thought and everyone's attention was turned back to Toothless. He tore into Hiccup's present slowly. It was a sleek black dragon he had crafted out of clay. "Thank you," he said quietly.
"It was nothing." Hiccup watched him pick up another present, a slim, rectangular one. It was a video game but it was the tag that made Toothless stop mid-rip. It was from Val, hearts written by his name. He put it down and stared at it, unsure what to do with it. "Don't you want to see what it is?" He asked, though his own voice felt monotone.
"I already know what it is," he whispered.
Stoick looked like he was on the brink of tears once more. "Furvus, what are you talking about?"
Toothless moved the present farther away, making a face that seemed like he was the one in need of pain medicine. "She always gets me what I want," he explained. "But I don't want that anymore." There was the question going around through everyone's head. Hiccup felt as is if his lungs suddenly shrunk when his brother spoke, voice unusually small. "I want her back."
After a good minute of silence, Stoick stood and left the room, covering his forehead with his hand. Hiccup lowered his eyes so they were on his hands he had folded in front of him. He dug his nails into his skin and tried to think of anything else aside from Val. Since when did we become so broken?
Old Wrinkly came over to Toothless and cupped his face in his frail hands. "Furvus, now you hear me, alright? Your mother is gone but she will always be in our hearts. You remember that young man. She will always be with us no matter where we go." He shook him a little and they were in a staring match. "She may not be able to come back but she will always watch over you. So you behave for her. Understood?"
Hiccup looked away as Toothless nodded, lowering his head. He picked up another present, one from Stoick and began to open it, acting as if nothing ever happened. But the small tears in the corner of his eyes showed everything.
Tooth was busy talking with Bunnymund in the living room, waving her hand in the air as Jack came in, face pale. "What's wrong?" She asked, going over to him and checking his eyes. "Is Hiccup alright?"
Jack made a noise that sounded like he was in pain and rubbed his eyes, turning away for a moment. "He's pretty banged up and…" His stomach rolled at the memory of what he felt under the blanket. During the night when he shifted his legs, he expected to hit Hiccup's foot, but there wasn't one. It was just empty space and while both Hiccup and Stoick were sleeping he brushed his fingers over the blanket, feeling the stump. It must have been horrible.
"That's terrible," Tooth whispered. Bunnymund looked between them and she touched his shoulder. "Hiccup was in an accident over the weekend, but it seems he'll be alright."
Jack tried to speak again but his voice caught in his throat. "V-Val…" He started and lost courage when Tooth looked at him. "She… she didn't…" He just shook his head and Tooth covered her mouth with both hands, eyes over flowing instantly. "I'm sorry Mom." They had become so close and now…
Bunnymund quickly took his sister into his arms and held her as she cried into his shoulder. "Retina, shh. Just calm down now." He looked at Jack with sympathy in his pale eyes. "I'm sorry Jack," he said kindly, "I truly am sorry to hear all this. I hope Hiccup is alright."
"I hope so too," Jack murmured. He fingers wrapped around the snowflake out of habit and he felt a fresh wave of emotions roll through him. "He seemed so distant when I visited," he admitted. "I'm worried." What if he's never the same old Hiccup again? I can't lose him now.
"Well, we're all here if you need us. Hiccup too." The large man rocked Tooth slowly, her cries stifling down to sniffles every now and then.
` Emma came into the room slowly, as if approaching a wild animal. She saw Tooth crying and her brown eyes went wide, looking at Jack. He closed his eyes for a moment and then faced her, trying to smile but it crumbled quickly, eyes burning with more tears. "Hey Squirt. Listen, I'm going to be at the hospital a lot with Hiccup so you can keep yourself occupied, right? You can play video games down stairs anytime you want while I'm away." She nodded and he knelt down so they were eye level. "Hiccup is going to be okay, it's just going to be a while before he's completely healed. So when he comes back we're going to have to make him happy again."
"But what about you?" Bunnymund caught Jack's eye. "Are you going to be alright?"
He hugged Emma since she was starting to cry. The Overlands were more emotional than other families he guessed. All they seemed to do was cry. What else can we do though? "I'll be alright," he said. Emma was shaking in his arms and he kissed the top of her head. "Hey, why don't you show me all the presents you got today? Maybe I can even open mine and we can see who got the better gifts." She rested her head against his chest and muttered in agreement before walking off.
Bunnymund finally got Tooth to calm down. "Are you going back to the hospital later?"
"Yeah, I promised I would visit him every day," he said simply. "I'm not going to break that promise." Looking to where Emma walked off, he sighed. "Is Dad around?"
