"Modern myth".
How to train your dragon, Toothcup.
By: Sinattea.
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Disclaimer: Cressida Cowell owns the book series, Dreamworks owns the movie. I own nothing but this AU.
Note: I'm alive, do not despair! It's been a tough week. But I'm so happy for all the response this fic is having! I love all your reviews, and faves and alerts. Thanks everyone!
And just felt the need to remind everyone: remember I'm mexican and in spanish we don't use the quotation marks for dialogues, that's why we have hyphens here, cultural difference.
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Chapter 17: First assault.
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Before New Year Evelyn had to return to London, since she still had a lot of things to solve there. She had to do the job transference, which she was sure would be somewhat difficult because in Berk they were delighted to get her, but in London they didn't seem fond of the idea of letting such an excellent surgeon go. And she had to sell her family's mansion and furniture, since she had this feeling that she wouldn't be living there anymore in her immediate future.
"I'll be back as soon as possible" she promised to both Toothless and Hiccup; then she got on the train.
None of the boys knew exactly what to feel when she left; they both wondered if she'd really come back, though they didn't pronounce their questions aloud.
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Hours later they had returned to their routines. Toothless had to cover his second shift at the hotel and Hiccup headed straight home, where, to his surprise, Stoick awaited for him.
- Hi, dad – the boy saluted as he got in the house and joined his father at the kitchen's door, since the man's large shape didn't let him through any further -. Getting ready for the New Year, aren't we?
- Well, ya know I never miss tha chance for a feast – his father responded. The next second Stoick's face turned unbelievably serious, and he spoke sounding somewhat uncomfortable, somewhat… false -. Err, Hiccup, 'bout tha' dinner… Ya can invite Toothless if ya want.
Luckily Hiccup wasn't exactly in his father's visual field, or he'd have some trouble explaining the whys of his sudden blush.
- W-why would I want to invite him? – Hiccup stuttered, one drop of cold sweat sliding down his neck. Why was his father saying that in that tone? He certainly didn't suspect anything… did he? – I-it's a family dinner… WhywouldIinviteToothlesstohavedinnerwithmethat'scrazy…
- Tha boy's almos' fam'ly – Stoick kind of shrugged, not lifting his sight from whatever dish he was preparing -, he's like Ev'lyn's adoptiv' son…
- No, he isn't – Hiccup denied immediately, in a maybe too harsh voice.
- Whut ya said?
- He isn't "like her son", Odin! – the boy insisted, unaware of how either suspicious or inappropriate his anger resulted. "That would be so wrong…" He unconsciously stomped one foot like a child.
That was when Stoick looked at him, rather intrigued.
- Are ya a'right? Ya look nervous.
"Way to go, Hiccup – he thought -. If you didn't want him to be suspicious you're definitely making a marvelous job". He needed a way out of the grave he was digging.
- Why would I be nervous? We'rejusttalkingaboutToothlessand… and… and the aunt whose existence I was unaware of for seventeen years – "Good one Hiccup! That'll distract him". It was a brilliant change of conversation topic, and a pretty logical one. Perhaps Hiccup was in time of hiding the shovel -. And I might spend another seventeen without seeing her…
Stoick sighed, now fully understanding his son's slightly odd behavior.
- So, ya' aunt's gone a'ready…
- Yeah… – Hiccup faked to be profoundly hurt by that fact.
- Did she say when she comin' back? – asked Stoick, worry taking over his look.
- Not really, but I'm sure Toothless will let me know as soon as he gets any news – Hiccup had to close his hand into a fist to reprimand himself for bringing Toothless back into the conversation; apparently he was incapable of getting the dragon-boy out of his mind. "Just redirect everything back to Evelyn and you'll be safe" -. Why didn't you tell me that I had an aunt?
- I knew ya' mom had a sister, but didn' know whut became o' her… – Stoick said apologetically.
Hiccup crossed his arms and drew a thoughtful expression.
