=Astrid's POV=
{Friday, December 10, 2021-2:45 pm}
(Archian Preparatory)
It was still astounding to me that Hiccup used his manager meal to pay for my dinner last night. Even with all, he said, which I denied the first time I ever heard it in October; I actually gave it some thought after I sat down with my grilled chicken sandwich, small fry, and ginger ale. A lot of things Hiccup had said to me the last couple of months were beginning to come forward, and I wondered if he knew that Eret and the others would end up casting me aside one day. According to Hiccup; he used to call me his best friend before my dad became the mayor. Hiccup said a few days before my parents were killed, which there are still no leads on, that everything good about me was gone and I let the money go to my head. The strangest part; I couldn't remember before my dad became mayor. Was I really friends with Hiccup? I mean, if it were true, then I'd recall it, right? I think Hiccup was just trying to make me feel bad that day. Still, though, other things were ones I couldn't deny.
On the way to Archia Burger last night; the others were all talking about what they wanted, and Eret said he'd pay for mine as if we were on a date. I stayed back in my car to do something on my phone, but by the time I got in; the others had finished ordering. I placed mine, and then they threw it on me to pay. I was thoroughly embarrassed to have my card declined twice, and then to top it off, remember that Hiccup works for Archia Burger, and be told what happened. I knew Hiccup worked somewhere, but I didn't know he was a manager at Archia Burger. Regardless, I saw Hiccup play it cool. What I didn't expect was for him to use his employee meal for my order. I was sure Hiccup hated us, meaning my friends and me, so why would he only pay for mine? Hiccup stated that he hoped I'd reconsider thinking about what he said in October about knowing who your real friends are. It did make me think about that day in Hiccup's basement when we first learned Hiccup was a rich kid living in Berkian Estates.
No, Hiccup was crazy. My boyfriend loved me, and my friends would always be here. What happened just last night was a gag; them messing around to cheer me up because I've been miserable without my parents. There's only fifteen minutes of Dragon Training left, and we're still working in the Strike Class. As it was a decent day; we were outside for the lesson, but if the weather were terrible we would go inside the stables. Shockingly, those were always clean and smelled great. We used the first twenty minutes of class to go over the rest of Threadtail, and now we were on Triple Stryke. Next week on Monday would be more of that, then Snow Wraith, and Wooly Howl. Finally, right before Winter Break; it would be the fabled Night Fury. And truthfully; I was kind of excited to learn more about the dragon everyone primarily feared. No one had seen a Night Fury in years, but Hiccup seemed to be best friends with one. My boyfriend and friends hated it.
"Each of the three tails does something different," Hiccup continued talking about the Triple Stryke. "One numbs, the second disorients with mild hallucinogens, and the third creates a painful sensation of your blood burning. Triple Stryke dragons prefer to use their tails over their fire, which tends to use more energy," I put my hand up now. "Yes, Astrid?"
"You said before that they braid their tails together to one…Why? I mean; it still does the same thing, doesn't it?" I wondered.
"Excellent question. And the answer is no, in fact. There are two different aspects of the tails setup. If the tails are braided then they are in a position to whip back their opponents; it is more of a defensive move as opposed to when the tails are separated and able to sting," Hiccup said.
"Oh, okay," I nodded, understanding now.
"Strike Class is supposed to be the hardest set of dragons to train next to Stoker, right?" Eret asked.
"Correct," Hiccup replied.
"So, how would one get close to a Strike Class?" Eret pushed.
"Carefully. The best way is to get their attention with something. Strike Class dragons are naturally aggressive, and distrusting of humans, and occasionally other dragons. However, due to their rarity as most are close to being extinct…These set of dragons are incredibly curious, smart, and fast. They've demonstrated that they can see, and learn new things, then mimic it," Hiccup stated.
"Like, how?" Ragna inquired.
"I suppose Toothless would be a good example…" Hiccup rubbed his chin a bit, then stood. Hiccup cupped his hands over his mouth and let out a dragon call, one similar to a Night Fury. Moments later, Toothless the Night Fury emerged from the trees being wary of the others. "Come on, bud; it's alright," Hiccup reached his hand forward as Toothless sniffed it a few times, then pressed his snout to the palm.
"Alright, show us what you meant about the seeing and mimicry thing," Thuggory said.
"Well, when I met Toothless three years ago; he was not as forthcoming as you just saw. Toothless was aggressive, hesitant, but still curious about being so close to a human. Now, you'll notice rig he wears, and this is because when I met Toothless; his left tail fin had been ripped off and this, unfortunately, makes it so he can't fly," Hiccup explained.
"Oh, poor Toothless…" Camicazi and Nadia frowned.
