=Astrid's POV=
{Tuesday, March 1, 2022-2:45 pm}
(Archian Preparatory; Dragon Training Field)
Despite what happened during Hiccup's eighteenth birthday party; we somehow ignored the verbal assault Hiccup gave to the six popular jerks and enjoyed the party. I had to admit that seeing Hiccup angry, then passing out; it scared me a little. However, Hiccup assured us he was okay, and just wanted to have fun while hanging out with good friends. How could any of us deny him that? There was pizza, chips, sandwiches, soda, water, chicken wings, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, cookies, and cake. Hiccup had music playing lightly, and we all just sat around talking. For me, it felt like old times. I was beginning to remember my friendship with Hiccup and the others. I was mad at myself for forgetting, and I was sure the others were hurt but seemed to be accepting of me, and providing a second chance. It was Hiccup the night of that party for his mother's birthday and father's mayorship who finally explained what he meant about us being friends at one point. I was shocked, but Hiccup showed me pictures and told me that regardless of me changing; he's never left my side and always been looking out for me.
This was proven by the fact he had going out of his way several times to make sure I'm alright. Hiccup gave me a job at Archia Burger, and money to get work shoes and turn my phone one. Hiccup had offered me rides and even came after me after work during the middle of a storm because he hadn't wanted me to walk in it. Hiccup forced me to come home with him because I was homeless; there was just so much that Hiccup has done, and I doubt I'll ever be able to repay him for his kindness. Living at Haddock Manor was interesting. I had breakfast with Valka, Stoick, Gobber, Runa, and Hiccup every morning and dinner at night. Lunches were usually at school Monday through Friday. On the weekends, I usually had lunch with Hiccup and Runa unless Runa was with Olivia's parents. Sometimes Stoick and Valka were home on Saturday and Sunday, and if they were; then it was lunch with them too. I still worked at Archia Burger on Hiccup's shifts, and I'm in every single one of his classes now. Hiccup is my unofficial bodyguard until all this mess with being a target is cleared up. Nobody knows about all that, but the guy who tried to run me down lost his license for three years, had to pay a $5,000 fine, and serving a year in prison. All of that was because it was an attempted hit and run, and the guy tried to flee the scene.
Of course, I knew I wasn't safe because of this Drago guy who had Odin only knew how many people working for him. I worried for Hiccup too because my parents were killed for a reason I didn't understand, and now Hiccup's father was the Mayor. According to Agent Haggard, Drago had people try to run against my father in past years to take total control of Archia Isle. Unfortunately, all of it was speculation in the island's eyes because Drago had his bases covered as far as doing anything illegal where he could get arrested. Since Hiccup is around me all the time now, I've been alright in the sense that no attempts have been made on my life. It looks like Hiccup knew what he was talking about as far as keeping me safe. Having someone around all the time ensured I was never by myself where I could be attacked, kidnapped, or killed. Again; I owed Hiccup my life because he was risking himself for me. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him while protecting me. There was nothing I could do, though; Hiccup insisted on doing this. I felt like there was an underlying reason as to why, but I doubted Hiccup would tell me. I'm sure if there was; I'd figure it out sooner or later.
Hiccup is finally eighteen now that it's March. My birthday was in eight days, and I expected nothing to happen as I'd be pretty miserable without my parents here to celebrate me turning eighteen. Right now, I'm in Dragon Training, and we have about fifteen minutes left. Hiccup and I would be going to work afterward, but I wasn't sure I was up for it. I didn't feel well at all but hadn't said anything to anymore. In training, Hiccup has started us on flying our dragons. The six populars haven't said a word to Hiccup since the night of Hiccup's party, and that's likely because Hiccup warned them not to talk to him unless it had to do with dragon training class. Now, we haven't started flying yet; Hiccup is going over the flight limits and laws, how licensing works, and how the rest of the year will be until Finals in May. However, Hiccup did let our dragons out of the stables to sit with us while we listened to all the information. Toothless was laying beside Hiccup, sleeping, and I still couldn't get over the fact Hiccup had a Night Fury. These dragons were ridiculously rare and rumored not to get along with any dragons or humans. Toothless, though; he's as friendly as a cat or dog, which is hilarious.
"Astrid! Are you with us?" Hiccup said loud enough to snap me out of my thoughts.
