Note: The following is a non-profit fan-based fanfic. HTTYD belongs to Netflix, Dreamworks Animation Studios, and NBC Universal. All characters belong to their respective creators excluding my OC's since I've made them.
This story is something I never thought anyone could read before...
So if you are someone who recently wishes to know about me...Then I shall tell you all the tale.
If you ever wonder about that boy that you sometimes see but don't bother talking to or give sympathies to...
That boy would be me. I'm not someone you would rather be around with. Though this story tells you guys that I wasn't the victim or sounded like the bad guy. I was a hero, in some ways...but I promise you that I am someone who learned so much during my time in the place I started to live in. Let's go back from where it all began, back when I started to a new day...
You may not believe it but I used to be a normal kid back then. Doing just everyday stuff like go to school, work hard, plan your future. However, that seemed to change since then when I got into some trouble and...me and my brother gotten in trouble...and in the process, we lost the lives and our futures, but not in the way you think. Trust us, we're not dead...And it's how I'm sick of life. I always have...and now you all get to see how it plays when I finally discover my chance to live...
Yep, same old block, same old streets. This place never stops being overcrowded, does it…? What do you expect from a big city surrounded by an artificial island?
Berk City has always stood still on this big island for centuries. It's located right over just west of Norway located at good 'ole Scandinavia. When you live here for fifteen years of your life, you probably understand the city layout and make yourself feel at home. It's been built the same way like NYC over in the U.S., and it really makes you feel like a cityboy. I should know just how much time I spent living here and getting used to the changes of trends, new buildings being made, and the people.
Of course, I want nothing to ever do with it. Especially what I'm going through. Yeah, go figure with what you expect how this story you're reading is turning out. Well let me explain what this issue is. I'm letting you all know how it's going.
Right now, it's already Autumn Break and I'm doing my best to enjoy it as best as I can. School can really drive a wedge, you know? I'm not really interested in learning anything, especially when you're me. When you're in my shoes, you have no control of life. Pretty much, life pretty much screws you over. It can sometimes force you into situations through peer pressure from friends, family, or other loved ones into making you go do something and make you stay committed to what jobs you want to do.
And if you're in my shoes, people don't give a shit about what I do and one minute they hear something come out of my mouth, they know that I won't change and I'm nothing to them. Welp, that's the story of my life.
My name is Henry Haddock, I'm 14 years old and already a freshman in this school year. Right now, I'm rather busy trying to wait. He should've been here by now.
Standing around Berk City Park's front entrance was already making me ill-attempted by all this crowding. I always prefer staying at home, going through the internet, picking a movie, and staying there while ordering food through FoodDash. I'm only here because he invited me over to head out and just hang around by Thor's Plaza. He was already late and I was getting sick and tired of standing around like a retard. People would mistake me for a thief just waiting to steal something from them. That's probably what they think when they just glance at me.
I dug my own hands into the pockets, tapping my foot impatiently as I kept wondering where he was. I already left it back home, so he should be here any minute…
That was when I started hearing a beep come out of my phone, slowly taking out the black iPhone. A message? What's this about?
Unlocking my pin number and checking it out, I realized who sent out the message.
JB: {Yo Hen! Where have you been?!}
HH: {Waiting around the national park. You're late.}
JB: {You do know I work as a cook at Dad's restaurant, right? Plus, you were at school to finish up the finals that you couldn't finish yesterday?}
HH: {And in case you forgot that I'm practically unemployed and that was because I overslept through it…}
JB: {And in case YOU forgot, you refused to work with him and I wasn't the one who slept through the finals and had to redo it in your detention?}
I let out a small snort, growing amused that he called me out on this as I sent him another message.
HH: {Yeah, yeah, WTV...Anyway, I'm thinking of going somewhere else…Where to?}
JB: {How 'bout TP?}
HH: {?}
JB: {Thor's Plaza! Duh, dude! The same hangout as always]
HH: {4COL. I'm not sure if I have to call you an idiot or not.}
Then again, he's always been that way. I received another text from him, which I could tell how flustered he was.
JB: {Shaddup man! Meet me by the entrance, okay? Be glad that Summer Break is finally here and Hailey hosting that party by her villa!]
