=Astrid's POV=

{Monday, March 14, 2022-11:50 am}

(Archian Preparatory; Cafeteria)

It would seem that my kissing Hiccup didn't phase him a lot. The next morning when me, Hiccup, and our friends met downstairs for breakfast; he was smiling, laughing, and being…Well, being the Hiccup we all know and love. I guess the initial shock from last night wore off, and perhaps Hiccup assumed that it was just my emotions taking over in gratitude of him throwing the party for me, and giving me a new phone with all my old stuff on it. I still don't know why I did it; perhaps I was just overly emotional at his gift and the party he put together for me. All of it was to cheer me up because they know I have been miserable since the suicide attempt, and my birthday where Eret, Gruffnut, Nadia, Camicazi, Thuggory, and Ragna were picking on me. I knew Hiccup had to have told our friends about what happened; there we no secrets between us. Well, except for the one about me being a target and Hiccup is my protector. I wondered if that was a reason I kissed Hiccup too; the fact he's gone out of his way to help me, and as far as the protecting bit goes; he's endangering himself for me. I didn't know what to do, but I guess if Hiccup wasn't mad at me and there wasn't any tension, maybe I should leave it alone until something comes up?

The question I struggled with is that until something comes up part. What was I looking for to come up where we'd have to address what happened on Friday the 11th of March? Was I waiting for Hiccup to say something? Or a sign as to why I did it? Briefly, I wondered on Friday night as I was falling asleep if I kissed Hiccup because I like him, but I threw that theory out the window. There was no way I could be crushing on him, right? That was…Ridiculous to even consider. Hiccup and I are best friends; he'd never like me back. Besides, the possibility of Hiccup liking me was slim to none when I know full well that he's still very much in love with Olivia even though she's passed on now. Hiccup is still mourning Olivia, and this girl wasn't his girlfriend or fiancé; she's the mother of Runa, and for about five minutes; Hiccup's wife. I couldn't compete with that, and Hiccup was very clearly not ready to move on. Not that I expected him to be given the reasons around their whole relationship that I now understand. I knew that I had feelings for Hiccup long before I got with Eret, but it's clear I stopped liking Hiccup when I started hanging out with the popular kids.

Unless my feelings were beginning to resurface because of everything Hiccup has done for me, being the amazing best friend that he is. It's how I started liking him the first time; Hiccup is just incredible. He listens, helps, cracks jokes gives a shoulder to cry on. And maybe now that he and I are friends again, seeing all he's doing for me is allowing my feelings to return because Hiccup is still the guy I liked before Eret. And I kissed Hiccup because perhaps secretly, I want him to like me back. Even if that's the case; I'm not ready to date again, and I'm sure, neither is Hiccup. I guess this is where that if something comes up part comes into play again. If Hiccup feels something for me; he'd tell me, right? I guess we could go from there, but until then; I'm going to leave it alone. There's no point fixing something that isn't broken after all. Currently, it's Monday morning after everything and the start of lunch hour. I was with Hiccup and our friends, enjoying our meal and talking until I noticed something a bit strange that hadn't clicked until just now.

Eret, Nadia, Gruffnut, Ragna, Camicazi, and Thuggory weren't at their table next to ours. And come to think of it; I haven't seen any of them all day.

"Anyone else notice six people who are always giving us trouble not here today?" I decided to ask them.

"I did wonder about that too," Fishlegs put his finger up.

"Don't see why it matters," Hiccup huffed. "At least they are leaving us alone," he added while eating his sandwich with his eyes closed.

"Come on, Hiccup…Aren't you the least bit curious?" Heather asked.

"I suppose, but I still don't care," Hiccup replied. Tuffnut turned to one of the other tables now.

"Hey, anyone over here know what happened to the popular jerks?" Tuffnut questioned.

"You didn't hear?" a male spoke up. We shook our heads. "Gruffnut dropped out last Friday after that video of him went around; I guess he couldn't take the humiliation of everyone know he was a submissive gay," I was shocked. Gruff dropped out over that message that went around?

"And what about the populars?" Ruffnut asked.

"Suspended for a week for bullying," another girl informed. "Happened Friday too. Mr. Meatsen called all five of them down to the office, and when they came back; they were asking what assignments they'd miss this week. When the teacher asked why they needed to know; they said they got suspended for a week for bullying someone who turned in a video to the principal," she explained.

