Unintentional Hero
Author: Nightstar Fury of Nightstar Productions
Rated: M for a variety of things that will happen
Pairing: Hiccup/Astrid
Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD
13; First Is Over
-Hayden's POV-
The back of my head was stinging, and Gods, if I didn't have a pounding headache when I finally started hearing voices around me, not loud ones thankfully but still enough to know I was for the most part surrounded. I slowly forced my eyes to open, began blinking to focus before the first face I saw was Theo's. "Haddock!" he exclaimed.
"Fuck Theo...Way too loud..." I groaned out.
"Sorry, Sergeant...I'm just glad to see ya up finally. You scared the shit out of us yesterday," Theo told me. What? I'd been out since yesterday? What the hell happened to me? I sat up slowly and shook my head slightly, trying to remember what happened.
/Flashback/
I'd been celebrating with the guys on the latest victory when Holgerson told me to look out, before I could react I'd been tackled down by an enemy soldier whacking the back of my head really hard. He was trying to stab me, we rolled around on the ground before I kicked him off and then while he was making a run for it, I grabbed my pistol, hesitated as I remembered shooting that kid, then shook it off and shot the enemy from fifteen feet away in the back of the head. Then everything went black.
/End Flashback/
"How ya feeling, Haddock?" I looked to see Lieutenant Anderson coming into the tent now and over to my bedside.
I shrugged at him trying to smile, "Head hurts, Lieutenant but fine otherwise."
"Good man. Gave us a scare there when you blacked out," Anderson smiled patting my back, I nodded then remembered I'd been talking to Camille just before all that happened. Oh Gods, she had to be freaking out with worry! I searched for my phone and panicked when I couldn't find it. "Lookin' for your phone?" Anderson held it up to me. I sighed in relief, checking over everything: calls, texts, Skype messages. I expected that though, last I was talking to Camille was right before the attack when they watched me take on attack first hand. I'd done it so she could see that I was alright, and then I just had to get attacked and black out. I'm sure she was real convinced now, and probably told Dad who was sure to start his arguments again about how dangerous it is to be over here. I checked my watch, it was 1300 which meant Camille was probably in class and I shouldn't call her.
"Call home bro...Assure them you're up and okay," Matthews offered. I sighed nodding: he was right. Hayden found Cami's name on Skype-she was online as she always was in case I called her. My thumb hovered over her contact name before I took a breath and pressed it, waiting for the connection and like always, when her face came up it was filled with worry for me.
"Hayden...thank Gods you're okay," Camille said quickly. Hayden saw on the screen that sure enough she was in class. Seth, Rachel, and Avery were with her too.
"I'm alright, I just woke up," I told her calmly.
"You scared me...What happened to you?" Camille asked now.
"When I got tackled, I hit the back of my head really hard and after I..." I stopped not wanting to say it again, that I shot someone. "...I got free, standing up just hit me like wave and I blacked out." I saw Anderson, Matthews, and Theo look at me curiously, arching their brows, but I ignored it and kept my eyes on my phone screen.
"Dad is really worried about you. I told him what happened because he asked if I'd heard from you at all..." Camille said softly.
I scoffed a bit. "Then you can tell him I'm fine. I'm not talking to him, Cami. I refuse to until he understands why I'm over here doing what I'm doing. When he gets that, then I'll talk to him. I'm sick of the same argument over and over again so I'm just gonna avoid him like the plague."
"He's still our Dad and he loves you," Camille was defending him now and I figured as much.
"Well he has a really funny way of showing it. I don't get on his case about his job, the fact he's a lawyer who sometimes defends guilty people and gets them off with lighter sentences when they deserve twenty-five to life. I don't harp on him for defending criminals, for defending rapists, killers, robbers. No, I let him do his job and I don't say a word because it's what he wants to do. Why can't he show me the same courtesy? I'm defending people to on a much larger, more dangerous scale. I defend all of you, even the people I may not like. That is what I'm out here doing, Camille. Defending people, I'm just not doing it the way Dad wants me too. I'm doing it my way and when he understands that...I'll talk to him again," I stated firmly.
