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

42; Measured By Heart

Oh he woke up with a headache alright: one shot of soco and four of fireball whiskey was definitely not a good idea. Hayden's head was pounding, his stomach felt like it was on fire too as he sat up in the bed-holding his head and tried to keep from throwing up whatever was in his stomach. He glanced over to see Avery still asleep there, bother of them partially naked still. Avery was in her underwear and a long tee-shirt, he was only wearing his boxers. They were concealed by a pull back curtain to cover their room in the camper. Hayden reached over to his suitcase and grabbed a pair of sweatpants before leaving the room to go to the bathroom-where he did actually throw up about four times. After it passed he took a hot shower, then once out he just wore his sweats again. He checked the clock to find it was 6:30am already: he and Avery only stayed up until 10:45pm, making out and having a lot of fun before Seth knocked to ask if it was safe to come back in.

After that, everyone went to bed for the night. Now with it being morning, their vacation really started. Six days of nothing but fun, relaxing, friends, and family. He was already feeling better since leaving Berk on Anderson's advice to take some time off and be normal instead of a soldier. Hayden stepped outside and went to see Toothless first before relaxing in the chair with his eyes closed, he heard an RV door open and checked the right to see it wasn't his RV so he looked left to see Ethan and Dylan coming out tiredly wearing tank tops and their sweats, Dylan with sandals on, Ethan in a pair of slippers. The door to right opened as Theo was out next, then Jasmine with a yawn. "Soldiers never sleep huh?" Theo chuckled.

"Not with what we've dealt with," Hayden chuckled a bit as Jasmine instantly started the coffee-which large pots were set up on the tables, each near the entrance to an RV. Theo started the one for his RV mates.

"Going shirtless today, Hayden?" Jasmine giggled.

"Never put one on after the shower. Anyone else wake up with a shitty hangover?" Hayden asked, Theo raised his hand, then Ethan and Dylan did the same.

"So what's the plan for today?" Dylan asked looking at them now.

"Whatever you guys wanna do. We can go swimming, the field, whatever. Sky is the limit here or just be lazy and chill here all day." Hayden stated as he got up and stretched his back, "For me, I'm gonna do what I always do in the morning-go for a run. I'll be back in about an hour." Hayden said as he plugged his headphones in to his phone, then placed the buds in his ear as he headed off down the dirt road in a jog.

"Never stops, does he?" Camille said coming out of the camper now. An hour passed bringing them to 7:30am and everyone was out of the camper except Avery-who came out last and saw everyone sitting around the small morning fire with coffee, she made herself a cup and sat down with them but saw no sign of Hayden.

"Where's Hayden?" Avery asked.

"Should be back in a few minutes, went running an hour ago." Jasmine stated to her with a smile.

"Of course he did." Avery chuckled sipping her coffee. They sat there until 8am when Hayden finally returned to the campsite, panting lightly and drenched in layer of sweat that clearly was seen on any part of his body not covered by clothing, Avery had to contain herself from jumping him then and there. They noticed he had his headphone in still so they assumed he couldn't hear them when they greeted him, finally he pulled his phone out paused the music before pulling the buds out.

"Morning." He smiled.

"Hey muscles." Avery giggled now.

"Oh stop...still a twig." Hayden told her as he kissed her cheek.

"But a really, really hot twig who grew about two feet in height and bulked out in other areas." Avery teased.

"Settle down, it's only 8am babe." Hayden reminded. "So now that everyone is awake, what do you all wanna do today?"

"Well weather says it's gonna be about 86 degrees, higher humidity. Seems likes a lounge around the pool day to me." Rachel stated.

"I'm cool with that," Ethan and Dylan nodded to her idea.

"Well pool doesn't open til 10am according to the sign when I passed it." Hayden shrugged, "Maybe we start with some breakfast?" he suggested.

"I call cooking!" Camille and Rachel offered, everyone whipped around and yelled a quick NO.

"No offense sis but you cook about as well as a MRE tastes...And unfortunately, you inherited Mom's ability to cook-the one where she can't and neither can you," Hayden tried not to laugh. Camille huffed and threw a rock at his head-then crossed her arms over her chest. "How about you girls relax and let the men cook?"

"You just admitted to eating MRE's all the time, how can you know anything about cooking?" Rachel protested.

"Because we're soldiers and we know how to survive." Theo remarked now.