"Wow," Snotlout blinked.

"I wonder who caught them bullying and let Mr. Meatsen know," Heather wondered. I cast a glance at Hiccup, who was just eating still and not joining in on the conversation, so I wondered if he had anything to do with Gruffnut dropping out or the suspension. Perhaps I'd ask him later.

"Well, they deserved it," Ruffnut said.

"Someone finally exposed them for the things they do and never get caught," Minden agreed.

"Who knows, maybe it's exactly what they need to understand what they do is wrong," Fishlegs stated.

"You think they'll suddenly start being nice?" Tuffnut arched a brow as Fishlegs shrugged.

"I suppose it's possible that after a swift kick in the ass and hard reality check that they could have a new outlook and turn themselves around, but I'm not holding my breath on it. I've said it before regarding me; it would take some serious convincing for me ever to believe they are sorry, and proof that they've changed," Hiccup scoffed coldly.

"I also heard they have detention all next week after returning," one of the people at the table on the other side of us mentioned.

"Serves them right," Hiccup remarked. I watched Hiccup continue to eat, and then I turned back to my lunch to do the same. Yeah, I was asking Hiccup later on if he had anything to do with this. For now, I wanted to get through the day, then work, and get to Haddock Manor so I could relax a bit while doing my homework.

. . .

{Thursday, March 17, 2022-10:30 pm}

(Archia Burger)

So I haven't been able to ask Hiccup if he was involved in Gruffnut dropping out or the six populars getting suspended because Hiccup has been busy with dragon training our friends and me, work, Runa got a bit sick, and yesterday, Hiccup was suffering a bad migraine. I was hoping to ask him today, but we had school from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm, then work from 3:30 pm to now, 10:30 pm.

"Head on out to the Jeep, Astrid. I just gotta alarm the building and lock it up," Hiccup told me with a smile.

"Okay," I replied, leaving through the right-side door with the other employees. I stood by the Jeep and watched the other four employees get picked up or take off in their vehicles. I saw Hiccup running around inside through the Drive-Thru window, probably making sure everything was all set for the morning crew at 8:30 am tomorrow. Hiccup left the Jeep locked, so I was just standing next to it and waiting for Hiccup to join me. I planned on asking him about things on the drive to Berk, I don't know why it mattered to me so much, but I wanted to know if Hiccup had anything to do with the suspension. I never took Hiccup as someone who got revenge, but then again; he did humiliate all six of my former friends at lunch and told me straight up that he did it for me.

Standing under the lamp post, I pulled out my phone to check messages from anyone. I was scrolling through a few things when something caught my eye. A black van was parked around the corner slightly, and I saw people in there. I suddenly felt a little uneasy and went to call Hiccup that I felt like I was being watched. I saw males walking towards me slowly.

"Ello, lassie," one smirked. I gulped.

"We're not going to hurt you," another added.

"Our boss just wants to have a word," someone jumped at me, and I moved to the side.

"HICCUP!" I screamed. One neared me and grabbed my arm as I tried to jerk away. "No, let me go!" I stomped his foot, and he released me.

"What can one girl do against five men?" one chuckled. "No one can protect you,"

"Wanna bet?" came Hiccup's voice as my eyes widened. I looked over and saw Hiccup grab the guy who had my arm before. Bringing his fist back, Hiccup punched the man in the face. The male stumbled back, trying to catch his footing.

"We don't have time for this; grab the girl and let's go!" one shouted. The van I saw turned on its headlights and began moving closer. "Deal with this punk!" he demanded. Three of the five surrounded Hiccup as the remaining two went for me.

"Astrid, get in the Jeep!" Hiccup unlocked it. "Call the police!" I nodded as I used my purse to whack one of the males away and open the Jeep door.

"What about you?!" I asked with concern.

"Don't worry about me! I'll be okay," Hiccup yelled at me. Quickly, I got into the Jeep and shut the door. Hiccup locked it once more as I watched with fear for Hiccup. I went to get my phone and realized I dropped it outside.

