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.

53. I Have To

{Normal POV}

{December 25, 2017}

Thanksgiving had not been easy to get through. However, as much as it hurt Hector to have to deal with Thanksgiving when his parents weren't there; his Godfather, girlfriend, gang, and friends made it bearable by all being at his house when he returned from the cemetery. Yep, they completely surprised him by cooking things at their own places and bringing it all over to Hector's, setting up the tables and chairs, and shocking Hector when he walked in the door wondering why everyone was over. Briana was the one to explain that she saw Hector in his parent's room after the brief discussion about Thanksgiving, and knowing it would be difficult for him. Briana organized the entire thing; to make sure Hector would see that he still had a family to celebrate with. Hector ended up crying, genuinely thankful that he had these people in his life who went out of their way for him. It was a good day overall, but still hard for Hector. Everyone knew that when they caught Hector leaning on the doorframe to his parent's room or staring off into nothing while sitting on the couch. Unfortunately; the group knew there wasn't much they could offer to Hector except giving him his moment to reminisce and join them afterward.

For Hector, when Thanksgiving was over; he started researching things about Heroin and Cocaine withdrawal so he would know what he was getting himself into. Yes, Hector was planning to get clean a second time; only he wasn't going to tell anyone. When Hector went through all this in juvie; it was a medical detox that he barely remembered and ordered. This time, no. Hector would do it himself to say that he did it because he wanted to. Glenn's words made Hector realize that if he ever wanted to be proud of himself for everything, then he needed to beat this and get his life on track. How could Hector become the man his parents wanted him to be if he was still acting like the boy that disappointed them? How could Hector make them proud when he went back to drugs when unable to cope with losing them? Hector would be nineteen in February and it was time to be a man; the one his parents knew he could be if he tried hard enough because they raised him well and to do the right thing. December 1, 2017, Hector started the addiction detox on his own. It was everything he read about, and he got stupid sick for about two weeks, but Hector did it. Hector played everything off like a stomach bug and the flu back to back because the symptoms weren't all that different.

Between Cocaine and Heroin; the withdrawal symptoms were fatigue, nausea, chills, runny nose, shaking, yawning, sweating, and abdominal pain. There was also some mild irritation and depression, but Hector kept those to himself, and just asked to be left alone so no one got sick. It lasted a total of about eleven days for everything, but after it was over; Hector felt better. Hector still had a few drinks; only beer, though, and a cigarette here and there. Hector started getting back into the things he loved to do; drawing, writing music, playing his instruments, everything. Honestly, it felt like he was beginning to heal. In other updates; Rylee and Ethan were a thing now. Thaxter and Alyssa too. Harper and Flynn were doing great. Briana was living with Hector full-time. Yes, it happened when Hector was still dealing with the tail-end of getting clean.

/Flashback/

Day seven of the drug withdrawals for Hector, but for everyone else; he was just sick with the flu. Hector was sitting in his father's recliner, head drooping to the side when the friends and gang realized that Hector was asleep.

"Hey, let's keep it down. I think Hector's out," Ryder informed them. Quietly, they looked over to see the sight. Briana grabbed a blanket and carefully put it over her boyfriend, then checked his forehead.

"Still running a fever," Briana sighed.

"Stomach bug and flu back to back has to suck," Flynn mentioned.

"Out of curiosity here, Bri; why are you still here?" Alyssa wondered.

"What do you mean?" Briana questioned.

"Well, it's just that you initially agreed to live here because Hector was protecting you from Rex and Sons of Odin. That's been over since two weeks before Thanksgiving and here we are almost a month later, and you're still here," Harper pointed out.

"I was going to go back to my grandparent's place, but then Hector got sick and I felt like I should take care of him as he did for me," Briana enlightened.

"So when he's better, you're moving out?" Victor inquired.

"It's not practical to continue living together if we don't need to," Briana stated.

"Don't go there, Briana. It wasn't practical for you to have sex with him before you two were even going out," Rylee rolled her eyes.

"Are you suggesting I continue living with Hector?" Briana remarked.

"It's not like you two are ever apart," Aaron shrugged.

"And Hector enjoys your company," Kayne added in.

"Hector and I have only been together for a month as four days ago," Briana protested quickly.

"And how many times have you two made love since you started dating?" Cassandra grinned. Briana's face lit up with a blush.

