The Gentle Sniper

Chapter 29: Reconciliation

A/N: Shorter chapter than the norm for me, but I kept it short for the sake of pacing.

Also, would anyone want to see the unedited version of the scene featuring William in the last chapter, for comparison sake or otherwise?

Let me know, and I'll include it as a deleted scene next chapter.

Now, enjoy my humble writings here ;)

Review Responses

CajunBear73: Hmm, we'll see, won't we?

Scrumblenut: Hope this satisfies you :)

Starlightandpie: I think things will work out well for the group. I am a fan of happy endings after all.

…

"Man, this stuff is expensive," Hiccup sighed as he gazed at his phone. "Fishlegs better appreciate me buying this for him as an olive branch. Or half of one, at least."

It was now the morning after Drago's arrest, with Hiccup amid a ferry ride back to Berk. Upon the boat coming to a stop having reached the dock, Hiccup drove his motorbike to the nearest petrol station and from there, he headed to the local Gamestop store.

Parking out in front and stepping inside the shop, Hiccup commenced his perusing of the aisles filled with different titles. He picked out two games in one such aisle and then headed to the register in front of the store.

"Wouldn't it be more convenient to buy these online? Ever heard of the Microsoft Store?" The shopkeeper asked. "Also, what's with having no eyebrows?"

"Rather not talk about the eyebrows," Hiccup mumbled. "As for the games, they're for a friend that doesn't exactly like me very much right now. So… I'm taking these to him in person as a sort of olive branch," Hiccup peered down at the titles in his one hand.

Most of one, that is… Hiccup silently added in his head.

"Fascinating, Hiccup," The shopkeeper deadpanned. "Time to pay, though, neighbour."

"Toothless give you trouble recently, Robert?"

"He was meowing for you, hoping you'd show up; loudly enough that I could hear him from my apartment all night. So you'll forgive me if I'm not in the best of moods today."

"Sorry," Hiccup winced, recognising the reason for the rings around Robert's eyes while making a mental note to withhold salmon from Toothless for a while as a punishment. "Moving on, is the contactless payment scanner working again?" Hiccup wiggled his phone which was in his other hand, having dug it out from his pocket while Robert was talking.

"Yeah, just tap your phone right there."

Hiccup stuffed the games he'd just purchased into a bag branded with the Gamestop logo on its front, then left the store. Mounting his motorbike, he rode away, spotting a Subway up ahead; he'd be at Fishlegs' house in no time, just as soon as he ate.

Following his meal, Hiccup mounted his bike once more, taking him in the direction of his so-called friend's house. It was no trouble to park just outside on the street. Preparing himself with a breath, he walked up to the door and knocked three times. Hiccup used this opportunity to bring out the carrier bag with the store's insignia on the front.

It almost seemed like Fishlegs wouldn't answer. Deciding he wasn't a fan of all this tense waiting, Hiccup turned to leave. However, as he did, the sound of the door opening behind him had him abruptly changing his mind, turning back around again.

The male he'd been waiting for stood there, clad in his reading glasses, plain black t-shirt and sweatpants. In his wheelchair, the boy squinted up at him. "Sorry I was in the bathroom. I'm not as fast as I used to be but… how can I help you? And do I know you from somewhere?"

"I should certainly hope so, Fred," Hiccup answered.

"Quite understandable, Henry," Hiccup had spoken his friend's name with no such tension in his voice, but Fishlegs took no such care.

"What's with the lack of hair above the neck and, more to the point, why are you here?" The wheelchair-bound man persisted.

Hiccup reached into the bag, dropping the games into Fishlegs' lap. "To say I'm sorry for keeping secrets from you. Well, as best I can, anyway."

"Metro Exodus and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order? For the Xbox One?" Fishlegs muttered as he looked over the covers of said games.

Hiccup nodded. "Yep. And the Valve Index too. I ordered it for you today. Should be here in around a week."

Fishlegs held the games to his chest and returned his vision to Hiccup, standing before him. "Well… you have my interest. Come in and let's talk."

Hiccup was welcomed into Fishlegs' home, shutting the door behind him. Once they both had settled into Fishlegs' living room, the wheelchair-bound man decided to continue his line of thought.

"Alright. I want to know about the mission where you killed those soldiers. No more secrets. Tell me everything."

Hiccup sighed. Right into the thick of it, huh? "Okay. So there were two soldiers - a man and a woman - that I was ordered to kill towards the end of my training as a Jaeger. My first real mission with them, anyway. Their names were Anthony Rasmussen and Jennifer Møller. They were on the news here a number of years back, which you may or may not remember."

Fishlegs pursed his lips as he tried to think back. "I'll have to look them up. I don't remember them at all."

"Right, uh…" Hiccup paused as he searched for other words. "Well, that's not important right now. What is important is that you understand that I was ordered to do it."

