"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: Wow... twenty chapters? ? ? Not even in my original stories I've made it this far, which is actually a little sad. I'm gonna try and make some drawings related to celebrate this accomplishment, as Hi Mr Whale brilliantly suggested. It'll take a little time, though. Had I mentioned I got a job? It's draining my time away, but it's worth it if I'll get the money to cosplay Toothless for the HTTYD 2 premiere. =D
A lot of Astrid and references in this chapter, because the story asked for it. Also, Snotlout is totally based on my cousin in this... LOL, I love my cousin, he's so dumb. ^^
Read and enjoy! !
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Chapter 20: Fixed.
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It was time for lunch again at BHS, and the cafeteria was filled with noise and laughter. It was raining outside, hail included, therefore the crowd was larger than usual. It was a difficult task to hear the conversation of the person beside you, least of all to eavesdrop on foreign discussions. Actually, it was the perfect scenario if you wanted to talk about private love matters, or to prove your boyfriend that you did your Dragon Studies homework.
- Ok. Whispering Death – said Toothless, defying Hiccup to demonstrate he'd memorized the different dragon classes. So far Hiccup had correctly classified every dragon Toothless had asked, only delaying once or twice before answering.
- Boulder class – Hiccup responded without much of a thought.
- Gronkle?
- Boulder.
That was the last question. They'd reached their regular table at the cafeteria's corner, where Fishlegs and Aura waited for them.
- Did anybody say Gronkle or I imagined it? – wondered Fishlegs once both of his friends were within listening range.
- I did – admitted Toothless.
- Those are cool dragons! They're supposed to eat rocks and melt them in their throats to spit lava! Lava! Isn't that the coolest thing you've ever heard of?
- Perhaps… but they aren't fast – replied Toothless in a defensive attitude.
Hiccup snorted, fully aware Toothless was upset that anyone considered any dragon kin cooler than Night Furies. He put his arm around Toothless' shoulders, giving him a gentle and affectionate squeeze to lighten his humor. Nevertheless Toothless instantly shrugged off Hiccup's arm, took a look around, and after he confirmed no one had noticed the physical interaction, he held Hiccup's hand under the table. Hiccup felt a little offended for the initial rejection, but he couldn't blame Toothless, now could he? They were in public.
Good thing Fishlegs missed Toothless' dragon jealousy because he was busier being sympathetic with the whole nervousness of being "public".
There was an awkward silence, until Fishlegs decided it was safe to continue dialoguing.
- I didn't know you were a dragon geek – he said to Toothless.
- You'd be surprised – guaranteed Hiccup with a proud smile that Fishlegs didn't know this time how to interpret.
- Hey, guys – interfered Aura -. Is anything wrong with us? Do we look weird? Did we sit on wet paint or something?
- Not that I'm aware. Why? – wanted to know Hiccup.
- Those athletes have been staring at our table for ten minutes now – the girl pointed with a finger.
- Really? – pronounced Fishlegs, Toothless and Hiccup in unison, turning their heads towards the place she signaled.
Aura had pointed a Viking table; not any Viking table, but the lead Viking table, where the team captains sat altogether. That was actually the table in which Toothless got his nickname his first day at BHS.
Dagur and the bullies were there, along with Snotlout, Astrid, the twins and many other popular athletes and cheerleaders. Usually, that table was believed to be the best one, with the coolest people and the funniest ambiance.
That day, however, you didn't need to be a genius to realize there were problems in paradise. With all the noise it was impossible to hear what he was screaming, but everybody could see that Dagur was shouting in a really bad mood, the cheerleaders trying appease him, while Astrid looked determined to irritate him further. She kept focusing her blue eyes on Hiccup and his friends alternatively as she raised her voice against the bullies.
Suddenly, Astrid smashed her hands on the table, got up and left the table shouting "See how much I care! !" (which only Toothless with his amazing senses could hear in the middle of the chaos). She headed towards the table where Fishlegs and Hiccup were and sat right between them, talking really fast and upset.
- Apparently Green Death had Dagur on a leash. He hadn't been this unbearable before! Next time I should just punch him or something.
- Yeah… Hi, Astrid, how are you? How's basketball going? – said Hiccup with a lot of sarcasm, making the girl realize that in her blind rage she had just stormed in as if she owned the table.
- Oh, sorry. Hi, everyone. I had to get out of that table, you understand that, don't you Hiccup? You don't… mind me sitting here, do you?