"Come on boys, let's show 'em how it's done." Hayden chuckled.

They saluted him quickly, "Yes, Major Haddock!" Hayden only shook his head as he went into the RV and grabbed the egg carton from it then returned outside with a big pan. The girls, Felix, Seth, and TJ just watched as the four soldier boys were all working silently but cooking really fast too. After fifteen minutes, everything was done and set on the table-complete with orange juice, milk, and another two pots of coffee.

"And there you go." Hayden grinned standing with Ethan, Theo, and Dylan-their arms cockily crossed over their chests.

"Thor almighty babe, there's enough here to feed at least five other people..." Avery blinked in surprise.

"Then we have leftovers, just eat." Hayden chuckled handing her a plate. From that point they all sat down after getting a plate of food and beginning to eat while talking about what they'd do all day: mainly sit around at the pool, swim, maybe a few rounds of basketball, grab lunch around 12:30-1pm. It was vacation, they could sleep and be lazy all day if they wanted too. When 11am came around, they were all changed into their bathing suits with towels draped over their arms. Two girls were carrying beach bags with snacks, water bottles, and sunscreen. They grabbed their dragons and made their way to the pool-which happened to be right by the dragon park, a place the dragons could grab fish from the feeding stations and run around or just lounge around. Also near the pool was the basketball court and play ground.

The dragons went to relax in the sun while the groups made their way into the fenced in pool area, they grabbed a spot under one of the canopy tents-which allowed them to be in the sun or shade, set up before they all got ready to go in the pool. Hayden stayed back with Avery to get the sunscreen on, he didn't want to burn and he knew he could if in the sun to long, also-Avery rather enjoyed the mini massage she got from Hayden while he applied it to her back, shoulders and sides. "Will you two get in the pool already! Didn't ya have enough last night?" Ethan yelled to him.

"Shut it or drop and give me fifty..." Hayden warned as he and Avery headed into the pool now, shallow side to start with.

"Shutting up." Ethan said quickly. The next hour was spent swimming around, laughing, and snacking. Hayden was relaxing in the sun having needed a break from the water, Avery was laying between his legs and his arms locked around her, eyes closed.

"Oh this is amazing, I'm so glad you thought of this..." Avery sighed contently.

"It was actually Anderson's idea." Hayden chuckled now.

"Remind me to thank him..." Avery said.

"Well you could just do that now since I'm standin right here," Came a familiar voice, Hayden's eyes shot open as he leaned up and looked over seeing Anderson standing there-a woman beside him smiling then two kids, one on each side of them.

"Anderson!" Hayden said as Avery smiled and moved so Hayden could go greet his friend, the two hugged and then stepped back. "Didn't think I'd see you so soon."

"Well telling you about it made me want to bring my family. Hayden, this is my wife, Maria Anderson. And our kids, Liam and Brenna Anderson. Babe, this is Major Hayden Haddock. Rider of the Night Fury and reason the war is over and we're home. Best damn soldier I've ever worked with." Anderson introduced.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Major Haddock. My husband has told me a lot about you." Maria smiled as she shook Hayden's hand.

"Just...Hayden please," Hayden said softly then his eyes fell on the two kids, one of them was older: the female named Brenna, she looked to be about six. Liam looked about four. "And will ya stop saying I ended it...I didn't do it alone." Hayden sighed.

"Yes ya did. All because you were pro-," Anderson stopped seeing Hayden's pleading eyes, and nodded understanding. "Well it doesn't matter, the war is over and the Archipelago a safer place now." Hayden whispered a silent thank you with his mouth to Anderson for not going on about it, Anderson understood that Hayden didn't like to be called named the sole reason that the war ended because of his temper when Avery got hurt.

"Daddy, is he the Dragon Rider Hero," said Brenna, Anderson's daughter now as she tugged her father's arm. Hayden blinked a few times now.

"I told you the dragon rider hero is just...a story kids. He owns a Night Fury, stands at six feet one inch tall, and is a brave man who never shows fear." Anderson said quickly as Hayden arched a brow at him.

"But you said that Uncle Hiccup has a Night Fury, was weally bwave, has a Night Fuwy, and isn't afwaid?" came Liam's voice now as Hayden blinked in confusion looking to Anderson.

