Summary : Modern AU, add up to Broken Together story, understandable for anyone
Notes : Hello, guys. It's been...a while. 10 weeks... 10 WEEKS-! Anyway, I'm sorry for that... *inhale* break. It was mostly caused by school, the start of the final year, and also some private matters. Anyway, I'm back. I had written that chapter for... 3 months. Nonetheless, I'm happy to end it. To finally finish this "challenge". I had a lot of fun writing each of those chapters. I hope you enjoyed them, and I wish you a nice time while reading this one.
Ehhh, don't kill me for missing the deadline for about 3 months. Please.
The house by downtown, rather one of biggest there. Somewhere around noon, the sun was shining through windows as it was supposed to be one of peaceful, spring days. Inside said building atmosphere was rather heavy, not even sound despite being it family home. Just in corner of the room, in between the entrance of a kitchen and the sofa which found itself in the living room, there was a wooden table, with prepared empty plates.
At the table, sitting on one of the chairs, there was a rather annoyed and upset man. His brows were frowned, showing perfectly his growing rage and irritation. Ginger hairs on the top of his head were elegantly styled. Time passed and through it, out of rising boredom, his palms were brushing his long and messy beard. Green eyes were staring in the direction of the front doors, waiting for any sudden movement or sound.
He sighed as he heard the doorbell and checked his watch momentarily after. Seven minutes late. He shook his head vexed. The man was about to stand up from his place, but before this could happen he was surprised as rather a skinny figure pushed itself before him, overtaking him. Rolling his eyes, he chuckled at the figure mockingly. "Late, but it was predictable."
The figure, keeping onto its gait, momentarily turned around onto its heels. A young female glanced over at him with a mix of nervousness, but also slightly irritated. Her dark green, forest alike eyes caught sight of his green ones. She opened her mouth, almost like she was gasping for air but in a way of forcing words out. When none came she bit her lip hard, her fingers tensed as they almost curled into a fist.
Eventually, when rage let go of her body, she focused on her task as she ran forward toward doors, almost tripping herself in the meanwhile. The man glanced over the cause of the event and exhaled at the sight of a metallic prosthesis attached to her left knee. His daughter couldn't get any more clumsy, could she? At the sound crack of doors, the man looked downward, onto a white, empty dish before him. Meanwhile, he once again played with his cutlery there were whispers, or rather talks which were further happening. He sighed. There was no way of avoiding it anymore. He straightened and focused his sight forward.
As he did, the first thing that caught his attention was his daughter. She smiled at the newcomer and helped him manage with his jacket. Momentarily as she did, the man's sight targeted his figure, forcing him into raising his chin cause of his height. He was disgusted by the view. The young man scratched his black, raven, long hair. His bright, green eyes anxiously focused on way smaller girl while smiling weakly. Tobias Thomas Night.
Saying the man didn't like him was a big misunderstanding. He hated that boy. Egocentric, rude, and disrespectful. The same fact of being with him in the same room brought onto man popping veins. Trouble maker, without even a slight estimate. One of the students, attending high school he had the honor to be principal of. Not once did that demon play on his nerves. Like some wild animal.
Man's palm curled into a fist, but before any movements, with a long, deep sigh, he loosened his nerves. He once again focused on the sight before him. The tall boy weakly smiling, chuckled at something the girl said, unknown to him. Tobias wasn't that boy anymore, he knew that. Glancing over him, the man's brows twitched, but thereafter his whole face relaxed in view just next to him. His daughter changed him. Said the girl smiling happily, whispering words that man could read as those comforting.
Nobody knew how that happened, how those two bonded so rapidly and strongly. How he became her boyfriend. It stayed a secret even today. There were a lot of wonders inside man's head, and each of them was as fantastic as the idea of dragons flying around. As that would happen. Eventually, as he kept staring, happened what was supposed to happen a long time ago. Two men's eyes met. The Green of Tobias's eyes met the green of his. The man laughed internally at the sight. He didn't want to be here either. He smirked. She forced him as well.
His mocking attitude didn't last long. A young female patted Tobias's back, the other hand showing him the way forward. "Please, come in." Afterward, he looked over her, raising his brow in the meanwhile. He smirked as he caught her torso into the hold and thereafter leaned towards her cheek. The man instantly registered what was happening, causing his eyes to widen. The catastrophe was halted as the girl pushed his chest gently.
