=Normal POV=

{Friday, February 25, 2022-7:15 pm}

(Berk, Haddock Manor)

A week had passed since Astrid was almost run down at the school and Hiccup saved her from such a fate. Astrid was still beside herself that Hiccup, the farthest person away, at the time, was able to rescue her from getting killed in an intentional attack. Spitelout and Agent Haggard were working together with Alvin, and a few others to put the puzzle together. It was evident that Astrid's parents were killed. The questions to ask were why and by who. Suspect number one was Drago Bludvist, a man who wanted total control and worked from the shadows. Hiccup knew that Drago was legally covered from many things in the past that the police and AIB couldn't prove to put the guy away. Hiccup was able to obtain all this information through two people he helped avoid serious crimes in the past; Viggo and Ryker Grimborn. Hiccup hired them to gather as much information as they could on Drago, and as of yesterday, Hiccup possessed all that. The second half of the job was to infiltrate and find out Drago's connection to the murders of Colden and Alva Hofferson, and why they wanted Astrid gone too. Hiccup knew the police and AIB would never get this kind of information, and Drago would get away if they started meddling in the man's affairs. Hiccup was sending Viggo and Ryker undercover to do the job because their background would show their previous history in dragon trapping, hunting, and selling.

If Drago worked with all these kinds of people, then hiring Viggo and Ryker wouldn't be questionable at all. Hiccup had faith in the Grimborn brothers to get what was needed to stop Drago; then lock him up along with anyone else involved in this madness. Hiccup had met with Viggo and Ryker the same night he called them for the task he needed to be done. Hiccup got Viggo and Ryker to meet him slightly off the grounds of Haddock Manor, and then he explained the job to them, which they took, and promised stellar results for the price Hiccup offered to pay to ensure Drago is taken down. However, all Hiccup needed from the Grimborn brothers was information that would lead to the police and Agent Haggard arresting Drago. Anonymous tips Hiccup would drop at the station, and stay under the radar. Hiccup now acted as Astrid's bodyguard by being with her almost all the time. School, work, and home. Astrid had gotten transferred into Hiccup's classes by Monday the 21st; it's now the 25th, and things are going as planned to keep Astrid safe from any more attacks by Drago. Hiccup would update Spitelout if they were being watched, followed, or anyone approached them who seemed suspicious. None of the friends knew what was going on, but that just meant they were safer. If anyone was in danger now; it was Hiccup, and he didn't care.

It's a Friday night, Valka, Stoick, and Gobber put their heads together to throw Hiccup a surprise birthday for turning eighteen. Hiccup's birthday was technically on the 29th, but that didn't come this year, and the next closest date would have been in March. The Haddock parents and Gobber thought it might be fun to throw the party a week before normal. All of Hiccup's friends had gotten invited, including Eret, Nadia, Camicazi, Ragna, Thuggory, and Gruffnut. Hiccup's group mentioned that it wasn't a good idea because Hiccup wasn't friends with those six, but Stoick assured that Hiccup would be fine with it since everything went so well during Valka's birthday and the celebration of Stoick becoming the Mayor of Archia Isle. Unfortunately, none of them anticipated that Hiccup would get called into work as soon as the school day ended. Hiccup left with his Jeep, and Astrid went back to Haddock Manor with Snotlout and Minden. Heather rode with Dagur on Shattermaster with the dragons following them. Fishlegs drove Ruffnut and Tuffnut. Eret, Ragna, and Gruffnut traveled together. Then Thuggory, Camicazi, and Nadia went in Thuggory's car.

"Where is he?" Gruffnut asked.

"Working," Ruffnut rolled her eyes.

"Can't we call him and ask how much longer?" Nadia suggested.

"Might not be a bad idea," Gobber shrugged to Valka, who was holding Runa, and Stoick. Olivia's parents, Bard and Maeva were present, and also Birgir, who was Olivia's little brother. Stoick and Valka knew Hiccup was still close to them even with Olivia gone now; Runa was the piece that kept everyone together, and the fact they all loved Olivia dearly.

"Frigga. Call Hiccup." Stoick stated.

"Calling Hiccup," the voice responded. There was ringing six times, and then it went to voicemail.

"Well, that's a no-go," Heather mumbled.

Valka sighed. "Frigga, call Hiccup's Work,"

"Calling Hiccup's Work," the voice replied. Two rings in, there was a pick-up.

"Archia Burger, this is Hiccup," Hiccup answered.

"Hi, son. It's Dad," Stoick said.

"You guys know better than to call my job unless someone is dying or has died. What is it? I'm immensely busy at the moment," Hiccup informed.

"We were wondering when you're coming home. You weren't supposed to work tonight originally," Valka stated.

"Henrik had a family emergency to deal with at 3 pm; that's why he asked me to work when originally, he and Johann switched to give me tonight off. Johann opened, and Henrik was going to close. And I said I'd take Johann's Sunday closing shift. Haven't heard from Henrik in an hour and a half, so I don't know what's going on. As it stands, I might be here until close. Why? Am I needed at home or something?" Hiccup asked.