- No, go ahead.
Next to him, completely unnoticed, Toothless widened his eyes in disapproval and shock that Hiccup hadn't even looked at him before accepting. Didn't he mind what he thought of letting the girl sit there?
Astrid sighed relieved and made herself more comfortable at her new seat.
- This is weird – said Aura, her brown eyes wide open and fixed on the blonde girl -. Cool, but weird.
- And it's getting weirder – warned Fishlegs.
Ruffnut had stood up as well from the Viking table and was on her way to join Astrid, lunch tray in hand.
- What was that? – the twin girl asked, taking seat in front of Astrid as if she owned the table. Apparently that was a common Viking habit.
- That was me not putting up with Dagur's nonsense.
- You can't do that – Ruffnut said, more to herself than to her best friend.
- Didn't you hear Snaketongue's wisdom? Green Death isn't here anymore and we can do anything we "f-ing" want. I felt like leaving that table.
Ruffnut couldn't argue that logic. She shrugged and focused on her meal. Or at least she tried to, since Tuffnut didn't let her: he'd also left the Viking table, food in hand.
- Hey brat! – the male twin came shouting.
- What are you doin' here worm?
- That's my food you grabbed! I want it back! – claimed Tuffnut.
- We're having the same.
- But you already licked this spoon. I don't want your saliva in my food!
With a naughty smirk Ruffnut took the spoon on her plate (Tuffnut's spoon) and licked it, enjoying the disgusted expression on her twin's face.
- Eeeeewwww! ! – then Tuffnut sat next to his twin to quarrel more comfortably.
- That makes three athletes in our table – muttered Aura in awe.
- Four – corrected Hiccup.
Snoutlout walked straight to their table and took over the last seats available.
- Don't leave me alone with that creep!
- He keeps going with that crappy speech? – asked Astrid, annoyed.
- Says if we don't sit in a Viking table, we can't be Vikings. But haw-haw! I'm the quarterback! I'm his boss on the field! And he can't bribe the coach with lame "my father, the principal" excuses. I'm the boss! !
- Yeah! – agreed Astrid - Someone should remind Dagur that he's NOT Green Death! ! – she gradually raised her voice as she pronounced the negative part of her sentence, trying to get Dagur to listen.
- What about you Night? – Snotlout called Toothless - Wanna volunteer for punching another Viking?
- Sounds tempting – the black-haired boy granted.
- Hey! – Hiccup nudged him in the ribs. They didn't need new enemies.
- What? – gasped an interested Tuffnut, struggling to break free from his sister's clutch around his neck - Who what? Why the "hey"?
- Yeah, who volunteers for what? – inquired Ruffnut.
- A fight?
- Hell yeah!
Well, at least the twins finally agreed on something. They forgot about their war for the spoon and started babbling about butt-kicking, action movies and stuff.
- Got a deal – said Snotlout in a magnanimous tone -, you can hit him. But if you're sending him to the hospital, make sure it's after the season and not before. We still need a good defense.
- I'll rearrange my agenda – Toothless played along.
For someone who had Vikings on the top of his black list, Toothless certainly had what it took to get along with the four of them… Well, the three of them, he was still unconsciously angry with Astrid. Damn his innate resentment.
- Why are you in our table? I still don't get it – Aura blurted -. I mean, one is a different thing… but four? Is this a joke? Upside-down day or something?
- Wow, looks like we haven't done such a good job putting an end to this whole "Viking class" status – realized Astrid, she switched seats to be in front of Aura and smiled honestly at her -. Hi, I'm called Astrid. My friends call me Astrid and you can call me Astrid.
- You're funny! – said Aura, chuckling. She stopped when the athletes all looked bedazzled at her - Oh, sorry… I find intentional redundancy funny.
- I was laughing at that too, grammatical jokes rule – supported Hiccup, attempting to help Aura through her uneasiness. She wasn't the secret cousin, secret ex or secret ally of any of them; she was just a mathlete before a bunch of athletes, it was natural for her to feel a little intimidated.
- Mathematic jokes are better – differed Fishlegs. Of course it had to be him the one to put a definite end to Aura's nervousness.
- Nerds – Snotlout rolled his eyes; not in an offensive way, though. Secretly he was just angry that he didn't understand that kind of humor.
- I know amazing math jokes! – exclaimed the mathlete girl.