"I found him wounded and wanted to help, but he didn't want me near him. I had to get his attention, and I did this by offering him a fish, and showing that I had nothing on me that I'd use to hurt him. Toothless ate it, then spit half back up and into my lap. I guess this action, me feeding him, was enough for him to see that I didn't want to harm him. Toothless spit the fish up because he was trying to share with me when I said I didn't have any more," Hiccup smiled.
"You didn't actually eat it, did you?" Eret inquired.
"Oh, I absolutely did. And yes, it was disgusting, but I earned his trust doing it. After the fish thing, he still wouldn't get too close to him, so I let him be, but didn't go far. I grabbed a stick and started drawing him in the dirt. Toothless came over and sat next to me to watch. As I finished; he grabbed a more giant stick, and tried to copy what I was doing. I tried to get a better look and stepped on one of the lines; he growled at me. After a bit of this, I understood he wanted me to follow the lines without stepping on them. By the end, my back was to him and just inches away. I tried to touch him, he growled. So, I turned my head and closed my eyes with the hand out, and he put his nose to my palm. When I looked at him; his eyes were closed. This was us giving one another full trust," Hiccup shrugged.
"Wow," I said. "And that rig…Where'd you get it?"
"This? Oh, I made that. It went through a lot of modifications before reaching this, but ultimately; I'm the only one who can fly him because I know how to work the pedal that controls the left side to make flight possible as if nothing changed," Hiccup informed.
"Wait, you built that rig for him?" Ragna blinked.
"Mmhm. It's why we're such good friends; he can't fly without me," Hiccup scratched under Toothless's chin, causing the dragon to warble with delight. Moments later, Stormfly wandered out of the forest and sat on Hiccup's other side to get his attention too.
"The dragons love you," I smiled a bit.
"I consider myself pretty alright with them," Hiccup responded.
"Your Nadder is beautiful; I love her colors," I complimented.
"Yeah…Stormfly is my special girl. Well, second to Runa…" Hiccup chuckled. Suddenly, Stormfly got up and began sniffing me, and circling curiously. I got a little nervous.
"W-What's she doing?" I asked quickly.
"Just getting to know you a bit; I think she likes that you complimented her," Hiccup said. Stormfly continued sniffing, then stopped and squawked at me before getting a stick and placing it at my feet.
"U-Um?" I looked at Hiccup for help.
"Stormfly loves to play and fetch is her favorite. Go ahead, throw the stick," Hiccup invited. I picked it up as Stormfly got super excited. I threw it as Stormfly darted off in a hurry to catch it, then bring it back. Stormfly nudged against me as I laughed a little. "Yeah, she really likes you,"
"Very affectionate. C-Can I pet her?" I asked. Hiccup motioned for me to do it. I began scratching under her chin as she nuzzled me more, purring almost. Stormfly pulled away and stared at me with her head to the side, and I remembered that Deadly Nadders couldn't see directly in front of them; that was their blind spot. Stormfly nudged me again, a bit harder than before. I looked at Hiccup once more. Hiccup stood, giving a hand signal to Toothless to stay put.
"What is it, girl?" Hiccup asked. Stormfly squawked again, nodding her head my way. "Oh, I see now," Hiccup replied. "Astrid, put your right hand out, please? With the palm facing Stormfly," I was confused but did what he asked. Hiccup motioned his head towards me as Stormfly got excited and moved somewhat behind me, and her head coming next to mine, then pressing her snout to my palm, eyes closed. For some reason, the feeling made me close my eyes. And there was one moment of perfect peace and comfort around me. "Welcome to the ranks of having a bonded dragon, Miss. Hofferson," my eyes snapped open.
"Wh-What?" I asked. "But I…What…Huh?" I said, completely dumbfounded. Wasn't Stormfly…Hiccup's bonded dragon?
"You've bonded to Stormfly, or rather, she chose to bond with you," Hiccup informed gently.
"Congratulations," Dagur added.
"Wait…But I…Isn't Stormfly yours?" I questioned.
"In the sense that I've taken care of her since she was just an egg, yes. Stormfly's egg was found abandoned, and with help from my mother; we assisted in the hatching. Stormfly just latched on to me as a caretaker, and good friend, but no; we're not bonded," Hiccup explained.
"Now, hang on a second! You said in September that you bonded three years ago, and Stormfly is the dragon you called as yours!" Thuggory said quickly.
"And I just explained in what sense that she's mine; I've cared for her the last three years. Stormfly is only three. Well, about to be around Christmas time, which is when most eggs are laid due to mating season," Hiccup stated.
"I-If you're not bonded to Stormfly, but have a bonded dragon…Then where is it?" Nadia asked.
