The Edge

Pairing; Toothless X Hiccup

Setting; Modern AU

Rating; M for Mature

Disclaimer; I do not own the HTTYD or any of the music that is used. Everything belongs to its original creator/artist!

4: A Late Start

[Saturday, December 18th, 2010-Bar-1:15 am]

Everything had been great for Harvey; he was done renovating the apartment and moved into it two and a half weeks after Andrew offered it to him. Harvey would work on one room at a time, and then when it got completed, he would move his things for just that room into it. Harvey paid his first month's rent to Andrew on November 1st, and nothing had been better since he decided to work for Dragon's Cove and move into the upstairs one-bedroom apartment. Harvey hadn't let anyone come over and see his place yet as he was still doing a little work on it involving painting, hanging pictures, and decorating. However, with the busy work schedule; it was harder to get things done. Harvey worked from 4 pm to 1 or 1:30 am, so he was tired at the end of his nights, rather early mornings. Also, Harvey was working six days a week now with only Monday off because it was the slowest night of the week, Tuesday being second slowest. Wednesday to Sunday, Harvey was busy as he'd ever been, that arrangement took place mid-November, right before Thanksgiving.

Tonight had been no different because a lot of students from college were going on their winter breaks and coming out to celebrate with friends about a successful first couple of months or whatever. Harvey didn't care so much but he knew the bar busy and that's why as it was now going on 1:30 am, he was still helping with closing procedures even though Andy told him that he could head upstairs if he wanted to. However, Harvey was staff to this place like anyone else still there, so he would help them out.

Someone showed up at the door and began banging on it. It appeared to be a female wearing black sneakers, tight jeans, and light blue hoodie with the hood over her head and blocking the staff from seeing her face well. Andrew went over and opened the door to face her. After a few moments, he turned back to the staff. "Harvey, it's someone for you," Andrey informed him. Harvey got off the stool and moved towards the door, of course, he was able to see who had come in search of him.

"Ash?" Harvey asked in shock. Ashley was standing before him, soaked from the stormy weather outside. "It's downpouring and 1:30 in the morning. It's the end of December and freezing too. Get inside," he ordered her as Andrew moved aside and Harvey pulled her in. Ashley pulled her hood off, shaking and shivering from the cold. "What in the name of Thor are you doing here?" Harvey asked instantly.

"I-It's…a long sto…ry," Ashley managed. Kevin hurried over with a towel as Harvey helped Ashley get her sweater off then wrap the towel around her figure.

"That I want to hear. I'll take her upstairs to my place. See you later," Harvey informed as he led Ashley towards a door by the kitchen and opened it up revealing stairs to the next level. Harvey led her up and right to the bathroom to take a shower so she could warm up while he got her some of his older clothes to wear until hers dried.

[2 am-Harvey's Apartment]

The bathroom door opened Ashley came out wearing the clothes Harvey had lent her to borrow, and her hair brushed out and pulled back in a pony-tail. Ashley made her way down the hall to see the living room and Harvey sitting on the couch waiting for her.

"I take it you want to know what happened?" Ashley asked glancing down slightly.

"It would be nice, yes," Harvey replied as Ashley took a deep breath.

"Okay. So, you remember back at the end of September when Heather mentioned me liking that Zack guy, well, after class ended yesterday, he asked me out on a date to dinner and a movie. I agreed, and we set it for tonight; 7 pm dinner, movie at 10:15. Everything was great; I was having a fantastic time. After the movie ended around 12:30, he took me back to the University. It was 12:45 am by then, and when I got there, I realized I didn't have my keys, and Heather left while I was out to go to Berserk for the week with Daniel. My parents and uncle are on the mainland until the New Year. I didn't know what else to do or where to go, so I came here to ask you if I could crash at your place for a bit," Ashley said.

"Well, sure, I don't mind if you stay with me, Ashley. However, I was curious about something," Harvey said. "Buses stop running at 10 pm, and we didn't see a cab out front. So how did you to the bar?" Harvey asked.

"Oh! I, uh, walked…here," Ashley said slowly as Harvey's eyes widened.

"You WALKED from Arc State University in a bad storm, in the middle of December by yourself to the bar for a little under an hour?!" Harvey scolded. "What were you thinking!? Why didn't you take a cab or call me?!" he yelled.

"Harv, I couldn't. My phone was dead, and when I went on the date with Zack, he told me I wouldn't need my wallet because he was paying for everything. I didn't realize until I was standing in front of my locked dorm that my key to the dorm was in the wallet that I left behind and my spare charger is in the purse that I carry my wallet in," Ashley informed looking down.

