2:

Graduation Day

Unconsciously, he pulled his phone from his pocket. He never went anywhere without it, never let it out of his presence. A small smile lifted his lips and he gazed at the lock screen, showing an image of Hiccup and his parents, taken at his fourteenth birthday, the last image of them all together that he had. He sighed and gently slid his thumb over the image of his mother, seeing her smile light her face. She shared his green eyes and her long dark chestnut hair, lightly streaked with grey, was braided in a fat plait over her shoulder. Her hand was on his shoulder with her husband's on hers, enfolding the whole family in his grasp.

Stoick Haddock, Mayor of Berk, was almost seven feet tall, immensely powerful built and had a real presence. His flaming red hair was cut short but his huge braided beard covered his upper chest. A large nose dominated his face, topped by intelligent grey-green eyes. But his huge smile showed how proud and delighted he was of his small family.

Nine months later, it had been shattered. Stoick rarely smiled now though he still said comforting and supportive words to his son, but he had buried his grief in duty and left Hiccup alone or with Gobber more than he should. And it had done little to help Hiccup's own grief and sense of rejection when his father missed more events than he attended-including his last day of school. He rubbed his thumb over his mother's image once more. His first day of school had included both parents, proudly driving their only, much-wanted child to his first day of High School. He closed his eyes and recalled his mother's hug and kiss and his father's bear hug, which had crushed the air from him-as usual-before his Mom had scolded his embarrassed father into letting him go. And as he had walked into Berk High for the first time, he had glanced back to see them smiling and waving at him.

Today, neither one would be there. One was dead and the other…couldn't be bothered.

Then he opened the phone and stared at the other images in his folders, including that first one that Dagur and Gobber had taken, that day in the Forge in Junior Year…

Junior Year.

Astrid had texted him as she promised and despite the fact that Hiccup had almost convinced himself that she didn't mean it and her offer had been a serious pity offer, he had been overjoyed at her invitation to come over to her house. So he had arrived two minutes early, parking up and sitting in the car until the appointed time because his mother had always told him it was rude to arrive early for a visit. And then, blushing and half-convinced he would be turned away, he walked to the door and rang the bell.

Astrid opened it with a rush, her face split with her huge grin and he had offered her flowers-with another bouquet clamped in his hand for her mother. Her eyes had widened at the generous gesture and she had hugged him before hauling him in to show him to her mother. Ingrid Hofferson had been wary and frankly astonished at the scrawny lad her beautiful daughter had brought home as her friend. It was plain she suspected him of some ulterior motive-especially when she learned that Hiccup was only a Junior-but when she watched the two interact, she had decided to keep an open mind. Somehow, it was plain the two shared a connection, their interactions easy and playful but clearly close. So she had left them to it.

They started texting, every night before bed and during the day just to cheer the other one up. Hiccup knew that Astrid was frustrated with her job as Erik's girlfriend, having to go to parties as his date and expecting him to vanish off as soon as they arrived and were seen in search of his true paramour. Often, she would do the rounds to locate anyone she knew, have a dance and then retreat into a corner and text him. In fact, Hiccup was sure that he had spent more time talking to Astrid at parties than Erik ever had and that made him feel sad. No one would credit badass Astrid Hofferson with feelings but the fact that she had to spend the evening texting a Junior because her date would go off every single time made him feel sad.

They got together a couple of times a week, at his place or hers, but always careful not to tip off anyone else at school they were meeting. Astrid blanked him in the Hallway if she saw him and he ducked his head, never looking directly at the lithe, confident shape that always drew admiring glances from many boys and number of younger girls. Sometimes, she was present when he was being bullied, her brows scrunching as she took half a pace forward but he always looked up and shook his head. And he knew, when he got away, there would be a barrage of penitent, self-loathing texts that broke his heart. They had made the bargain: theirs was a secret friendship and neither would give the other away. But somehow, it made picking himself up just that little bit easier.

He felt some guilt in not telling his other friends though he comforted himself with the knowledge that none of them would have respected Astrid's wishes for privacy. The twins would have blurted the whole thing out in public, probably on their YouTube channel 'Barf'n'Belch Speak!' while Fishlegs and Heather were still so involved they would barely have registered his precious words. And he would never have told Snotlout because his cousin would have reacted with disgust that a complete badass Valkyrie would even consider being seen with Hiccup. And then he would have blabbed and started flirting horribly with her. And then she would have killed Hiccup. No, it was infinitely better that it was his secret.

She gave him a head's up that she was fighting in a local tournament and after debating for about a quarter of a second, he had agreed to come. Of course, he couldn't be seen so he sneaked in the back, wearing a Berk Vikings cap, a pair of glasses with thick frames and plain lenses and a leather jacket. Astrid was fighting early on and he watched as she kicked, punched and elbowed her opponent swiftly into submission. Shocked and excited, he had stood cheering at the back and he had been rewarded by a grin and a wave before she had turned back to her coach to discuss the next round.

He had watched her make it all the way to the Final and, to his immense delight, she had won. Her Mom was on her feet and Hiccup was as well, making his way down and when her Mom had hugged her, he swapped in. She had grinned before giving him a very sweaty but triumphant hug. He tightened his arms around her.

"You were amazing," he told her. "Completely amazingly badass. Champion Badass!" She chuckled and pulled back, then pecked a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Thanks for coming," she told him honestly, her face lit with happiness. "Can you stay for a celebratory burger with Mom and me once I get changed?" His eyes widened.

"Um…you actually want to be seen with me in public? Before dark?" he checked and she hugged him again.

"Well, we are the other side of town and I will require you to wear a bag on your head but…yes," she told him kindly. He began to laugh.

"Oh Thor…though to be honest, I don't dare argue with you," he told her with a grin. "Are you sure your Mom doesn't mind? I'm sure she may want you to herself…" There was a pause.

