My Hope
Author: Nightstar Fury of Nightstar Productions.
Rating: M for Mature.
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Dreamworks HTTYD or Dreamworks Dragons. I also don't own any of the songs I may use.
15; Loss.
A week passed since the night Hunter took Astrid flying on Toothless for the first time in her life, he didn't do it for any other reason than she made a remark about wanting too. All of them had so after his flight with her, he offered all of them one ride. Travis, Rylee, and Shaun took the offer but not Eric and Fredrick. When returning to school, Hunter left Hope at home with his mother since the daycare hadn't been repaired yet and he hadn't found a new one to send her too. Hunter took the rest of that week off himself, and now with it Monday morning, he was back at school though he didn't want to be there. The group knew of Hope, and so did Damien because he was there but Hunter had no idea if anyone else knew he was a father. If people found out then whatever, he knew he couldn't hide it forever just didn't want it coming out in high school, more so no because everyone thought he was innocent or whatever. He never raised his hand in home ec when Mrs. Ostborg asked the class who had sex already, and in Health it was the same when he never raised his hand about feeling pressured or being used.
It made him a hypocrite but with there being 2 months until he turned 18 and 4 until graduation he wasn't all that worried about it. After high school he would never have to see these people again, except his friends. He wouldn't shut them out again. He already made that mistake once, and right now it very well might have cost him their friendship with him for lying and keeping secrets. Hunter arrived on Strykeout to the stables and got him settled there, Heather was being driven in by dad while Windshear had flown solo beside Strykeout to the school. When both dragons were set, Hunter made his way inside to get his books for the first 3 classes of the day which were for a blue day. Hunter sighed waiting for Heather and them going to first period, when Astrid got there she brought Melody and Hunter took her no problem. They were way off schedule with the evenness of taking care of their 'baby' for class which Hunter was ready to say screw it too.
Why did he need to take part? He had a child, he went through all this ready. He knew how hard it was, he didn't need to relive it again. He was very close to just telling his teacher about being a real father and wanted out of the project but then Astrid would be left to care for the baby herself and Hunter knew how hard it was to be a single parents so as much as he hated this project, he wouldn't do that to Astrid. It wasn't fair. Now in Algebra, all of them were just watching the lesson quietly although Astrid seemed pretty distracted today. Hunter didn't care, it was her grade if she missed something. But yet he was having a hard time focusing too, he was thinking about the fact Astrid had told him a week ago that she loved him and he didn't know if this was still true or not. She looked more hurt than shocked when she learned about Hope and Hunter being Shadow.
{Hunter's POV}
I had my eyes on the board but my mind was a thousand miles away. There was so much going on, again. My friends might stop being my friends because I hid being Shadow and having a daughter. Damien was attending our school so my secret as Shadow could be blown at anytime, dragon racing was about to pick up a lot more too. Oh my head hurt already. But mostly, I wondered if Astrid still loved me. Sure I didn't know how I felt about her but after Olivia, I was hesitant to let myself have feelings for anyone else. Astrid had liked me since freshman year? That was right before I left for vacation and everything happened. I'd admit that Astrid was cute, funny, smart, and very attractive but to say I loved her was a stretch. Maybe a slight crush? I sighed to myself. I didn't know how I felt or what to even call it. It was pointless to allow myself to feel anything towards her if I didn't know if she still loved me.
Before the flight on Toothless I told her that she couldn't love me if she didn't trust me. She did nod in response to that and got on Toothless with me and I took her flying. I knew she was scared at first, she clung to me tightly. I left her pretty speechless after landing and taking the others who wanted a turn. If she trusted me to take her flying even after learning the truth then she still loved me right? I couldn't think about this right now, I had to focus on the lesson. I missed a lot already. Not that Algebra was hard for me, none of the subjects were but still didn't hurt to pay attention in case I missed something. I had a big race coming up soon too, right before my 18th birthday. It was for placement in the worldwide racing league that would be held in June after school let out. The winner of this race, would be representing their home island and the person who made it to the finals of the June race won $10,000.00.
I knew it would me or Damien who represented Berk since we had the two fastest dragons known to man. A Night Fury and a Skrill. Two strike class dragons that were just about evenly matched in speed. The Archipelago islands had racing leagues for every island except Berserker Isle, there weren't enough people to make a racing team just like with Berk so given our islands were only 30 minutes from one another, we combined our teams into one larger one. And Berk had a bigger stadium so the races were held there. This year, Berk was the sight for the worldwide race. People from all over would be coming and it was going to be televised. It was going to be huge and I honestly couldn't wait for it. Even though we raced against one another, we were still a team for outside events.
"Hunter! Are you paying attention?!" The teacher scolded bringing me from my thoughts.
"Yes ma'am." I replied. Even though I let myself get distracted, one look at the board and I knew what was going on.