"Y-Yeah, I'm here, Hiccup," I replied.
"What's going on with you today? You've been in your world all day," Hiccup mentioned.
"Just not feeling well," I admitted.
"Do you need to go to the nurse? Or a doctor because apparently, you haven't felt well in a couple of days," Hiccup asked.
"No, I'm okay," I told him as he sighed, nodded, then got back to looking at a few things.
"She's probably pregnant," I heard Nadia snicker with the others quietly.
"Looks like she gained a few pounds," Eret remarked.
"You know that if she is, Eret; it's your baby," Ragna said softly.
"Not my problem," Eret huffed as I winced a little at his harsh words. "I did my part and wore protection; her birth control probably messed up. If she is, I ain't helping; she can get rid of it for all I care," I couldn't believe he just said that. I was pregnant with his baby, and then I had a miscarriage! It had one of the most painful things I'd ever had to go through, and I did it alone with no medical care or support. I knew he would say something like that if I'd told him, but hearing it all after the fact hurt more.
"If you're not talking about something dragon training related, stop talking," Hiccup warned. The others stopped, but I couldn't erase the heartache I felt right now. I knew I might get in trouble, but I refused to stay in class after hearing what they said. I grabbed my bag, then got up, and hurried away.
"Astrid!" Hiccup called. I ignored him and kept running. There were only ten minutes of class left anyway, and I'm sure Hiccup will find me at the Jeep and ask what happened. The worst part was; I wouldn't be able to lie to him because Hiccup always knew if someone was. I reached the parking lot, and fell against Hiccup's Jeep, crying into my palms.
. . .
=Normal POV=
{11:20 pm}
(Berk; Haddock Manor)
Hiccup knew that something was wrong when Astrid ran away from class when there had only been ten minutes left. However, he knew the immediately following school; they had work. All Hiccup decided to ask upon reaching his Jeep, where he found Astrid after the last bell of the day was if she felt well enough to work her shift. Astrid nodded, and they silently drove to Archia Burger. Hiccup decided to out Astrid on a simple position, and keep an eye on her throughout the night; there was an overwhelming sense of sadness and depression that Hiccup could visibly see. There were a few times that Hiccup noticed Astrid sitting in the back, trying not to cry, or telling herself to keep it together. On Astrid's break, she didn't eat anything but sat by the window in the dining room, staring out into nothing. A few times, Hiccup caught sight of Astrid's hands on her stomach, and it made him wonder if something Eret said in dragon training was true. Was Astrid pregnant? Now, with them back home, Hiccup knew it was late but if Astrid was pregnant; then she'd need doctors, appointments, prenatal vitamins. No, Hiccup had to know what was going on because he was sure it had to do with why Astrid ran off from the class before.
Getting inside the home, then upstairs, Astrid prepared to go inside her room. "Astrid," Hiccup said, gaining her attention. "You and I need to talk," he said.
"I don't feel well, and just want to get some sleep," Astrid said softly, not looking at him.
"I haven't asked you about it all day, Astrid; I need to know why you left class earlier," Hiccup said.
"Can' we talk about it in the morning?" Astrid tried.
"No, Astrid. Now, come on; let's go talk," Hiccup said, motioning for her to follow him into his sitting room, which was off the bedroom. Astrid nodded, walking to the area and Hiccup then closed the door as the two of them sat down on the couch facing the fireplace and TV. "What's going on, Astrid? You've told me you don't feel well the last couple of days, you're moody, tired, and you ran off from class earlier. You didn't eat on your break, and you've been zoning out more and more during lessons. I can't stress enough how imperative it is to have your focus in training, especially now that we're moving into flight,"
"I-I know; I'm sorry Hiccup…I just…What the jerks said earlier really got to me, and that's why I left," Astrid admitted.
"Why would it get to you, Astrid? What were they saying?" Hiccup asked.
"Making comments that I'm pregnant, have put on weight…" Astrid looked down.
"Why would that bother you? Unless, of course, it's true," Hiccup said as Astrid didn't reply. "Astrid?" she never looked at him. "Astrid, look at me, please?" Finally, Astrid looked at him slightly. "Tell me the truth; are you pregnant?"
"Not anymore…" Astrid closed her eyes sadly. That response took Hiccup by surprise.
