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
79; No Other Feeling
Hayden had never been more stressed, tired, worried, and happy at the same time before the pregnancy announcement was made. On time-Beyond The Clouds had opened but as well Avery was four months pregnant working with dragons and students so Hayden has his eyes on her all the time and by eyes he meant his friends kept an eye on her and updated him. He wasn't taking chances with this pregnancy-he wanted to be on top of everything all the time for it. When Avery hit five months in September, they started converting one of the spare rooms into a nursery for the baby-thankfully between Maria and their friends and family, they ended up with a crib, changing table, clothes for neutral since they didn't know the gender and chose not to find out when Avery hit twenty weeks pregnant. Those two months went right by for him-and continued to go faster it seemed.
He was so busy between home and work life: up to his ears in meetings, slight traveling to other islands when they had a problem beyond their control, preparing the nursery, getting things for the baby, doctors appointments, sonogram appointments, and all over training with others: he was still lead trainer so if someone didn't know something then Hayden had to step in to teach it. There was so much going on-and he was still in therapy for his depression, not that it was bad to a point he couldn't control himself just not with the added stresses, his medications either needed a dose upgrade or change completely. They weren't working anymore-he was back to not being able to sleep well, which resulted in the fatigue at work all while trying to make time to fly Toothless and Stormfly, and take care of Avery who-when on her feet too long got tired and needed to sit down.
"Ugh..." Hayden groaned out as he rubbed his head after putting the phone down-that had been the fifth call in one hour, he had a massive headache. He pressed a button on the phone pad, "Jaz, can ya bring me a coffee and two aspirins, please?" he asked tiredly.
"Sure thing boss," Jasmine replied to him-within ten minutes she'd returned with coffee and the aspirin bottle, "Ya know you should take a few days off to relax. You're running yourself ragged here, Hayden..."
"I'll be alright," Hayden assured her as he opened the pill bottle, got two-then downed them with the coffee before sitting back in his chair. "How's Avery today?"
"Good, she's working working with the the beginner class down on the third floor," Jasmine responded.
"Good, I'm glad she's inside where she can sit down. She has an appointment later on at 3:00pm," Hayden stated.
"I know-I blocked out your meetings between 2:45pm and 4pm," Jasmine smiled.
"I owe you," the phone rang as Hayden sighed lifting it, "Beyond The Clouds, this is Hayden." he listened a few moments, "I'll be right there." he put the phone down and got up heading to the elevator to go down. "Hold my calls for about thirty minutes, Jaz." she nodded to him as he disappeared behind the metal doors. Hayden pressed the five button and the elevator began moving downward to the fifth floor-it stopped and gave a ding as the five lit up over the door, which then opening. Hayden walked out and headed to the class Dylan was teaching-apparently he was having trouble with a student who thought this was a game-Hayden wouldn't be dealing with that in the slightest. He put his hand on the handle and opened the door walking in with a firm look on his face.
"Sorry I bothered you, Lieutenant Colonel," Dylan stated.
"Don't worry about it. What seems to be the problem?" Hayden asked with his arms over his chest.
"Well, it seems Mr, Jackson over here believes he was placed in the wrong class-that he should be with the advanced class," Dylan replied.
"Oh he does, does he? Tell me, Mr. Jackson-do you have a bonded dragon?" Hayden asked curiously.
"Yes sir, but-" the male began but Hayden put his hand up to stop him.
"I didn't ask for a but, Mr. Jackson. A simple yes or no will do just fine. What dragon have you bonded with?" Hayden asked.
"A Hobblegrunt, Mr. Haddock..." the student replied.
"How are you so sure you've bonded-tell me what a bond between human and dragon is?" Hayden asked.
"It's...where the two connect and...understand one another-the dragon accepts the human as it's rider and trainer," the boy said, "I bonded because...it...follows me everywhere since I helped it when it was hurt,"
"That does not make a bond-that shows the dragon you trusted it and it gave it's trust in return. It is grateful to you for helping it-some dragon species will remain with a human due to means of a life debt. If you helped this dragon when it was fatally injured-it is merely in debt to you. If a time comes where your life is in danger then it will save you and the debt is paid-the dragon will likely leave. A bond is where no matter what, the dragon remains with you always. The reason you were placed in this class is because you are a beginner. In order to train a dragon-you need to know dragons and if you didn't know the difference between a life debt and a bond then you are certainly not ready to the advanced class. The beginner class is for those who have no previous dragon knowledge and are willing to learn." Hayden stated.
"I took a class in high school-I graduated in June," the boy stated.