HH: {Sure, man…}
With that out of the way, I let out a sigh before pulling my hoodie up to get that summer heat raining down at me.
Now that's school finally off my ass and no summer school to get out of, I can finally now have my private Me time. Because I really fucking need it.
Grabbing my bike, I started riding over through the streets and focused on my current destination. The park was the best shortcut as on the other side and taking a small intersection to the left would lead me to Thor's Plaza!
Thor's Plaza was a large center of the city, and the sweet varieties of different stores. Many people go there to buy the same old stuff you would see in your daily lives like food, electronics, gaming systems, toys, clothes, anything that you can possibly think of. The one that I'm most curious about seeing was a peculiar store that we go to every week after school is done.
I'll tell you more about it as soon as we get there. It's just our normal place to hang around whenever we want and best ways to avoid trouble whenever we want to.
The sun shined down right over us, letting my skin feel that ball of light in the sky. Personally, I never liked summer that much or being outside a whole lot, but whenever it's hanging out with that doofus, it's worth it.
Well I do see him every day considering that he and I live under the same roof.
Berk City's National Park, or nicknamed Odin's Yard was considered the city's greatest place to experience the outdoors. You can imagine just how it is out here. Family picnics, hanging out with pets, sitting by benches and texting / talking, and people running along the roads to exercise.
I glanced over, viewing the large lake by the place where a few people were starting to set sail. Yeah, this park pretty much is a nice setting if you're thinking of something romantic or looking for a place to relax, but it's not for me.
Well it could work if I could find peace and quiet.
I had to keep a good eye on not bumping into anyone, otherwise I might cause a scene that I don't want to be involved in. Though, everyone seemed to have been enjoying their time and many kids around my age are probably out looking for part time or full time jobs, playing outside to spend time with the family, and even staying to play some RPG games that they got straight from GameStop.
The exit was almost there, I just needed to hurry!
Noticing the street light was allowing for anyone to walk across the place, I began to pick up the speed to hurry over! Come on, you can make it! Don't turn red! Don't turn red! Don't turn red!
The street light started to slowly change red, but I had this sudden urge to keep going because I didn't want to be late to hang around with Jobber!
I had to stay at school to finish my last round of detention and even make up of finishing some dumb test that I chose to sleep through. And I really don't want any teachers or even George to scream right off my ear.
George was supposed to be my foster father, who also happens to be my best friend's father. So you could say that he's been looking after me and another brother of mine for a long time now. It's been that way since I was six…
So yeah, my best friend and I are foster brothers and had each other's backs, though I would rather keep my last name than use his own for personal reasons.
Right now, I gotta focus before I miss out on the red-
Suddenly, the street sign stopped on the giant red hand image but I saw no car or anything coming forward, so this was my chance to breeze through. It's not like anyone can warn me, right?
I crossed over the pavement line, riding across the line and felt closer towards the other side until…
WEE-WOO! WEE-WOO!
And I spoke too soon.
I immediately saw a vehicle stopping right in front of me, almost near inches of slamming into me. I had to hit the brakes the moment I heard that sound and stood there like a deer staring right into a headlight before their demise.
Jeez, what is it now? Oh gods, please don't tell me that it's...Please no…
Unfortunately, no matter how much I praise anyone up there for not letting it be who it is, the car door slowly opened up to reveal a man in an officer outfit slowly stepping out and sharing a look of sternness around his features. His face was pretty young despite being in his early 30s, a small brown beard around his chin with a barely visible mustache on the upper lip corner. He had a small trench coat that fit around his bulky body, along with a small black sheriff's cap with a police badge on his shirt.
This asshole...I was almost ready to say it out loud, but I didn't want to get into any trouble like going back to Juvie...again.
"Well, this is a surprise…" He spoke, definitely not surprised at the sight of me. "...I was busy driving over to check on any suspicious activity, and here I found you running while the light was red..."
"And I see you're doing your job quite fine, Officer Davidson," I replied sarcastically, my eyes half-lid at the sight of him. "And also, I was riding my bike...So if we could wrap this up, I have places to be."
"Now, hold on," He interfered, approaching over to get a closer look at me. He was quite taller than me, and here I was hoping that I would get that growth spurt before I hit junior year. "...You do realize that you were pulling off a possible jaywalking scene?"