- We love jokes! – screamed the twins in unison.
Five minutes later Aura got the Thorston twins laughing hysterically after generously explaining to them why Ten was afraid of Seven (because Seven ate Nine).
- Because Seven ate…? 7, 8, 9… Eight, ate… 9, 10… I get it! – joined Snotlout the laugh a little too late.
Astrid face-palmed in utter shame. Were those really the friends she'd been hanging around with her whole life?
- And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why he failed fifth semester.
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After the first awkward days the barriers that divided the Vikings from the rest of the school completely dissolved in that table. To their surprise, they had many things in common, and those athletes did have a geeky streak that every nerd in the world could easily relate to. The best example were, to begin with, the twins.
- Wait… What's that on your shirt? – Ruffnut asked Aura one of those days.
- Duh! It's a pin, you loser – said Tuffnut, earning a punch on the shoulder. Aura patiently waited until they stopped pinching each other to respond.
- It's a "Hand of the King", from- - -
- "Game of Thrones"! ! ! – recognized the twins - We love that show! !
- Me too! And the books are awesome! !
The twins' jaws dropped. Tuffnut might have even drooled a little.
- No kidding. There's a book of it? ? Why haven't I read it?
- 'Cause you can't read, Tuff – teased Ruffnut. Tuffnut shrugged in resignation; truth is he didn't read at all -. So you know what's gonna happen? We haven't watched the complete show yet.
- 'Cause someone's afraid of watchin' season three!
- Shut up! ! I don't want my boys to die, and if they do…!
- I know – Aura understood perfectly the devastation feeling when your favorite character from a book, tv-show, movie or videogame died -. And wait until you make it to the Red Wedding.
- What's the Red Weddin'? – asked both twins.
- …Nothing – Aura squeaked, a knot in her throat, and turned around to hide her silent tear. Poor tormented souls that didn't know what was coming.
Too bad she didn't know how annoying and obsessive the twins could be. She had to deal with constant poking on her arms from both sides until the tormented soul was her and she became exasperated enough to break her sacred never-spoil oath.
Needless to say the twins regretted their insistence the entire day. BHS had never witnessed such drama show starred by the tennis duo.
Meanwhile, Astrid and Fishlegs talked about "Harry Potter", because Astrid was, startlingly, a fan, and discussed the pros and cons of their dream houses.
Snotlout, on the other hand, preferred to start on familiar territory, so he spoke about fighting videogames and sports, the two things Hiccup already knew him to be a fan of.
- So, Hiccup, heard my dad and uncle Stoick mention you've been going to the gym?
- Since the holidays – the brown-haired boy confirmed.
- How's it goin'? – that was genuine interest in Snotlout's voice and eyes. A beautiful and rare thing to be seen in a secret cousin when in a public place.
- He works hard – intervened Toothless after Hiccup hesitated -. He's getting better.
- Wait… You're going too? ?! And uncle Stoick hasn't killed you?! !
- Well, my dad has no reason to kill him, right? – snapped Hiccup, immediately seconded by Toothless.
- Because he doesn't and will never know anything that turns him against me, right?
Snotlout stood there, doing his best to bear the angry looks of both boys. From Toothless the killer eyes weren't unforeseen, but he had never imagined that little Hiccup did have a murderous gaze. Maybe they've been watching mafia movies and learning a few intimidation tricks lately. All that was missing was the classical "capisci".
In a quite undignified reaction he looked for Astrid's protection and practically begged her to adjoin him in her conversation, to which she, mercifully, agreed.
Hiccup and Toothless enjoyed very much joking about that for weeks.
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It felt strange, and it still felt right: the opposite social classes of BHS living together. The fact that four top athletes decided to sit every lunch break with three of the biggest nerds in the school and the still indecipherable Dean Night was really breaking the rules. They were pretty much knocking high school's stereotypes off.
It was awesome.
Moreover, they made a rather cool gang. It wasn't rare anymore to see Astrid and Hiccup talking, or the twins walking with (and teasing) Fishlegs, or Toothless pushing Snotlout to make his good deed of the day and stand up for bullied nerds.
What did remain an exceptional thing to see, however, was Astrid and Toothless hanging out just the two of them; you never saw them without a friend in common, who was, most of the times, Hiccup. And many were getting anxious to find out the whys.