"Right here," Hiccup motioned to Toothless. "I'm bonded to Toothless, have been since I was fifteen. We bonded when we gave one another full trust," he enlightened. I was shocked. Toothless was Hiccup's bonded dragon? No wonder Toothless hides out to avoid being seen, people would make a huge deal about it. And it made total sense why Toothless came to protect Hiccup against that Whispering Death now.
"WHAT!?" Eret, Thuggory, Ragna, Camicazi, and Nadia yelled in shocked, and possibly anger. I watched as it didn't very long for Toothless to jump into action; he walked up next to Hiccup, raising his tail to wrap around Hiccup's figure, then start snarling at the others.
"Yeah, I'd be careful if I were you. Toothless doesn't take lightly to threats regarding me, himself, or even Stormfly," Hiccup warned with his hand on Toothless's head. "Settle down, bud; they won't hurt me," Hiccup said calmly. Toothless calmed a bit but continued to growl a little. "Accept it, or don't; I don't care. Toothless is my bonded dragon, end of discussion. Astrid, Stormfly is now yours. However, until you've passed Midterms and receive your Dragon Classification Certificate, she will have to reside in Haddock Stables for legality matters just like my friend's dragons have to,"
"O-Okay; that's fine…" I nodded.
"You're welcome to visit her any time," Hiccup invited.
"Thank you," I said gently. The bell rang.
"And that's the end of class. We'll pick up Monday with the rest of Triple Stryke," Hiccup said as he grabbed his bags, then hopped into Toothless's saddle, opening the tail. "Come on, Stormfly," he called. Stormfly nudged me, licked my cheek, then darted off with Hiccup and Toothless towards Raven Point Hills. I guess Hiccup wasn't driving his Jeep today, or maybe one of his friends did? I didn't know. I was ready to get to Eret's, then take a nap. On the bright side; I have a bonded dragon!
. . .
=Normal POV=
{4:15 pm}
(Trapp House)
Reaching Eret's, Astrid sighed heavily after laying in Eret's bed.
"Something wrong?" Eret asked.
"Just a bit tired…" Astrid closed her eyes. Eret sat beside her, kissing on her neck.
"You're stressed out about Midterms, and mourning your parents, babe. Why don't you let me distract you for a while?" Eret offered.
"I don't know, Er…It just…Doesn't seem right to do it right now," Astrid admitted.
"Please? At least let me try?" Eret pushed.
"Okay, fine…" Astrid grumbled. Eret grinned as he leaned in and kissed her lips softly. Astrid kissed him back, then Eret laid her down on the bed as the two began making out.
. . .
{Monday, December 13, 2021-11:55 am}
(Archian Preparatory; Cafeteria)
Astrid spent the entire weekend at Eret's; they had sex twice and saw her friends Saturday during the day and Sunday night for a little bit. However, now it was back to school and today wasn't a great day for Astrid. Today marked one month since her parents were killed in the house explosion. Granted, it technically happened on the 14th, but the fire had started on the 13th, and only moments after Astrid arrived was the explosion where they stopped answering the texts. Astrid still had the last messages she ever sent to both her mother and father; they offered both pain and slight comfort. The day seemed to draw out for her, but at least she would get to see Stormfly in Dragon Training. Currently, she sat at the usual table when Eret and her friends arrived five minutes later.
"Hey, guys," Astrid greeted.
"What are you doing here?" Camicazi asked.
"Uh…Eating lunch?" Astrid replied. "Why else would I be here?"
"This is our table," Thuggory stated.
"I know, that's why I'm sitting here. Pull up a chair, join me," Astrid smiled.
"I don't think she gets it," Gruffnut said, smirking a little. Okay, Astrid didn't like that.
"We don't want to join you, Astrid; we want you to move somewhere else," Ragna put her hands on her hips.
"Have I done something to piss you off? I mean, if this is about the bonding with a dragon thing; I'm sorry, I had no control of that…" Astrid replied, shocked at the way they were talking.
"You're not allowed to sit with us anymore," Nadia remarked. Astrid flinched at that, looking at them surprised.
"Yeah, you're not one of us," Camicazi added.
"We're friends," Astrid stated.
"We were friends, Astrid, until you lied," Thuggory mentioned.
"Lied about what?" Astrid demanded quickly, not understanding.
"Pfft, really? You don't know? How about the fact you lied about having money?" Gruffnut informed. Astrid's eyes widened a bit.
"Wh-What?" Astrid gasped, slightly taken aback.
"You've been playing it like you got it all for a month, Astrid, but in reality; you don't have anything. We saw your diary entry about not getting a payout or the assets your parents supposedly left you. We knew you didn't have anything last week; that's why we stuck you with the bill at Archia Burger. Don't know how you pulled off making your card work, but we know you don't have anything coming. You're a freeloader," Ragna huffed.