"Last I heard that jaywalking isn't legal in Scandinavia…" I answered tiredly, glaring at him. However, he didn't back down from that as he retorted back so confidently.
"Funny because that doesn't seem to be right here in Berk City." He pointed out. "It follows the same rules as the US, similar rules between there and here in the Nordic countries."
"Oh this shit again…" I cursed, growing annoyed by this. "...Okay, so what? Gonna arrest me?"
"That depends if you haven't gone and broken a window of private property, stolen something from a convenience store, or perhaps gotten into another fight…" This asshole really doesn't know how to let it go, does he? What is he? An eagle glowering down at me? However, he let out a heavy sigh and crossed his arms. "...But I'll give you a warning. Pay attention to the street signs next time or else do you wanna get run over by any cars like a moron?"
"...No," I grunted, looking away.
"I didn't hear that." Tch! This guy is doing this on purpose...I swear, he's fucking doing it on purpose.
"...No." I answered a bit louder for him to get that to his head. "I swear that I won't cross any stop signs…"
"Good...You're lucky that this isn't as big as anything you pulled…" The officer let out a huff, adjusting his coat's collars.
"Says the one who almost ran me over," I rolled my eyes sarcastically. "Trust me, you did that and it's on your ass."
"But you weren't paying attention towards the light and you're lucky that I did…" Officer Davidson picked up a stern gaze directly towards my eyes. It almost felt like they were drilling towards the back of my skull, making sure that I fell prey to that look of his. However, I've seen it a bunch of times to not even fall for it. "
Yeah, sure asshole...Thanks Officer Douche.
"Whatever you say Calder," I answered in a bitter tone, looking away as I gripped tightly around the handles. "I'll definitely keep an eye out on the road…"
"That's Officer Davidson, Haddock," Officer Davidson-No, Calder glared over sternly at the tone of my voice, rivaling his own bitterness over mine. "...I don't want you to be trying to break any rules. You need to sometimes try following the rules."
And you need to learn how to let it go and stop gushing over the laws like you're some big fanboy or something…
"Sure, whatever." I scoffed before I started to adjust the handle grips of my bike. "...Can I go now?"
"Yes...Not going on your record." He answered, frowning over at me. "Just hurry over…"
"Whatever…" I didn't even want to talk to you. You stopped me for no reason and got in my way. Finally done dealing with him, I started riding my bike away and didn't bother to look back at that damn idiot. Motherfucker...I swear that he's always on my ass.
It's the same shit everyday that I gotta deal with whenever I'm doing something bad. I get the minor crimes that I've done, but he has to come out and lecture me about jaywalking...It's not like you're my Dad or anything. If he was here, he would definitely demote your ass.
But at least there is a brighter side to this is that he won't put that on my record because Odin knows that's a terrible thing. Not like I have any plans to go to college since it's for people who know what they want to achieve.
Eventually, I finally left through the park's exit and waited for the intersection to turn green. Now if I went over through ongoing traffic, then it would be a different story with him. Who does he think that asshole has control over me? I can do whatever the fuck I want than stick around with a jackass like you.
...No, just stop before you start to go on a temper tantrum. You can rant later. Let's just meet with him by Thor's Plaza.
Eventually, the cars finally stopped on red and allowed the crosslights to allow me to go through. I pedaled as fast as I could, getting people to move out of the way and made that hard left turn to ride along through the block until I saw the large circle filled with many different stores distributed on different buildings. At the center of the circle, a large hammer was painted in the golden circle with brown outlines. That was the picture of Mjolnir A.K.A. Thor's mighty hammer. Here in the Nordic countries, we respect the Norse Gods which mainly consist of Thor, the God of Thunder. Odin, the All-Father. And Loki, the God of Mischief. Those three in peculiar are something that I do follow despite rarely going to church, not that I'm an anaesthetist. I do believe that they exist if it wasn't for him keep telling me to have faith in them when I was only 9.
What'd I tell ya? The place isn't hard to find as long as you know the shortcut.
Soon, I stopped along the curb to find a parking spot for bikes. Too bad that I don't have a chain and lock, but you have to be an idiot to steal a bike.