Shit… I mentally cursed realizing that now, I can't call the police. I watched as all seven surrounded Hiccup now, and bit my lip; this was all my fault. Hiccup couldn't take all of them on himself! These guys were twice his size, and looked like they had weapons!

"Kill the boy; then we'll take the girl," someone ordered. I gasped, entirely scared for Hiccup. However, Hiccup took a stance, carefully looking around at his opponents. Two charged at him from different angles as Hiccup pivoted his foot, and brought up the other leg to kick the male coming from behind away, then Hiccup grabbed the shoulders of the one in front of him and shoved him forward and brought forward his leg to knee the man in the stomach. My eyes widened a little.

Hiccup used his left elbow and slammed it down on the back of the male's neck, forcing him to the ground face first. There was a pause as that second male Hiccup attacked remained still and appeared unconscious. The guys looked at their pal, then at Hiccup a little shocked. The man that Hiccup had kicked was back up and moving his jaw around, but had a bloody nose since Hiccup got him in the face.

"What the-," I heard a familiar voice and looked to see Thuggory, Ragna, Camicazi, Eret, and Nadia walking into the parking lot.

"Oh, I don't need this right now…" Hiccup grumbled.

"Enough of this!" the one calling the people glared, pulling a gun and pointing it at Hiccup's head. I rushed out of the Jeep panting.

"No!" I screamed in fear. However, I saw Hiccup bring up his left arm to hold off the man with the gun's arm while dodging right. Hiccup turned his arm to grab the man's wrist, and hold it there; then Hiccup twisted the male's wrist, making him yelp almost and drop the gun. Hiccup used his foot to grab the weapon and slide it away from himself and the group he was surrounded by. I panted, terrified as someone else tried to attack Hiccup from behind. Hiccup pulled the wrist of the man he was holding to keep the other guy back. Hiccup drew back his fist and socked the man he was holding in the gut hard enough to make him cough to catch his breath.

Hiccup hooked his leg around the male's in front of him, then pulled it out to make the guy fall, but Hiccup brought his leg up and kicked the man back hard; he fell on his back and slammed his head on the pavement. For a second, the man grunted and tried to get back up, then fell unconscious.

"Get him!" one of the others demanded.

"Astrid! Get in the damn Jeep!" Hiccup ordered.

"Hiccup, no! You're gonna get yourself killed. Come on; we can outrun them!" I told him quickly. Hiccup didn't have time to answer as one of the men charged at Hiccup again; this guy had a bat. Hiccup bent his knees and avoided the swing at him by bending back a little. Hiccup came back up and punched the male in the face hard to make him stumble slightly. In this time, someone came at Hiccup from behind and jumped on his back to tackle him down. Hiccup got slammed against the cement once, and I winced while watching.

"What is going on?" Camicazi asked. I didn't respond; I was too worried for Hiccup, who was on the ground and had been punched in the face after being slammed down hard a second time. Hiccup brought his elbow up and forced the guy on him back, and then Hiccup pushed him off, Once the guy was back enough, Hiccup turned slightly and swept his leg to knock the man on his back hard. Hiccup managed to get to his feet as another came at him. Hiccup bent forward slightly as the guy stumbled and Hiccup grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him over his shoulder, then slammed him onto his back.

"Hiccup, come on, let's go while you can get away!" I pleaded. Too late, though. Someone charged at Hiccup from the front as he ducked to avoid the hit, used his arm to hold off another attack, then kick the guy's shin to make him drop to a knee. Hiccup grabbed his face and headbutted him; that guy went unconscious next. Three down, four to go, and something told me that Hiccup wasn't backing down.

"I told you to get in the Jeep and stay there!" Hiccup yelled at me angrily. "I'm not doing this so you can be an easy target, Astrid! I said I'd protect you, so let me do my damn job!" my eyes widened slightly. "I care more about your safety than my own. I wouldn't have done this if I had doubts about my abilities. I can handle myself, so get somewhere safe, and call the police!" Hiccup jumped back to avoid being hit with a metal pole. Hiccup grabbed it from the guy and used it to whirl the end into someone else's stomach, then bring it up to block another attack from behind.

"Eret, let's help him out," Thuggory suggested. Eret nodded as the two of them rushed forward and both punched a guy in the face who was coming at Hiccup with a bat. Hiccup swung his pole to hit the guy he was holding off in the face to push him back. Hiccup panted.