- You think mom and Evelyn made it up? – he murmured - Before she… you know…
- Don' think two decades can be sort'd out with one phon'call, but soun's like they were on their way to. Why ya care so much?
- Nothing in particular – the boy shook his head. It wasn't worth getting this melancholic to keep a secret. He pulled a smile from somewhere within -. Need any help in the kitchen? What are we eating for New Year?
Stoick gladly adopted the new talking subject.
- Was thinkin' o' meat pie… – he said with a certain amount of mischief.
- You're kidding, you can't cook meat pie… – Hiccup giggled in disbelief. Stoick shrugged and turned his back at the boy, which made him utterly suspicious - It's a joke, right? Right? – but Stoick never answered - Dad?
Now Hiccup was more worried than entertained. He had to shove his way into the kitchen just to make sure his father hadn't created some sort of Frankenstein-food-monster, or blown up the stove or something.
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In the end, Toothless wasn't required at the New Year's dinner, and Hiccup couldn't be more grateful that his father had forgotten about him for the time being.
Nonetheless, when Hiccup thought he wouldn't have to deal with having both his father and his secret boyfriend in the same room again, he didn't just know how wrong he was.
He really, really didn't.
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- Hiccup! Guard up!
The brown-haired boy barely had time to hide his head behind the boxing gloves, otherwise the jab would have punched him right on the chin. He still stumbled backwards and fell flat on his butt, anyways.
- Ouch – he mouthed, doing his best not to express his pain aloud.
- Hammerhead! Said "medium speed", didn' I? – reproached a furious Stoick.
- Sorry, coach – said the fighter in question as he retreated with a bored expression to let his coach reach the fallen boy.
- He hates me – lamented Hiccup, one or two stars blurring his vision -. He definitely hates me.
- Nah, he hates ev'ryone; came here as som' anger management sorta thing. Don' take it personal, son – Stoick explained as he helped Hiccup to incorporate.
Hiccup had been taking the fighting lessons for almost three weeks now, and though he hadn't grown any stronger at all, he had one thing to be totally grateful for: his relationship his father was, indeed, strengthening, the breach that separated them for years now almost inexistent. It was actually healing so fast that it seemed as if they wanted to make up for the time they spent being complete strangers despite living under the same roof.
On the other hand, however, he didn't feel grateful at all with all the new bruises and aching muscles he had due to training; he lived in pain ever since. Seriously, how could professional fighters even move the next day? He had so much trouble with his sore body that even his enthusiasm for flying had diminished (only at the beginning, because as soon as Toothless lifted everything bad wiped out from Hiccup's mind).
He was lucky, though, to be practicing with Hammerhead and not with somebody else. At least Hammerhead was short and skinny; well, skinny compared to other fighters, because no one was scrawnier than Hiccup there. Hiccup couldn't practice with the newbies of the gym because they were all children, the oldest of them aged thirteen, and Stoick insisted that beginning with opponents weaker than himself wouldn't help him achieve the goal he'd challenged himself for (which was getting fit to keep Toothless safe), and that was the only reason Hiccup was putting up with Hammerhead in the first place.
Sobbing his humiliated butt Hiccup readied for the next round.
- Hey Hammerhead! – shouted one of the pros (as Hiccup referred to the largest and most experienced students) - We're gonna need the punching sack once you're done with it!
Hiccup lowered his hands from the guard position and stared dignified at the pros. Really? Three weeks and they kept going with that silly joke?
- Oh, sorry, I haven't realized it was a person! – the pro continued - A fishbone more likely – he whispered to his peers, who sniggered.
- You know, there's a rule in martial arts that says: respect your opponent – interfered a voice. Hiccup blushed to the core -. Ain't that true?
- This ain't "martial arts" you fool! – a pro responded.
- It's true, 'nyways. We teach MMA in 'ere. Now back t'trainin' ya all – Stoick ordered with a fearsome look in his eyes.
His students retreated muttering several "Yes, coach", and menacingly passed by Toothless, who stood impassive with his chin up and his hands in his pockets.