- Hey guys! – called Astrid after school was over -. We're having open practice today, do you wanna come? The cheerleaders are angry with me and they're not cheering basketball for a while. We could use some people on the grand-stands. You in?
- We actually had some plans… – Toothless started building an excuse, but Hiccup was faster and accepted before his boyfriend could refuse.
- Count us there.
Astrid breathed out with relief.
- That's great! Thanks so much. See you later guys!
As Astrid walked away Toothless couldn't restrain himself and ended up glaring at her back, biting his lips in repressed frustration. There was only one thing he didn't like of this new friendship: Astrid and Hiccup were getting close… or closer, to make it worse.
He hated how hopelessly jealous he felt to know that Hiccup's ex was coming back into his life. He hated not to have been the very first one in Hiccup's heart. He hated how afraid he was of Astrid's new presence; he hated himself for being filled with this baseless fear.
It was just natural for him to be so harsh and rude towards the person who brought all that confusion and fear into his head.
- I thought we were going to fly – he gritted.
- Oh, come on, it's gonna be fun! We'll still be together – Hiccup tried to sound upbeat, but his efforts had obviously no impact on Toothless' dark mood. Only then realization hit him -. Hey, I know what's going on. This isn't about flying or not, it's about Astrid. You're jealous of her.
- What gives you such a wrong idea? – Toothless' spat so much sarcasm in his words that they almost felt venomous. Odin, he hated feeling like this!
- Toothless, we're all trying to be friends: you can't hold grudges against her. She's a nice girl.
- So I've heard: nice enough to date.
Ok, that was it. Gathering all his courage Hiccup seized Toothless by the wrists and held him against the lockers, forcing him to make eye contact. He forgot that he was in the school and that, no matter how empty the hallways look, there's always the possibility that people might see. Honestly, he didn't care anymore about people watching, or gossiping; all he cared about was Toothless, to set things right and make him understand, once and for all, that there was nobody but him.
- We tried for like two months! We only went out… five times – he said with all sincerity -. It's nothing! Especially compared to us! It's double nothing. I never kissed Astrid, and I wouldn't risk my life for her. Just for you. Had I met you earlier I would've never noticed her.
Toothless studied Hiccup's eyes and got lost in them as an excuse for not to speak, because he had troubles, for the first time, finding the strength to tell Hiccup about these doubts and fears. They weren't about dragons, secrets and dualities; this time they were about him… about them.
Swallowing hard, Toothless finally managed to get over the knot in his throat.
- You two get along too well. You trust her – he murmured.
- She earned that trust, don't you think? – Hiccup insisted, remembering that awful night where he feared he'd lose Toothless, and without even a decent explanation Astrid had gone to his help.
- I… don't know what to think. It's just I'm… jealous… – it was easier to say he acted like that due to envy than admitting the painful truth. The good thing is that with Hiccup he didn't need to always put his feelings to words. Hiccup could see right through his façades into his soul, and understand. That was the nature of their bond.
- She's a friend. Just like Fishlegs, like Aura – Hiccup laced his fingers with Toothless' -. You are much more than that. We have a bond, right? After two months of "dating", Astrid and I broke up. After two months of having known each other, you and I had the Halloween Ball.
Hiccup had spoken just the exact words, they did magic on Toothless. Remembering their first kiss and the previous time in the forest, Toothless blushed hard and finally understood that he was exaggerating. There was no way Astrid would pose an obstacle between them, even if she'd been Hiccup's crush for years before they met. What they had now was stronger than the past; stronger than everything.
Hiccup locked eyes with him, expectant for an answer. Presently free of prejudices and fear, Toothless nodded with a peaceful sigh.
- Ok… Fine. Let's go to the practice – he gave in.
So they did, sitting at a far corner of the gym. Boys were very busy drooling for the team members and shouting Astrid's name as if she'd promised to kiss the one who screamed louder, and the girls were busy watching the game, which was good: no one bothered to notice Toothless and Hiccup entered discretely holding hands.
Astrid did, though, but she wasn't losing her concentration to say "hi", so she waited until the practice ended and all her teammates headed to the showers before she waved her hand at the boys and joined them at the grand-stands.
- So what you think? We looked good? – she asked, still working on recovering her breath. She gave everything she had on the court, and most of the times she had nothing left by the time the game was over. That's why she was captain.
Hiccup nodded, and not long after so did Toothless.