"Ashley. You could have been mugged or raped walking these streets alone in the dark. Do you understand that?" Harvey reminded as Ashley nodded slowly to him. Harvey sighed as he hugged her tightly. "I'm grateful that you're alright, Ash. Yes, you can stay with me as long as you need to. However, it's late now, and I do have work tomorrow. I need some sleep, you can take my room for now, and I'll sleep out here on the couch," Harvey yawned as he stood up and led Ashley to his bedroom which was opposite the bathroom. "You can charge your phone with the wire there, I know we have the same style charger. And uh, you know where the bathroom is. So if you need anything, I'm right in the living room. I'll see you tomorrow morning?"

"You will. Thank you for this, Harvey. I owe you one," Ashley smiled a bit. Harvey kissed her forehead before backing up. "Goodnight,"

"You're welcome, Ash. Night," Harvey said as Ashley closed the door while he moved to the living room again. Harvey was too tired to pull the bed out, so he just laid down on the couch and covered himself with a blanket. Not long afterward, he was fast asleep by 2:20 am.

[Christmas Day; 12/25/2010]

It had been a week since Ashley arrived at Dragon's Cove needed a place to sleep since Heather was out of town, rather it be the city, and so were Ashley's parents and uncle. Ashley and Harvey would talk every day about how their lives were going, and they'd had sex twice since Harvey had Monday and Thursday off. Ashley didn't want to do it when she knew Harvey was exhausted from work. Two other times during the week were just Harvey and Ashley getting one another off. Harvey gave Ashley a little money to get herself some supplies for the time she would be staying with him. Ashley picked up two pairs of jeans, four pack of underwear and socks, two bras, one sweatshirt, and three t-shirts. Ashley promised to repay him as soon as she got her wallet out of the dorm room. It did get boring for Ashley from 4 pm to 1 am when Harvey was downstairs working.

Ashley spent a lot of time in the apartment and using Harvey's laptop to do some studying for midterms coming up when they returned in January. Other uses for her time was cleaning Harvey's apartment for him since he was tired and busy. Ashley loved Harvey's little apartment; it was perfect for him or even a couple to live in. Today was Christmas, and yes, Harvey had to work because there were some people who went out instead of staying home. Andy, Storm, Logan, and Harvey were working, and surprisingly, it was a bit busier than expected. Ashley was sitting downstairs at one of the back booths with Harvey's laptop and doing some research and not wanting to sit upstairs all day. Andy said it was okay as long as Harvey wasn't getting distracted by his girlfriend; Harvey told. Ashley why he called her that because he knew Andy wouldn't tell him no. Ashley didn't mind, for all intensive purposes, they were dating.

The time now was 4:30 pm, Andrew was shutting the bar down at 6 pm so everyone could go home to enjoy time with their families. Harvey was going around with his tray in hand to tables so he could take orders or bring drinks. Ashley walked over when she heard the door to the bar open and was shocked to find Victoria and Sullivan come in and then right behind them was Seth, Roslyn, Travis, Ford, Heather, and Daniel! Of course, they noticed her right away.

"Ash? What are you doing here?" Heather asked while rushing over to greet her friend.

"Uh, kind of a long story but basically; left my wallet with the key in the dorm room, got locked out, been staying with Harvey all week since you and my parents are out of town," Ashley informed as Harvey came over.

"What are all of you doing here?" Harvey asked.

"Well, we wanted to see you for Christmas, son, so we thought to just come to the city," Victoria mentioned.

"You can all be here; I'm busy," Harvey told them as more people came in and he groaned. "Bar doesn't close until 6 pm tonight, if you wanna wait here for that, sure, but stay out of the way and don't bother me," he told them before walking off.

"Don't take it personally. Harvey's been working since 8 am this morning, he's exhausted, and this place is busier than usual for a major holiday," Ashley informed gently as the group sat down in the booth with her and relaxed a little while Ashley was eating a small basket of loaded waffle fries. "Why aren't all of you with family?" she asked.

"Well, our parents started fighting, so we left and then got a message for Ford asking if we wanted to hang since his family celebrated last night and he was free today," Roslyn explained.

"Daniel and I got back early, and he wanted to come see a friend of his who works here," Heather said.

"My parents and I celebrated this morning, and when I heard Uncle Sully and Aunt Vick were coming here to see Harvey, I asked to come along. It looks like we all had the same idea," Seth shrugged. Harvey was walking around to different tables to take orders or deliver them.

"Harv!" Andrew called.

"Yeah, boss?" Harvey looked at him.

"Take this list, go to the store room and bring me a crate with everything on it," Andrew told him.