Once the pros were gone to their corner of the gym, things relaxed a lot.
- Toothless! Haven' seen ya since christmas – welcomed Stoick -. So ya fin'lly comin' t'train?
- Yeah, found some spare time in my agenda… sir – yeah, pathetic as he may feel about it, Toothless still couldn't dissipate the intimidating effect Stoick had on him.
- 'Nough with tha "sir" – Stoick warned with humor -. It's coach here or I'll've t'punch ya till ya call me nothin' else.
- Yes, coach – Toothless agreed standing exaggeratedly straight and making a military salute.
- Fun, boy, fun – Stoick chuckled -. Hiccup, get 'im som' gloves.
- Y-yes, dad…
Trying not to look as warm as he for sure felt, Hiccup headed to the equipment closet and Toothless walked behind him, closely. Once they were reasonably alone, the brown-haired boy turned to face the black-haired one.
- What are you doing here? – Hiccup demanded to know. He looked upset.
- Your father said I could- - -
- Toothless! – Hiccup pouted - You have any idea in what a complicated position you're pushing me? If my dad finds out- - -
- You don't want me to be here? – Toothless' eyebrows frowned in a sad and offended gesture.
- No! It's not…! – Hiccup sighed, getting a hold of his delicate temper - You're right. I'm overreacting; it's just that the past week, for a second, I thought he suspected about us. Sorry. I'm glad you're here, just… surprised. That's all.
- I just wanted to know why you suddenly hated climbing on me to fly. Just came here to check you're alright.
Before that sweet and concerned look there was nothing Hiccup could do.
- Toothless, I'm doing this so I can protect you, not the other around – he said fondly.
- Let me watch over you until you're ready to switch places – Toothless negotiated, the cutest smirk settling over his mouth -. Pretty please?
Hiccup couldn't resist that. He looked around and made sure nobody was spying, moved the closet door ajar to gain some privacy and swiftly brushed his lips against Toothless', who grinned like an idiot afterwards.
- Don't make me regret this – he warned, olive-green eyes connected to bright green with electric intensity.
- I will, but not in the way you think: two days training together and you're going to hate me – Toothless threatened, smiling teasingly.
- Take your gloves – Hiccup teased back, throwing the boxing gloves at Toothless' face, who effortlessly caught them in mid-air like a boss. Bad idea.
- Ohfuck! – Toothless instinctively cursed right away -. Remind me to buy my own pair today, I can't stand their smell!
Hiccup chuckled and patted Toothless' back compassionately.
- Have you dug your nose into one of these? Multiply that for ten and that's the nightmare my poor nose is going through right now.
- Poor boy – Hiccup gave one last pat -. Let's go before my dad misses us.
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Despite his reluctance in the very beginning, Hiccup couldn't be more grateful that Toothless was now there, which settled a new routine because the black-haired boy rearranged his schedule at Hotel Nordic to have the time to meet with Hiccup during his morning training. Gladly, Toothless accepted to take Hammerhead's place making his hate towards Hiccup diminish considerably now that he didn't have to lower to that level.
Toothless, lamentably, hadn't been kidding at all when he'd promised Hiccup would learn to hate him once they started training together. He was strict, almost as much as Stoick: he didn't indulge Hiccup in the slightest. If Hiccup didn't finish a series of exercises because he felt too tired or pained, Toothless would cold-heartedly threaten with adding more and more complicated exercises, until Hiccup completed the series, and many a time he kept that word. Hiccup was becoming used to hearing phrases such as "You're only halfway through the first series!", "It's only a hundred jabs, you can pull it off" or "Just two hundred combined hooks, it's simple". Fortunately they'd make up for it on the afternoon when flying together.
But there was a bright side to all of this: every time Hiccup accomplished something, even if it was the tiniest and simplest punch in the fighting history, Toothless would celebrate fervently and make him feel like a true champion, and those beautiful and honest smiles of pure pride he drew then were the only thing that allowed Hiccup to hold on and keep trying.