Well whatever, I've never been robbed before so I'll be alright. I hopped off my bike and placed it over between the last spot that I aimed for, allowing me to catch a few breaths through my little travel.
I'm not exactly one to do exercising, so what do you expect of this weak body that I have? Yeah, I thought so…
I started walking over to the center square, digging my hands into my pockets to spot a few people walking by and others that I seem to recognize from my school. I've always seen many people from my school always coming together and spending time with each other in groups of 4 or more. I've never bothered to talk to anyone around school, I'm pretty much the type to keep things to myself unless it's that guy I was talking to just earlier...Well most of the time.
The sight of it almost made me feel a sense of loneliness, watching these guys having fun and talking about different things. Sometimes, a kid can wonder what a normal life is like, but there's no such thing as a normal life. Everyone has their own different stories and gone through many things that shape a person's life and what they'll act in the future.
You never know if you'll grow up with having friends or always remain lonely for the rest of your life. Well, I'm not completely lonely considering I have my foster brother by my side.
Yes, I have a foster brother. He and his father took me and my little brother into the family. Normally, I would be living with my real parents, but died many years ago when I was around six and Eric was around an infant so he doesn't even know our family pretty well.
Since then, that man took us in and raised us like he was own father, teaching us important things to raise us right. Despite his odd eccentricities that he and his son share, George is a father figure that I cherish. Even when he's yelling at me when I've done something wrong, he does it because he cares and worries if something happened to me.
It's always been that way and he felt like he can't just seem to give up, but one day he will if I act up.
Speaking about his son, what's taking him so long? Maybe he's already at the shop? Maybe I can pay him a visit. Turning over to my right, I spotted an old looking shop that was near that dead end alleyway with an old looking sign that said "Serpent's Market". This was the place that we always come by and hung around. We've been always coming here since we were kids, and it felt like a special place to help ease my mind along with knowing a great friend that felt like he had my back.
I slowly began walking over to the store with a grin appearing on my face. If he ain't here yet, then I'll tell the man on the counter a good old hello. It does make his day better everyday.
Just as I was to take another step forward, I felt something hit me by the side and forced me to fall over to my butt. Okay, that didn't hurt much if I didn't land on my arm. But who the hell-
"Hey! Watch it you...!" Oh fuck no, please don't tell me that it has to be her! I rubbed my head, ignoring the migraine forming in my head before looking upwards to spot a black-haired girl with a slim build and green eyes looking down at me with a scowl forming on her face. "Great, of all people that I had to bump into, it's you Haddock."
"Hello Sadie...See that you're never any kind yourself..." I grunted, leaving no room to let out a sarcastic quip.
"Oh sure, like I want to deal with a loser like you..." Well isn't she the friendly face? What exactly does that imply for you if you're talking to me? She dusted herself off, still keeping up with that arrogant ear-grating voice of hers. "I was just heading over to the mall pass here so I can pick up my own little clothes for the party."
"Party?" I voiced out in confusion before turning deadpanned. Yeah sure, a party to keep boasting about yourself on how beautiful. How ugly can you get from that?
"An event that everyone that only popular people can go into, duh," Sadie let out a a snort, almost trying to intimidate me. Though this bitch really needs to know who she's dealing with. "After all, I was just picking it over in order to attend Hailey's summer barbecue."
"A summer barbecue?" I raised a brow, sounding not interested in this. "Oh, so that chick is making a barbecue for everyone?"
"That's right...She's generous for inviting anyone from school to attend...But for the record, I don't think some troublemaking jerk like you should ever attend..." She smirked, stepping up close to my face. "I mean, if everyone saw you or that tub of lard enter, you would only embarrass yourselves...Not like you ever had in your life."
I could only feel my fists balling up, though I had to do my best to conceal my anger and tackle her to the floor. She's just trying to rile me up to prove a point and if I know her right, she could use that as a chance to get me in trouble with the police.
"...Like I be interested going..." I scoffed bitterly. "I really don't care much of events."
"Glad to know that you're still a coward," Sadie snorted, crossing her arms. "How many times has it been that you've been sent to juvie? Or those troubles at school? It really makes people fear you and even how much anyone could deal with you..."
I slowly narrowed my eyes, giving her a bone-chilling atmosphere that was enough to intimidate her. She took a step back, a bit frighten by how quiet and scary that I was acting.