Man exhaled. There was a nonverbal conversation happening between them. He sharply interrupted it. "Don't force my daughter into something she won't want to be involved in." His chin lifted. "You probably didn't hear about that, but kisses might be considered rape as well." Hearing it, both of their faces changed colors. The Female's turned red, while Tobias's became pale white.
"That's not it!" She bit her thumb fingernail. "I-I-"
"Maybe let's avoid that-" Man snorted. "-already a noticeable disaster and just get out of my house."
Despite the words said, Tobias didn't look offended. Instead, he leaned towards the female's ear. He whispered and instantly thereafter she flinched from him. "No, Tobias. You can't go." He groaned. She ignored it, subsequently, she grasped onto his arm, leading him inside, straight towards the table. Reluctantly, he followed. "You two, stop already! Can't we spend a nice day and eat lunch in peace?" Man shot her an obvious look, crossing his arms over his chest. The same reaction was visible on Tobias's face. "Sat." She pointed to the chair. He frowned but gave up on arguing as he sat down. He sat just in front of him. Noticing it, he instantly regretted his decision. A Female sat down just in between them, in corner of the table.
There was a lasting, long, awkward silence between them, which mostly consisted of terrible glances from the man, also females warning towards him. The awful and heavy atmosphere would be lasting if it wasn't for Tobias who spoke first. "Well, mister..." He flinched. "Sir..." He cleared his throat. "How I should name you, since..." He scratched his head. "You know."
Girl giggled. "Toothless-" She smiled brightly. "-there is no need-"
"Mister Haddock." The man interrupted her rapidly, not letting any of her words more. "More likely professor. I would like to remind you I'm still your teacher. Not even saying, principal."
"Dad!" She frowned, while the boy beside her just chuckled awkwardly. "Sir is enough, besides-" She smirked. "-if he wants to, he might even call you Stephen for sake."
The man was instantly turned into a red-faced state, but before he could snap Tobias spoke. "Hailey, no." He glanced over the girl rather seriously, because of which she suddenly straightened. "I shouldn't speak like that, besides it's disrespectful." Hailey tried to speak up, but Tobias shot her glance with his brow raised, causing her to only nod obediently. He turned towards her father. "Sir, what I wanted to say is that-"
"How did you two meet." Stephen interrupted once again, but this time rather more calmly. "How that-" He pointed with his chin onto them. "-happened."
Tobias smiled. "How?" He glanced over at his girlfriend. "Fast." He chuckled.
Hailey wasn't able to keep herself serious. She snorted with laughter. "Seriously, Tobias?" She covered her mouth.
He smiled at her, now ignoring the presence of the older man. "What?" He exhaled. "You won't say me Hiccup I'm not right."
She looked over him dreamily, shaking her head. Afterward, she turned towards her, already confused, father. "Well, that's true. I couldn't." She exhaled, thoughtfully. "You know dad, it's just happened." She sent Toothless a glance. "It started with school-"
"Unpleasant projects." Tobias smiled understandingly.
"Arguments and stalking."
"Fighting off Hiccup's bullies." Tobias raised his chin while smirking.
Hiccup rolled her eyes, but afterward just giggled, and nodded her head. She exhaled. "Most importantly, it started with friendship." Hailey smiled brightly, staring at Tobias, which returned the favor by doing the same. "Things were happening, new feelings were awaking-" Hailey saddened slightly, and looked over her palms underneath the table, stroking themselves against one another. Noticing her sudden distress, Tobias immediately put his closer hand over those, squeezing them as a reassurance. Hiccup looked over him, and smiled as their eyes met. "In short, dad, it just happened."
Toothless hearing her explanation rolled his eyes, sighing loudly. Hailey send him a warning glare, which he returned instantly. It was a moment later when both started laughing comfortably. Stephen couldn't help, but notice how close they were getting. Too close for his liking. He cleared his throat noisily, causing both to flinch, as well as to gain distance between each other.
He straightened. "Well, Tobias I was wondering-" He smirked. "-what college did you choose as your future one? What plans after school do you have?"
"Dad." Hailey looked over him offended. "Aren't there any other themes to talk about?"
She opened her mouth to continue, but before she could there was a gentle hold on her shoulder. "It's alright, Sunshine." Tobias smiled weakly. His thumb stroked the side of her neck. "That theme would be taken anyway, no need to argue about that." He let go of the hold, that he had on her. Sighing, he avoided for a moment their sight. "I...I didn't consider the theme of college."
Stephen snorted. "Of course, he didn't. Have you ever thought about the future at last?" Hiccup looked over him, with red shining in her eyes.