"I'll tell him you said that..." Camille sighed.
I shook my head, "No. I don't want you to tell him. I want him to figure it out on his own. I'll never understand why he defends criminals, I just accepted it. When he can do the same for me, I'll talk to him...I gotta go, I know you're in class right now. I just wanted you to know I was up," I said to her now.
"Please don't go yet...I still want to talk to you..." Camille whimpered a bit.
"Hey, knock off the tears will ya? You're in class right now, I'm not gonna be the cause of you missing your education, sis." I replied and then added: "Dad would have one more thing to blame on me..."
"I can't help it, Hayden...I hate not knowing when I'll hear from you again, or if any of these calls will be your last...I'm scared to lose you, and...you're not here to comfort me like you used too...I miss the hugs, the jokes, even those sarcastic remarks...I miss everything and...I just want you to come home," Camille told him, a few tears slipping down her cheeks. I sighed, what could I do from here to comfort her?
"I know you do and as soon as I can, I will be but for now...This is where I have to be, this is my duty." I told her.
"Your duty is gonna get you killed, Useless," I heard, which I was sure was Dylan in the background. I hated that name with a fiery passion that far exceeded the anger I held for my own father right now.
"Then so be it, Dylan," I said firmly, I heard him quiet down.
"You're tellin me you don't care if you die out there?"
"No. I don't. Because I would die doing what is right. If I have to die out here, then I die knowing that I gave my life to a good cause. For a safer future and a better tomorrow. A tomorrow that all of you get to live through, smiling, laughing, having a good time. Now you can call me 'useless' all you want, but at least I'm not sitting in a classroom and ignoring the teacher while being a complete asshole to everyone around him for reasons I will never understand. I'm out here making sure people like you get your education so you can have your dreams be fulfilled. Maybe you remember that next time because without people like me out here...You wouldn't have the freedom you have in order to do all you want. Keep that in mind from now on when you're off doing Thor only knows what, that soldiers are dying, have died, and the rest are still fighting for you to have what you have," I remarked and he remained quiet now.
"Well said, Sergeant Haddock." came the teacher's voice. "My son is over there too, Private Collins...He's in the Sharp Company."
"I was with him in Basic, ma'am. Good soldier too," I answered her.
"Please Hayden...assure me it's all going to be okay...I need to hear that before you go." Camille asked softly.
I sighed, what could I do to assure her it was going to be okay? How did I comfort her from where I was? I couldn't tell her it would be alright because I never knew if it would be. "I can't, Camille. I can't assure you of something even I don't know but I can assure you of this," I took a breath, "You will always be safe." I watched her start crying again, lowering her head.
"I'm just trying to be a father, raise a daughter and a son. Be a lover to their mother, and everything to everyone..." I heard Anderson start singing and I knew where he was going now.
"Up and at 'em bright and early, I'm all business in my suit. Yeah I'm dressed up for success, from my head down to my boots." Theo, Matthews, and Lennox joined in with Anderson now, I took a breath too. "I don't do it for the money, there's bills that I can't pay. I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway. Providing for our future is, my responsibility. Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be." I sang with them now.
"And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been too strong. I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long. You can bet that I stand ready, when the wolf growls at the door. Hey I'm solid, hey I'm steady. Hey I'm true down to the core...And I will always do my duty no matter what the price. I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice. Oh and I don't wanna die for you but if dying's asked of me, I'll bear that cross with honor. Cuz freedom don't come free!" We sang together as I saw more tears fall from her eyes.