"Yeah, sure...Go ahead...Keep acting like that...You're not worth my time Sadie," I threatened darkly. "Not like anyone ever has the time with you of all people..."
Sadie clicked her tongue in annoyance before turning head away like she lost interested in this argument.
"Uh huh...I don't know why I bother speaking to a useless guy like you...I have important things than antagonizing you every day...I have some clothes that I need to get than being a hobo like you are in that outfit." She pointed down over to my raggedy clothes, though it was understandable due to the ripped jeans and the dark long-sleeved shirts that didn't get washed in a while. The wrinkles didn't even help share how old they were, not that I was a decent person to learn about what the current trends are going on in the city. I didn't care about changing or ever want to, just prefer these same old clothing.
Though, it did made me feel like that I was an old Freddy Krueger.
She turns his head away, not bothering to look at me and started walking off out of the center square and headed towards the right path that lead over to the city streets. I turned back and focused my attention over at the store, though I could feel her eyes staring back at me in that mocking and cocky tone she always shows off.
She acts so careless with that cocky attitude of hers, and it never seems to stop her from thinking where her mouth would lead her.
Why bother patronize me? 'Cause she and I always had it out for each other...It's always been that way. Things never change.
Though, she isn't wrong about what she was saying. I don't care how many times I keep getting in trouble through detention, suspension, failing classes, and even getting through little vacay behind those locked doors.
I have no future to consider about. No future to have my own. I slowly rubbed my arm, feeling my sleeve's fabric growing itchy though I couldn't scratch them. This whole situation didn't work out better than I thought. I should contact him and-
"Hen! There you are!" I nearly jumped at the loud voice, and pretty much anyone who was nearby to look back and stare at who was screaming and just ignored it. I quickly looked back and saw a large chubby boy coming over. The boy himself had neck-length blonde hair that had him put on a small ponytail, a small earring that hangs around his lobe along with a dark yellow shirt and blue short-sleeved button shirt over it, along with gray shorts underneath it. He even had a small beanie cap on top of his head, showcasing his messy hairstyle.
He was even taller than me while I stood around his shoulders, which really emphasized on how he's the eldest of this duo. Then again, he is a year older than I am.
"About time," I huffed, giving him an annoyed look to hide away any unnecessary feelings. "And where have you been?"
"I told you dude...It's not easy coming over by your own bike to get here…" Jobber told me, looking down with an exhausted look. "...especially when Pa starts grilling on my butt. If you were there, you would've seen the amount of customers we had."
"It's the start of summer, so what do you expect?" I pointed out, nudging him on the shoulder.
"Heh heh, true…And meaning tons of hours to work behind the stove..." He pouted his lips, giving me a sour look.
This here was Johnny Belcher, but everyone calls him Jobber. You know, calling those wrestlers the word 'Jobber' when they're always meant to lose, well...He's something like that. Mainly around how he can't seem to be able to get any girl on his side. Not that I blame them due to how much he can be around them. Like the time he went into the girls' bathroom…
...Probably shouldn't divulge much further if I want to avoid that before I start sounding offensive towards him.
"So what's up?" Jobber wondered. "As I was riding by, I could've sworn that I saw Sadie walking by and she looked more pissed than usual..."
"Oh really?" I smirked in amusement, hearing how her little facade fallen off when she walked away. Jobber caught onto what I was thinking before slowly growing skeptical.
"...Let me guess: The old Haddock-Jorgenson Face-Off?" Jobber groaned.
"You know it," I rolled my eyes. "Just know how to deal with the Alpha Bitch herself..."
"There's never a time where you two never stop giving each other death glares." Jobber rubbed the back of his head, having a nervous grin on his face. "Seriously, you two argue like a dog and cat having it out."
Well...He's not exactly wrong on that. "Let's just drop it, okay? Besides, we came to hang right?" I smirked a little.
"Of course! Serpent's Market is just right over by the corner!" Jobber exclaimed joyfully, putting a hand to his hip. "I'm actually hoping that Hazel's got this time...You think he got one of those Pokemon games?"
"Meh, not sure..." I shrugged sheepishly. "I mean, that place practically has anything. Like a mini Wal-mart if you ask me."