Before she was able to do anything, Tobias continued. "I-I wasn't able, sir." He saddened. "Living on my own as..." He stopped himself suddenly. Exhaling, he became stone alike. "It's just hard. Hard to even wonder about anything." Gently, Hailey placed her palm over his back. He didn't even notice. "B-because how could I? How could I think of something, which is so far away from my reach?" Even though Tobias looked almost unmoved by the theme. Even though it seemed almost like nothing to him, Hailey saw otherwise. She knew him too well. She knew him too much. He was in pain.
Her palm streamed through his back towards his shoulder. She squeezed it, causing him to finally turn to her. "You're right, Tobias. I can't imagine how hell of life was for you as an orphan-" She said it finally. That terrible word. Orphan. Stephen, which just like Toothless was indifferent towards the subject, was finally concerned. His brow twitched and his lip was lightly bitten by him. He did it momentarily, as so both wouldn't notice it. He listened, more focused now. "-but it's getting better now." She bends over the table, just to the closest distance between them. "After all, times changed. You might finally think it through."
Tobias frowned. "How?" He glanced over at her hopelessly.
"Simply, Tobias. Simply." She straightened. "You are no longer that... boy you were." She giggled, while he just eyes roll. "You are amazing and caring." Her hand once again moved, this time ending up scratching his hair. "Boy, which fights to the last of his strength." Their eyes met. "My smart, cleaver buddy. There is no reason to be worried about college." She smiled brightly in his direction. "Whatever you would choose, they would take you in without a doubt. That's-"
"But, how could I ever afford it in the first place?"
She frowned at her interrupting boyfriend. "-that's for first." She continued. "Second, you're one of most hardworking people I know. You have-" She cleared her throat. "-maybe not so great job." Both chuckled. "But it would be enough. Besides-" She straightened. "-if there is a need for it, I might help you out."
Ignored Stephen frowned. "Hailey." He sharply showed his dislike towards the idea. She shrugged it.
"Hiccup, no." Tobias inhaled. "I would never let you do so. That's too much."
"One I can agree with him," Stephen shout out, catching their attention. "If he can't take care of himself on his own-"
Offended Tobias was about to speak, as Hailey guessed to protect his pride. Swiftly, she stopped everything before it could get worse. "Both of you quit it!" She stood up, causing both of their stare to focus on her. She stroked her temple. "You are impossible." She exhaled. It was momentarily after when an idea streamed inside her skull. She glanced over them wide-eyed. "It's about money, right? What if we don't make it about money?" Stephen snorted. Tobias tilted his head onto her. "We are finishing high school the same year. Maybe while we're going to college, we might just... move into the city together."
"Together?" Tobias repeated excitedly.
"Together?!" Stephen repeated angrily.
"Yes, together!" She focused on Tobias. "There is that university I'm going to. It's in the big city, without any problem you would find something for yourself. M-maybe in the same building!" He was about to ask, but she overtook him. "There is the field of study focused on aerodynamics-" She smirked at him. "-and something tells me you're going to love it." Toothless was taken aback.
"Hailey that sounds wonderful, but-"
"Also, it's an idea that brings both of our advantages, right?" She shined with excitement. "Cheaper rent, we will help each other, not even saying how much it's easier to start all of this with someone you know." She smiled brightly. "What will you say?"
Tobias stared at her wide-eyed. "I-" He exhaled. "I honestly have no idea." He smiled. "I don't know what to say."
She giggled. "Thank you would be enough." As an answer, Tobias chuckled. Afterward, he encircled his arm around her shoulders and tightened her grip to bring them closer. When she was just by his side, both smiled at one another brightly. Tobias kissed her forehead and she just melted by touch, snuggled closer to his body.
Stephen, which observed the whole situation as unbelievable, finally snapped. "Maybe he doesn't know what to say-" He stood up from his place. "-but I do!" He smacked his palms into the table. Hailey, which already forgotten about her father's presence, jumped at her spot in fright. Toothless on other hand reminded calm, maybe even cold at his outburst. He momentarily stroked Hiccup's shoulder, just to let go of it. Thereafter he moved away, causing both of them to gain distance. Both looked over Stephen guilty alike.
He grunted. "Hailey, don't you have a plan?" He hummed. "You were supposed to move in into the dorm! Remember?"
She exhaled in defeat. "Plans might change."
"Plans might change..." He repeated pretending. "Do you hear yourself, Hailey? You are willing to change your future for someone like... him." He pointed to Tobias. The boy shot a man before him a cold glare but stayed silent as he swallowed his pride. Good move. "Besides, you are teenagers. Such decisions don't belong to you."
