=Normal POV=
{Friday, March 25, 2022-4:10 pm}
(Archia General Hospital)
Hiccup didn't know how long he held Astrid for, but he didn't care. Learning she had been in a car accident less than an hour after he told her to get to work, and he'd meet her there, scared him. Hiccup felt awful; he should never have left her by herself. It was his duty to protect Astrid, and he failed to do so because she convinced him to let Eret, Nadia, Thuggory, Ragna, and Camicazi apologize to him for the years of bullying they'd done. Hiccup had received a phone call from his Uncle Alvin about what happened, and Hiccup didn't care about anything else except getting to the hospital to make sure Astrid was alright after hearing that she was unconscious when police and paramedics arrived. Reaching the hospital, Hiccup caught a lucky break that his parents showed up to allow them inside. Hiccup knew his father wasn't really Astrid's Godfather, but who was going to argue with him? Stoick was the mayor and stated Astrid was living with the Haddocks. Right now, Hiccup was still with Astrid in one of the treatment rooms in the ER at the hospital. Stoick and Valka were talking to the doctor, but Hiccup knew he'd learn later what happened.
Hiccup finally pulled away from the embrace with Astrid, watching her palm away some tears, and lay back on the bed. Hiccup grabbed one of the chairs that were against the wall and pulled it up to sit at Astrid's side. "I should never have left you by yourself," he sighed.
"It's not your fault. I'm the one who convinced you to stay and talk to the others," Astrid said softly.
"So, you are okay, right?" Hiccup asked.
"A headache, a couple of scrapes and bruises, but yeah; I think so," Astrid replied.
"Good…I'm glad," Hiccup tried to relax a little. There was silence between them now as Astrid felt she should apologize to Hiccup for the random kiss she gave him.
"Hiccup?" Astrid said.
"Yeah?" Hiccup responded.
"I want to apologize for the night of my birthday party," Astrid began as Hiccup arched a brow at her. "When I kissed you…" she added in a quieter voice. Hiccup turned his head the other way a bit. "I shouldn't have done that, so I'm sorry,"
"It's…Okay. Um, do you…Mind if ask why you did it?" Hiccup wondered, glancing at her but she had her head down.
"I guess I got caught up in how great the night was. I mean, the party was more than I could have ever expected…But you gave me the phone, and saving all that information from the old one…I was overcome with emotions," Astrid explained, fiddling with her fingers a bit. Hiccup knew he felt something for Astrid; it might be small, but he knew it was there. And after today, learning she'd been in the car accident, that small feeling seemed to be growing bigger. And Hiccup didn't know why either. His mind kept going back to the night of the party when he told his friends what had happened.
Their theory is that Astrid liked him, and also reminded Hiccup that he had a thing for Astrid before everything happened where she turned popular and seemed to forget about all of them. That hurt Hiccup pretty bad, but he recovered, and ended up meeting Olivia. Hiccup's feelings for Astrid faded or were buried because Hiccup put a lot into helping Olivia as she was pregnant but had cancer too. And Hiccup did fall in love with Olivia in the short year that they had together. Hiccup loved Olivia enough to marry her at the hospital before she died. Olivia became Hiccup's wife for a while ten minutes, and on her headstone; it reads Olivia Holgerson-Haddock. Along with the fact she was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. However, Olivia had been gone for about five months now, and Hiccup knew that no matter what he felt for her; she wasn't coming back.
Hiccup knew that he would probably move on, and now with these feelings for Astrid resurfacing; that probably had become inevitable. The question remained if he felt something for Astrid deep enough to be with her in a relationship, something that could develop over the years. There were a lot of things to consider in this, but Hiccup knew that could be pondered on another time. For now, he just needed to decide if the feelings would be anymore more than a spark from something that used to be. That's all Hiccup felt, the spark from the kiss but could he say it's because he liked her? No. Also, even if it came down to him liking her; he wasn't sure he was ready to move on yet. At the same time; Hiccup wanted to know if Astrid felt anything for him or if it was just her being overly emotional about him saving her phone and those text messages with her parents.
Hiccup sighed, wondering if he should just ask her straight out, or leave it to chance and hope he saw something to tell him yes or not. "Hiccup? Are you okay?" Astrid asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay, Astrid. Just…Really glad you're okay, and I promise that I'll be a better protector," Hiccup smiled now. No; he wasn't going to ask anything. Not yet at least. Astrid smiled at Hiccup, putting her hand on his as they looked at one another. Moments after, Stoick and Valka came into the room. Valka went to hug Astrid right away, and Stoick gave her a light one afterward.