"That doesn't matter to me-you don't have the necessary skill or credentials to be in the advanced class. That class is reserved for students who took dragon courses in high school or college to learn about different types of dragons, who bonded already and are ready to learn to ride and train them. This course you were placed in is because once you learn what you need to in order to approach wild dragons, respect them, trust them-then you are taken onto the field in an attempt to bond. If you do not bond, your time here ends until you do bond. The advanced students will leave here with full rider status and their dragon." Hayden remarked. "Now if this is some kind of a game to you-then you may leave now because I'm sure there is another student on the waiting list itching to take your spot and be here to actually learn."
"I...apologize sir. It...won't happen again," the male said.
"Be sure that it doesn't not. I have zero tolerance at my school and you get one warning-this is it. You blow it, and you leave here-as well be banned from joining the other academy's stationed around the Archipelago," Hayden said, the student nodded softly as Hayden looked to Dylan. "If you have anymore trouble-don't hesitate to call." with that he turned and left the room. Once outside-he sighed heavily, the headache was getting worse-maybe he should go visit Avery, the normally calmed him down or taking a flight on Toothless. Entering the elevator-he pressed the three button as the doors closed and the metal box began to move down two more levels. It stopped and the door opened as he headed to Avery's classroom-he knocked on the door and waited.
"Come in," was heard as he put on a smile and opened the door, "Hayden, what brings you by babe?" she asked as he got up slowly and went to hug him.
"Just coming to check on my beautiful wife and unborn child," Hayden replied lightly to her as he kissed her cheek while some of the girls went awe while the guys only chuckled, "How are you doing today, Mi'lady?"
"Tired but taking it slow," she replied as Hayden led her back to her chair to sit down.
"How's the little one?" he asked placing a hand on her belly.
"Feisty like me-strong like you, I'm going to hate labor..." Avery mumbled.
"I said it before-I'll say it again, you wanted a family beautiful. I'll be there when you go into labor-helps that we work in the same building and I fly the fastest dragon known to man and woman," Hayden reminded her.
"I know-I saw how fast you got Maria to the hospital when she went into labor, I ain't worried about a thing." Avery giggled some. "How's your day going?"
"Long, I'll be glad when it's over...I'm exhausted and still have three more meetings before your appointment later," Hayden sighed out.
"Take a load off babe, you can't be running yourself ragged like this-it's not healthy for you," Avery pointed out.
"Jasmine said the same thing. I'm good, just waiting for the headache to pass." Hayden told her lightly as she only shook her head at him with a hand on her belly. "How's the class going?"
"Good-we just covered ways to bring out playful nature and earn trust," Avery smiled.
"Right on schedule then-I'll leave you to it," Hayden kissed her gently only the lips before putting a hand on her belly to rub it slightly, "You be nice for your mother little one-don't give her a hard time," Hayden said as the kicks became lighter and he could tell.
"Great-listens to you, not me." Avery huffed a bit.
"No, just needs both of us. If you need anything-radio or call me babe. Love you, Sky Eyes," Hayden headed for the door.
"You too, Soldier Man," Avery smiled with a blush as Hayden left the room now-yep, he felt better after seeing her, now for a fly on Toothless before the next meeting and he'd be all set the rest of the day.
(Three & A Half Months Later)
Avery was about two weeks away from her due date and ordered off her feet most of the day. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years had passed-joyful holidays for Hayden for once in the last seven years. He wasn't uber depressed and hiding how he felt-he was actually happy to be among family and friends for the holidays. The nursery had been set up fully and they had just about everything they needed for it, now they just had to wait for the baby to arrive and that would be soon. Avery and Hayden couldn't wait to meet their child. Everything was right on point and where it should be. Her tests all came back fine, sonograms were a breeze, and so were standard office appointments, this pregnancy had been surprisingly easy with no problems at all. Avery had morning sickness right up until her seventh month, she had swollen ankles, breasts and a sore back most of the time but it was all worth it for the baby-she'd gladly do it again to be as happy as she was right now to be married to Hayden-working with dragons, and getting ready to give birth to hers and Hayden's first child.
Beyond The Clouds was every bit of successful as it was hope to be when the idea was originally proposed to happen: Hayden loved running it but right now with Avery so close to giving birth-he wasn't taking anymore trips to other islands. Only one other big thing happened that Hayden almost kicked Dylan's ass for when he found out. Hayden's sister was pregnant was well-currently Camille was about two months pregnant with Dylan's child. When Hayden found out that it happened on a drunken night-he almost knocked Dylan clear into the next week but Jasmine and Heather calmed him down after Theo and Ethan had to hold Hayden still. He did calm down and warn Dylan he really would kick his ass if anything happened to Camille or he made her upset while pregnant. Dylan took the threat seriously-about a week later he proposed to Camille so no the two were engaged and set to be married in about a year.