If there was someone with the capacity of making Hiccup believe in himself, that was Toothless.
And even Stoick could see that.
- Gotta admit Hiccup's improvin' a lot since ya're here – he said in private to Toothless once, cracking his knuckles with a suspicious look -. Seems much mor' excited t'do all this since.
Toothless shrugged uncomfortably, because he knew for sure Stoick was somehow referring to the last time he and Hiccup had "celebrated": they'd hugged maybe too effusively and maybe for too long because Hiccup managed to connect a full-speed hook on Toothless' jaw.
- He's already got the technique quite well – he changed the conversation, clearing his throat and feeling absolutely ridiculous. A dragon, really, scared to death of a human? Well, it wasn't just any human, it was his boyfriend's father, if that was anything to justify himself.
- I tri'd t've him understandin' tha technique for seventeen years, an' didn' get 'nywhere, he wasn' even interested – confessed Stoick -. But seems like it's good for Hiccup t'have ya here.
- He just needed an ally in all this mess. That's all, coach – Toothless tried to diminish the matter.
- No, ain' jus' tha'. I was 'is ally before ya came here an' I didn' get those results. Ha! Couldn' get 'im out o' his shell like tha' in years, ya did it in weeks… Or was it months? Congrats for tha' one, boy.
If Stoick kept insisting like that (and cracking his knuckles like that, as if he were preparing for the final and decisive assault on a fight), Toothless was really going to need a scapegoat.
- Maybe he just needed more than one ally, I mean, your students aren't very nice to him, coach. What's with that Hammerhead for example? He looks at Hiccup with so much hate…
- Hates ev'ryone, tha' one. Anger management issues, ya see – Stoick chuckled -. He'll hate ya all tha same in two days time.
- Oh… Well, that explains a thing or two.
- I was a'tually thinkin' o' teamin' them up again, only for combat practice. Whut ya think?
Toothless went completely blank for a second.
- You're… asking for my opinion?
- Ya're more Hiccup's coach lately than meself – the man accepted, shrugging off as if it were normal to have someone worrying for his son as much as him -. Yeah.
- Well, ehm… – Toothless felt quite flattered, and he didn't know whether to blush or suspect because his boyfriend's father was suddenly showing a lot of trust in him. He cleared his throat noisily and tried to regain composure - It's never too early for single combat practice, if you ask me.
- It's done, then! I'll get Hiccup startin' with combat practice after he settles down with tha school routine.
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School? Holy crap! The school! Toothless hadn't dedicated a single thought to that since the whole tailfin issue. He didn't do any of his finals exams, he didn't do any applications for his next semester, he didn't do anything! How was he supposed to keep going with his life in Berk if he lost another year of school? Evelyn was for sure going to kill him when she found out. He didn't know what to do, or whom to ask for help; he wanted to share his problems with Hiccup, but he already had many a thing to occupy his mind with, and Toothless didn't really want to risk seeing a glimpse of disappointment in Hiccup's eyes, though he knew everything and surely had already made some assumptions.
- You haven't tasted your food. Is everything alright Toothless? – wondered Mrs. Evans, truly worried for the boy's welfare.
Toothless simply kept attacking his food with his fork, his face resting against his hand.
- I ruined it again… – he muttered.
- What did you ruin?
- My life – he sighed -. I failed school… again – Mrs. Evans seemed rather surprised because of the repetition factor - It's not easy to pretend to lead a normal life when you have Hunters chasing every step of yours…
- Oh, right, Evelyn did mention that. But this time you are staying; is there anything you can do to solve that problem? – she inquired, a tranquil smile curling up her lips. Toothless wasn't exactly sure they were family, but he was glad he had something close to it in the figure of his landlady, as odd as it was at the beginning.
- I guess I could try talking to the principal. But I sent his son to the hospital so I wouldn't hold any hopes for that one.
- Don't be so pessimistic. There must be something we can do.
- We? Don't get offended, Mrs. Evans, but I'm sure this is something I should do on my own – finally Toothless took the fork to his mouth.