"I take it I'm gonna live?" Astrid asked.
"Couple bumps, bruises, and scrapes, but yes, you will," Stoick nodded. "The doctor said it helped that the Jeep was so big and you weren't right near the door when the truck slammed into you,"
"Yes, otherwise you may have had more injuries to your left leg," Valka added. "The doctor said he's going to release you in a few moments, and then Spitelout is going to meet us at the house so you can tell him what happened, or as much of it as you can remember,"
"I remember everything," Astrid said. "I just hope they catch the guy. Oh, was the driver who rear-ended me okay?" she wondered.
"Yes; she's alright. Took a whack to the head, but she's okay," Stoick informed. Astrid nodded, relaxing on the bed until she was released with the Haddock family around her. However, Astrid could tell that Hiccup seemed uncomfortable being here, and she had a good idea as to why; because Olivia passed away in this hospital about five months ago. It probably wasn't a good feeling for him to be back. Astrid tightened her hand on Hiccup's, but it was out of sight from his parents. Hiccup looked at her as he could read her eyes saying; everything is going to be okay. I'm here for you. Hiccup smiled in response as he felt the ember of his feelings for Astrid spark again.
. . .
{5:30 pm}
(Berk; Haddock Manor)
While Hiccup was waiting for Astrid to be released; he messaged Eret, Nadia, Camicazi, Thuggory, and Ragna telling them that they'd finish their discussion from earlier at his house and he'd let them know when he was on his way there so that everyone could meet at the same time. Also, Hiccup and Astrid's friends were coming over because it was a Friday night, and now, Hiccup and Astrid didn't have work tonight. Hiccup took care of telling Henrik that Astrid was in an accident, and he was at the hospital with her, also that they had to deal with police looking for the guy who hit Astrid, then drove off before police arrived. Henrik said not to worry about it because he didn't mind working a double and hoped Astrid was doing okay. Astrid got released from the hospital around 4:45 pm. Hiccup took Astrid to Haddock Manor on Toothless with Stoick and Valka following with their dragons. Landing at 5:05 pm, Hiccup helped Astrid to her room because she said she wanted a shower. Once home, Hiccup let his friends and the five former popular people know he was home and they could come whenever at 5:10 pm.
Runa wasn't home yet, but Maeva and Bard would be bringing her before 7 pm. Astrid was in Stoick's office talking to Spitelout and Alvin. Frida, Adelaide, and Snotlout were already over, and Fishlegs too. Hiccup let the gate guards know he was expecting more visitors, and they were allowed in. Hiccup told Sigurd to bring the group when they arrived, to the Great Room. Looking over, Hiccup saw that Astrid returned to the room with Spitlout and Alvin.
"Not to worry, lassie; we'll find the person who did it. Everything you gave us helps a lot," Spitelout said with a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sure you will," Astrid nodded. Spitelout and Frida left, and Alvin shortly after all the goodbyes were said. Snotlout, Adelaide, and Fishlegs remained. Astrid sat down on the couch and relaxed; her body was sore from the accident. Dinner wouldn't be until 6:30 pm, so everyone was sitting around to killing time. Outside, the rest of the people Hiccup invited over had arrived.
"What are you five doing here?" Heather asked.
"Hiccup told us to come over," Nadia informed.
"I doubt that," Dagur rolled his eyes. Eret lifted his phone and showed the message from Hiccup.
Hiccup's Cell[5:11 pm]
Come to Haddock Manor. We'll finish our conversation from earlier.
"What happened earlier?" Minden asked.
"Hiccup pulled us out if detention to talk to us, and we were able to apologize as we did to Astrid on Monday," Thuggory informed.
"But he got called away towards the end and said we'd finish it later; I guess that's now," Camicazi shrugged.
"Well, if Hiccup said they could be here, we can't fight him," Dagur stated. Tuffnut knocked on the door, and Sigurd answered it.
"Come. Master Hiccup said you would all be here soon. Follow me, please?" Sigurd informed. The small group entered, and he closed the door; then led them through the house to the Great Room. "Sir, your guests have arrived,"
"Thank you, Sigurd," Hiccup stated. Heather, Ruffnut, and Minden rushed over to Astrid.
"We're so thankful you're alright!" they said quickly, carefully hugging her.