Anderson sighed, "I might of told the kids a few of your...heroic tales as bedtime stories..." he nervously rubbed the back of his head. Hayden's eyes widened a bit.

"He's gotta be Uncle Hiccup, daddy said uncle has auburn hair and green eyes just like Hayden does! Hayden is the dragon rider hero from daddy's stories!" Brenna squealed as she quickly let go of her father's hand and hugged Hayden's arm-which had been by his side. Liam soon after did the very same as Hayden looked for at Anderson-still not understanding what the hell was going on. Why were these kids calling him Uncle Hiccup? Why were they suddenly all over him when they'd never met before today.

"Kids, give Hayden room to breathe. Harry dear, I think maybe you should explain to Hayden what the kids mean." Maria offered, Liam and Brenna backed off and walked away with their mother as Hayden attempted to be patient waiting for a response from his friends.

"The times I used to call home, or get to go on leave after meeting you...I mentioned you to them. And the times I was away...I used to tell stories about you, referring to you as the Dragon Rider Hero who fights with such ferocity, and protects his fellow brothers and sisters, even at the risk of his own life. I said he rides a fearless, all black dragon called a Night Fury and he himself is a fearless soldier who stands up for what is right. And the reason they call you Uncle Hiccup is because I told them that you're my brother and they'd get to meet you soon." Anderson explained.

"Anderson...I'm not...a hero. All those stories, yeah...I risked my life and got shot a few times, I ride a Night Fury but...I'm not a hero...and I really wish people would stop calling me what I'm not. I'm just a soldier, like anyone else. I didn't do anything more or less than anyone else." Hayden remarked as he grabbed his shirt off the chair behind him, slipped it on and walked out of the gate, he gave a whistle to Toothless who rushed over, Hayden grabbed the saddle and pulled himself on before taking off.

Anderson sighed as Avery came beside him, then Theo and Jasmine came over watching Hayden fly out of sight over the treetops. "What happened?" Theo asked.

"I told him that I've been using some of his war stories to kids, nothing bad-just his heroics. I left out anyone dying or getting hurt. Just something to let them know I was fighting alongside a good man and friend. And Hayden seems to be really sensitive about being referred to as a hero..." Anderson sighed lightly looking at them. "Maybe I should go talk to him?"

"Maybe we just let him relax a while, we took this vacation to relax from military and I don't think he likes to keep thinking about it right now. We had a moment last night, I found a video of us and the others from Strike One...Hayden and I took four shots, one for each of them. Just sat back remembering them, we'd all always said we'd get out and go camping together: just sit back for a weekend and get hammered drunk..." Theo admitted. They all agreed, even Avery-who wanted to check on him but felt he should have a little time to himself to relax, he had just gotten off of a six month tour after all. She sat back in the chair and relaxed, talking with the others and then around dinner time when the pool closed at 5pm, they grabbed their dragons and headed back to the campsite where they found Hayden already working on dinner, by himself.

His headphones were in-as loud as they could go to. He was working on chopping up chicken, vegetables, and hamburger meat: keeping it all separated into different bowls. Toothless was laying beside him and watching the fire as Hayden was wrapping a mix of the foods into pieces of tin foil and wrapping them up tightly and keeping them in a stack on a tray that also had a pair of tongs sitting on it too. But what Avery noticed, and Theo was that there was four beer bottles, empty on the table next to him. Also the shot glass with the bottle of fireball out and looking less full than from the night before. Hayden brought over the tray and crouched down sticking them on the metal grate over the fire to cook them, he noticed the others returning to the campsite now and smile pulling out his earphones. "Hey guys!" He called.

"Hey...What are you doing?" Avery asked.

"Making dinner, thought you might be hungry when you got back from the pool so I started about twenty minutes ago. Hey Anderson, you and your family are welcome to join us. Got plenty!" Hayden smiled wider to them.

"Um...thank you, Hayden. That's very nice of you. We're just going to get changed and we'll be back." Maria, Anderson's wife said softly. Hayden nodded as they headed off down the path to their campsite while the others entered their RV's to quick shower and change into something more comfortable before returning outside to see Hayden holding another beer and working on flipping the foil wrapped food on the open fire. Anderson, his wife, and kids returned and relaxed in the extra chairs that Hayden had set up for them.

"You guys want any beers, soda, or juice then help yourselves: its all in the cooler under the table over there." Hayden offered lightly to them before taking another swig.