"I'm a Berkian soldier, I'm a Berkian! Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand. When liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right. I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight. Berkian soldier...I'm a Berkian...Soldier!" We paused smiling at one another, "Yeah, a Berkian soldier, I'm a Berkian! Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand. When liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right! I'm out here on the front lines, so sleep in peace tonight! Berkian soldier, I'm a Berkian...A Berkian...A Berkian...Soldier..." We finished as I looked back to the screen to see Camille nodding, trying to smile.
"I'll be alright sis. One way or another, I'll always be alright." I told her softly. "I gotta go for now, okay? I'll talk to you soon, I promise. I love ya sis." I told her.
"I love you too big brother. I miss you so much, and...be safe." Camille told me.
I nodded to her, "Miss you too. Bye, Cami," I said before lowering the phone and pressing the end call button and sighing. "Thanks guys...I was getting kind'a stuck there..." I told them.
"No trouble at all. We've all been down this road a few times, Haddock. Families worried about when they'd see us again or get to hear from us..But we just remind them why we're out here and that we aren't scared so they shouldn't be either," Anderson told me. I nodded to him, I really did have some awesome friends here. About ten minutes later, the medic checked my head and said I was good to return to the barrack but to try and take it easy for a few hours since I'd been out for well over twelve hours since the initial blackout. It worked out because my squadron wasn't up for guard duty today. Once I got back to the barrack, I saw Toothless first then went inside to relax on the bed and talk with the others.
-Ends Hayden's POV-
(A Month Later)
Hayden was officially eighteen years old now. His birthday had passed a few days ago on February 12th. And in two weeks, it would be March, marking the start of his sixteenth month being deployed. Of course he called home to wish Camille a happy birthday since they were twins and shared the same one. He and his father managed to make it through a conversation without biting the others head off which had been a shocker but Hayden had a feeling Camille previously warned their father not to piss Hayden off when he called or she'd never forgive him. Since every time the two fought, Hayden didn't call for a month or two. The platoon itself managed to get him a cake, it was small and had been cooked in the strangest of ways but the guys managed to do it for him to celebrate him turning eighteen.
Things had been stable in Afghanistan, the usual attacks but nothing they couldn't handle and no one had died or been seriously injured in a month which right now was a new record. But now all that had passed and things were normal again and somewhat peaceful, the soldiers had a lot of downtime recently and Hayden in particular had his mind constantly going back to October when his leave ended early, when Avery kissed his cheek. He couldn't forget about it, and wanted to know why she had. The two of them had been best friends ever since Camille brought Avery home to hang out when all of them had been about eleven years old. All of them generally lived close to one another, a fifteen to twenty minute walk or a five to ten minute drive. Avery was gorgeous and Hayden would be the first to admit such but did he like her like that? He didn't know. Did Avery like him like that? He also didn't know and he knew he'd only know if he talked to her about it.
It was currently a Saturday and checking his watch he knew that it was likely to be around 6pm in Berk. It was 10:30pm for him where he was. She should be available to talk, shouldn't she? Hayden lifted his phone and stepped outside with it, he found Avery's Skype name and saw her online. He hesitated but finally brought up the message box and typed out: -Hey, Avery. What are you doing right now?-
Within maybe a minute she had replied with: Hey, Hayden. Not much, just sitting around trying to think of something to do. How about you?
-Sitting outside with Toothless, bored myself. No patrol or guard tonight and the guys are being rowdy.-
-That sucks. How's things over there, quiet? Haven't heard anything on the news recently.-
-Yeah, right now they are. So..since we're...both kind'a bored right now. Feel like Skyping?- Hayden really hoped she'd say yes because he wanted to talk about what happened at the airport with her. He'd been putting it off for a while but he just couldn't anymore. He had to know if she liked him so he could figure out if he liked her. They were friends and he knew that but ever since the kiss on the cheek, he'd been...confused when he thought about her.
-Sure, gimme a sec to get my headset.- Then after about two minutes, she added: -Okay, I'm ready.-
Hayden took a breath as he pressed the call button on the top of the app as the call began to try and connect, finally it did after maybe four rings. The spotty service made it harder but at least he could get through, he saw her smiling face come on screen and he swore his heart began to race. "Long time no talk, Sky Eyes." Hayden greeted-it was her nickname from him because her eyes always reminded him of the blue sky.