"Got it!" Harvey nodded as he moved towards the bar, grabbed the list from Andrew, and then went to a door next to the bar. Harvey came out holding a large crate with alcohol in it five minutes later, then moved behind the bar to put the bottles in their rightful spot.

"Thanks, Harvey. What's with that big group back there? Isn't that the mayor?" Kevin inquired.

"The mayor is my father, Kev. The woman on his right is my mother, top vet for Berk Animal Hospital. The rest are friends who wanted to see me for Christmas. They won't be any trouble," Harvey assured.

"Well, at least go over and make sure they don't want anything, Lad. They are in your section," Andrew chuckled. Harvey nodded as he grabbed his tray and began moving towards his family and friends. While walking by a table that had three girls sitting at it, they got up and stopped him.

"Do you need anything ladies?" Harvey asked sweetly.

"We just wanted to thank you for such wonderful service, Harvey. Always friendly, smiling, and accurate. Have a wonderful Christmas," one with chestnut hair and amber eyes said as she placed something in his apron. The other two girls did the same as headed for the exit and left. Harvey shook his head with a smile and glanced back at Kevin and Andrew who were snickering.

"Oh, shut up you two," Harvey glared and moved towards the table with his family and friends.

"What was all that about?" Victoria asked.

"What, the girls?" Harvey questioned as the group nodded. "They're regulars, in every Saturday for the appetizer sampler, shot, then a Sex on the Beach," Harvey stated.

"No, with them putting their hands in your apron," Seth remarked.

"Oh, that," Harvey laughed a little. "They like to flirt a lot, and that's how they leave me my tip instead of on the table top," he answered pulling out the cast from the side pocket of his apron revealing three $10's and six $1's.

"Woah, that's $36.00! And that was one tip?" Travis exclaimed.

"Uh, yeah? That's what Andy and Kevin are snickering about. I'm the hot, young waiter that all the girls who come in here want to screw senseless. It's…an inside joke. I don't sleep with any of them, but a little harmless flirting on the single ladies never hurts when tip time comes around," Harvey chuckled. "Anyway, you guys want anything to eat or drink while I'm over here? You're sitting in my section, so you're customers to me right now," he mentioned.

"I'll do a Sam Adams, son. You want anything, Vick?" Sullivan asked.

"Uh, what's a Chocotini, Harvey?" Victoria wondered looking at the advertised drink list on the table.

"Chocolate Martini; made with Chocolate Liqueur, Vodka, and Half & Half, shaken together and poured into a chilled glass rimmed with dark chocolate shavings," Harvey told her.

"Wow, that sounds heavenly. I'll give that a try," Victoria beamed.

"Anything for you guys?" Harvey motioned to his friends.

"I'll take a Carona with lime," Daniel put his finger up.

"Need your ID, Daniel. I know how old you are, but it's the law that I check 'em for anyone looking under thirty," Harvey stated as Daniel pulled it out and handed it to Harvey who checked it over knowing that Andrew was watching him. Harvey handed it back with a nod.

"I assume we can't have anything because we're not twenty-one," Ford stated.

"Depends on what you want," Harvey shrugged.

"That Chocotini sounds amazing," Ashley smiled.

"Agreed," Heather nodded.

"I just want a soda or something," Seth said, "And a cheeseburger, only ketchup," he added.

"Same," Roslyn, Travis, and Ford said.

"Oh, and maybe that app sampler?" Heather giggled.

"I'll see what I can do," Harvey mentioned as he moved back towards the bar.

"What ya need?" Kevin asked him.

"Carona, Sams, Chocotini; one normal, two virgins, and a pitcher of Pepsi," Harvey replied.

"You got it," Kevin nodded as he got to work making the drinks while Harvey handed the slip with the food order on it to the cook, Bobby Renkins. Harvey went around to his other tables, checking on them or cleaning areas off and resetting them.

"Gotta admit, he's excellent at his job," came a voice next to the table; look up they saw it to be Garrett Smithy, Harvey's Godfather and unofficial uncle.

"Garrett, glad you could join us, my friend," Sullivan smiled as they made space for him to sit down.

"Hey, Uncle Gar! Want your usual?" Harvey called to him.

"You know it, laddie," Garrett smiled with a nod.

Harvey looked to Kevin now. "Kev! Add a shot of SoCo and Budweiser to booth three,"

"Aye, sir," Kevin saluted as Harvey shook his head with a smile.

"Usual?" Victoria wondered.

"Oh, I'm in here all the time after work and Harvey knows what I get when I come," Garrett chuckled. Harvey came over with the tray of drinks and handed everyone their respected one; then Storm came over with the food.

"Thanks, Storm," Harvey smiled as he placed the food on the table for them.