"What do you expect from Mr. Hazel?" Jobber smiled. "The guy has many secrets with how he gets them through his negotiations."
Me neither...Mr. Hazel sure seems to know how to get so many stuff in his store that I'm not sure why many people don't consider to come to him. It almost makes me think he works for some secret organization or something.
Mr. Hazel is one of the few people that always seems to talk how he sees what I feel, sticking by my side and never judging me for who I am. It seems that he always been by my side. We've always been going to his little shop for as long as we could remember when we were around elementary school. It seems to be one of the places that I would mostly go when we don't have any schoolwork or Jobber's job at maintaining his family restaurant.
"By the way, you're not gonna believe what I hear about today?" Jobber grinned, growing excited at this sudden little news that he was gonna share.
"Let me guess: A girl talked to you?" I snorted sarcastically.
"Something like that!" Jobber chuckled, not taking in mind of my little taunt. "I'll explain inside...Let's head on in!"
"...Alright then." Whatever he needed to say, it made me interested into hearing this. Though, I have a small hunch on what he's talking about. Eventually, we began heading over inside the shop and entered over to see a large quantity of different racks filled with clothes and shelves with different video games, stuffed animals, and DVD's.
The whole place had this strange feeling like I just stepped right out a portal that led to the future. Despite the old interior on the sign outside, the inside looked so nice, neat, and held a lot of space that it almost made you thought that this place was brand new.
"Ah, welcome back boys." An old middle-age voice spoken, which revealed themselves as a man popped right out of the edge of the counter, leaning his hand against his face. Right before your eyes was the man of the hour and owner of Serpent's Market, Hazel. Compared to most Scandinavians, he wasn't like them. The most obvious thing was his dark skin tone and his neat buzzcut hair, wearing a dark vest that was neatly buttoned up to show off his white long-sleeved dress shirt. The sleeves were rolled up over by his elbows and had black jeans along with brown leather shoes.
From what he told us, he's half Scandinavian from the western countries. Though, he seemed pretty much a chill guy. A little odd, but still a nice and decent man.
"Yo Hazel!" Jobber greeted in a cheeky manner. "You didn't miss us, did you?"
"You boys only came last week...It wasn't some long time effect, was it?" Hazel chuckled, scratching his chin. "So how's it been?"
"Meh, same old same old," I shrugged. "Yesterday was work for the big perv here and detention and finals for me..."
"Ah, gotten another little detention class again?" Hazel questioned curiously. "You seem to be getting that a lot this year..."
"Meh..." I shrugged, walking over to check over at the video game shelves, checking out different content. "The teachers there just don't get me. Besides, at least I managed to ace the finals."
"Well why wouldn't you? You're pretty smart dude," Jobber pointed out. "You're just too lazy to finish anything or sleep through class..."
"Thank you for pointing that out Jobber," I rolled my eyes, sounding sarcastic. "So you got anything new for your shop?"
"Nah, just a few clothing brands..." Hazel answered nonchalantly, letting out a small yawn. "Now that summer's coming, I figured taking a vacation somewhere though not sure where."
"Really? You?" I widened my eyes a bit. "You sure? If you're gone, who's gonna watch over your shop?"
"Aye, I'm sure you boys can manage without me..." He assured with a small wave. "Besides, it's only temporary for the summer. I like to explore around and see what's out there besides the same sights around this island."
He's not kidding about this. I mean, I've been living on this island for as long as I could remember. Same old city, same old people, just nothing.
"Man, that blows...I sure hope you do enjoy your summer vacation sir," Jobber sighed. "Wish that we could do something for the rest our summer...We pretty much got nothing but same old stuff."
"No kidding..." I couldn't help but agree with him there, seeing how far our summer just felt repetitive and nothing exciting. i just stay around in my room and listen to music or play games, though we do have hangouts around the mall but it's mostly to get Jobber to try and ask girls out and having me come out because I play this lone wolf type of guy like I don't even like what he mentioned about that status of mine.
"I'm sure you will...Just gotta be patient." Hazel smirked softly. "Besides, I'm sure that you boys can discover something that'll surely brighten your horizons, you know?"