"This table is for the populars, and you're not anymore," Camicazi said.
"You aren't one of us, so get lost…Loser," Nadia said. Astrid felt her heart skip a beat as Hiccup's words from the conversation in October rang loudly in her head.
/Flashback; October 1st, 2021/
"Dude! You're friggin' loaded," Gruffnut pointed.
Hiccup shrugged casually. "So?"
"You're one of us!" Camicazi stated.
"No, I'm Hiccup Haddock," Hiccup responded.
"You know what I mean! You're rich, so you're one of us," Camicazi mumbled.
"Oh, I see now. You think I'm one of you just because you realized that I'm not a third class citizen? Sorry to disappoint, but I'm gonna be that guy. I'm not one of you because I don't let money decide where I stand in life," Hiccup informed calmly. "Having all this doesn't change who I am. I could be living in a run-down trailer park and still be content as long as I have good friends and my family in my life,"
"Ugh…" Eret stuck his tongue out. "All this and he still talks like a loser,"
"Least I'm happy," Hiccup shrugged again. "If money is how you decide where people rate in your life, then you have a problem because what happens the day wealth isn't on your side? What if you ended up broke tomorrow? Would your friends still want to hang with you knowing you have nothing?" Hiccup asked as Eret didn't have a remark.
"Of course," Eret finally said.
"You had an awfully long pause for someone who seems so sure of himself," Hiccup remarked. "You're all friends because you share a common aspect of life; being rich and spoiled rotten making you think you have the right to control those around you. Newsflash, when the money is gone; you got nothing. You'll be thrown aside, regarded a loser just like me,"
"That's not true," Astrid stated.
"Isn't it? Do you know why I don't tell people about all this, Astrid?" Hiccup inquired as the seven nodded. "Because I get to see who my real friends are if they think I'm just an average teenager with a regular, third-class life. Ruff, Tuff, Minden, Snot, Fishlegs, Heather…All of them didn't know I had all this when we met, and they still wanted to be friends. Once I revealed what I had; the relationships didn't change. Which means I know that if I ended up broke tomorrow morning; they'd still have my back and want to be around me. "You all, on the other hand; you'd throw a friend in need to the side in a heartbeat to save your images of being popular and not wanting to be seen with someone who isn't like you. This can be proven by the fact you decided to call me one of you when you learned I have all I do. You didn't like me before knowing, so I know that you aren't real friends," Hiccup took another drink. None of them had anything to say.
"Yeah, well…Who needs you," Thuggory huffed.
"Not about need. It's want. And apparently, you wanted me to join your little crew after learning the truth about me. Sorry. Rich or not; I'm not a spoiled brat like all of you, and I can say that confidently because you got pissed when I wouldn't agree. Friends like you come and go, just like money can do the same. My friendships don't revolve around money. I know my friends won't betray me no matter my position in life; I can turn my back and not worry that one of them will stab me in it. At the end of the day; I know who my real friends are…" Hiccup smirked a little. "Do you?" the seven tensed a bit, glancing at one another, then back at Hiccup. "And that's game, boys, and girls. Better luck next time," he winked.
/End Flashback/
"Get lost, Astrid," Nadia stated coldly.
"We don't want you around anymore," Thuggory added. "Leave us alone,"
Astrid couldn't believe this; she quickly looked at Eret. "B-Babe? A little help?" Eret glanced at her, then back to his phone. "Y-You aren't going to let them do this, are you?"
Ragna wrapped her arms around Eret's waist as he put his arm over her shoulder, smirking at Astrid almost. "Yeah, about that…I'm on their side, Ast. Truth is; we planned this last week, to ditch you because you're broke now, and didn't bother to tell us,"
"I've got money, there was just a legalization problem that Hiccup's dad is trying to fix…Everything is frozen right now until the matter is handled…" Astrid defended.
"Doesn't matter; I'm bored with you and Ragna is a way better fuck," Eret said. Astrid's eyes widened, tears brimming now.
"Eret and I have been fucking behind your back since before Senior Year started, like in August; he has a much better time with me," Ragna snickered. "Face it, Astrid. You're no longer one of us, so beat it…" Unable to say anything, Astrid rose from the chair and walked out quickly. The popular group laughed, then took their seats to eat. Hiccup watched Astrid leave and wanted to ask if she was okay but he knew it wasn't the best time. Astrid, on the other hand, had run right to the girl's bathroom and cried hard. She'd been cheated on for the past four months, freshly dumped, and now ditched by the people she honestly believed were her friends.