Tooth wiped her eyes and took in a shuttering breath. "He was upstairs putting something away last time I saw him." Bunnymund rubbed her back and she coughed, pushing her hair from her face. "I'm alright Ester, I just need a moment."
Jack left the room and went upstairs, trying to find Emma. He checked in her room and then their parents, finding her enclosed in North's arms, holding her tightly. "Dad?" He walked over to them, realizing how their family was affected by Val's death. They had barely known each other yet the car accident was making a bigger impact than he thought.
"Jack," North called. "I just heard from Emma. I'm sorry."
"Yeah." He said since he couldn't think of anything else to say. All he wanted to do was shower, eat and then get back to Hiccup. He knew his family was probably with him, but that didn't mean everything was alright. There was something wrong with Hiccup, like he was suppressing his feelings or something and Jack wanted to make sure everything was alright. Or at least as right as they could be.
And he would stay with Hiccup until he was sure of it.
When most of the presents had been open, the Haddock family sat in the carnage of what was left. Torn wrapping paper was everywhere and gifts lay all over the bed. There wasn't a smile on anyone's face as they exchanged thanks and began to clean up. The doctors had came in again and changed the bandaging around Hiccup's leg. They also said that since he was showing signs of improvement so quickly, he could be moved into another room. He was hefted into a wheel chair and wheeled to another section of the hospital that was meant for recovery. There were others he saw that were in worse condition than him, but he didn't know their stories and they didn't know his.
He was finally settled when they brought him lunch and he ate until he felt sick. It wasn't much really to get him there. After they took away what was left of his food, Spitelout and Snoutlout actually came to visit. They looked uncomfortable as they spotted Hiccup and then Stoick. The two brothers went out into the hall to talk while Old Wrinkly kept an eye on the children, mainly Snoutlout as he approached his cousins.
"Uhm," he stuttered, "hey."
Hiccup looked at him. "Hi." Toothless looked like a cat backed into a corner, his back hunched and defensive. "Merry Christmas." There was no joy in either of their tones.
"Yeah," Snoutlout said. "I'm sorry about your mom and your…" His eyes fell on Hiccup's legs and the room swelled with silence. "My dad brought your gifts here so you could open them."
"Okay." He tried to calm Toothless down, shifting so they both fit side by side. "Your gifts are here to. You can open them whenever." Snoutlout nodded and walked to the chairs that were sitting along the wall. They weren't the hard plastic kind like in the other room; instead they were cushioned and big.
Stoick came back in with Spitelout trailing him, both of them looking tired. "I am sorry Hiccup," Spitelout said, "I hope you recover quickly."
"Thank you." He shrugged and Toothless leaned against him. The dark haired boy seemed to be sticking closer to him than usual and he just assumed it was because he was grieving for their mom. He never really wanted to ask seeing as Toothless was already in such a fragile state.
"So what are you going-" Spitelout started to speak but someone pushed past him to get into the room. "Excuse me?" He snapped, watching the stranger go straight to Hiccup.
"Hiccup," Jack murmured. "Hey, how are you." Ignoring everyone in the room, he kissed him gently, taking his face into his hands and bringing their lips together. "I'm sorry I'm so late, I couldn't find your room and then I was running around. But I'm here now." They kissed again and broke apart when Stoick made a noise. "Hello Mr. Haddock," he greeted.
Spitelout grabbed his brother's arm and squeezed it tightly. "What is going on here?" Snoutlout was just as shocked, mouth open and his eyes wide as stared at Jack. He made a babbling noise and moved in his seat, not sure what to do. Old Wrinkly didn't seem surprised in the least, folding his hands on top of his lap. Jack gave a small smile when he winked, finding he was the man who had helped him the day before. Hiccup was more worried about Toothless and what he would think. But when he looked at the boy, there didn't seem to be any confusion passing through his features.
"Everyone, this is Jack," Stoick announced. He cleared his throat multiple times before speaking again, motioning to Jack. "He is Hamish's… They are…" His hand fell back to his side.
"I'm his boyfriend," Jack clarified. Hiccup looked up at him and relaxed when their eyes met. Spitelout dragged his brother outside once more, their voices clashing in the hallway. Jack started taking off his jacket and threw the bag he brought to the floor. "I missed you. Are you alright? Did you eat anything yet?" Hiccup nodded. "Are you feeling better then?"
Toothless climbed off the bed and went to sit next to Old Wrinkly. Hiccup moved over and Jack sat next to him, both of them leaning back against the pillows. Their hands found each other and they weaved their fingers together. "You didn't have to come," Hiccup said, "it's Christmas. You probably had things to do with your family." He was arguing but his grip on Jack's hand said otherwise.