"Could have been worse if Hiccup's Jeep was any smaller," Astrid said softly. Dagur and Tuffnut moved near Fishlegs, Snotlout, and Adelaide while Hiccup faced Eret, Ragna, Nadia, Thuggory, and Camicazi.
"I apologize for taking off so quickly before. Astrid was driving my Jeep and involved in an accident with two other cars. As for what I was saying before leaving; You've wronged me many times with no reason, or out of jealousy. I forgave you once, and you threw it back in my face. However; I don't tend to hold grudges against those who can show genuine guilt and sincerity in their apologies for the things they've done. Luckily for you; I saw that you meant what you said earlier, so I am going to forgive you a second time," Hiccup said as some relief washed over them.
"But," Hiccup made them tense once more. "This is your last chance. If you blow this, all bets are off, and there will not be a third time. I will take everything I know about you five, and use it to ruin you. I'm not a guy who usually resorts to revenge, and everyone here can tell you that…At the same time; I like to think of it as giving Karma a helping hand. I refuse to allow the people I care about get hurt. And if I can't stop it; I will. Is this understood?" he stared.
"Perfectly," the five replied.
"Then you are forgiven. Also, I will allow you in my circle of friends; this gives you access to everything we do. Sleepovers, parties, sitting with us at lunch; you get it. Understand that they might not fully trust or accept you right away; I do believe they mentioned on Monday night that you have some proving to do for them to see that you mean the things you say," Hiccup remarked.
"We promise you won't regret this, Hiccup," Ragna told Hiccup.
"I know I won't," Hiccup responded calmly as he walked closer. "You know what's at stake if you break that promise," he warned in a whisper that only they could hear. After that, Hiccup stepped back. "So, it's Friday night; you five feel like joining us overnight? It's an every weekend thing unless weather or I end up having to work to cover Henrik or Johann,"
"Your parents don't mind?" Camicazi asked.
"As long as Hiccup isn't doing anything illegal; we don't care what he does," Gobber chuckled.
"I doubt they brought overnight stuff, Hiccup," Valka said softly.
"Actually…Ever since that weekend, we spent here because of the bad storm; we all keep a bag with us while driving around. Clothes, pajamas, bathroom things," Nadia put her finger up.
"Now that's using your head and being prepared. Definitely sounds like something I would do," Hiccup stated. "So, was that a yes to hanging out?" he asked.
"Yeah, sure," they looked at one another, then nodded and smiled at Hiccup.
"Grab your stuff and bring it in," Hiccup informed. The five hurried out to get their things and come back inside. Hiccup stopped them at the door with a firm stare. "Regardless of what was said in there; you're still all on my shit list until you prove your apologies to me. I'm doing this because I'm being the bigger man. Your apology was accepted, your actions have not been forgiven, and you have a lot of work to do to earn that forgiveness and redeem yourselves. One fuck up of any kind...And you are done. Do you understand me?" he warned.
"Yes, Hiccup," they nodded quickly.
"I'm watching you like a dragon stalking its prey...Do not take any of what you see from me lightly because you are not out of the weeds yet. I'm tolerating your presence to keep the peace because the fighting is stupid. We'll see if you are genuine or not," Hiccup said before turning and leading them back inside where the rest were.
"Where are we all staying?" Eret wondered.
"Basement might be the best bet, son; you could all sleep in the basketball court?" Stoick offered.
"And use the mats so it won't be so hard," Valka added in.
"Works for me. Come on, guys. We'll go get set up for the night," Hiccup invited. After that, Hiccup and all the friends followed him with their things to the basement. Stoick and Valka smiled, proud of Hiccup for what he did; forgiving the people who bullied him, and giving them the chance to be friends with him.
. . .
{5:50 pm}
(Haddock Manor; Great Room)
Everyone dropped their stuff off downstairs and picked a spot to sleep, then set up their areas for when they finally went to bed. The five new friends weren't sure how it worked because this was their first sleepover as friends of Hiccup with his friends included. Back upstairs now, everyone was sitting around and waiting for dinner, which would be at 6:30 pm.
"So, son…Anything new you're working on?" Valka asked.
"In what sense?" Hiccup questioned. Things were still pretty tense between Hiccup and his parents from Monday's argument, so they were careful with their words around him.
"Working on any new songs? Or maybe finishing older ones?" Gobber tried.
"Not really. Haven't had any inspiration since Olivia passed away," Hiccup mumbled a bit.