Fishlegs nodded and Hiccup continued. "Personally, if you ask me, it warrants some more investigation, but that's just me. Anyway, I want you to know that killing those two was just a job; same as with Finn. I definitely didn't enjoy doing it, and I'm hoping that this is smoothing things over with you. Because look, I never meant to hide things from you, or the rest of our friends, but sometimes you have to. Especially if you're a coward like me and the alternative means your friends finding out that you're a cold blooded killer," Hiccup had a breath while Fishlegs adjusted his glasses as his friend continued on, listening intently.

"I don't blame you if you decide you don't want to forgive me. But, I'm hoping that this will at least make things a little easier on you. I really am sorry, Fishlegs," Hiccup's most sincere apology came forward, especially with the look in his eyes.

Fishlegs realized that before him was the friend he'd known all along. Sure, now that he knew things about him he wouldn't have otherwise known, and because of what he knew, he was sure things had changed between them; perhaps forever. But, did that mean that he couldn't forgive him? After all, he'd gone to the trouble of making it up to him with two games and some expensive VR hardware that was on its way. With that in mind, Fishlegs could at least try. So, with a sigh from the wheelchair-bound man, he finally uttered a reply.

"I believe you," His friend said. "And you deciding to buy these games and the Valve Index for me is pretty awesome. So it's a start, at least. No more secrets though. I want to know about each mission you take starting now; for as long as you remain a soldier."

At his friend's words, hope entered Hiccup's gaze, knowing he was on the road to forgiveness. Hiccup gave a nod and Fishlegs uttered a question. "So what happens now?"

Hiccup shrugged. "I for one was going to head back to Copenhagen. My mother is there, as well as Mildew, Krogan and Grimmel-"

"I want to come with."

"No way. Not with you in a wheelchair. Heck, I wouldn't want you there even if your knees hadn't been shot. I need you to talk to Heather; let her know that Astrid is okay but won't be back for a little while longer."

"Why can't you do that?"

"Because I have to talk to Bertha about Drago. The DDIS finally did what they were supposed to. He's behind bars now, over in Skagen."

Fishlegs blinked a few times at the news. "Really? How'd it happen? Seems a bit sudden and anticlimactic as well."

"I thought so too. It was a breach on his hideout, which turned out to be a DDIS safehouse."

"That begs the question though; why couldn't they arrest him sooner?"

Hiccup shrugged helplessly. "Your guess is as good as mine 'legs. Anyway, I should get going now, in case I miss Bertha."

Fishlegs nodded and Hiccup turned to leave when his friend spoke up again. "Where is Astrid anyway? Heather told me she disappeared while at work yesterday."

"Oh, she's at Eret's. I brought her there."

"Eret's place? Doesn't he hate your guts? And you brought her there? Why?"

"Can't have my partner be unprepared for a mission, can I? I'll be back here when we manage to nab Krogan, Grimmel and Mildew."

"When you get Mildew, he's mine."

"Rest assured you'll see him."

"Good," Fishlegs gave a satisfied smile. "I can't wait."

…

"You were busy yesterday, I see," muttered Bertha a short while later, as she gazed at his phone, which displayed the picture of one Drago Bludvist constrained to a holding cell, while both she and Hiccup stood in her office at the DSIS. "I think this counts as an olive branch quite well, Hiccup."

"You're welcome," Hiccup pocketed his phone then paused, pursing his lips. "Has Cami woken up yet?"

"Wouldn't be here if I had heard anything. All I know is she received a compound, depressed, basal fracture - her brain was exposed and part of the base of her skull was pressed inwards - according to the doctors. And of course she was put in a coma thanks to you and him."

"Yeah… possibly me a bit more than him," Hiccup mumbled, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry."

"Are you really?" Bertha turned a baleful eye on him. "If you had wanted to get back at my daughter for breaking up with you, I couldn't imagine a better time."

"After two years of doing nothing to her? Furthermore; why would I have called you to tell you that Cami was shot that night if what you just said were true? It would make more sense to not call you, and run away instead to avoid the wrath of Bertha, wouldn't you agree? Use your head, rather than your heart."

Bertha nodded slowly. "So you were reckless then? That's not much better."

Hiccup shrugged. "It's the truth. What else can I do now?"

A weary sigh. "Nothing, I suppose."

It was then Hiccup's turn to sigh. "Yeah, that's what I thought. Anyway, I have places to be. I'll tell Anne to call you when Drago's on his way here. Probably with her guarding him."

"Good. When she arrives, we'll be having stern words. Consider yourself lucky you don't work for me."

"I don't know. I think I would much prefer stern words to your fists. That was quite painful."

Mild laughter followed him on his way out. "I imagine it was, yes. Which begs the question; why did you shave off your eyebrows? Wanted everyone to notice that you have two black eyes?"

"No, but a good guess. Let's go with that shall we? Bye now."

"Catch you later Hiccup."

…

"I need you to do two things for me; get me the files for two soldiers - Anthony Rasmussen and Jennifer Møller - and remind me where exactly Drago's holding cell is. I've kinda forgotten how to get to it. The latter is more important than the former however, so tell me where to go first, Sigrid."

Hiccup heard a brief laugh echo out of his phone. "Am I your personal assistant now?"