Heather and Felix were now engaged-hopefully married in a few months, they were just doing a small wedding with their families and then after they'd do a party with everyone. Seth and Jasmine were dating-have been for about three months now. TJ was dating Samantha-just started too when he finally got the courage to ask her out. As for Ethan and Rachel; they were married and expecting their first child now-due in about seven months. So everyone was happy with their lives now, Hayden was beyond thrilled and it's be better when his and Avery's child arrived in two weeks. Today was a slow day-thankfully not more than five meetings, and he was overseeing a final exam of fifteen students from Ethan's advanced class, that was sure to be entertaining. It was only 9am too-one meeting out of the way and the exam would be at 3:30pm and everyone was allowed to watch it in the stands-a big event to relieve some of the stress.
The day continued pretty easy-all meetings were handled without a problem. As 3:30 came around, Hayden made an announcement for all staff and students to go to the stands for the final exam of Advanced Class C. Hayden waited for Avery since he didn't want her walking alone or falling-sometimes the kicks got strong and she'd nearly lose her balance from the pain. When he saw her, he smiled side and offered his arm to her while they headed to the stands-which for them at least and the main trainers, they'd be sitting close to the field in case Hayden had to head out to handle a situation and there was only about ten stairs to go down to get to it. "How are you today?" he asked her while they walked.
"Really tired and sore," Avery mumbled some.
"After this-we'll go home so you can rest okay?" Avery nodded to him as she winced a bit while walking-half way down the step she just stopped and hunched over a bit whimpering as she squeezed his hand, "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked quickly.
"It...hurts..." she cringe closing her eyes tightly while panting.
"How bad? Is the baby still kicking?" Hayden asked quickly as fear began to overtake him.
"Baby is...kicking a lot and it's...making it hard to move-babe it really hurts, something doesn't-" she stopped quick as she quickly looked up at him, "My...water just broke...Hayden my water just broke!" she gripped his hand tightly. Hayden didn't waste time.
"THEO! Get up here and help me, Avery's water just broke!" Hayden yelled down to the staff box, Theo quickly rushed up as Hayden let Avery lean against him. Hayden put his hands to his mouth and gave the Night Fury call-the area seemed to fall silent as Toothless zipped on and landed on the stairs carefully. "How far apart are the pains?"
"I don't-AH-know..." she cried as Hayden picked up up bridal style as he got on Toothless.
"Go, go! We'll call hers and your guy's parents, we'll meet you there!" Theo urged him as Toothless took off towards the hospital.
(Hospital)
He had Toothless land as he rushed his crying wife inside, "My wife is in labor-her water broke about five minutes ago and the pains are...about constant. Help her, please!" Hayden pleaded-the nurse came right out with a wheelchair for him to place Avery in, after that he held her hand while they went straight for the elevator to get up to the second floor which was labor and delivery. Hayden was answering questions the entire time about the pregnancy all while he tried to stay calm and comfort Avery any way that he could as she was taken into a room and Hayden helped get her on the bed-he actually glared when the doctor in on call was a male and Avery still had to get into the hospital gown. The doctor understood the look as Hayden let the nurses change Avery then he took his place beside her and held her hand while the doctor returned in the room to get a read on all the monitors.
"Your contractions are strong-and constant. Seems the little one wants to make an appearance. The nurse checked you for dilation and you are only six right now so about four to go before you can push-I'm going to get the anesthesiologist down here to give you the epidural and that should help with the pain, alright?" the Doctor asked.
"That's...fine," Avery forced out.
"I'll be your doctor tonight, I'm Harry Stevens-hopefully this will go quick and you'll be holding your child within the hour," Dr. Stevens introduced holding out his hand.
"I'm Hayden Haddock, and this is my wife, Avery Haddock. It's a pleasure to meet you," Hayden shook his hand, the doctor nodded before taking his clipboard and leaving the room. "Hear that babe, hopefully in an hour our baby will be here."
"I know...I can't...wait," Avery panted trying to smile. After about fifteen minutes-another doctor entered the room as Avery was helped to sit up while they got the epidural set up, they had said it would take about fifteen minutes or so to take effect also that it might make Avery nauseated and throw up. Hayden was getting texts from his parents, her parents, and friends but all he told them was no baby yet-that she was resting the best she could. Avery did feel nauseated but didn't throw up-she was trying to stay comfortable. Around 4:15, another nurse came in to check her and she had dilated more to eight and a half centimeters.