"Hey Hiccup." Of course she'd use his middle name/nickname: she was one of the only people besides Camille who he let call him that.
"So...how's school been? You guys just got off Feb break right?" Hayden asked.
"Yeah, going back on Monday. Sucks but at least it's almost June...Well in like a week and four months left." Avery responded to him. "Any word on when your deployment ends? You've been there for what...fifteen months now?"
"Just about. It's quieting down for now so possibly soon but even if the deployment ends, I might not get stationed back in Berk and even if I do...I can't just leave base whenever," Hayden sighed some.
"Hey, it's alright. Least you wouldn't be there anymore...Every time you call and those fights happen, we all get scared for you and Cami is damn near impossible to calm down until she knows you're alright," Avery informed him.
"Well, I wouldn't be on calls if I knew there could be fighting. I know it scares her but I never knew when it will happen so I just have to roll with the uncertainty..." There was silence for a few moments after Avery nodded to him. "So I've...been meaning to ask, Avery...Uh...Why did you...ya know, kiss me on the cheek before I left the airport back in October?I know it was a few months ago now but I guess I'm curious..." Hayden decided to ask. Why not? It was actually the entire reason he called. Avery didn't say anything for a few minutes, through the shitty service he saw her turn her head a bit and he assumed she was blushing.
"To be completely honest, Hayden...I don't know why I did it. I mean...you hugged your Dad, sister, and me but no one else. And when you hugged me I just...I felt really scared knowing you were going back there. I wanted...you to know that I care too that you're over there and I worry as much as your family does that you...might not come back," Avery answered finally.
Now what did he say to that? She cared about him, was and still is scared for him to not come back. "But why kiss me? You could've just told me..."
"I know and I'm sorry I just...the thought of losing you terrifies me to no end, Hayden..."
"Why does it terrify you?" Hayden asked softly.
"Because I don't want to lose you before I get the chance to tell you that I care about you...As more than just a friend, Hayden. I like you a lot, I really like you and I have since the eighth grade but never told you because I was scared it would ruin our friendship. And now with you over there...I kissed you because I wanted you to know that it's not just your family who wants you home so badly, it's me too. I want to be with you but...I feel like I'm never going to get the chance because of you being there, or stationed somewhere else and me always being here...worried constantly if you're okay or not..." Avery admitted to him and he was completely shocked. So she did like him as more than a friend, was scared to lose him, and wanted him to know she liked him and hoped he'd come home soon so they could be together! Before he could answer, he heard the barrack door open and saw Anderson looking around for him.
"Haddock?" he called.
"Right here, Lieutenant." Hayden answered walking out from the stable where Toothless was.
"Get inside, we have a storm blowing in. Time to hunker down." Anderson told him quickly, Hayden nodded as he made sure Toothless was secure and gave him a bucket of fish.
"Hang tight, Toothless. I'll see ya when the storm is over!" Hayden shut the stable door and made sure it was secure before entering the barrack with his buds all smiling still.
"Do you have to get off now?" Avery asked him.
"Nah it's fine. The reception might be shitty though...So you like me in that way, do you?" Hayden said, she nodded to him although it was lagging terribly. "I like you too, Avery. I don't know how strong it runs but I know I like you. Every time I see that smile, my heart races. I know you're scared for me but I'll be okay and as for being together...I don't know how you wanna do that with me here and you there. Even when I get back, I can ship right back out at anytime and I don't want you to suffer that. But right now we can't worry about it because this still pretty...new to me and you too I assume so let's just play it safe until we figure more out. I think we should talk about it before deciding what to do about this...Of course with this storm, I don't think now is a good time to do it," Hayden added.