- That's great! 'Cause I've been thinking we need a challenge and I'm talkin' with Stilter to practice all together.
- Stilter? – Toothless raised an eyebrow.
- The tall guy? Long legs like he's wearing stilts? – described Astrid, until she understood that Toothless hadn't asked in confusion, but with mocking skepticism - Come on! You gotta forgive our lack of imagination, it was kinder-garden!
- Hasn't improved at all if "Toothless" is anything to go by – he teased. Astrid laughed at her own expense -. Still don't know who he is, I keep my world small.
- He is captain of the basketball male team – explained Hiccup -. That'd be a tough game. A little unfair, even…
- Yeah, they would so bite our dust – Astrid said roguishly, relishing on the thought.
- Exactly – smiled the brown-haired boy.
- See? We're havin' fun! You should come more often – Astrid invited. And although she looked straight at Hiccup when saying that, her words were obviously dedicated to the guy sitting by his side -. Next time bring Fishlegs and Aura along; I bet they won't say no to you. And if Snotlout, Ruff and her evil twin don't have practice of their own, you all can be our new cheerleaders.
- Riiiight, I've waited my entire life to shake those tassels! – a freaked out but above all sarcastic Hiccup replied.
Toothless snorted so hard that had he been drinking anything he would've spit it through his nose.
- That'd be cu- - -fun.
- Toothless! Get that image off your head! – Hiccup reddened to the ears, the toes and the tips of his hair. And the fact that he'd also pictured Toothless the same way didn't help at all.
- I'll wipe both your heads clean – interfered Astrid for dear life -. Picture Snotlout in the cheerleading outfit, and then realize that if you dress the twins in the same uniform you won't know who the girl is.
Laughter transmuted into dead silence and red into a pale, yellowish tone.
- Astrid, ugh!
- I had to: you spent too much time with the "Nuts-nuts" today – Astrid excused herself, holding back a snicker - Forget I ever asked you to cheer my team. See you tomorrow, guys.
Astrid waved her hand good-bye and walked away, aiming for the dressing rooms.
- She meant the twins? – Toothless wanted to confirm.
- Ruff-nut, Tuff-nut, and they're both crazy – analyzed Hiccup, faking seriousness.
- Intentional redundancy?
The concept of "burst out laughing" was redefined that afternoon.
Ok, even if Toothless didn't like admitting it, he did have fun at the basketball practice.
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Not long later it became a habit, going at least once a week to watch the practice of Astrid, or the twins (they only went to watch Snotlout once, and Dagur and the bullies didn't like having an audience).
Hiccup easily convinced Fishlegs to go as well with arguments about the fun, and the excitement of the game, and how it got all your emotions exponentially increased (especially emotions that had you laughing until your stomach ached), and how you could always find a way to make bets and win the trading card you've been trying to steal from your best friend since third grade. "I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world" was Fishlegs' definite answer after listening to Hiccup's final argument. And if he assisted to a practice and/or game, naturally Aura went too.
Thanks to that the connection between the new gang's members strengthened, and now they could truthfully said that they were friends. Even Astrid and Toothless' relationship seemed to improve, and now they could joke with each other almost naturally, except that being just the two of them without a third one to referee continued to be way too awkward, which sometimes made things look as if they just pretended to like each other for their friends' sake.
Until Gobber, ready to meddle in everybody else's life, came up with the delightful idea of teaming them up for a little project.
- Night! Hofferson! – he called when spotted the gang at the hallway - Come 'ere!
Everyone stared at him wide-eyed, as if he had spoken in a different language.
- I mean you! Toothless and Astrid, don't play dum'! Come 'ere!
Walking slowly as if they'd been called to a trial that would most likely end with death sentence, and exchanging uncomfortable looks, they obeyed. Gobber smirked wickedly.
- D'me a favor, ya two. Go fetch th'audiovisual equipment from th'auditorium.
- We're no longer your students – growled Toothless, hoping Gobber would get the "And you're no longer my favorite professor" subtext.
- That's why it's "favor". Not for me, d'it for 'im – he rapidly glanced at Hiccup, a dangerous amount of knowledge in his eyes -. Go, get the equipment… and fix it!
Both Astrid and Toothless remained on their spots, glaring at him and not moving a single muscle.
- Or ya want detention? – Gobber threatened.