"Hmm...Yeah, like going to Hailey's barbecue..." I perked up at the mention of that, realizing that he was bringing up that little party of hers. "Hey yeah, that can actually work, right Hen? Think about the food we can eat, and even how cool we might look! Parties like that will sure to make us famous for school, huh?"
"...Really...?" I asked, taking aback by this. I had this feeling that this was the news he was talking about since Sadie told me about how that chick is setting up a party at her home and is allowing anyone from school to attend which mostly consists her friend group and any other kid that I've seen around the halls or class. It would make me pretty uncomfortable because I'm one not good at handling crowds of my own volition.
"Yeah man...Don't tell me that you never want to attend it?" Jobber nudged me on the side, forcing the air out of my body as I bend down to my knees to catch my breath. Immediately realizing what he done, he quickly patted my back gently and helped me up. "Uh, sorry man...Didn't mean for that."
"I-It's fine...But..." I frowned, unsure about this. "But...I just don't do parties. I'm not exactly impulsive as you are man."
"Ha! You're just saying it because you're nervous of Hailey, eh?" Jobber snickered, putting his hands to his hips. Hazel leaned in closer, joining in on his little teasing routine.
"Isn't she that girl that you once told me about during middle school?" Hazel asked, causing me to look away as I nervously stuttered out, "W-Well I mean...Look, I-I moved on from her...I mean, there are plenty of boys that wants her..."
"And you're one of them man...Think about it, it's your big opportunity to finally grow happy." Jobber encouraged, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I know it's hard so much through your life, but you deserved to be happy and have a good time. Think about it, we'll be legends and by the time we grow into adults, we'll tell anyone about the time of our lives and how we gotten invited by one of the most popular girls in the century!"
"You're overthinking it man..." I blushed a bit, digging my hands to my pockets. "I-I don't know...She never seemed to notice me..."
"I don't know...Maybe she has...I just have this slight feeling that you might try if you just talk to her..." Jobber grinned. "...You can't always be running away or hiding away your feelings. Just gotta show everyone the real you."
"A perfect lesson indeed Johnny." Hazel agreed, growing serious for a moment. "Something tells me that this party might be the perfect chance for you two to do...After all, there's more to things than walking aimlessly without purpose. You gotta find things to help grow you up through these experiences. If you don't, then you never have the courage to change Henry..."
I think I get what he's trying to say, but do I really have what it takes? To just go up and talk to her? I used to have a crush on her at middle school and tried to tell her how I felt, but when I saw many boys speaking to her...I realized that someone like me would never stand a chance at finding a girl that even understands me.
Most girls seems to care for boys for their status or money...I can never seem to try and be a good person for a girl to love.
It's how I feel...
But...What happened earlier with Sadie when she insulted me about being a troublemaker and even how that damn officer kept screwing me over about catching me even in the smallest stunts. It's get irritating just hearing how much...they're right.
...Well this time, I'll be the one screwing them over. Because I do what I want and this is my only chance that I'm only gonna get.
"...You got yourself a deal," I sighed, giving them a tired smile. "I'll go then..."
"Perfect!" Jobber grinned. "Trust me Hen, you're gonna love it...It could be another lovely night for us men to hang!"
He wrapped his arm around me, giving me a small noogie that made me break a smile out of me. He's really always been there for me that being around him seems to break me out of my stupor of bad thoughts.
"Y-Yeah! I-I will!" I grinned sheepishly, feeling my cheeks turning out. He immediately lets me go as I started to bring up the point. "So it starts later today?"
"From what I've heard from some of the guys that visited the restaurant, pretty much." Jobber responded cheekily. "Right now, we're gonna need to buy something that fit our style, right?"
"Ah, fit your style eh?" Hazel rubbed his chin, looking up the ceiling as he was trying to come up with something. "Well if you boys are interested, remember those few clothing brands that I managed to get? Well maybe you can look through and pick out what you want to wear?"
"You sure?" I rose a brow. "I mean, I'm not exactly the type of guy who cares what to wear anything. I'm fine with what I wear."
"Really? That Hen?" Jobber snorted, rolling his eyes. "You look like a dirty hobo in that...You're gonna need something new for that type of style for the party. Party means you gotta look cool and play it cool. You got the attitude but need the fashion to match it!"
"...I really don't like how you keep implying that I'm a hobo," I deadpanned, sounding sarcastic at that small comment of mine. "...But I don't know."