"What do you think you're doing?" Hiccup asked.

"Helping," Eret stated.

"You need it," Thuggory added. I couldn't believe they were jumping in, but I had my task; call the police. I dialed 911 and waited while watching as Eret, Hiccup, and Thuggory grouped up to keep the rest of the attackers back.

=Normal POV=

"No, I don't. Nobody else needs to get involved," Hiccup glared as he threw his arm out to clothesline someone coming at him from behind. The guy dropped holding his face and rolling side to side in pain. "I can take care of myself. You wanna do something useful, made sure Astrid stays safe!" Hiccup dropped low to kick someone's leg out from under them and as they were falling; Hiccup whipped around with a spinning side-kick to knock the male back a few paces. Hiccup got punched in the cheek by another person as Eret pushed the guy away and socked him in the face. Thuggory turned and kicked another person in the stomach to keep him too.

"Stop being so proud and take the help, Hiccup!" Eret glared at him. There were still four guys to deal with, and Hiccup was exhausted.

"If you get hurt; it's not my fault," Hiccup muttered. Astrid already called 911 and explained that she was attacked while leaving work, and her friend is caught in a fight trying to protect her. Hiccup, Eret, and Thuggory fended off three of the fighters. One went for the gun and aimed. Hiccup saw that it would hit Thuggory or Eret if fired. Hiccup dashed forward and shoved them out of the way. "Get down!" Hiccup stated quickly. The gun went off as Thuggory and Eret saw Hiccup had moved out of the firing line just in time. The bullet hit the dumpsters across the lot. Hiccup blocked the guy from firing again by forcing the gun out of his hands and taking hold of the weapon. Hiccup used it to knock the guy out with the handle by whacking him across the face. The other three, who got up and recovered froze when Hiccup held the gun in his hands and pointed it at them. "Not another step," he warned.

"You won't do it," one challenged.

Hiccup pulled the top back, loading a bullet in the chamber. "You sure about that?" Hiccup asked.

"It's murder," the second stated.

"It's self-defense because you attacked me first and had this same gun pointed at my head not more than ten minutes ago," Hiccup informed calmly, but it was clear he was pissed and tired from the last fifteen or so minutes. Sirens could be heard, and Hiccup knew that this nightmare was far from over. The three didn't move as Hiccup held them in place just by aiming the gun in their direction.

. . .

{11:30 pm}

It was almost an hour later from when everything started to now when Hiccup and Astrid were finally allowed to leave Archia Burger. The cops arrived and dealt with those unconscious and being held at gunpoint by Hiccup. Astrid and the five populars defended that Hiccup never fired the gun, and only used it to hold them at bay. Everyone told the story as they saw it; the attackers were cuffed and taken away. Hiccup got looked over by a paramedic, but Hiccup said he was fine and just wanted to get home. After statements were done, and the cops left; Hiccup made his way to the Jeep.

"I don't know what made you jump in to help me, but thank you," Hiccup said to Thuggory and Eret. "Come on, Astrid; let's get home," Hiccup added. Astrid noticed that the populars looked like they wanted to say something to Hiccup, but were also holding back because they could see he was exhausted.

"You're welcome," Eret said calmly. Hiccup got in the Jeep, and Astrid followed suit.

"We'll have to apologize another night," Camicazi said.

"Agreed," Nadia nodded. They watched Hiccup back out of his spot, then head off down the road to get back to Berk. In the Jeep, Astrid sat back, trying to relax with the fact she was almost attacked again.

"Are you hurt, Astrid?" Hiccup asked.

"No, I'm okay. I only got grabbed once…" Astrid admitted.

"Good…Good," Hiccup sighed some, relieved almost. I didn't know what it was, but my heart began racing as I thought about what Hiccup said earlier with wanting to protect her and he wants her to be safe over himself. Astrid sat back in the Jeep with her head on the rest, sighing out contently. Tonight was crazy, and she was glad it was over. However, something was nagging at her. Why did Eret and Thuggory jump in to help Hiccup? I didn't understand it. There were no snide remarks, no sarcasm, no bullying; they just straight up decided to help Hiccup fight. I wondered if this was them turning around and tonight was an act of redemption.