"Stop giving her a hard time, guys," Hector's voice cut in as he lifted his head and put a hand on it, hating the headache and nauseous feeling he had right now. "And the answer to the question is no business of yours. Briana doesn't need to live with me anymore; she's safe and it's not like I'm far away if something bad does happen," he got up slow and started making his way towards the bathroom.

"Hector?" Briana said as Hector stopped and looked at her. "Do you like me being here?"

"Of course, but initially, the arrangement was set so I could protect you, and you've stayed thus far to make sure I'm alright. I love you being here, brings me a joy you wouldn't believe and don't get me started on the fact I adore waking up with you in my arms every morning," Briana's blush darkened at Hector's comment. "But you're right. We've only been together for a month, and if you feel more comfortable living at home, then that's fine with me. As things continue; I'm sure at some point we'll end up living together again, until then, as long as we're happy then I don't think living situation matters," Hector said gently before turning the corner to go down the hall.

Briana sat there and thought about it for a few a moments until Hector came back out. Briana got up and hugged him tightly. "I love you," she said.

Hector blinked a few times before hugging her back. "I love you too?" Hector replied, confused at the action. Briana giggled as she looked up at him with a broad smile.

"Do you mind if I stay?" Briana asked.

"Well, I'm not gonna make you leave, babe. You're always welcome here," Hector chuckled.

"I meant; do you mind if I stay here, living with you?" Briana rephrased as Hector's eyes widened a little.

"I thought you said you only stayed because I was sick right now, and you wanted to go home?" Hector inquired.

Briana giggled a bit. "Hector, I've stayed because I wanted to. I stand by what I said; I don't need to remain here anymore, since the fighting is over and I'm safe, but I still WANT to be here, living with you. I'm comfortable here, and I wanted to make sure it's what you wanted too,"

"Well, as long as it's what you want, then it's perfectly fine with me," Hector replied.

"Good. Then I'm staying," Briana squeezed him. Hector cringed from the pain in his stomach. Hector felt it rising up as he backed up from her and went back to the bathroom. As soon as Briana heard him throw up, she bit her lip, forgetting he was sick. "Oops,"

/End Flashback/

And that's how that came to be. Among other things, Hector had a job and he'd be starting it after the New Year began. Hector hadn't told a soul about it and it would surprise everyone when it came out at Christmas. Hector didn't know how they'd take it, but he hoped it was well. However, even getting clean and having a job; it didn't erase the sadness of today being Christmas and his parents weren't with him. Sure, he felt shitty on Thanksgiving, but Christmas had always been the more significant holiday because Hector, growing up was like any other kid. Christmas was the best time of year. The music, the decorations, food, presents, tree, and family. All of it together made December the most magical time in a child's life. Even with all the bullying Hector endured, Christmas has still brought Hector that kind of joy. However, this year; it didn't. This year was miserable, and lonely, despite having so many people around. It showed that Hector wasn't enjoying this at all to his friends. Hector struggled through getting the decorations, and he had a hard time with the tree; hanging all the , Hector refused to let anyone help him. Hector did it all by himself, and stated that he was only doing it for his parents because they might strike him down from the heavens if he didn't. Nobody knew how to help; this whole month hadn't been great for him. Sick from December 1st to the 11th. And then breaking out décor, getting the tree, and doing all that from the 12th to the 24th. All that finished, and now it was the day they all dreaded because they didn't know how Hector would be.

Currently, it was 12 am as Hector hadn't slept at all. After Hector completed the decorating at 7:45 pm; he went to bed. Hector was wide awake when the clock beside him on the nightstand changed over to the new day. It was officially the 25th of December. Christmas Day. Hector looked down to see Briana fast asleep in his arms, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Briana had come to bed around 10:15 pm and found Hector laying awake, but they ended up making love. Hector managed to sleep for forty-five minutes after that, but then he was up again. Hector silently snuck out of bed and moved upstairs to find the living room empty. Hector had almost forgotten that Jeremy was living with the Grimborn brothers while the newer members were residing in Berk but out of motels or apartments. Hector stared around the dark room and realized that things weren't as they had been. Hector flipped the switch on the wall as the tree lit up. After that Hector fished out the Christmas plate and mug that got used for Santa's arrival to the house where he'd want a snack between homes while delivering gifts. Hector put out a few chocolate chip cookies, then filled the mug with peppermint hot chocolate.