"W-we're of age."
"Then behave as you do!" He stroked his temple. "Just like kids..." He muttered to himself. "You can't think about such steps after so little time in the relationship!"
"Sir, I understand your concern-" Tobias spoke calmly and Hiccup couldn't help, but smirk under her breath. Maybe his words were respectful, but his tone was just the opposite. "-but we know each other much more than through a relationship. Most importantly, we're friends-"
"And?!" A shout from Stephen caught Tobias off guard. "Even though, after only a few weeks of a relationship, nobody plans already something like this!"
"Sir it's-" There was a moment of silence as in Toothless's head something clicked. "Weeks? We're together more than weeks, I-" He glanced over at Hiccup, which already was pale in shame.
Stephen followed his sight as he frowned. "Hailey, should I know something?" She didn't answer, nor dared to move. He glared at Tobias. "Well-" He threatened as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Toothless firstly glared at Hiccup apologetically before he gave in and sighed. "We're together for 5 months now." He tightened his eyes in guilt.
Momentarily Stephen snickered, shaking his head at them. Just like they told him some bad joke. Noticing their reaction, which turned out to be an ashamed one he straightened. He frowned. "Did I hear it clear?" He glanced over at Hailey. "5 months?! You hide from me your relationship for 5 months?!"
Hailey avoided his sight. "I-I had to! B-besides it wasn't like I hide it." She inhaled. "You didn't ask, so-"
"That's your explanation?!" He covered his eyes with his palm. "My daughter... hide something like this!"
"You're overreacting it, dad." She whispered. "It's not so big of a deal."
"Then how you call it?" His voice gained onto rage. "Understatement? Reticence? Insinuation?" He bends over the table, causing Hailey to move backward. "It's secret, Hailey!" He punched the table hard.
Noticing Hailey's distress as well as the behavior of her father, Tobias couldn't stand still. He moved closer toward her. Just as Stephen he bends over the table, causing both of them to meet face to face. His arm supported itself on the table. One of those places was just in front of the girl, crossing Stephen's view over Hailey. "Sir, there is no need of raising your voice." He spoke rather calmly, but the same way almost warningly.
"Shut up, demon." The man muttered in between his teeth, making a sound fainter, but the same way causing Toothless's hesitation. "You're just after her."
Tobias flinched uncomfortably, his sight lowered as he stared down in defeat. He sat in his old place, feeling embarrassment stream through his body before he felt a slight touch on his forearm. Hailey kept looking into him, smiling weakly and apologetically. He accepts it with a nod of his head. The three were encircled by terrible silence, but in a difference of one, which started the whole event, this one contained an uncountable amount of hopelessness. Because of such atmosphere, it was almost startling when there was a yell coming from the kitchen calling for help.
Toothless, which was most surprised by another presence, instantly became wide-eyed. In difference of him, Hailey and Stephen knew exactly who it was. From the whole beginning of that terrible idea and Tobias's visitation, Hiccup's uncle and Stephen's best friend, Gerald, were present, preparing the meal for them. And he called for help. Hailey stood up, and excuse herself, but before leaving she shot towards Tobias reassuring smile before she left through the entrance of the kitchen.
Unknowingly for her, she left him on his own now. Momentarily Tobias became pray into his eyes. Stephen muttered coldly. "I don't like you." He snickered. "In fact, I think it's even more than that."
Tobias rolled his eyes. "I already noticed. Thank you." He crossed his arms over his chest.
Stephen snorted. "Then you also noticed that I won't accept you." Tobias sneered. "I'm serious." His teeth tightened. "You aren't good for her." Toothless didn't reply, just encircled himself with thoughts. "I have experience with people like that... With people like you." There was a slight questioning glance inside Tobias's eyes. "You know what I mean. Those friends of yours. That behavior of theirs. I have enough of that and the honestly only thing I wish for is to get rid of those."
"Behaviours?" Toothless's eyebrow raised, but seeing that man didn't even flinch he sighed. "I don't control them. It's their decision and their fault if they act like that. I'm my own man." He sighed. "Sir, I know that my attitude towards you was horrible... and unacceptable for which I'm honestly sorry." Stephen's brow twitched. "I know I have a lot to make up for, but everything I'm doing is to prove myself. Proof that I might be good enough for Hiccup." He exhaled. "I'm doing my best."
Stephen snarled. "Your best is not enough." Afterward, dead and anxious silence remained.