"For the moment, yeah. After that, I'm not sure. I should get me one of those, now that I think of it."

"I thought everyone ranked below you was your assistant by proxy, or is that not how it works in the army?"

"No. And even if it did, I wouldn't use them as such. I'm trying to be a good person, if such a thing is even possible. I've been a good soldier for long enough now."

"I see. Any particular reason for needing their files?"

"I'm hoping to track down someone, but the guy in question never gave his full name, so finding him will be hard."

"You might be surprised how easily the DDIS can track down names. Particularly soldiers."

"I'll believe it when you track him down. Major Hansen. My handler for a mission towards the end of my training as a Jaeger. Find the right guy, and I'll be impressed."

"Want to make a bet, future son in law?"

"…Why not? Five kroner you can't track him down by the end of the week."

"You have a deal."

"Good. Catch you later then."

Ending the call, Hiccup pocketed his phone and leant on the railing before him. With a sigh, he looked out across the water at Outcast Island over the horizon.

Taking a few moments to drink in the sight, Hiccup sighed once more before bringing out his phone again.

Hey, ketchup-top. How are you holding up? In the words of a certain murderous AI, I'm a potato.

As he waited for a reply, Hiccup looked up, hearing a pair of seagulls chasing each other as they soared past the ferry in the blue, early afternoon sky, while a breeze tugged at his leather jacket, soldier uniform and the headphones which hung around his neck.

Feeling his phone vibrate in his hand, he focused on the device once more.

Lucky for you, I've seen the gif, so that's one reference I vaguely know of. Don't test me on any game besides Portal though. I wouldn't know them.

Don't worry, I can and will change that.

Oh, the sheer horror ;)

Yeah, be very afraid. Anyway, how's Emil doing?

Misses you, but doesn't want anyone to notice. You've got a fan club now, it seems.

Interesting. By which I mean the exact opposite. Not a fan of attention, so please tell him to stop.

Why? It's not like you'll meet him anytime soon.

I wouldn't be so sure.

Ah, so I take it you're coming back?

As Hiccup read Bekker's reply, he heard footsteps and looked back to see a guy approach a bench behind him.

Taking note of his navy blue hoodie, denim jeans and brown boots, blue met green as they made eye contact which was just as quickly broken as Hiccup looked at his phone again, feeling it vibrate in his grasp.

Looks like it, but not as a bodyguard. Speaking of which, did they replace me yet?

Can you think of a stronger word than obnoxious?

Hiccup paused for a moment to avoid an approaching ferry crewmember before resuming his typing. Oh, dear.

Oh, dear is right. I now resent being hit on.

Alright, talk to uncle Fishman. Let it all out.

After sending the text, Hiccup turned away from the railing and sat down on a nearby metal bench. On which sat the man he had noticed earlier, who nodded a greeting at Hiccup.

Hiccup nodded in turn, then glanced down at his phone.

No reply yet. Alright. Guess I'll just watch the view from here while I wait.

So he leant back and stared ahead at the shape of Outcast Island.

"On your right."

After he uttered the three words, Hiccup pocketed his phone as he glanced over at the nameless man into the breeze as the wind rushed past his face. "Uh hey, you need something?"

"I can tell by your uniform and those guns that you're a soldier, so I'm hoping if you could help me find another one; on the off chance that you're a colleague."

"Okay… who are you looking for?"

"Captain Haddock."

Really, he internally deadpanned but didn't let it show when he replied to the man. "Captain Haddock huh?"

The man nodded. "Yeah, you know him?"

Hiccup shrugged. "I've never met him, but other folk have, I'm sure. I'm curious though; why do you want to find him?"

The man didn't reply for a few seconds, taking the time to gaze over at Outcast Island first. "Some people I know would like to talk to him."

Hiccup followed his gaze. "Ah. Well, let me tell you a secret. Come closer."

"Uh, okay?" The man shrugged and shuffled closer to Hiccup.

"Tell Alvin to come to Skagen if he wants to speak with me. I don't particularly like strange men following me places," Hiccup whispered into his ear, then pressed a USP9 into the stranger's side. "You'll pass the message along, won't you?"

"Y-yes."

"Good. I'll be waiting for his arrival," Hiccup withdrew the gun from his side but kept it at the ready. "Go away now."

The man wasted no time, practically leaping from the bench they shared, while Hiccup holstered the pistol and returned his attention to his phone.

Now I'm wondering why you haven't made it clear that you're not interested in her.

We share a room, Fishman. If I turned her down, things would probably get awkward and I don't do awkward. I'm planning on making my stance clear on the last day if I don't go postal before then.

Hang in there, Bekker. Well, at least don't start your catfight until I get there. I want to film the thing. For posterity.

I… don't know how I should feel about that, and now it's time for my patrol, so see you later Fishman.

Alright, bye now, Ketchup-top ;)

That conversation ended, Hiccup sent out yet another text before finally putting his phone away.

Ever wanted to learn to shoot a sniper rifle, milady?