- I'm sure you could, but only because you can doesn't mean you have to – Mrs. Evans declared -. Come on, we'll go together and make up some family-tragedy excuse to solve this problem.
And somehow Mrs. Evans managed to convince Toothless and that very same day, right before he had to go to Hotel Nordic, they went first to BHS and asked to see the principal.
The secretary was quite kind and let them wait at the main office while she tried to contact the principal, who shouldn't delay too much.
- I know the new administration it's a total mess, but that's no excuse, Gobber – came an authoritative voice -. I want the new term's schedule in my desk tomorrow morning, ok?
- A'right, fine – Gobber gave in -. But I'd never had to plan ahead the whole semester.
- Well, some things are about to change, and it's gonna be for good – Mrs. Cowell threatened more than promised, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
- Mrs. Cowell, you have a visit, they aren't appointed but they say it's urgent – said the secretary.
- It's alright, I was waiting for them. And it's Principal Cowell from now on. I love my new parking space! – she exclaimed before getting into the office and meeting with the teen and the old woman sitting right before her desk - Mr. Night, and… Mrs. Evans, right?
- Did I listen right? You said "principal"? – was the first idea that formed in Toothless' mind, though a salute would've been far more adequate.
- Well, if you hadn't missed the end of your fifth semester you might have heard the big good news, Mr. Night.
- Well, as you can see we are here exactly because of that, principal – intervened Mrs. Evans, standing up with a rather saddened expression -: to explain the situation…
Then Mrs. Evans started a complex narration involving adoption, romantic affairs, divorces and occasional murder. Toothless raised an eyebrow as he listened to the whole story the old woman was netting. Wasn't that the plot of the soap opera Mrs. Evans watched every saturday morning?
- It's such a family drama – she continued.
- Don't worry – Mrs. Cowell solaced -, I'm sure everything is going to be alright. The adopted boy's real parents are dead but they inherited him with a great fortune. And the woman's baby is actually the ex-husband's, and the neighbor is an undercover agent that is finally going to lock the stepfather away.
- Oh, my god! Really? And what happens at the wedding?
- There is no wedding – informed Principal Cowell, and Mrs. Evans went crazy with happiness.
- Are you mocking me? I thought you'd be a better liar, you didn't even try! – Toothless grimaced, looking at Mrs. Evans with something very similar to anger lighting his pupils.
- Well, one look at your principal and it's crystal-clear we don't have to lie to her. She knew my name before I even introduced myself! – excused Mrs. Evans -. Did she tell you to- - -?
- Yeah, she did – admitted Mrs. Cowell -. My mother used to watch the same soap opera. Now, Mrs. Evans, would you please give us a moment? – the principal waited patiently until the old lady exited the office and she turned all her attention towards Toothless -. Miss Valhalla called me, yesterday. We actually met personally some weeks ago.
Toothless huffed, angry with himself. How was he fool enough to believe that Evelyn didn't know about his scholar problems? "Dreamer".
- She did explain a thing or two, and we came to an agreement. I'm taking your scholarship away, but she's fine with paying the complete fee. Be grateful that I'm too much of a good person and I see you have lots of potential… and lots of troubles. If you are ready to take a serious compromise with the school, I'm sure we can find a solution for your particular case, Mr. Night.
- I'll do anything – the boy promised.
- Anything? – she questioned, dubious. Toothless nodded - Good.
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So, Stoick was late at the gym and had promised to get some pizza on his way home, so Hiccup didn't have to cook anything for dinner and he had some spare time in his hands. He better enjoyed it, considering he was about to begin school once again and it would probably take long before he had the chance to simply rest on the couch and watch tv.
He couldn't help but wonder what Toothless was going to do about school, since they haven't discussed anything related in a while. For a second Hiccup feared he might no longer be seeing his boyfriend every morning at BHS. His cell phone, however, dissipated his doubts: Toothless' especial ringtone echoed through the kitchen where he'd left it. Reaching for it as if his life depended on it, Hiccup read Toothless' text message: "Do you have a sec? I could use some help". Quick as lightning Hiccup's fingers pressed the "call" button; Toothless answered half a second later.