What does she mean not anymore? Hiccup thought. Was she? He wondered. "Astrid…When were you pregnant?" he asked boldly.
"B-Back in January," Astrid managed to get out.
"What happened?" Hiccup pushed. Astrid fiddled with her fingers a little.
"I-I had a miscarriage…" Astrid choked up, blinking her eyes not to cry. Hiccup stared at her with wide eyes; she was pregnant and had a miscarriage in January. Finally, she took a breath, keeping her eyes down. "Eret and I had sex most of the weekend before they all ditched me in December; I didn't think anything of the possibility that I was pregnant because he always used condoms and I had that five-year IUD that goes inside the vagina," she started as Hiccup listened. "I was due for my next period on the Christmas Day…And I never got it. After three days, I took my IUD out, just in case. And I figured I wouldn't be having sex any time soon since Eret broke up with me after cheating for four months…" she sighed.
"It's okay…Take your time," Hiccup offered.
"I was able to get a pregnancy test on the 1st of January since I got paid on the 31st, and it was positive. I said I would give the baby up for adoption, since I was living in a shelter, and couldn't even take care of myself. I never told Eret because of the fear of exactly what he said earlier; that it wouldn't be his problem, and he wouldn't help me…" Astrid continued. "On the 11th…When the jerks embarrassed me in front of everyone because I bled through…I went to the see Nurse Mala…I told her I was pregnant, explained everything I'd been feeling all day…A-And she told me I was having a miscarriage,"
"Astrid, I am so sorry," Hiccup comforted.
"I feel like the reason it happened is that I got attacked on the 7th…" Astrid wiped her eyes. "I got to the shelter after school, and that's when I got kicked out because it came up in the monthly drug test that I was pregnant,"
"And that's when you ended up homeless until I found you," Hiccup stated, and Astrid nodded to him. "So you didn't run away today because Eret and the others were saying semi-true things; it was because remembering the miscarriage hurts you,"
"Yeah…I knew I was going to give the baby up anyway, but…It didn't deserve not even to have a chance…" Astrid sniffled a few times.
"I feel you on that one," Hiccup said as Astrid glanced at him. "Olivia wanted to give her baby up too after she found out,"
"Wait…What did you just say?" Astrid said quickly.
"What?" Hiccup asked.
"You just said Olivia wanted to give up her baby when she found out…I thought you said the night of your dad's mayorship party that Olivia refused to give up Runa even though she had cancer?" Astrid asked. Hiccup tensed a bit, then cursed under his breath. "Hiccup…" she pushed.
"Okay, so maybe I haven't been…Entirely truthful with you about a couple of things, but it's only because I don't want to lose Runa, and if it ever got out to certain people; they'd take her away from me," Hiccup informed.
"You can tell me, Hiccup. I wouldn't do anything to risk Runa being taken from you. Please? I could use a distraction from talking about my miscarriage…" Astrid tried. Hiccup sighed, looking down a bit.
"Alright, I'll tell you, Astrid, but I swear to Odin…You can't breathe a word, to anyone. Okay? Only our friends know the truth. Not Gobber, not my parents…Not even Olivia's family…" Hiccup said.
"I won't tell…I promise," Astrid replied gently.
"You remember that day where I punched Eret in the face for talking about Liv and Roo?" Hiccup asked.
"Everyone remembers that day, Hiccup," Astrid stated. Hiccup sighed.
"They were right in their assumptions," Hiccup informed quietly. "Runa…Isn't my biological daughter," Astrid's eyes widened a bit. "Olivia and I don't have a child together. Runa is Liv's daughter, and she put listed me as the father to ensure I would have custody of Runa when she passed away," Hiccup began.
"Who…Is Runa's real dad?" Astrid asked.
"The guy who raped Liv. We don't know who he is, as far as I know; they never caught him," Hiccup closed his eyes. "Astrid, listen. Olivia and I hadn't been dating two years. I met Olivia because I'm the only who found her after she got raped, and took her to the hospital," he said softly.
"So…Everything you told us that day when we met her; it was a lie?" Astrid asked.
