=Astrid's POV=
{Saturday, February 12, 2022-8:45 pm}
(Berk; Haddock Manor-Ballroom)
I finally understood why Hiccup said what he did that day in November when Eret and the others were giving him a hard time and saying all those mean things. Hiccup and I were best friends when we were younger, and then my father got elected Mayor of Archia Isle. I started hanging out with a crowd of people who had what I did; money and status. I was such an idiot. How could I have forgotten about my real friends? Everything made so much sense to me now. Hiccup said all the things he did in October because he knew the people I was hanging around weren't my real friends. He made those comments in hopes I would remember the people in my life before my dad got elected as the Mayor. Hiccup had been right the entire time; as soon as Eret and the others realized I wasn't like them, they threw me aside. Hearing what Hiccup told me tonight when we were on the balcony; everything just became understandable. I learned so much, but the biggest was seeing that Hiccup never left my side; he's always been around in the shadows to make sure I'm alright. And by the Gods, Hiccup has been through a lot, but I was still on his mind.
It broke my heart to see Hiccup upset and cry earlier tonight in the basement when he was watching those videos. And it hurt a lot to listen when Hiccup told me what happened with Olivia; that she died from cancer, something she might have survived if she chose to terminate her pregnancy. Olivia chose to carry Runa, and give that little girl life rather than save her own. I discovered that Hiccup did get married to Olivia in the hospital because it was something Olivia had wanted; to experience everything she was able to in life before she passed away, and act as if cancer hadn't changed anything. Hiccup is a fantastic guy; he's rich, owns a Night Fury, has a mansion, incredible friend, son, nephew, cousin, father, and husband. And with all Hiccup has; he's still humble, kind, understanding, helpful, sympathetic, and compassionate. It's still shocking to me that Hiccup wants to join the Army; I didn't take him for someone who wanted that kind of life, but I respected and admired his desires. Right now; the party is still going. Hiccup is by his computer managing the music, but his friends are standing around to talk with him. Eret and the other five popular jerks are standing in their group with drinks and watching everything around.
Valka was at her husband's side, and the guests were making conversation with one another. I was standing by myself with a drink cup in my hand and observing. I couldn't get over the dance Hiccup, and I had; it had been years, but we pulled it off as though we'd practiced it daily.
"Hiccup," I heard Stoick say as he went over to his son.
"Yeah, Dad?" Hiccup replied.
"Your mother says that if you perform one more song; you and your friends can leave the party to start your sleepover," Stoick informed.
"Cool. Any song, or is she requesting one?" Hiccup wondered.
"Val! Hiccup wants to know if you have a song in mind or is he picking?" Stoick called to his wife.
"I have one, but I don't if he'll do it," Valka stated while walking over.
"That depends on the song," Hiccup remarked.
"Well, as it's become a continuing problem…And your father is going to be addressing it as one of his projects; I was hoping you might do your Anti-Bullying song?" Valka asked. I blinked a few times; Hiccup wrote a song about bullying?
"I don't know, Mom. That song is kind'a just for me…" Hiccup sighed.
"I know, Hiccup, but others need to see what bullying does. And your song describes a lot of what you and others deal with as victims," Stoick reminded. "It would help open some eyes. We could spread the message, perhaps get it to stop. But the only way to show people is by one of those victims standing up and saying something about how they feel," he added.
Giving in, I saw Hiccup sigh again. "Fine,"
"Thank you, son," Valka hugged him.
"Yeah, yeah," Hiccup muttered as Stoick and Valka walked away. Hiccup stopped what was playing, then found what he was looking for and hit play. Hiccup moved out from behind where his computer was and held the microphone. The music started easy with a guitar strumming. "He walks to school. Nobody notices; he hides the bruises underneath his clothes. His mom don't ask, and he won't tell. All his friends, don't know him oh so well," I couldn't believe how powerful this was and I hadn't even heard the whole song yet. The room was quiet other than the music and Hiccup's singing.