Before things could get any more anxious around them, there was a scream coming from the kitchen. A painful one. Female one. Momentarily after men were already up, rushing through the entrance leading toward the center of the action. Both stopped just on the doorstep, surprised by the view before their eyes. Hailey was tightening her eyes painfully. She held onto her forearm which's palm was covered in the red burn. Next to her, a blond-haired and a rather chubby man, swiftly put away a fire-proofed dish and thereafter turned towards the girl.
Stephen frowned. "What happened?!"
Gerald sighed. "I'm so sorry. Fish slid out of my hands as I was taking it from the oven. Hailey caught it with bare hands and-"
"I'm fine!" Hiccup sharply interrupted and turned away, cutting off herself from everyone. She hissed in pain while she tightened her hold.
Stephen exhaled. "Hailey, you should have been more careful. It was-" He didn't finish as Tobias passed him going forward. From a view of his side, Stephen could say the boy was nonplussed, maybe even...concerned? He stopped just in front of Hailey, which raised her sight on him confused. He showed his hand just in between them, inviting her into placing her own onto his. She flinched at first, denying his nonverbal ask. It was the moment after when with a sigh she gave in. She slowly put her hand over his, because of which Tobias stared at it now. Stephen snorted internally. What was his plan now? He was about to speak up, but Toothless overtook him.
"Come." His free arm encircled itself around Hailey's back, pushing her forward with him as he walked forward. The girl looked rather clueless, but she didn't object as she let him be led. They stopped by the sink, which Toothless turned on and under which he forced Hiccup's hand into. She hissed in pain at first, and in response, she received a few cooing sounds from Toothless. "Sh~, sh~. It's alright."
Stephen froze. The situation before him seems nothing more, than pure stupefaction and amazement. The way that boy frowned at her pain, how easily he forgot about whole surroundings just so to ease her that ache. How focused he was even now, starting on her inching, red, underneath sink palm. How careful he was over it. How careful he was over his daughter. For the slightest moment, the man took his sight off two of them, biting his inside cheek in the meanwhile. He attempted to stay by his thoughts which were encircling his head just a moment ago. He raised his sight at the pair once again and couldn't help himself, but stare once again.
His daughter, Hailey, which just moments ago was in visible discomfort, seemed like she was in the most comfortable place in the whole world. She breathed calmly, despite her bruised palm. She smiled, despite her today whole stress. Hailey turned her head towards the boy which was just behind her back, even so, he remained focused on her hand with a serious frown. Hiccup didn't seem shocked by it, more likely obvious. Her smile was brighter at its view.
Noticing her stare over his face he glanced over at her, askance. She didn't answer but kissed his cheek, surprisingly as his eyes widened at the event. Thereafter she once again turned towards the sink, supporting herself onto his hold even more now. His eyes were gazing at the back of her head, just minutes after being able to register what happened and how to behave now. He rolled his eyes, which were filled with adoration, afterward placing his head over the top of his as once again both focused on the matter.
Stephen was left speechless, confused, and bewildered. The whole meeting was getting to the point in which he was ready to kick that boy out of his house. But this? This Tobias showed him something more than he ever thought about him. Surprising respect, amazing carefulness, seriousness, and obligation he never thought he would see in any teenager. There were things he could never accept by now. Things they were too young for sure, but after all their life just began. They had the right to make their own decision, even the worst ones. Stoic sighed, smiling under his breath. He was making her happy, and if it's the case, he's happy as well.
"Somebody is happy here~." Next to Stephen's ear sounded a melody like the voice of Gerald. "And thinking, you were one to be most against the idea." Stephen frowned at him, crossing his arms in annoyance. "Don't be like that!" Gerald poked his arm with his elbow. "Moments ago you seemed more than enjoying. Besides, if I had to be honest, those two remind me of somebody." He blinked. At first, Stephen was just complicated, but then glancing over the pair once again everything was clear to him.
Somebody.
Someone, which was ready to protect one another no matter of cause. Through and through. Hard as a stone and with the same feelings.
Someone, which was faithful and devoted. Ready to drop everything just to stay by side to side. A dearest, and most adored one.
Yeah... He knew somebody.
This meeting was a catastrophe, and the only thing she tried doing was to unite those two. What a fool she was. Hailey was walking slowly, terribly slowly, through a corridor that was separating the kitchen and living room. Moments ago, the whole situation with her hand, which was already taken care of, happened. As the entire moment wasn't been a problem for her, knowledge of the consequences of them was. She felt guilty.