Jack kissed him for what seemed like the hundredth time, but for Hiccup there would never be enough. "No, my family understands and they send their love. Even Bunnymund." He smiled, blue eyes shining. "Besides, I said I would come every day. I'm not going to back out on a promise." Bringing their intertwined hands up, he pressed his lips to Hiccup's knuckles. "I love you."
Snoutlout was sitting a few feet from them, still like a statue. All those years he had made fun of Hiccup for being gay and now he was witnessing it for himself. Old Wrinkly and Toothless were in the room as well and Hiccup could have shied away and played dumb. He could have laughed it off and pretend to sleep. He could deny everything he was since he had been doing that for almost three years. Instead, he fit his head against the curve in Jack's throat, nuzzling him. "I love you too," he whispered.
"I can call Astrid later and tell her you're okay, but I think your dad has been contacting them. Is there anything you want me to tell her?" Jack kissed the top of his head, burying his nose in his brunette hair. I'll do anything you want Hiccup, just tell me and I'll do it. I won't hesitate.
Hiccup tried to think of something. He knew she was probably panicking over everything. She was the perfect friend to him. "Just tell her I love her and I'll call her as soon as I get out." Jack made a slight face and he narrowed his eyes. "What?"
The white haired teen looked away for a moment, lowering his voice. "I don't know. I just don't like you saying that to anyone outside of your family and me," he muttered. Hiccup felt a rush of blood to his face and wondered when did it feel so nice to have someone get jealous over you. "But it's alright. I'll call her and tell her. Don't worry." He gave that warm smile. "Is there anything you want? I can buy you something if they'll let me bring it in."
"You don't have to," Hiccup said. "You probably have school work to do and other things. Isn't Jamie worried about you?" I want you to stay here. I don't want you to leave. "You should really just go do the things you need to do. I'll be fine." I'm lying. Please don't listen to me.
"No," Jack said flatly. "I said I'm not going to leave and that is a promise. I'll just bring my school work here and you can help me. Jamie knows what's going on and understands that I need to be here." His smile widened and Hiccup felt like things were almost back to normal. "So don't worry about me. Just lean on me and we'll get through this." Hiccup you don't have to worry.
Snoutlout made a noise and stood. "I-I'm just going to go find my dad and um…" He disappeared without another word and Jack pursed his lips. He left their gifts behind in his hurry to get out.
Hiccup had completely forgotten others were there. It had just felt like it was him and Jack alone. I shouldn't feel this happy, he thought angrily, I should be crying. I should be screaming or something. I can't be happy now. Not with everything like this… No. He closed his eyes and Jack let go of his hand so he could slip his arm around Hiccup's waist. Why do you make me feel like this? Jack's body was warm and he leaned into it, jaw clenched. Why can't I just cry like everyone else?
Stoick came in and looked at them, catching Jack's eye. "Your uncle and Snoutlout went home, but they hope you recover." Hiccup muttered something to Jack who whispered something back, gliding his fingers over his freckled cheeks. Stoick pursed his lips and turned to Old Wrinkly. "Why don't we go get lunch in the hospital cafeteria? Furvus, I'm sure you're hungry."
Toothless stood and grabbed Old Wrinkly's hand. They looked at Hiccup. "He just needs to rest, come along Furvus." He wheezed, pulling the boy to the door gently.
"When will he be better?" Toothless asked softly.
Old Wrinkly bent down so they could look at each other properly. "His body will heal fast, but his heart will take some time." His clear, marble-like eyes flicked to Jack. "But there will be people to help him with that." He stood up straight and gave a small smile. "We'll all take some time to heal. It's like our hearts got small tears in them, but Val is in there, sewing us back up." Toothless blinked at him and he tilted his head to the door. "Well let's go get something to eat."
They left and Hiccup nudged Jack. "Go get something to eat with them," he said.
"No," Jack replied quickly. I'm not going to leave you.
Hiccup frowned, moving so he could look at him straight on. "Go eat. You probably haven't eaten anything healthy. So go and get something now."
The older teen shook his head and grabbed the remote that moved the bed up and down. He reclined it so they were on their backs and he rolled onto his side. "I told you, I'm not going to leave you. I'll eat later, but for right now," he smiled, "I'm right here."
With a small sigh, Hiccup came into his arms and they held each other. "Thank you Jack." For not leaving. Jack just kissed him, first his eyes, then his nose. He moved down to his lips slowly, taking his time. Hiccup dug his fingers into his back, afraid that if he let go something would happen. "I love you."
Jack kissed him, breathtakingly sweet reminding Hiccup that he wasn't alone. "I love you too."
So, uhm, yeah...
Kisses and unicorns
~Shi