Fast as lightning, they ran for the auditorium and gathered the whole equipment even faster. While they were wrapping wires and setting the trolley to get the stuff out of there, Astrid kept dropping things on her feet because she was very upset, and Toothless just mumbled to himself a hundred things that may not have been nice to hear.
- Seriously, why does he give a…? – Toothless muttered to himself; not low enough for Astrid not to listen, though.
This time she did pay attention to the boy's gibberish. Were all those words dedicated to her, to Gobber or to the general situation? Astrid hoped all-heartedly they weren't meant for her. What had she done to deserve Toothless' aversion? She never pretended to be mean to him, and she liked to think she'd kinda saved him troubles the first day of school; then why…? Oh, that's right, Gobber had mercifully enlightened them: because of Hiccup.
Well, if there was a time fit for discussing this issue, that very moment was certainly the right one. What could she say…? It took her ages to finally make a choice, but she eventually figured out what she had to do.
- He's got a point, you know? – she said unexpectedly, somewhat nervous - There's something we need to fix.
- So now you agree with Gobber? – huffed Toothless, not looking her in the eye.
Entire minutes of dead and awkward silence passed by, and Astrid began to memorize the details of her shoes when Toothless finally showed a sign of reaction. He threw a remote control into the trolley, and crossed his arms as he leant against the closest wall, ready to listen. "But take note that I do this only for Hiccup" he mentally told Astrid, therefore listening meant only that and not also talking back or understanding what was said. He was just curious as to know what this girl had to say about his Hiccup (and that, ladies and gentleman, can be taken as a clear proof of what myths call "dragon territorialism").
Astrid leaned on the trolley, and tapped her fingernails against the metal in what coincidentally sounded as a clockwork rhythm until she mustered the courage to face Dean "Toothless" "Night Fury". Seriously, it sure would be easier if his fame didn't precede him.
- Toothless, I know you hate me… – she began, speaking faster than she may have originally intended, but at least the words did come out of her mouth and not froze at her teeth - and it's ok. Well it's not, but I mean it makes sense. You know, with you and Hiccup and… me being his ex… sort of – at this point she had to make a pause, frowning in utter confusion. Now that she thought about it, "ex" was too strong a word -. Does it even count if you never kissed the person and absolutely nobody knew? Because… it can really be like nothing happened… Well, actually it didn't… Damn! There should be standards for these things!
Toothless immediately sensed that Astrid wasn't having that particular dialogue with him but with herself. It sounded real similar to what Hiccup had said, and well, he couldn't exactly doubt that if they both unintentionally (he hoped) agreed on the same terms, they had to be true. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to give Astrid a chance to explain herself, especially when being friends with her meant so much to Hiccup.
- I think it's called a crush – Toothless defined what Astrid failed to, a little aggravated still. "And crushes tend to be quite unreal and unlikely" he said to himself to keep his temper at bay. He had to remember that Hiccup was indeed with him and not with her.
- What? ?
- You realize you said all that aloud, right? – yeah, that was the irrefutable proof that the girl got lost in a very introverted moment. Toothless looked at her irritated and amused in equal amounts.
- Right… – Astrid went red from embarrassment, how silly she must have looked! She had to make up for it being twice as serious now, and thrice as honest - Listen. The "crush" you mean had place about two years ago and it was the shortest relationship I've ever been in – she promised.
- Two months is short for you? – that surprised Toothless quite a lot. He'd always assumed that, as a popular girl, for Astrid every boy was just "another boy". Hard to believe he was blinded towards her by such stereotypical ideas.
- Well, if you strictly count the days we saw each other out of school, is like a week – Astrid guaranteed -. Definitely my shortest.
The blonde athlete was doing what she could to make Toothless' see that she and his boyfriend meant nothing for each other in that sense, that they never really had. Toothless couldn't perceive the slightest tinge of lie in her voice; if Astrid's voice occasionally faltered it was because she was afraid of her own honesty, not nervous of being caught in the middle of a lie. Sometimes the dreadful truth was more frightening than the biggest of lies. Toothless knew that feeling all too well, and out of nowhere he felt a flush of sympathy for Astrid. They might have more in common than he ever expected. And if that was the case, he, the dragon boy, could (and should) very well show some mercy.
- I don't hate you – he declared, letting his arms down in what for corporal language meant he was no longer sheltering himself. "Ok, let's have this conversation" -. I kinda believed I did but… Hicup's right, I don't. I'm just jealous.