"Wait, we can't drink, Harv," Ashley said starting at the drink she had in front of her.

"Relax. It's a virgin drink, no alcohol in it. That's a smoothie made to look like the Chocotini. Chocolate ice cream blended with chocolate milk, placed in the same type of glass like a martini, right down to the shavings around the rim and topped with whipped cream," Harvey laughed a little.

Heather tried it as her eyes lit up. "Oh, my Gods! It's amazing," she squealed.

"You're welcome. Made by yours truly," Harvey winked before tucking the tray under his arm and walking away. As the time ticked away, they talked and watched Harvey work while they enjoyed their drinks and food. At 5:30 pm, Andrew got behind the bar and lifted the megaphone.

"LAST CALL!" Andrew yelled.

"Aw, come on, Andy. It's Christmas," a few of the patrons mumbled in complaint.

"I know, but hey, we're open again tomorrow at 12 pm," Andrew told them. Others began to make their final purchases while Andy and Kevin handled calling for cabs if they were needed. Storm and Harvey started cleaning up tables from where patrons were sitting. When 6 pm hit and the last person left except for family and friends to Harvey, the staff took a deep breath of relief. "Nice work tonight team," Andy smiled to them. "Harv, lock it up," he tossed the keys to Harvey who went to the door and locked it shut.

"Let's finish this shit. Harv hit the music," Kevin told him.

"On it," Harvey moved towards the table and got his laptop from Ashley, then he hooked it up to the system used for Karaoke. Harvey brought up a list called; Closing Tunes Mix then pressed play. The group of Harvey's friends and family watching him and Storm bring all the dishes to the back in buckets, then the ones for the bar in a separate bin. Kevin closed up the bar by putting everything in its required spot and made sure it was all closed, after that he was wiping down the bar, then the stools to it while Storm and Harvey took care of the tables and booths. Storm swept, and Harvey followed her with the mop. As like any other night, Andrew counted down the drawer for behind the bar, then the ones used for foods and regular drinks.

Andrew did that while Storm, Kevin, and Harvey sat at the bar with a cup of water while counting out their tips from the evening. "How'd you three make out tonight after a grueling five hours?" Andrew asked them.

"$170.00," Storm smiled.

"$220.00," Kevin replied then they look at Harvey. "Well?" he asked.

"How did you do?" Andrew wondered curiously.

"I don't know. It could be the exhaustion making me think things because I feel like the number is wrong and I should be recounting it," Harvey stated.

"Why, what number did you get?" Storm inquired.

"Uh, $268," Harvey remarked as their eyes widened. "See, that what I did too," he said handing money to Andrew, "Double check me," Andrew started counting it out and then stopped handing it back to Harvey. "So, did I count wrong?"

"Yeah, you did. It's $288," Andrew informed as Harvey's eyes shot open again. "There were two twenties stuck together," he chuckled. "Told you, Harv. The ladies love the hot, teenage, flirty, friendly, accurate, and fast server. The day you turn twenty-one, I'm having Kev train you to be a bartender. You'll end up going home with double that at the end of each night,"

"Wow," Harvey said, still in shock that he made almost $300 in tips for only a five-hour shift.

"Oh! Almost forgot! Your Christmas bonuses," Andrew said as he pulled three envelopes from his back pocket and gave them to who they belonged to. Kevin, Storm, and Harvey opened them up and pulled out the cash inside.

"Holy Odin! Are you serious boss?" Kevin asked.

"Hey, I treat my employees good for all the hard work they do for me. I couldn't run this place without all of you," Andrew smiled with a shrug.

"There is…" Storm paused counting it again, "$250.00 here," she finished.

"Merry Christmas," Andrew smiled. "Now get the hell out and enjoy the rest of the night, and tomorrow others who didn't work today will be covering you since you three did all this today," he added.

"Thanks, Andy. Night all!" Harvey called as he finished his water and tossed the cup away while rounding up his money and slipping it into his wallet, which then returned to his pocket. "You guys follow me upstairs," he informed his family and friends. The group followed Harvey to the door by the kitchen as he unlocked it and led them up. "Last one up, shut that door behind you, please?"

"Got it, Harv," Seth called to him. Reaching the second door, Harvey unlocked that and opened it, then walked in as the rest filed in behind. Once they all were, Hiccup returned to the hall and closed the door.

"Alright, make yourselves comfortable. After my shower, we can start Christmas together," Harvey told them. Harvey grabbed a set of clothes from his room, and then entered the bathroom. The group sat down on the sectional sofa and looked around not sure what to do as they waited. Sure, it was 7 pm now and Christmas day was almost over, but they'd still get to enjoy it even if it was a late start to the festivities.