"Well, no. We just thought you might be back already. It's Friday night; you and your friends have your sleepover, a-and Runa is waiting for her daddy," Stoick said quickly.

"Dada!" Runa clapped happily.

"Hi, Lil lady. I promise I'll be home as soon as I can. Okay? I love you. Look, I'm doing my best guys, but-Hang on. Hello?" a pause as they assumed he must have gotten another call. "Glad he's okay, my friend. See you in five, bye," another small break. "Okay, I'm back. That was Harry; he's on his way now. I'll be home in about twenty or so. And for the love of Odin, please, someone have my migraine pill at the ready,"

"You developing one, laddie?" Gobber asked.

"Had since about 4:20," Hiccup corrected.

"How are you even functioning?" Valka wondered with concern.

"Are you going to be alright to drive, son?" Stoick inquired.

"I'll be fine, Dad. And Mom; it's not without difficulty. See you soon," then the call ended.

"Should we even do the party? Hiccup's not gonna be up for a lot of noise and lights when he gets home if he's had a migraine all this time," Snotlout asked.

"We'll see how it goes when he gets here," Stoick said. The rest nodded, then relaxed until Hiccup arrived.

. . .

{7:35 pm}

Hiccup pulled in the Motor Court, then parked in the driveway and shut off the vehicle. Nausea was already setting in, and he just wanted to sleep. However, he knew something was happening tonight because it was so close to his 18th birthday. Hiccup made his way through the house and went through the Family Room, Kitchen, and finally, to the Great Room, where he'd been able to see everyone gathered there. Exactly as he suspected; they were throwing him a surprise party, or at least it was an attempted one, but they didn't know he was there yet. Backing up a few paces into the kitchen, he decided to let them have their fun; after all, he was turning eighteen in a few more days.

"I'm home!" Hiccup called, then gave them a minute to shuffle around before beginning to walk again. Hiccup entered the Great Room and prepared himself.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday, Hiccup!" they came out and said in quiet voices, but still smiling. Right away, Hiccup noticed six people who he didn't feel needed to be there. At the same time; he too tired to care. Hiccup knew his parents likely assumed all of them were friends because Hiccup played nice with everyone regardless of personal feelings until someone ticked him off. And Hiccup knew his parents were aware the six populars angered him often, so why his folks would even assume this was okay was beyond Hiccup.

"Thanks," Hiccup replied, playing along with a hand over his heart and looking surprised at what they did. His eyes went right to Runa, then walked over to take her from his mother. Runa reached for him happily, giggling.

"Dada! Dada! Dada!" Runa continued as Hiccup picked her up and span her around once, earning for laughter from the almost nine-month-old little girl. Hiccup brought her in and against his chest.

"There's the light of my life," Hiccup said, kissing Runa's forehead as she laid her head on his shoulder, and snuggled close.

"How's you're head feel, son?" Valka asked.

"Like I had an anvil dropped on it," Hiccup informed.

"I'm surprised you look so calm compared to last time we saw you with a migraine," Eret remarked.

"Good at hiding things, in case you haven't noticed," Hiccup replied.

"No kidding," Camicazi folded her arms over her chest.

"The mansion, daughter, and girlfriend weren't prime examples that you hide things," Thuggory huffed. Hiccup flinched a little.

"Seriously, is there anything we still don't know?" Gruffnut added.

"Not even his girlfriend; they got married for a whole five minutes, remember?" Ragna said calmly with a smile.

"I'd stop if I were you," Astrid warned.

"Oh, you zip it, traitor," Nadia accused.

"Traitor?! Excuse me, who abandoned who!" Astrid fired back. "Just leave Hiccup alone," she huffed.

"We're just having a little fun with him; it's a party, remember?" Eret said casually.

"You're bringing up Olivia and Runa, which you've been warned twice now; one ending with Eret having a bloody nose, not to do," Heather stated.

"Eh, Hiccup can handle it; it's been like, what? Almost four months," Thuggory said, shrugging. "Can't be hung up on her forever, Hic," Hiccup's mood altered instantly, and his friends, Olivia's family, and his own all saw it right away. "I mean, come on; she's dead," Hiccup's eyes closed, as he took a deep breath.

"Don't talk about my sis-," Birger started, but Bard clamped a hand over his mouth, and pulled him back quietly.

"Take Runa out of the room," Hiccup said. Maeva approached, taking Runa from Hiccup, then she, Bard, and Birger began to exit the room together.

"Stoick, don't let him-," Gobber mentioned, but Stoick just shook his head.

"He's my son, Gobber, and he has my temper. No one gets in my way when I get mad, and I don't think I want to be in his way when he's that calm," Stoick informed. "Kids, come this way," he added towards Dagur, Snotlout, Astrid, Fishlegs, Heather, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Minden. Quietly, all nine of them shuffled backward near Valka, Stoick, and Gobber, leaving Hiccup to face the six populars. As soon as Bard, Birger, and Maeva were out of the room with Runa, Hiccup opened his eyes, and they narrowed darkly.