Two men already made their way inside the place of the meeting before her and in meantime, she had a chance to spill her guts to Gobber, her uncle. He was surprised by her outburst of emotions, explaining it with his confidence in the good humor of her father. If he only knew how wrong he was.
In addition to her problems, she once again left Tobias alone. Well, maybe not alone, but alone in presence of her father. She could evade it, but she wanted to, at last, avoid any conflict for a moment to just gather her thoughts. Not only guilty, but she felt also selfish. When she finally gathered the confidence to come back for a meeting, she wouldn't expect a simple walkthrough corridor to turn out so difficult. By the entrance, she stopped suddenly. What she was supposed to do now?
The whole situation got out of her control. Her every plan, her hope, and her expectation was shattered. In her throat made itself way a burning feeling, knotting it completely. Momentarily when she was a the edge of emotions she heard it. Laugher. It wasn't Tobias's, she knew it too well by now, which means it has to be her father's. She tensed at back. What was happening there?
She walked forward. Her face wasn't even hiding concern, she didn't try to. While she stood at the door now, having a full view over the whole table, she froze unable to any movements. This wasn't what she expected. Her father, furious just moments ago father, was smiling. Honestly. She couldn't figure it out because of this she let herself a short glance over at Tobias. Boy was smiling as well as the man before him but in the difference from Stephen, Tobias was smiling imitating. As Hailey noticed, with a slight fright in his eyes. At the sight, she couldn't help but giggle underneath her nose. "Hi, guys." She finally spoke shakily. "What's going on here?"
"Hailey, we were waiting for you. Sit down." He pointed over the chair she was sitting on earlier. "How is your hand?" He hissed at the view of the bandage over it.
She rolled her eyes at his anxiety. "I'm fine dad. Pain already has gone, don't worry." Despite her earlier expression, she nodded thankfully. He returned it, losing his attention as he focused on grabbing something from underneath a table. Alcohol, nonetheless.
"May I see?" Hailey turned her head in direction of asking her voice and she find herself eye-to-eye with Toothless. He held his palm just in between them. "Please." Hiccup didn't hesitate. She placed her hand over his and he carefully scanned it. Eventually, he stroked it carefully with his thumb and when his worry disappeared from his face he placed her hand over the table. Afterward, he cleared his throat and blushed.
She giggled. "Overprotective reptile."
He snorted. "Reckless human."
When Stephen took his head from under a table both straightened at their seats. He raised his brow at them but ignored the situation. Luckily. "I must say that honey-" Man started pouring himself a beer into a glass. "There was more than one thing you hide from me." Stephen glanced over her, making Hiccup's back shiver. "Why didn't you say Tobias could hang glide? That's amazing!"
She let out a breath of relief. "I don't know. I guess there wasn't an occasion." She bit her lip.
"Like with saying me about the unspoken relationship?" Stephen laughed while she stayed silent. Noticing so, he sighed. "Don't worry, it's alright now." She opened her mouth to speak but he overtook her. "Only if you promise you won't hide things like that ever again!"
"O-of course." She shuttered. "I wouldn't dare."
"That's correct." He took the slip of a drink. "Tobias, Maybe you could tell something more about that hobby of yours?"
Toothless smiled. "Why me?" He glanced over at Hiccup. "She can as well. After all, She once went with me." He winked over at her.
Her eyes widened. "A-actually!" Her shoulders tensed. "T-there is nothing much in it. It was incredibly dull." She chuckled anxiously. "Right, Tobias?" She warningly looked over him.
He frowned at her questioningly. Hailey snorted. She almost died there! Seeing Tobias didn't seem to remember, she once pointed with her eyes over her father, back at Tobias, and then widened them, to show the scale of the situation it was then. Toothless tilted his head momentarily just so as his eyes widened, probably out of comprehension. Finally. "Yes!" He yelled out loud. Noticing so, he cleared his throat. "I mean, right. It was nothing out of ordinary." He smiled, the way Hiccup had an exceptional name for it. Toothless's smile required a huge amount of anxiousness and awkwardness. She giggled.
Stephen nodded, but in the meanwhile frowned. "Sure." He hummed. "You hide it, but let's leave it for now." Hailey's muscles loosened. "Anyway, I also find out that Tobias is one of the better students. Why I don't know that?"
Hiccup snickered. "You didn't ask." Three laughed. "Well, that's true. Toothless is one of best." She glanced over at him and his cheeks were blushed. "He's probably still second at the place." She smirked mockingly.