I knew Hiccup was bullied a lot for his small size, and name. In Viking Culture, which we all derived from; Hiccup was the name given to the runt of the litter. Hiccup was born two months early and spent a lot of time in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit until he gained enough weight and strength to be able to go home with Valka and Stoick. Hiccup has a very slim figure and appears to have no muscle, but that's far from the truth because I saw him wrestle a Monstrous Nightmare, which is a five-thousand-pound dragon, and I saw Hiccup knock Eret, a two-hundred and ten-pound male-mostly muscle for that weight, to the floor with one punch. Hiccup took a lot of abuse, and I wondered if he wrote this because of it all.
"Nobody knows that he's breaking. Nobody knows where he's been. Everybody says that he's broken, but I think he's just bent. Oh, dare to be different," Hiccup continued softly. The music picked up a bit. "He walks to class, with the hoodie on; behind the mask that he's worn so long. The teacher don't hear, all the rumors spread. Or the notebook saying how I wish I was dead," I felt my heart skip a beat at that. Did Hiccup feel like dying at one time because of all the bullying he endured? This song was written from personal experience, what else could I believe besides that?
"Who will care that he's breaking? Who will care where he's been? Everybody says that he's broken, but I think he's just bent. Oh, dare to be different," All I did was watch Hiccup sing, and it hurt me to see the pain behind his green eyes. "Who wrote the book on what is right? What makes me so wrong? I know my time here will be well spent, cause I dare…Yeah, I dare…I dare to be different,"
"Just another day, with the damage done. You never know how your words can cut someone. Look into their eyes, and maybe you will see; that everyone is how they're meant to be. It's time for us to care that they're breaking. It's time for us to care where they've been. You might say that we're broken, But I think we're all a little bent. Ooh. Dare to be different. Ooh, dare to be different," It was quiet after the song ended, but then clapping. I think everyone was just taken slightly off guard by the song, which was the reason for the pause in reaction after Hiccup finished. (Song; Dare To Be Different by Rachel Lynn. I did change a bit of it to fit Hiccup writing it for his experiences with bullying.)
"Well done, son," Valka smiled.
I couldn't help but notice how bothered Hiccup looked after he sang. I felt like he hadn't wanted to sing that one, but didn't want to upset his parents either. "Yeah, no problem. Can I go now?" Hiccup asked. Stoick nodded as Hiccup took off his suit jacket and tie, handing them to Snotlout. "I'll be back in ten to meet you downstairs," Hiccup said.
"No problem," Dagur stated. "We'll take care of all this; you go and clear your head," Hiccup gave a smile of thanks, then headed out of the Ballroom doors to the terrace.
Hiccup gave a whistle with his fingers to the corners of his mouth. "TOOTHLESS!" Hiccup called afterward. Second later, Toothless hurried out of the stable and jumped on the terrace. Hiccup threw his leg over the saddle, positioned his feet, then opened the tail up. "Sky, bud!" he rubbed the top of Toothless's head. The Night Fury crooned in response to his rider, then launched into the sky; the two were quickly out of sight in the night sky.
. . .
=Normal POV=
{9:10 pm}
(Basement of Haddock Manor)
Hiccup returned not long after leaving, and one of the first things he did was go to his room to grab a quick shower, then change out of the suit and into something comfortable. Afterward, Hiccup went downstairs to find his friends, Astrid, and the populars down there relaxing and watching TV.
"Hey, there you are," Heather smiled.
"Surprised you're not gaming yet," Hiccup chuckled.
"Well, we kind'a need you for that," Tuffnut reminded. Hiccup rolled his eyes as he opened the panel and scanned his hand to activate the Gamer's Paradise part of the basement.
"There you go, guys," Hiccup closed the door as he went behind the bar to grab a soda from the fridge, then he plopped on the couch to relax. Hiccup watched his friends pick something to play, and he sat there with his eyes closed.
"Hic, you playing?" Snotlout asked.
"Nah, go ahead," Hiccup smiled.
"Come on; you love this game," Dagur said.
"It's a four-player game," Fishlegs tried.
"And you have four people, so go on," Hiccup invited.