"Hey, you decided to do this party gig, so why not just give it a try?" Hazel suggested warmly. "You never know what might happen...You'll end up having a good time."
Huh...He's really encouraging me to go to the party, eh? Well then, I guess it won't be so bad.
"Besides...I bet whatever I wear, I'll look awesome in it!" Jobber smirked, snapping his fingers. "Now let's get going! Where are the new clothes?"
"Should be over in the back and whatever you got, just know how much you'll owe me," Hazel tapped his finger onto the hardwood counter he was standing around at the part he mentions about he wants the money, breaking a grin on my face to see how smug he was acting.
"Oh trust me, Jobber will do all the paying." My foster brother gave me a shocked look, jaw-dropping at the implication of that.
"What?! Why me?!" Jobber whined.
"Because you earn so much money through your job and I'm broke compared to you." Jobber simply gave me a blank look, not amused by how I put it. It could almost made him look pitiful that he had to pay all the money except for me.
I wasn't working at all, and plus due to my record, it would be a miracle that someone would hire me or in the future, if I ever get into a decent college. And that's a few years away.
"...You seriously gonna need a job," Sighed Jobber who headed up towards the corner of the store to pick up his clothes. I couldn't even get a job, and it won't matter because I'm more lazy than you think.
"You know he isn't wrong," Hazel spoken, grabbing my attention. He looked pretty stern about this face, leaning in closer. "Henry, you and your brother are one of my favorite customers here. Though, maybe sometimes that you need to decide what you want for your future...One day, you'll have to make a decision that'll make you grow out of the lazy world that you're in."
"You might make it sound a lot more easier..." I sighed, scratching the back of my head.
"Well...maybe so," Hazel shrugged. "But you gotta understand that soon...One day, you need to grow better. You aren't the only one in this world."
Wish I was...It makes me believe that I'm just the only person in this world.
"Look, the point is this...Gotta look through with your eyes," He explained sternly, getting to the point. "Enjoy new experiences. Good or bad as it may be helps shape your mind and even how you feel...This party might be one decision..."
"I want to..." I glanced over to where Jobber was, seeing him examining each shirt through a rack. "But...How can I even do this...?"
Hazel stared at me intently, his eyes narrowed before I could've heard him let out a low chuckle.
"Maybe you'll figure it out...and it'll help see who you are." Ooookay, he's being odd as always again. What did I expect from him? "I'm just saying that it takes a while for you to finally hit that noggin for you to start opening your heart...People like you always seem to go through little changes bit by bit if they choose to..."
"Really...?" I rose a brow.
"Why the heck not?" He replied back nonchalantly. "We need growth around in this big city, you know? You gotta stick it up to grow than what others tell you to be. After all, you're still here, aren't you?"
In other words, I need to be able to stand up even if others don't see I changed. Yeah, that'll be a miracle. One second they say something rude or don't believe I've changed, then the curtains are down for me.
I never felt like I had a place in this world, or even try to get people see how much I feel. But, I'm still here. Still here in this big world.
"...I'll...keep that in mind." I slid my hands into my pockets and walked over at the end of the room to where the new clothes were over at. Jobber held a hawaiian-colored shirt in his arm, and he was examining what pants he wanted to wear.
"Yo Hen, check this out...Turns out I think these might do...Any one of our choice!" Jobber called out, taking out a long-sleeved blue jean jacket. "Trust me dude, you'll love it!"
I perked up to look over the jacket and slowly grew impressed by the designs of it. It looked pretty much my style, and...maybe why the hell not? Just wear this for the party and it would sure to be a bang up job.
Everyone would see us and we can make them open their eyes that I'm still here.
"...Alright then...What else does he got?" I asked curiously.
"Glad you asked..." Jobber grinned, almost in a teasing manner. "Because today's gonna be the day dude...!"
Yeah, today...
Today that could mark my life in this moment for a little fun and a big change. To see if I really am able to grow.
To grow...To see...that I'm still here to exist in this place. Something that makes me feel at home.
You know, I feel as if Henry can sometimes be a tsundere whenever he wants but he'll be my own version of a cold rebel like Sam Puckett and Jim Hawkins in a way. :)
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