Tobias crossed his arms. "After who?" He hummed and raised one of his brows. She continued to smile, this time directing it straight at him. Guess. She chuckled. He rolled his eyes.
"Well, he might someday catch up with you Hailey." Stephen drank once again. "You said yourself he is a smartie."
Her smile faded, just so to speak at Toothless's mouth. The boy leaned towards her closer and chuckled. She rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming, Night." She crossed her arms.
He smirked. "You better start watching yourself, Haddock." Both shot each other dreadful glances, but as the moment passed they find themselves laughing freely with bright smiles. When Hiccup calmed, she caught sight of her father, laughing with them. The confusion she couldn't ignore caught her body. She sighed. "Dad?" He looked over at her and nodded to inform her she got his attention. "I was willing to ask-" She inhaled. "I should do it sooner, from where such change of mood." Stephen got serious. "I mean, just half an hour ago-"
He interrupted her with a loud sign. The man stayed silent for a moment but nodded. "You deserve an explanation." With a few slips, Stephen finished his beer. He exhaled, then his forearms were placed over the table. He stared at Tobias, which wasn't showing fear as he straightened in his seat. "I don't like you."
Hailey's heart stopped. "Dad."
"It's not likely going to change in the future."
"Dad!" She frowned.
"But you gained my respect." Both Hailey and Tobias were stunned. There was a short glance between them, before focusing once again on Stephen. "You care for her, which shows me you deserve her...for now." Toothless's jaw tensed, even so, he nodded thankfully. Stephen's eyes narrowed. "I accept you, so respect that. If you dare to hurt my daughter anyhow, be aware of the consequences."
Tobias's facial muscles tensed. "I'm here to protect her from any harm." His gaze went down over Hiccup's palm onto a table. Gently, he placed his over hers, overtaking it cause of the difference in their size. He stared at it. "I would never hurt her." He gaped over the man and both were having an ununderstandable Hailey, non-verbal conversation with one another. She couldn't tell if the whole conversation went as she wished for it. Some kind of untie created between them. It was... fragile and weak. She smiled to herself. But it existed.
The rest of the meeting went smoothly. No drama. No arguments. No problems. While the three speak, more comfortably by then, Gerald finally brought awaited dish. They are, they talked and everything just became simpler. Maybe, it wasn't that bad of a meeting. Maybe even...successful. By now, Gobber left already somewhere around half an hour ago. In the hall, which had its place next to the living room Stephen focused on wearing his shoes while Hiccup and Toothless observed silently. He straightens, finishing his action. "I'm sorry I'm leaving. Emergency at work." He sighed as he gazed over the mirror, checking himself diligently.
"It's not a matter mister Haddock." Tobias grinned. "It works after all. Also, don't worry. I'm leaving just after you."
"He will help me tidy a table." She elbowed him. "Don't you?" As an answer, Tobias rolled his eyes but nodded obediently.
"Sure." Stephen wore his coat and when he did he glanced over two. He walked forward just before them and showed his hand to Tobias, inviting him into the handshake. "Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for the invitation." Toothless accepted it and both respectively smiled at each other while their palm tied. Hiccup could sweat that handshake was too strong for being normal. She ignored it as she giggled happily.
Eventually, they let go of themselves and Stephen turned towards Hailey, hugging her. "See you later." As he spoke, he turned away and walked through doors, shutting them as he left.
When it happened, both Hailey and Tobias let out a breath of relief which seems to be there throughout the whole time. Toothless grasped onto the back of his neck and his head show backward as he faced the ceiling. Hailey glanced over at him and giggled. Thereafter she moved, away she was just before him. Without moving his head he glanced over her downward. She smiled brightly looking up at him. "Hey."
Tobias raised his brow. "Hey?"
She chuckled, then exhaled. "I know you heard that already, but I guess I wanted to say it myself." She tiptoed, hoping of leveling him. Unsuccessfully at last. "Thank you for coming. It was important to me and I'm sorry for the issues-"
Toothless interrupted her as he lowered his head. "It's okay, Hiccup." He grasped onto the side of her arms. "I'm glad I made you happy." He kissed her cheek. "But honestly-" He whispered. "I'm happy it's over."
She giggled, then whispered. "Don't worry. Me as well." Both laughed. When they calmed she raised her brow at him. Confused, Tobias tilted his head onto her. "You could save me some the embarrassment, you know?"
Toothless smirked. "I have no idea what you're talking about." He narrowed his eyes mockingly.
She closed the distance between their faces, causing them to be just inches from one another. "Should I remind you then?" She frowned humorously. "You had to remind them what of a clumsy person I was with bullies?"