"A necessary one to protect Runa. My friends know the truth, but nobody else. Olivia didn't want to be alone after what happened, so I stayed with her in the hospital after the attack until her family arrived. We just talked about random things; she wanted me to keep her mind off what happened. At the hospital, because I'm not family or whatever, Liv told them I was her boyfriend, so they'd let me stay there with her. We continued that lie when her folks arrived, saying that I was her secret boyfriend, and we'd met at Dragon's Edge, then started dating but kept it on the down-low," Hiccup continued.
"I take it that this worked because you both have been there before?" Astrid asked.
Hiccup nodded. "We were actually at the same campground around the same time, but no, we never met there. Anyway, I slipped Olivia my number during a hug goodbye when I left the hospital. We agreed over text that she and I would break up later on since everyone would want to know why I wasn't around since they knew about me. However, Olivia came to see me at work, to thank me properly for helping her out after the attack. I decided to take my break, buy her lunch, and we ate together to catch up a little. Olivia told me that she found out she was pregnant from the rape and was planning to give up the baby. Not that she wanted to, but because she wouldn't be able to care for it by herself,"
"Sounds like my reasoning," Astrid sighed a little. "So what happened after that; you just stepped up as the dad?"
"Well, that's the simplified version." Hiccup nodded. "Liv told me she wanted to keep the baby because rape or not; the baby deserved to have a life. I had Olivia come over a couple of days later, so we could talk more and maybe be friends. But Liv told me that she had cancer, and she would have to terminate the pregnancy to have a small chance of saving herself. But she wanted the baby to have a life. However, her parents wouldn't accept it when she told them. So I stepped up and said let's keep the relationship act going, and I would help her with the baby. Liv was skeptical, but I assured her that it meant the baby would be well taken care of, and loved,"
"And that's when she decided to keep Runa and give her to you?" Astrid wondered.
"Olivia and I started dating when she was like, six weeks along, basically a month and a half along. But she also learned about having cancer. I know my dad said otherwise the night of the Mayorship party, but we didn't find out before she got pregnant. Anyway, Olivia and I talked about everything regarding being together to keep the lie going, and she confessed about everything she wanted to do before she died, acting normal as nothing changed. Olivia said she was going to put me on the birth certificate, so no one would be able to take Runa; everyone would believe she's mine. Olivia and I planned everything together, showing a positive test, first sonograms, her belly growing. We made it seem like we had sex and that's how she got pregnant. No one knew she got raped, just attacked, so it played out nicely," Hiccup explained.
"So you two were only together as a couple from…November 2020 to November 2021; literally, a year…" Astrid asked.
"That's right. Liv was a little over a month pregnant when we started dating to make everything more real and everyone buying that we'd been together for a while," Hiccup said.
"Wait, hang on. You're telling me that you helped Olivia in October 2020 when she got sexually assaulted, and a month later when she learns she's pregnant in November 2020. You two decide then that you'll play off being Runa's father, and you're the one who knocked her up. No one knew about the rape?" Astrid asked to confirm, and Hiccup nodded. "Okay, so she's four weeks in November, tells you; then you two start actual dating. Flashforward to June 2021, Runa is born, and Olivia is told she didn't have long left?"
"Correct," Hiccup said.
"Alright, and come November 2021…You two get hitched at the hospital bedside, she passes away leaving you full custody of Runa. And no one but Snotlout, Fishlegs, Minden, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Dagur, and Heather know the truth?" Astrid asked.
"Yeah," Hiccup nodded.
"And if anyone knew…" Astrid trailed off.
"They would take Runa away from me because she isn't mine. More than likely, Runa would go to Bard and Maeva Holgerson as next they are next of kin to Liv. And with the truth out; they'd never let me near Runa again. And I don't know what I'd do without Roo…I fell in love with Olivia after we got together, all the feelings…All that was real, and if I lost Runa; I'd probably lose my mind…" Hiccup admitted.
"Well, you don't have to worry, Hiccup," Astrid put her hand on his softly. "Your secret is safe with me as it is with your other friends," she smiled. Hiccup did the same.
"Thank you, Astrid. We should get some sleep; it's late," Hiccup informed as he got up. Astrid did the same, nodding in agreement. "Goodnight, Ast,"
"Night, Hic," Astrid replied. The two smiled at one another; then Astrid left the room to get to her own. Hiccup grabbed a quick shower and got into bed. Astrid just changed clothes and would shower in the morning. It was a nice for both of them to be able to talk the way they did; having someone to confide all your secrets with as best friends always did.