"Daddy, can we meet Toothless?" Asked Brenna softly.

"It's up to Hayden kids. It's his dragon..." Anderson replied, Hayden heard of course as he placed the bottle down on the table and walked over to them couching down.

"You want to meet Toothless?" Hayden asked while the two kids nodded, Hayden not stood up and offered his hands to for them to take as he walked them over towards the stable where Toothless was laying down-Hayden put his hand out to Toothless who pressed his nose to the palm then smiled a gummy smile to him and the two kids with him. "This is Toothless, my Night Fury and best friend. Tooth, this is Brenna and Liam: Anderson's kids." Hayden introduced gently.

"He's so cool...I want to find a Night Fury and be just like you, the hero in Daddy's stories!" Liam said happily as Toothless lightly nudged the boy's face. The group watching the scene tensed up a bit, Hayden had been really edgy about being called a hero lately and they wondered if he'd get upset again-but oddly enough he didn't, he only chuckled a bit while Toothless went back to eating his fish.

"Say, did your Daddy ever tell you how the Dragon Rider Hero became a dragon rider?" Hayden asked them with a smile, they shook their heads as Hayden picked them both up, one in each arm and returned to his camping chair with both kids on a knee. "It was four years ago when the young soldier had just come off a very dangerous mission of six days in an enemy forest with all kinds of wild dragons. There was a team of people on the other side of the forest waiting to get the soldier and his team out safely." Hayden began as both kid's eyes lit up. The others decided to sit around and listen in while Hayden told the story of how he met Toothless to these kids.

"Wow..." The kids gasped listening closely.

"It was a hard mission because the soldier was in charge of twenty-five other soldiers, to keep them safe from enemies and wild dragons. When they got to the other side of the forest, an enemy jumped out of the trees and tackled the soldier down trying to hurt him," The kid's eyes filled with worry now but continued to listen, "Then-out of nowhere there was a loud roar," Hayden paused as Toothless sat up and gave a loud screech and the kid's only giggled more. "Suddenly, A Night Fury jumped out of the trees and made the enemy run away in fear. The soldier thought he would get hurt too, but the dragon didn't attack him. It was concerned for him, it protected him from danger and then the two bonded and became the best of friends that no other force in the entire Archipelago can stand against. They protect one another, fight side by side, they soar the skies, and let nothing come between them. The truth is, that soldier had been a nothing without his dragon, and then when they became friends, the soldier was began believing in himself and became stronger. Now they stand up to protect each other and the people they care about most." Hayden told the kids.

"The Dragon Rider Hero has people he cares about?" Liam asked.

"Of course. Everyone has someone they care about, and when a solider has someone to protect, there is no stopping him. I heard the dragon rider hero has amazing friends who stand with him in battle like his dragon does-that he has a father who is proud of him, a sister he'd do anything for, and a beautiful girlfriend who he would die for." Hayden smiled.

"Does he have a family of his own too, like a wife and kids?" Brenna asked.

"I don't think so but I bet you anything that his beautiful girlfriend and him will get married one day and start a family of their own when that soldier finishes fighting all the battles he has to in order to keep everyone safe." Hayden winked.

"Uncle Hiccup?" Liam tilted his head now.

"What is it kiddo?" Hayden replied gently.

"Are you the hero from Daddy's stories?" Brenna finished.

"I might be a soldier and ride a Night Fury but I'm not a hero kids. I'm just someone who fights for what is right and tries to make the future better. A true hero isn't measured by their strength, its measured by their heart. The heart is the strongest part of the body because without the heart, the rest doesn't work. The heart isn't just something the beats inside of you, it's what drives you because of all the people it holds for you to want to protect." Hayden informed softly. Avery just beamed watching Hayden with these kids-he was so good with them, and what he said was amazing. "Now run along and play." Hayden set them down as he got up to check the food. Anderson got up and put his hand on Hayden's shoulders while he was turning the the foil wraps again and checking them.

"Thank you for that." Anderson said gently.

"I didn't do anything, that was a true story. That's how I met Toothless." Hayden shrugged.

"But you didn't crush their vision of a hero. I know you don't feel like one but you defined a hero yourself...It's not strength, its your heart and you Hayden...have a huge one." Anderson said as he passed Hayden is beer and the two clanked them to sit down and relax.