(Two Hours Later)
6:15pm and Avery was asleep finally, no longer in pain which Hayden was thankful for. He was sitting in the chair trying to relax-the doctor had said an hour at best but now it was two hours later and still no baby but the monitors and what not said everything was fine so that set him at a little ease on the situation. His family and friends were still at the hospital but not allowed in the room until after the baby was born-hospital rules. A nurse came in quietly, as Avery began to stir uncomfortably. "I'm sorry if I woke you, Mrs. Haddock. The doctor wanted me to check you again,"
"It's okay, go ahead..." Avery offered a smile as the nurse put on a glove and sat on the edge of the bed while Avery fixed her legs and Hayden held her hand as the nurse checked her and smiled wide at the two.
"You're ten centimeters, Avery-it's time to push. I'll get the doctor and other nurse in here," the nurse said softly, from there she got the phone after taking off the glove, "Hello-this is L and D room three. Mrs. Haddock is ready to push, send in Dr. Stevens and nurse Leah please?" after that she put the phone down and the doctor and other nurse came in two minutes later. Everything seemed to happen so fast while the staff was getting ready and Hayden had just finished a text to his Mom about Avery being ready to push and would update when the baby was out. Hayden would be holding her hand and one of her legs, nurse Leah holding the other leg while the doctor would be getting the baby out and handing it to nurse Kayla-the one who had been checking her since the admittance to the hospital two hours ago.
"Alright, Mrs. Haddock. When you feel a contraction or the tightness-we want you to push down and hold that pushing for ten seconds okay? When we tell you to breathe-stop pushing and take a few breaths until the next contraction," Dr. Stevens told her, Avery managed a nod.
"You can do this babe and I'm right here with you-we've waited so long for this moment, our child's birth, to start our family. Last step right here, giving birth," Hayden encouraged her as he leaned over and kissed her gently once. Avery tensed up.
"Push," nurse Leah instructed as Avery did so, "That it. Two, three, four-keep pushing-six, seven, eight, nine...ten! And breathe,"
"Well done, Avery. I can already see the head, few more just like that and you'll have your baby," Dr. Stevens smiled to Hayden and Avery. She took a few breaths smiling as Hayden offered her some water to catch her breath. It didn't take long for another contraction to come along and more pushing ensued. Fifteen minutes in and a lot more pushing before a loud cry filled the room, "And-it's a boy!" the doctor announced happily. Avery cried as Hayden kissed her forehead than lips as he watched the doctor hand the wailing child nurse Kayla after the cord had been cut to be wrapped, clean him off, weigh, measure. The doctor had Avery put her legs down after making sure she hadn't torn from pushing as the nurse brought over their son to Avery to hold and feed.
"Seven pounds four ounces and seventeen inches long. Perfectly healthy, Mr. and Mrs. Haddock...Congratulations," nurse Kayla handed the newborn to Avery to breast feed-the child latched right away and began to suck. "Name for him?" Hayden was just staring at the baby-the calmest but happiest smile on his face as Avery looked at him when their eyes met as she understood what he was asking-Avery only nodded to him. She gave the nurse the name as it was written down and then clipped to a leg bracelet before the doctor and two nurses left. Avery fed their son for about ten minutes before he fell asleep in her arms-then she handed him to Hayden while she laid back after fixing her gown to cover herself up-she yawned tiredly.
"Take...him out to meet the others babe, I...need some sleep..." Avery smiled lightly.
"You sure?" Avery nodded to him as he held the child carefully after kissing Avery deeply then left the room slowly heading down the hall to see his family and friends there.
"There you...Oh my God-she had the baby!" Camille giggled happily.
"Ssh...he just fell asleep," Hayden told her, Camille nodded as Theo got up to let Hayden sit down.
"A son eh?" Gerald smiled now as they all moved a little closer in to see the baby in Hayden's arms.
"Yeah-Avery's okay too, she's sleeping. She pushed for about twenty minutes-little guy was being stubborn and got stuck once," Hayden smiled lightly.
"You name him yet?" Maria asked as Brenna and Liam leaned closer.
"We did," Hayden looked down at his son and moved some of the light caramel hair off to the side carefully, "Hunter Anderson Haddock," he finally said. This moment and his wedding now were his top best days of his life-nothing beat this moment, holding his and Avery's son in his arms. It was an a feeling that couldn't be described other than pure happiness. He was finally a father-and the others knew why he chose the name he did, after Harry Anderson who was like a brother to Hayden. If it weren't for Harry-Hayden might not be where he was was right now: a new father and being as happy as was. There was no other feeling that matched what he felt right now.