"Then you would you mind answering your father on the speaker please." The teacher said, I looked at the speaker in the room now which was right by the clock. It can be sent to one room or the whole school, why would he page the room to talk to me instead of calling me down or just texting me.
"Hunter." My father said again though the speaker.
"What dad?" I answered.
"Don't get a tone with me, Hunter...Your mother called wanting to know where the the pain reliever/fever reducer is for Hope's teeth." My father stated. Right, Hope's teeth were coming in slow and bothering her a lot.
"Sorry dad, I'm just tired. Tell mom its in my room in the nightstand drawer closest to the window. How high is her temperature?" I asked.
"Your mother can't find the thermometer or the teething rings she just said she feels really warm and is cranky." Samuel replied.
"Oh I know she is. Why do you think I was up all night and running on maybe an hour of sleep. Thermometer is in the bathroom cabinet right side middle shelf, teething rings are on the 4th shelf down from the top of the freezer door. Anything else?" I asked.
"That's it son. Your mother says thank you." My father states. I rolled my eyes as the speaker went off and I groaned, sure dad just make it more obvious I have a daughter by announcing it to the entire classroom instead of calling me to the office or texting me. The teacher began her lesson again as I just closed my eyes.
{Astrid's POV}
I could tell Hunter was stressed out, his daughter was teething and Samuel just had to page the room to get a hold of him. I still had no idea how he did it all. School, racing, being a father...I wouldn't be able too. My friends and I hadn't really talked about what to do. I already forgave him but he didn't know that yet. I wanted to talk to the group first, let them know that no matter what I wouldn't hate him. I loved him and no matter what he did, he had his reasons and I respected that. I kept the secret about loving him for 3 years because I didn't just didn't want to lose him as a friend. And though he knew I loved him now, he didn't know he felt for me. I understood how much he had going on now. I was mad before that he rejected me, but it made sense to me why he did that.
It looked like he was caring less and less who knew the truth, he didn't even try to hide the fact he had a daughter this time when Samuel called the room looking for him. I wanted to hug him, I really did. I looked back to the board as the teacher continued talking about the lesson. It was more or less review for the test on Friday, awesome for us. There was maybe another 30 minutes of class left, and in the silence of the room when we were working in our books on a chapter review, we heard steps rushing down the hall. The door to the classroom opened as Samuel poked his head in. "Sorry to interrupt, I need to borrow Hunter." All eyes were on him now.
"Dad really, if you are going to keep taking me out of class you might as well of continued to home-school me...Honestly. What is the problem?" Hunter grumbled. Samuel moved aside as Violet walked in holding Hope in her arms, Hunter was up instantly. "Why did you bring her here?" Hunter asked.
"I can't get her to calm down or take the medicine, or even get her temperature checked." Violet said over the crying.
"You told me you could handle this until I found another daycare..." Hunter sighed closing his eyes as he handed the doll to his his father who blinked a little, I got up and took the doll from him now and sat back down. Hunter took Hope from his mother and rocked her a bit. "Sssh baby...Its okay...Its alright, daddy is here now..." Hunter soothed his daughter. Hope's cries became softer now, "I know your teeth are bothering you baby girl..." Hunter said as he put his hand out for the diaper back, Violet handed it to him as he sat down in the computer chair with Hope on his knee while he pulled something from the bag, it looked like a thick wand with a piece of rubber on the end. Hunter pressed the button on it as it beeped and he ran the rubber piece over Hope's forehead and temple before it beeped again and he read the small screen. "101.8..." Hunter sighed.
"I never knew you had one of those." Violet stated.
"Picked it up a few weeks ago. The medicine in here or did you leave it at home?" Hunter asked. Violet nervously chuckled. He got up and moved to his backpack, he buckled a pouch on the top and pulled out a small bottle with a red liquid in it. Hunter pulled out a small pacifier and then opened the medicine bottle, he got the right amount and put it in the pacifier. He closed the bottle then the pacifier before giving it to Hope to suck on. "That's a good girl. It will make you feel better princess." Hunter said rocking the child in his lap after kissing her forehead. When she spit the pacifier out the medicine was gone and she laid her head on Hunter's chest.
"I'm sorry son. She's just used to having you around...Staying home all day with me is out of her element..." Violet sighed.
"Its fine mom. I've been taking care of her since the day she was born, and kids always want their parents when they don't feel good. But either you home-school me or you handle it...You can't just come here whenever she gets a little difficult. She'll be two in April...I'll get her back into daycare soon, you said you could do this. She's teething, its going to be hard...I gave her the medicine, it will take down the fever and help her sleep. She'll be up again around lunch time. Just give her lunch, fridge the food first. She likes the cold feeling, give her a little more medicine and she'll be find until I get back home." Hunter said handing the now sleeping Hope back to his mother.
"Thank you, Hunter." Violet said.
"You're welcome, now take her back home please...I'll check in at lunch..." Hunter said, Violet nodded and left with Samuel. Hunter sighed as he returned to his desk with his eyes closed.