Toothless chuckled. "I thought it was funny. Besides everyone was laughing." She exhaled hardly in his face. "You're overreacting." He straightened. "And hypocritical. You could save me some of it as well."
She smirked. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You didn't have to say to them how badly in love I was when we were friends, you know?" He walked somewhere forward, inside the living room.
"Why not?" She crossed her arms, observing him as he was directing himself toward the couch. "I find it cute."
He snorted. "Having an obsession over your best friend." He turned his head toward her, just to show momentarily his frown onto his face. "Adorable." Hailey busted into a giggle. At the sight, Toothless's face softened and he smiled weakly. Eventually, he continued on the walk and he heavily sat on the couch. Hailey for a moment just observed him and when he started messaging his temples with his fingers she moved towards him.
She leaned over the arm of the sofa. "You were brave there today." He glanced at her from over his hands. "Seriously. I know from experience my father might be sometimes...overwhelming."
He exhaled. "It was the most stressful moment of my life."
She rolled her eyes. "What about that one time when Hookfang accidentally started a fire in your apartment?" His eyes widened at the thought. She sat on the arm of the couch. "You know when he wanted to test out curtains, forgetting those are pretty flammable," Hailey observed as the muscles on his face tensed. He bit his lip in thought.
Eventually, he clapped his hands. "Nope. That meeting got itself a proper first place." He encircled his arm around her middle, bringing her slightly closer to his body.
"Meeting my father was more stressful than an apartment in the fire?"
He hummed, and after a moment his eyes met hers when he poked her nose with his finger. "Yes."
"Why's that?"
He tightened his grip on her, now pulling even closer. Hiccup didn't object. She slid from the arm of the couch, just to end up on Tobias's knees on his lap. Her knees were touching both sides of his tights as she sat in front of him. He leaned closer to her and whispered into her ear. "If I didn't succeed here, I could lose someone valid to me."
She hummed. "You would choose me over your apartment?" As an answer Tobias grinned and started kissing her neck, causing Hiccup to tense at back.
In between his doings he whispered. "I would burn thousands of apartments for you." When finished, both stared at each other.
Blushed Hailey smiled softly. "Romantic, aren't we mister Night?" He didn't respond. Instead, he kept examining her eyes. She did as well and almost melted in the green color of his.
He seemed to enjoy him as well because after a moment he flushed embarrassed and tried turning away. She didn't let him and captured his cheek in her whole palm. Instantly, as if it was some kind of charm, he melted into touch. With her other hand, she messed his hair just to lower it to his jawline, cupping it. After a moment of silence, both giggled silently, and when the atmosphere loosened Hailey found the courage to kiss him. Toothless was stunned by the sudden move, but after a beat, he returned it. That moment belonged to them. The heat, the feeling, the sensation, all theirs. Hiccup could only dream of that moment as never-ending. She wished she could just stay here, in his arms. Maybe for hours, for days. Maybe forever.
Unfortunately, the magic of the moment had to be stopped at the sounds of doors being opened. It happened so suddenly nor Toothless nor Hiccup could act in time. She didn't register her father's words. Something about work, that's for sure. The only thing she knew was the way the man seemed to be startled at what he saw. Being finally able to react properly, Hailey flinched away from Toothless. In a mere moment, she was standing straight and still. Tobias was a little more delayed than her but eventually spun his head toward the cause of the event. He probably would stand next to her, if it wasn't for the terror visible now on his face, which froze him completely. Hiccup would analyze him more but before that, her full attention focused on the man gazing at them. Hailey will be wondering for the rest of her life how humans face could turn pure white, just so to change into purple color and redder to the purest red. Stephen lost it. "You sON OF A-"
And she just wanted one calm meeting.
Yes, it's finished. Jeez, I was so tired while writing this one. So, once again. Thank you, all of you, for reading. Special thanks to the creator of the challenge. I'm happy there is still some community of that fandom, nonetheless of THAT ship. Regardless, thanks to all of you.
Okay, there is some info for interested about future projects :
So, now that I've got school and stresses, etc, etc, I won't probably write two FFs at once. It's impossible, because of which I will focus on writing an unfinished story: "Something, I didn't have.". Before doing so I also going to do some 'grammar research' so we got more quality content.
Anyway, once again, thank you, everyone. Big thanks to RL supporters, as well as those online ones. Cheers!
Ps. *whisper* on AO3 and Wattpad there is going to be added a fanart from one of readers. I recommend seeing it.