Astrid's jaw dropped, her eyebrows reaching for the sky and her eyes so wide opened they were in peril of popping out any second now.
- Of me and Hiccup? ? Ha! – she exclaimed, letting go a relieved chuckle - That's funny, because I was jealous of you! Not in a romantic way – she quickly specified -, I just… Okay, you wanna know the truth? I appreciate Hiccup, admire him you can say. He's kind, smart and so brave, even though he doesn't realize it.
- He didn't – Toothless swiftly corrected -. He does now.
Astrid doubted for a second.
- Well, won't argue that, I'm sure you know him way better than I do – she gave her first attempt at a smile. A melancholic one was the only result she got -. He's a wonderful person, so honest when it comes to being himself, despite everything and everyone… I really wished someone like him noticed me…
Before that declaration Toothless' whole body automatically tensed, and deep inside him a black beast roared. What was that supposed to mean? That she wanted Hiccup back? Well, he was not letting that happen…
Consuming all his energy to maintain control over himself until the right time, the dragon boy waited…
The girl continued apparently unaware of the dangerous thoughts that invaded her interlocutor's mind.
- When we broke up, we never said it but we kinda knew that from that moment and onwards we'd be there for each other anyways; even if we weren't proper and open friends, if one of us really needed it, the other would always lend a hand… – she searched in her memory -. I actually agreed to date Green Death once so Hiccup could escape a good beating, and he was always helping me with homework and stuff.
Hiccup had never mentioned that "agreement", which unsettled Toothless, but part of him couldn't blame him at all because there was nothing to talk about considering that such agreement was never pronounced aloud. Besides, he knew Hiccup to be the kind of person who never breaks a promise, and now a lot of little details from that horrid saturday night actually made sense.
- That's why he called you after Fishlegs didn't answer… – Toothless understood, a whole chain of revelations illuminating inside his head, one right after the other.
The girl nodded compassionately, as if she was still sorry that her help was required.
- That day I confirmed you two were together (because Hiccup didn't need to say a word, really, and he didn't), and it was… difficult – Astrid admitted, feeling really bad with herself -. I always took Hiccup for granted, until then… In elementary school I knew he had this crush on me and I was mean and had him doing all sorts of favors- - -
The way Toothless' look changed, his pupils dilating and making his entire face darken (and was that a growl?) was the only warning Astrid needed to stop going with that subject.
- B-but you know how kids can get to be – she tried to excuse, apologetically.
- Good thing you've grown up ever since – Toothless replied, his mood switching from upset to merciful when Astrid officially apologized for being somewhat abusive as a child, recognizing herself as a spoiled girl back then. Well, if she knew she'd done things wrong, that deserved some merit. Wasn't that the reason why he always forgave Evelyn when she messed up? -. Just… finish your speech – Toothless invited her to continue -. So you took Hiccup for granted. And?
- And? – Astrid seemed hurt for a second that the boy pronounced that as a question - And suddenly he had you, and he no longer needed me to save him from bullies or save him a spot in the cafeteria. With you there he was… happy. He didn't need to impress anyone to survive high school anymore, not even me. He just needed you.
It sounded way more beautiful when somebody else said it. Toothless knew Hiccup made him happy and vice versa; but to know that what they meant for each other was so big even others could see it made it so, so real.
But it also gave a lot of extra points to Astrid, for not just anyone had been able to decipher the signals between him and Hiccup. Not only Astrid was sensitive enough to discover it, she apparently was open-minded enough to understand it and loyal enough to keep it secret. Toothless then saw her under a whole new light, and finally got what Hiccup had really meant the other day when they'd talked about her.
- You're too nice to be a Viking – he recognized.
Absolutely self-satisfied to be hearing those words, Astrid shrugged and tried not to let her ego grow too much.
- I have my flaws – she reminded -. I lived on them for many years.
- I think today you redeemed yourself – conceded Toothless with all honesty.
Definitely Astrid wasn't that bad; maybe she was at some point in her (and Hiccup's) past, but she'd changed for good with time. And she had just demonstrated so.
Tapping her fingernails again on the trolley, now in a more musical rhythm, Astrid breathed out and tried to put a proper end to her "speech".
- So… uhm, friends? – she extended her hand at Toothless. He shook it soon enough.
- Yes, why not?
- Cool.
And fixed it was. Finally they could leave the lugubrious auditorium (because it looked totally different with lights out and empty seats, scary as every school auditorium must be for urban legends to be born) and get back to the real world outside.