"Eh, this isn't one of my favorites; I'm not good at it," Fishlegs handed Hiccup the controller. Hiccup sighed as he sat up and set his soda in the cupholder. The game was Super Smash Bros, and Hiccup picked his Mii for the character, and then he popped his headphones into his ears while turning on his music from the phones. The match started as those in basement watched closely while Snotlout, Tuffnut, Dagur, and Hiccup faced off against one another. Minutes passed as Hiccup eventually sat back on the couch, one leg up and the other dangling much like earlier in the night when the teens found Hiccup downstairs watching videos. Hiccup looked relaxed, taking sips of his drink when he got a few seconds to do so.
"He's pretty good," Ruffnut chuckled.
"Hiccup is the reigning champ out of our friends who play," Minden giggled.
"He doesn't look like he's all into it," Astrid pointed out.
"That's how he plays this game. Music to block out any distractions, and relaxed," Heather informed. Another minute passed as Snotlout and Dagur were out of the match, then Hiccup did a ten-hit combo and final attack on Tuffnut to finish him off. Hiccup was declared the winner as he set the controller down.
"That's game, boys," Hiccup remarked as he pulled one of his headphones out.
"I don't know why we bother playing this against him; we never win," Snotlout muttered.
"I'm starting to think you like the ass-kicking," Hiccup laughed a little.
"Shut up, Hiccup," Snotlout mumbled, defeated.
"Another round?" Dagur asked. Before anyone could answer, the Skype ringtone was heard going off. Hiccup turned one of the TV's on, then brought up Skype where a call was coming in from; Work.
"Oh, come on guys…It's my night off," Hiccup sighed as he answered it. "You better have had a good reason to call me on my night off, Colden," Hiccup said.
"Johann has vanished from work, we're getting slammed, and we need a manager, like now," Colden informed quickly.
"What do you mean Johann vanished?" Hiccup asked.
"He took a phone call, then left without reason. Can you come, please?" Colden begged.
Hiccup got up. "I'm on my way. Give me five minutes," Hiccup said.
"You can get here from Berk that fast?" Mikkel blinked.
"Uh, owner of a Night Fury…" Hiccup rolled his eyes. "See you soon; just do the best you can for now," after a nod, the call ended.
"Hiccup, do you need any help?" Astrid asked quickly.
"No, I'll be fine, Astrid. Thanks, though. I'll be home later guys," Hiccup vanished into the elevator after the doors opened.
"What now?" Gruffnut asked. Everyone looked at one another, unsure of how to spend their time with Hiccup gone. It was to play more games or talk.
. . .
{11:15 pm}
Due to reasons the teenagers would likely never understand; it got decided by the parents of them that they were all staying at Haddock Manor for the night. The kids had their suspicions that it's because the adults were drunk and couldn't drive home. Hiccup was still at work, and the others sat around gaming or chatting among themselves. Finally, Hiccup came downstairs; still in his work uniform looking anything but relieved and happy to be back.
"Bad night?" Minden asked. Hiccup didn't say anything as he kicked off his shoes, and tossed the hat carelessly.
"I don't even want to talk about it," Hiccup mumbled as he took off the belt and added that to the pile where his hat landed. Hiccup unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off, leaving him with just a t-shirt underneath. Hiccup moved to his room downstairs and changed the rest of the way to something comfortable. Hiccup returned and dropped on the couch tiredly.
"Ever find out why Johann bailed?" Astrid wondered.
"Nope, he isn't picking up my calls. The next time I hear from him; he'll be lucky if he has a job…" Hiccup sighed with his eyes closed.
"Isn't Johann higher on the corporate ladder?" Astrid blinked. "How do you make that call if he keeps his job or not?"
"Because I've been there longer than he has, and would be the lead manager above him if I were eighteen already. I told you, aside from a few legal matters holding me back; I run that place. I do the schedule, the food order, inventory, time edits, everything. Johann only started working there about a year ago, and Johann is a manager. As soon as March hits; I become the big boss as General Manager. And then Johann works under me. The main office would take my word over his, and if I file a complaint; he's done if I say he's not able to do his job duties," Hiccup explained.
"Oh," Astrid nodded understanding.
"Leaving in the middle of a shift with no reason and refusing to answer calls is a fireable offense. There are only three people hired who can lead the shifts through the week. Johann, Henrik, and myself. I do closings Monday through Friday. Johann opens Monday through Wednesday and closes Saturday and Sunday. Henrik opens Thursday to Sunday. If there is no one there, the other employees can't do anything that needs manager approval or overrides," Hiccup stated.