"Are you...alright, Mr. Haddock?" Asked the teacher.
"Yeah, just fine..." Hunter mumbled. The rest of the class time was quiet, Hunter didn't say much through Science or Home Ec. He took Melody a few times, I had to assume he didn't like being away from Hope right now especially since his mother had come to the school needing help with her. By lunch time it definitely got around that Hunter had a daughter, every time he walked through the halls people were whispering about it and he ignored it all. When lunch time finally hit, Hunter was sitting at another table and I assumed this was because he didn't know how we felt about him sitting with us that and Damien was at our table too and we knew the story behind that. Lunch continued fine, I had gone to the bathroom but when I got back I saw my friends at Hunter's table. They weren't sitting. I walked over just in time to hear them say that they made their decision.
{Regular POV}
Hunter looked towards the table where the group sat. He could see them talking but otherwise didn't pay any mind. Astrid had gone to the bathroom, Heather was in the nurses office for a headache and Damien was getting something from the vending machines. "So have we decided then?" Shaun asked. The group nodded slowly, "Then lets tell him now." The group rose from their seats and made their way to Hunter's table slowly. Astrid returned inside and saw them over there, she walked over standing next to Rylee. Heather came in and walked towards the table as well, she grabbed a drink from the vending machine.
"Hunter." Eric said getting his attention.
"I assume you've made your decision." Hunter replied quietly.
"We have." Rylee replied now.
"We...can't forgive you, Hunter." Travis sighed.
"You didn't trust us enough to keep us in the loop after your vacation. You never mentioned Olivia, or Hope, or the other thing once...And...we know you have your reasons but you can't tell us them. You just keep saying that they are your own. So it feels like you're still hiding things, that you don't trust us as friends anymore. We'll...still keep your secret for you...But...Hunter we just...can't be friends with a liar, or someone who doesn't trust us. I'm sure...you hate us for this but..." Shaun stopped when Hunter stood up now slowly.
"No. I don't hate any of you...I understand what I did was wrong and it hurt all of you. And friends don't do that to one another...Its fine. I deserve to lose you guys as friends for lying for so long, and not telling you what was going on in my life. I wouldn't...trust or want to be friends with myself either so...Thanks for giving me the chance to explain and...for keeping my secret...I really am sorry for it all. If I could go back and do things differently I would but I can't. I'll leave you alone and...I ask you do the same for me. Just don't punish Heather...Its not her fault. I asked her to keep my secret. I'll take the blame for this...And I'll go quietly. That's it then...Good day to you." Hunter said starting to walk away.
Heather and Damien both went wide eyed hearing what just happened. The group kicked Hunter out! Astrid felt tears brim her eyes, she hadn't even gotten a say! Now Hunter wanted all of them to leave him alone, including her.
"Did we...make the right decision guys..." Travis asked.
"I'm...starting to think we didn't..." Rylee agreed with her twin brother. Now was when they realized the mistake they made, they whipped around to stop him but he was gone. They rushed outside seeing him head towards the stables.
"Hunter!" Astrid called. He didn't stop. "Hunter...Hunter please stop..."
"I said 'Good day'!" Hunter yelled turning his head from them so they couldn't see the tears forming in his eyes. He knew he messed up but it still hurt him. "Strykeout!" Hunter called out, his dragon roared and flew to his side. Hunter jumped on his back and they were gone from sight quickly.
"Was he...crying?" Shaun asked.
"He was...and my brother...never cries but good going guys...You managed to make him by throwing him out of the group. I heard what he said, not to throw me too but I'm gonna remove myself. I don't want to be friends with people who won't even consider a second chance. And you Astrid...I can't believe you. You said you loved him...Yeah, I see that love so well. You hurt him, you all did. Stay away from my brother..." Heather glared as she jumped on Windshear and took off after Hunter. She wasn't supposed to fly alone but she didn't care. Her brother needed her. The group just stood there, all feeling terrible about what they'd done.
(Haddock House)
Hunter got home, he put Strykeout away then walked into the house seeing his mother holding Hope. "Hunter?..." Violet asked. Hunter just shook his head as he took Hope in his arms then went to his room shutting the door, he locked it before sitting on his bed with unshed tears in his eyes.
"Dada okay?" Hope asked curiously. Outside the room, Heather just arrived home to see no sign of Hope or Hunter.
"What happened at school?" Violet asked.
"The group...kicked him out for the lies...He left on Strykeout." Heather sighed. They both looked towards Hunter's room, getting close enough to the door they heard him crying softly and both frowned. They heard Hope talking to him. "Its okay dada...I here." And that just made him cry more. It broke Heather and Violet's hearts to hear. Hunter was sorry for lying to the group and they still didn't care, they just kicked him out without any remorse and now Hunter was hurting because he just lost his best friends.