- Are you ok? Is everything alright? – Hiccup blurted.
- Hey, I'm fine, don't worry. You think I'd have the time to write a message if something were happening? – Toothless joked in a calming way. Hiccup sighed.
- Sorry. Watching tv gets my brain a little slow. What do you need help for?
- Don't freak out, but come upstairs and you'll find out.
- You're in my room? ? – Hiccup asked, receiving for a response the unmistakable sound of steps above his head.
With a slight chuckle, Hiccup went to his room and found Toothless sitting on the floor surrounded by piles of his textbooks and notes. The dragon boy looked quite distressed.
- Hey, what's with the whole invasion here? – saluted Hiccup as he approached Toothless, careful not to step on the books.
- I have two days to prepare ten final exams and I didn't pay too much attention throughout the semester. I need your help – Toothless said in a low, ashamed voice, the cutest worried expression ever tainting his eyes.
- Final exams?
- Mrs. Cowell is giving me a last chance. If I approve all my exams in one day then I can start sixth semester with you – Toothless explained as Hiccup sat by his side -. Why didn't you tell me she's the new principal?
- Is she?
- Odin! Apparently you were as distracted as I was the whole semester! – smiled the black-haired boy, teasingly.
- I'll take a guess that's exactly why you need me to study – Hiccup pursed his lips, pretending to be offended. Then he picked the closest notebook and skimmed through the pages trying to refresh his memory -. Anyways, what were you distracted the whole semester with?
- You, of course.
Hiccup reddened to the ears and swallowed one hiccough. He should be used to it by now, to all the silly yet sweet phrases, but every time Toothless said something like that he still blushed as if it were the first time ever he heard romantic words.
He stuttered a bit about how his father would be home anytime soon but they could meet the next day in broad daylight with the study-group excuse. Hearing this Toothless drew a wide smile and printed a kiss on Hiccup's cheek.
- Thanks for doing this for me.
While Hiccup pretended to be focused on his notes, he was actually busy saying these words to himself, and part of him knew that, somehow, Toothless could perfectly feel when he thought of them: "For you".
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Another note: My Toothcup feels are extremely renovated now that the full trailer has been released... It's so FANfuckinTASTIC! ! ! And it gives me soooo many ideas for, I don't know, a possible sequel to this fic? ;-)
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And I don't know why I'm suddenly remembering this, but I think I never mentioned that chapter 7 is actually based on a personal experience, did I? Yeah, I was locked by my classmates in a janitor-closet once. I perfectly know what Hiccup felt like. Bleh.
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On a happy note, however, thanks to each and every one of my readers!
I wish to say a loving thanks and wish a MERRY CHRISTMAS to:
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Ancientathens, AlexJohnD, Splendidguy44, Hi Mr Whale, Hotaru-chan,
AliceCullen3, Toothless is best, Ilmazzobro, YoshisSupport,
stuart. tozer. 5, animelover56348, The ulsterman, DoublePaws,
Yami Kuroshin, Tech Who, Mousettezz, AvelynnLoverxX, donalgraeme.
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And MERRY CHRISTMAS to EVERYONE! Even if your usernames aren't there!
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IRT AlexJohnD: Thanks a lot for your reviews! And... Je ne parlais pas français. I got a review written in french and I thought it'd be cool to respond in the same language. I speak french as much as I speak japanese, which is, I'm afraid, quite little. I only had one semester of french, though I'd love to fully learn it.
IRT Splendidguy44: Let me hug you forever and ever! ! ! ! ! ! ! (/^x^)/
IRT Ilmazzobro: You are the awesometasticful one, darling, you really are! ! !
IRT Yami Kuroshin: Ehhh, yo también soy mexicana. ^^ ¡ ¡Espero que te unas a la tripulación de Toothcup shipper y que lo disfrutes mucho! !
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