"Makes sense. You look exhausted," Heather informed.
"It's been a long day," Hiccup replied. "And on a completely unrelated note, why are all of you still here?" he asked.
"Gobber came downstairs a little while ago and said that we're all staying here tonight," Snotlout said. Hiccup's eyes widened.
"For what friggin reason?" Hiccup demanded.
"If I had to take a guess…The adults are too drunk to drive," Dagur stated.
"What the-Oh my Gods. They all have their licenses! Why can't they drive home?!" Hiccup grumbled. Oh, this was not his night.
"No idea, cuz," Snotlout shrugged.
"Ugh, once again…I have to put out for a bunch of assholes," Hiccup sighed as he got up and walked off. Fifteen minutes later, Hiccup returned with sleeping bags and pillows.
"Can't we just use your room again?" Thuggory asked.
"No. I was nice to you fuckers once, and you threw it in my face the next available chance you got. And if I recall; it ended with Eret getting punched. This time; you're all on the floor," Hiccup scoffed as he tossed the objects at them carelessly.
"And what about her?" Ragna motioned to Astrid.
"She was part of that day too," Gruffnut reminded.
"Astrid has since apologized to me, and also that day; told you to stop while you were ahead," Hiccup stated coldly.
"We sleeping in our usual spots?" Ruffnut asked.
"Where you'd like, guys," Hiccup told them.
"What about me?" Astrid inquired nervously.
"I'll be out here to keep an eye on them, but you're welcome to use my spare room down here. Or if you want; go up to yours on the second level," Hiccup responded to her gently.
"Stay down here with us, Astrid," Heather invited.
"Yeah, we all camp out in Hiccup's room down here," Minden added. Astrid smiled a little; this was a nice feeling.
"Okay, I will. I'm just gonna go change first," Astrid replied.
"We'll come too. Our stuff is upstairs," Ruffnut smiled. The four girls exited the basement, leaving only the boys now. Hiccup's couch was a sectional, with two long pieces on the ends and in the middle. Tuffnut, Dagur, and Snotlout snatched those up quick while Fishlegs picked the smaller couch, and Hiccup took the recliner chair.
"So, Astrid is living here?" Camicazi asked.
"You have a problem with that?" Hiccup retorted. Little did he know that Astrid was coming down the stairs last after the girls entered to join the rest. Astrid stopped, listening in closely to what Hiccup would tell them as to why she was there.
"Why?" Eret asked.
"If you recall months ago in this very basement; I asked you if you knew who your real friends were, and you claimed that if one of you ended up with nothing; you wouldn't toss them aside. Well, what did you do to Astrid when something changed? You threw her aside in a heartbeat; exactly as I said you would because I know how you douchebags operate, and that's why I refuse to be part of it. So thank you for proving my words to be correct. Why is Astrid living here? Because her real friends stepped up to help," Hiccup said harshly, taking Astrid by surprise.
"But you said-," Nadia began.
"You were taunting me when my wife had just passed away! I told you to stop and you wouldn't, so for once, I let my anger get the better of me, and I decided to retaliate. I know what I said that day, and I admitted to Astrid that it was said in frustration and mourning over the situation; I apologized to her and only her for what I said. And she said she was sorry to me. I forgave her. Astrid was my friend long before she was yours, and you might have gotten in her head, and took her away from me once, but she remembers everything now that you jerks are out of her life. Astrid remembers who her real friends are, and when friends are in trouble; they help one another out. Astrid needed a place to go, and I have more than enough room here," Hiccup huffed. "Now not another word. Shut up and go to sleep," he added.
Astrid smiled a little as she made her way down the stairs all the way now and followed the girls into Hiccup's extra room in the basement. "Night all," Dagur called. After that, the lights were turned off, and everyone was quiet. Astrid was probably last to fall asleep around 12:45 am because she was worried about one thing; her ex-boyfriend and former friends knew where she was living, and they had all the ammunition they needed to give her an awful time at school. Honestly, she couldn't wait to graduate and hopefully never have to see them again.