"That's because you never finished the song you were writing for her," Gobber rolled his eyes. Hiccup looked out the window. "I bet if you picked it up and finished it; you'd feel a bit better,"
"I don't see how," Hiccup replied.
"Because you promised her, you'd finish it, and things got so crazy that you didn't, and now she's no longer with us. You haven't finished it because you feel like you let her down. You should know by now that those who pass on are always with us, listening and watching," Stoick offered.
"Your father is right, Hiccup. Finish the song, and know she's still with you in spirit, and your daughter," Valka added.
"Olivia would want to to see you keep doing the things you love, Hiccup," came Maeva's voice as she came in holding Runa, Bard was right behind with the diaper bag and Birgir.
"Dada!" Runa said excitedly, instantly reaching for Hiccup who smiled and took her in his arms and kissed her forehead.
"What do you think, Princess? Should daddy finish his and mommy's song?" Hiccup asked his nine-month-old daughter. Runa giggled and clapped her hands. "Well, good things all that is left to do is finish the lyrics," Hiccup chuckled. "Will you take her, Mom?" Valka nodded as she took Runa from Hiccup and hurried upstairs to grab a few things, then returned with his laptop, and set up it up. After going through some files, he opened one that came up with the title; Tidal Wave.
"I've heard it said timing's everything. Well, everything is here now. You never know what the day will bring. Just be ready when it comes around," Hiccup started. "Life's a beach, tropic island getaway. I came alive ever since the day…" there was a pause.
"You hit me like a freight train. Ooh, I did a double take; a body like a summer day. Got a real mean undertow; holds me down, won't let me go. Love has got me swept away. On a ti-ti-tidal wave, a ti-ti-tidal wave. It's like a ti-ti-tidal wave, a ti-ti-tidal wave!" Hiccup sang, but it didn't seem like he was all into it. In fact; Hiccup looked miserable.
"You made a better man out of me. 'Cause in you I see the positives(In you, I see the positives). You found the me that I fail to see. Now I got so much more to give(Now I got so much more to give)," Hiccup ended up getting up and moved towards the window, sitting on the sill with his back against the wall, one leg up and another one dangling over the side. Gobber stopped anyone from going to make sure he was okay.
"Let him be; it's something he needs to do," Gobber reminded them.
"Life's a beach, tropic island getaway. I came alive ever since the day (ever since the day)…" Hiccup continued.
"You hit me like a freight train. Ooh, I did a double take; a body like a summer day. Got a real mean undertow; holds me down, won't let me go. Love has got me swept away. On a ti-ti-tidal wave, a ti-ti-tidal wave. It's like a ti-ti-tidal wave, a ti-ti-tidal wave," Hiccup looked out the window with the notebook against his leg that was up. However, he saw words written there, and he didn't put them there; it was Olivia's handwriting. Hiccup sat up, somewhat confused.
"What the…?" Hiccup asked as he listened to the music and looked back at his notebook. "Liv finished it…" Hiccup whispered almost. "Ooh, I'm living now. I'm loving now…On a tidal wave!" Shockingly; they his lips curve into a broad smile before opening the window and while he sang that part; it seemed the passion behind the music was coming through. "You hit me like a freight train. Ooh, I did a double take; a body like a summer day. Got a real mean undertow; holds me down, won't let me go. Love has got me swept away!"
There was a little pause, but it didn't look like Hiccup was upset to be singing this anymore. Hiccup was smiling, tapping his foot to the beat, and dancing a little. At the time he started singing whatever Liv added in; a warm breeze whipped through the room and it looked like Hiccup's fire to finish the song was back. It did not go unnoticed that Hiccup had his hand had moved around the chain that held his and Olivia's wedding rings.
"You hit me like a freight train. Ooh, I did a double take; a body like a summer day. Got a real mean undertow; holds me down, won't let me go. Love has got me swept away. On a ti-ti-tidal wave, a ti-ti-tidal wave. It's like a ti-ti-tidal wave, a ti-ti-tidal wave," Hiccup finished. The music seemed to stop on its own as Hiccup was staring outside.
"I guess you held me to my promise, Milady. A couple of months late, but it's finished. I hope you liked it, and I hope you know how much I love and miss you," Hiccup said, not caring who years. Astrid smiled lightly, but she knew Hiccup had to be hurting. And that, in turn, hurt her because she wanted Hiccup to be happy. Astrid knew that she liked Hiccup, but his heart still was still yearning for his wife. And Astrid wanted to do was help him the best she could, but how could she when she yearned for people she too couldn't have back; her parents.