"Yeah, I can hardly hear you. Maybe we talk when your deployment ends?" Avery asked him.
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I should go for now, let Camille know that I might not be able to reach her for a few days depending on this storm. I'll talk to you soon, Sky Eyes," Hayden said with a calm smile.
"I will, be safe, Hiccup! Talk to you soon!" Avery replied, then the call just cut out. Hayden sighed: so she did like him and he liked her. He knew that now but how deep did the like go? That was still a mystery to him but he assumed he'd have time to figure it out.
"What the shit, Haddock? You have a girlfriend! When the hell were you gonna tell us!" Ritka asked.
"Oh hush up, she isn't my girlfriend. She's just...a girl I've known for a really long time and just found out really likes me," Hayden grumbled, rolling his eyes.
"Dude, she's pretty much your girlfriend..." Lennox chuckled, Hayden grabbed his boot and chucked it at Lennox.
"Put a cork in it, asshole. Nothing is official...Pretty sure you heard me tell her that we had to talk more," Hayden sighed, the boot was tossed back at him, he caught it and he put it back where it belonged. He'd talk to Avery when his tour ended, hopefully when that time came they could figure something out. Hayden put his phone on the charger and got into bed to relax: it was almost 2300 now and he was exhausted. Closing his eyes, he finally rolled over and ended up falling asleep.
(May 2018)
Eighteen long ass months Hayden had been in Afghanistan now except for the one week he'd gotten off back in September 2017. Things were quiet, attacks were coming less and less but knew that it could change at any time. Hayden was just off a sixteen hour guard shift, he took an extra because he felt like it and Lieutenant Anderson hadn't seemed to mind the offer. He was making his way back to the barrack when he saw Col. Jacobson walking towards it too. Hayden entered the barrack and stripped off his guard gear to jump on his bed and sigh out.
"Good news boys! Platoons Dragonfire, Infernowing, and Lavablast are going home!" Col. Jacobson announced, Hayden shot up in bed looking over. They were...going home finally!? After a year and a half of this Hell, they got to go home?! "New recruits are coming in, standard rotation. All of your stations will be posted outside Major White's office in about fifteen minutes. Generally you boys will be staying together by platoon but sometimes the platoon splits up and it's just by squadron. So, not sure when I'll see you all again but it's been a pleasure and honor serving with you these last eighteen months and Haddock...I need you down here for a moment."
Hayden got down and walked towards him offering a salute to him. "You needed to see me sir?"
"Damn right I did. I have something for you..." Col. Jacobson said as he pulled out a badge and pinned it to Hayden's sleeve next to the Sergeant badge, when Hayden saw it he gasped in shock. "For all you've done here during your deployment, Hayden Haddock: saving your men at the risk of your own life, never leaving a man down or behind, your courage, strength, loyalty and all the things I've said before...You are being promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant. Congratulations son," Col. Jacobson said as Hayden was beside himself. He just...got promoted. Again! He was now a Lieutenant, like Anderson. The squadron cheered and clapped for him as Hayden saluted Jacobson again, and got one in return before the Colonel left with a smile.
"Nice work, Ser-oops, I mean Lieutenant Haddock! Congrats!" Theo smiled widely. Hayden couldn't believe it, he really couldn't. And they were going home! Well, new stations but they were leaving Afghanistan! When the time was up, Anderson told Hayden to go check at the Major's office where the Dragonfire platoon was going. Hayden made it to the office and checked the sheet.
Lieutenant Hayden Haddock with Alpha Fire squadron: Stationed to Visithug Isle, based at Fort Titanwing. Leaving at 1500 on May 10th, 2018.
Hayden smiled wide, May 10th was tomorrow! "Well, might not be getting stationed in Berk but I can deal. The first tour is finally over and I couldn't be happier to get out of here," Hayden said to himself as his eyes fell on his new badge, the one for Lieutenant. He still couldn't believe it. He was getting out of Afghanistan, the first was finally over.