"You know…It amazes me that your parents, all of them are well-respected citizens of Archia Isle. Kind, caring, sympathetic, understanding and many more describer words I could probably list off if I gave even half a care in the entire world to spend that amount of time speaking to you. I consider myself to be intelligent, but for the life of me…I can't figure out how your parents are incredible people that I'm happy to associate with, and then there is you fucking asses and bitches that I can't stand and continuously wonder how you six came from the same people because you are nothing like them!" Hiccup glared.

"You six are single-handedly the most annoying, inconsiderate, irritating, disrespectful, ill-mannered, unsympathetic, impolite, uncourteous, shameless, and unkind people that I've ever had the displeasure of meeting! Why in the name of Odin would you bring up Olivia's death when her parents and brother are standing right here?! Why would you bring it up at all when it's nothing to do with you!" Hiccup raged. "Who cares that it's been nearly four months, that doesn't erase the hurt of losing someone you love. The pain that comes from knowing life has to continue without that person. How do you think her parents feel, losing their daughter when she was only seventeen. Her brother, who is now an only child. What about Runa, who has to grow up without her mother because she won't remember much of her since was only five months old when Liv died?" Hiccup stated.

"Then again; I don't expect any of you to know how it feels to lose someone you love. I'm sure you grab a bunch of money, go out, and buy shit to keep yourselves distracted. You're not parents; you don't know the tormenting feeling of losing a child. I lost Olivia, who is the mother of my daughter, and was my wife. That hurts like hell, but if I ever lost Roo? Forget it; I'd fucking lose my mind in grief. My parents would likely have to admit me, so I didn't snap entirely. Liv had cancer, how do I know Roo won't have it? All the appointments and tests I have to go to, so I can ensure she gets whatever she needs…I live in constant fear of my little girl being sick. You have no idea what it's like! You think it's so easy to move on? What if you lost your parents? Would you get over after a few months? What if they lost you? You think they'd be okay losing their child so young?" Hiccup asked as none of the six had an answer.

"I don't know why you were invited tonight. We are not friends, and honestly, I don't think we ever can be. You fuckers would have to learn how to be human beings with feelings first and prove you've changed for the better. And even then; I don't know if I can forgive all the shit you've put my friends and me through over the years. It would take a miracle for me to believe that you're sorry for everything. And that's just me, never mind what it would take from them to be satisfied. Gruffnut, you're Ruff and Tuff's cousin; you're family, and you bully them. You're supposed to have their back! And the rest of you…Shit, you abandoned Astrid after claiming to my face in October that you wouldn't throw a friend aside if they suddenly lost everything. You swore you knew who your real friends are. You're a bunch of asshole hypocrites! And if this is the way you're going to continue to be; don't want you in my life, around me, or my friends and family," Hiccup stated.

"Unless it's another event where you have to come with your parents; you're not welcome here anymore. At least I know when you're around them; you act like perfect angels. You stay the hell away from me from now on. The only time we need to associate is Dragon Training at school, which at such time you better just shut the fuck up and do as your told. Unless it's a question or discussion for Dragon Training; I don't want to fucking hear a word out of any of you. And one more thing; so help you Odin if you bring up Olivia in any way, shape, or form again; you will regret the day you ever crossed me because I will tell your parents everything I know. You six aren't the only ones who have dirt on others and can start rumors in that school. The only difference is; once a rumor is proven true, it becomes a fact. Test me and fucking find out how miserable I can make your lives with what I know about you. This is not a threat; it's a promise. Consider yourselves uninvited. Fuck off and get out, now," Hiccup growled almost. Hiccup stood there, his fists clenched tightly until the knuckled had turned white and cracked. It was evident the man was trying to stay in control of his anger. As the six prepared to go; Hiccup was breathing hard.

"Hi-Hiccup?" Astrid asked. Without warning, Hiccup's knees went weak; his eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he fell back. Dagur rushed forward and caught Hiccup before he hit the ground. "Oh, my gods!" Astrid covered her mouth quickly.

"Gobber, take care of them," Stoick ordered as he and Valka went to Hiccup's side. Gobber led the six out just as Hiccup began to regain consciousness. Stoick sighed. "A migraine, mourning, overworking, the stress; it was just too much at once for him,"

"I-I'm fine," Hiccup told them as he forced himself to sit up. Ruffnut got him a water bottle, and he took a few sips. "Really, I'm okay. I just…Want to hang with you guys for my birthday. Please? Let's just…Enjoy the rest of the night," Hiccup suggested. Not wanting to argue because they knew if Hiccup went upstairs or for a fly; he'd be upset over everything. And this was a party for him, so why not grant his request to enjoy the night. Nodding with smiles to Hiccup; that's exactly what they proceeded to do.