Hector wrote the famous note he always as a child, even after getting older; he did it for his parents. Why should that change now? Hector set the letter on the table by the plate and cup. Hector moved down the hall, getting the gifts out from his parent's bedroom closet, and set them under the tree. Hector ate two and a half cookies, then drank the hot chocolate before sitting on the couch and staring at everything. Hector broke out an album, beginning to look through the Christmas's before. Not long after, Hector felt tears falling from his eyes. "Merry Christmas," Hector whispered before curling his legs up on the couch and leaning on the arm with his head on his arms. Finally, Hector knocked out there with the album still in his lap.

{7 am}

Briana woke up and found Hector not next to her in the bed. Worried, Briana got dressed and made her way upstairs to find Hector fast asleep on the couch. Briana heard Dimitri, Kayne, Sawyer, and Aaron come out as she put a finger to her lips while pointing to Hector's sleeping form. Moments later, Briana heard a knock as she went to the door to find the rest of the Drakes had arrived, Harper too.

"Why are we quiet? It's Christmas!" Harper mentioned as Briana led them in silently, showing them where Hector was.

"I woke up minutes ago and saw him there. And when we went to bed, all the lights were off," Briana said.

"This plate and mug weren't here either," Aaron informed.

"Nor were the presents under the tree," Kayne added.

"This is Hector's handwriting," Victor stated after picking up the piece of paper to examine it. "And he signed it. I think…Hector did all this after we went to bed,"

"Note says; Santa, here's a little pick-me-up while you travel around the world delivering gifts to all the good boys and girls. Cookies for a snack, don't worry; Dad made them, and cocoa to keep you warm. Merry Christmas! Until next year, -Hector H. Haddock." Ryder read off.

"It's tradition," came Hector's voice as they snapped their heads in his direction. Hector lifted his head slowly and was looking at the album. "Christmas Eve into Christmas; the tree stays lit overnight and through the day. Santa gets cookies and peppermint hot chocolate when he stops here, and I…always leave a note for him. My parents started it when I learned how to write, and I do it every year no matter how old I get because even though I know the truth about Santa; it made my folks happy that I played along,"

"When…did you do all this?" Derek asked.

"Midnight, crashed here on the couch as I've always done. Started when I was about six; I'd sneak out after my parents went to bed and sit on the sofa to wait for Santa to come, and I'd always fall asleep. My parents would wake me up, and everything will have happened when I was out. Gifts under the tree, cocoa and cookies gone with my note still on the table. On the back would be written; Thanks for the treat and drink. -Santa Claus," Hector informed as Briana flipped over the paper and saw the words Hector mentioned. "I did it for them because I just wanted to pretend, for one day" Briana saw tears begin to form. "…they were still here," his voice broke. "and that nothing changed," Hector lowered his head and the tears began falling. Briana moved beside Hector quickly and held him tightly. Hector sobbed against her as the others didn't know what to do. It was supposed to be a good day, and seeing this; they realized that it wasn't likely to happen. It wasn't going to be an easy day, but they knew they had to try and raise Hector's spirits a little because it just seemed like he was falling farther into depression over the loss.

Hector must have cried for ten minutes before it turned into slight coughs and minor sniffling while he tried to wipe his eyes free of tears. "Ssh; it's okay," Briana soothed. Hector lifted his head off, then closed the album while setting it aside before getting up. "Where are you going?"

"I think you know where," Hector said softly. Briana nodded to him with a smile. "The gifts under the tree are for all of you, and the others when they inevitably show up. I'll be back a bit later," he stated afterward.

"Then we'll wait for you to get back. Christmas in my family doesn't start until everyone has arrived," Briana enlightened. Hector gave the nod he understood, then he went downstairs to shower and get dressed. Fifteen minutes later, Hector grabbed his keys and headed outside to his father's truck with Toothless. Hector started it up, then he was gone. Hector knew he shouldn't do this, but on a day like this, he couldn't not go. Hector knew it had to happen. Hector was on his way to the cemetery to sit before the stones, hoping that maybe it could ease some of the pain. Although, right now; it seemed it would only bring more. However, refusing to this was out of the question. Pulling up to the section his parents were buried in, then staring out the window of the truck where the graves were. Hector took a deep breath while shutting of the vehicle and opening the door. There was hesitation at first, but Hector forced himself to move. 'I have to,' he thought.