Toothless pushed the trolley and Astrid made way every time a horde of students walked before them.
- By the way – she called -. As a friend I must confess I saw you and Hiccup at the cinema right after Halloween last year.
- Damn it! Really? – Toothless swallowed.
- Yup. And I was so disconcerted and jealous because what was Hiccup doing there with you? You used to act like such a jerk!
Well, that was a low punch. Not that Toothless could deny it or anything, but it still felt like an illegal move.
- That's what I do when I want to push people away – he averted -. Just like now…
- Sorry, don't kill me – Astrid covered her mouth right away, secretly laughing behind it. It was definitely too soon to start digging in the past, so she decided to use the secret weapon that she knew perfectly would get Toothless all happy and good-humored again -. But Hiccup didn't buy it, huh?
Too busy thinking of Hiccup to realize the manipulation, Toothless sighed adoringly.
- No. He saw right through it…
Well, Astrid wasn't a fangirl, but she had to admit that it was adorable to see Toothless and Hiccup reacting such ways for each other.
- You know? If I wasn't terrified of you killing me for saying it, I'd say that you and Hiccup make a cute couple – she lowered her voice as she finished the sentence, ending in a mischievous whisper.
Toothless blushed real hard and almost let go the trolley.
- Wow, uhm, thanks… I guess… – he stuttered - But I'd appreciate it if you… didn't say it.
- Hey, I kept the secret all this time, why would I speak now?
- Thanks.
- You're welcome – she smiled -. I'm glad we talk- - -fetched the audiovisual equipment.
- Still, somebody should tell Gobber to mind his own business – Toothless stated murderously.
- People have tried, but it's like talking to a wall – Astrid played along.
And they kept pushing the trolley across the school telling jokes about how huge Gobber was and how he really became a wall every time he stood at the exit door during exams.
When they joined the gang again, they left practically everyone open-mouthed that they now were, in fact, friends.
And saying practically everyone as in almost everyone is correct because Hiccup only faked his astonishment.
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- Hey there, you little plotter – came Toothless, hugging Hiccup from behind and burying his face on the freckled neck. Hiccup startled, a loving half-dragon was not exactly what he expected to find in the forest that day.
- Plotter? ? – he mumbled, turning around in hybrid arms to face the dragon boy.
- Come on. I know you set Gobber after Astrid and I – said Toothless, his lopsided grin defying Hiccup to dare and deny it.
- I might have mentioned once at dinner that I wished you two got along better – confessed Hiccup in a blush, looking down and keeping his eyes that way.
- In that case… Thanks. I know you did it for me- - -for us.
Hiccup's eyes lifted at once, rapidly looking for the bright green ones to make contact.
- You're not angry? ?
- How could I ever be angry with you? – this said Toothless pulled Hiccup in for a quick kiss.
Then he proceeded to narrate every single detail of the conversation that had, at last and miraculously, sorted out the problems between him and America "Astrid" Hofferson.
As Toothless spoke and Hiccup listened, they both ripped in tiny pieces the fish they were feeding to the Terrible Terrors that kept coming to visit them at the cove.
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Another note: Jealous Toothless is jealous. That's a fact.
Next chapter will be up in three weeks time. Why? Because all my free time it's been dedicated to this drawing of Babydoll fighting one of the ninjas. I wanted to have something motivational in my office (and "Sucker Punch" motivates me and makes me feel invincible as anything else) and this idea popped into my head and I really want to have that drawing in front of my desk. Sorry for the delays on this. But I promise I'll make up for it, you know I love this pairing and this story and I won't abandon it until it's finished.
Yes, I love Game of Thrones. Please don't hate me for being a show-fan. Sadly you can't get the books in México until they're famous thanks to the tv-show or movie version.
And... subliminal message: L1o2v3e4 P5e6r7c8y9 J0a1c2k3s4o5n6 a7n8d9 t0h1e2 O3l4y5m6p7i8a9n0s! ! !
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Aa every writer must, I give my sincerest thanks to my reviewers:
Loti-miko, mysy, Darkflower123, animelover56348, AliceCullen3,
Ilmazzobro, YoshisSupport, coltjolt, Elder The 1st, RamsesX2,
AlexJohnD, Hi Mr Whale, Ancientathens, violet flame.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you! ! You are all amazing! !
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