"No one has ever come to any of my tournaments," she said quietly. "Only Mom. Not even my so-called boyfriend ever bothered. It was all me making the effort to help him but that selfish ass won't even act like a friend and support me." He hugged her again.

"I'm sorry," he said, even though he knew he wasn't the one who should be apologising. "Why do you put up with his shit?" Her eyes widened and she squeezed him tighter.

"I promised to help him," she sighed. "I always keep my word. But to be fair, I never expected to meet someone like you."

"No one does…I'm like the last bird on the birdwatching sheet…the lesser freckled Hiccup Haddock…" he sassed. She pulled back, smiling once more-and then she determinedly took his hand.

"Well, I am glad to have found my lesser freckled Hiccup," she said and dragged him over to her mother. "Mom-can you look after Hiccup while I get changed?" She nodded as he looked very self-conscious. Inspecting him minutely, she finally asked him:

"Why are you here when her boyfriend isn't?" He blushed and looked self-conscious before he finally opted for the truth.

"Astrid is my best friend and she asked me to come to support her," he admitted. "I think...Erik isn't that interested in Astrid's pastimes. And she deserves someone in her corner." She frowned.

"You're Stoick Haddock's boy, aren't you?" she asked as Hiccup blushed.

"Guilty," he admitted.

"So why are you hanging around a Senior?" she asked him bluntly and he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Not exactly fighting friends off with a stick," he commented. "Astrid…is a remarkable person. She doesn't care that I'm nerdy and skinny and clumsy because I can talk to her. And she can talk to me…all those things she couldn't tell a mother, of course…" And then he sighed. "I don't mean her any harm."

"Then why are you hiding at the back?" Ingrid pressed on. He sagged.

"Because she has an official boyfriend," he began.

"Who isn't here," Ingrid pointed out. He nodded.

"As you pointed out, who isn't here," Hiccup sighed. "But my being seen anywhere near her would cause complications. For her. And for Erik who she…likes. Just not like that." Ingrid stared. "Mrs Hofferson, I can honestly say that I do not mean Astrid any harm and I would chew my arm off if I could spend any more time with her! So even though I like her, I am happy to skulk at the back just to be here for her because I don't want anyone from school to see us and cause her any complications."

Ingrid sighed. And then she nodded.

"Your father is a decent, honourable man and I can see you are his son," she said, glancing up to see Astrid emerge from the changing rooms, still clutching her trophy. "All I ask is that you don't hurt her."

"I promise," he said quietly and then smiled at Astrid as she bounced to their side. She slid her arm through his.

"That looked serious," she commented lightly and Hiccup nodded.

"I was being given the old Hofferson 'don't hurt my daughter if you like your kneecaps' talk," he quipped. "I believe it's a right of passage for any male friend of a beautiful woman in your family."

"Mom…" Astrid growled but her mother grinned.

"Permit me to be protective of my only child…while you are still a child," she said softly. "Hiccup is the only guy you've ever brought home so obviously I'm going to be suspicious of his motives." She paused. "I think you picked a good one." Both teens blushed fiercely.

"And now I am convinced that embarrassment is a fatal disease!" Hiccup groaned. Astrid sighed.

"I'm with you in that," she grumbled. "Mom-can we go now before I starve to death and die of embarrassment both at once!" Grinning, Ingrid kissed her cheek.

"I'm very proud of you," she said. "Now let's eat."

After the meal, Ingrid almost adopted Hiccup, making sure he was fed and that there was someone at home for him when he left the Hofferson home. When she discovered that he was going to be alone for Thanksgiving, she invited him and sent Astrid round to collect him when he quietly declined. Her turning up in her leathers on her motorbike 'Stormfly' at his door had his jaw dropping in shock and he had been speechless as she walked in, insisting he gather his things to stay with them. She could sense his hurt and dismay as he was alone on the holiday and her heart broke a little at his withdrawn expression. So she hugged him, kissed his cheek and helped him pack an overnight bag so he could stay with them. And as they sped back home with his lean shape pressed against her back, something just felt right.

He had been apologetic and embarrassed that he had needed to be rescued by them and he had been quiet and withdrawn…until Astrid could stand it no more. She had made him join in a raucous game of Monopoly and an equally fiercely-fought game of scrabble that Hiccup had won in the last round by using up all his letters in one final flourish and finally, he had smiled. They had teased the story out of him: that his father had been delayed on a business trip to Europe and Gobber had been out of town leaving Hiccup all alone. And he had been too ashamed and hurt to call anyone because he hadn't ever felt so abandoned and unhappy before. But an evening of Hofferson hospitality and curling up in their spare bedroom had restored his grin. Watching him carefully, Astrid felt her heart clench in sympathy. Hiccup was a brave and sassy young man but he felt his isolation and Astrid felt her temper rise at his father for leaving him alone on the holidays. She swore to herself she would never leave him alone again.

So she had made sure he spent some time with her each week, doing homework and just hanging and she found herself looking more and more forward to spending time with him. He attended all her tournaments and was her staunchest cheerleader-for all that he always sat right at the back in his disguise. Thankfully, Stoick was back for Christmas and Hiccup spent his time with his father and Gobber, allowing him to feel part of his family. But when Stoick was away over the New Year, Astrid hadn't hesitated to ask him to spend the New Year break with her. And celebrating the New Year with her not-boyfriend had been the best that she had felt since her father had walked out five years earlier.

Hiccup continued to be bullied, though he was starting to shoot up in height. Astrid was teaching him a few kickboxing moves-for self defence-though he never attempted any when he was being picked upon. It both infuriated her and made her proud of him, for facing his challenges with courage and forbearance. And in return, he helped her with her English class and they supported each other through AP Math. But in truth, Hiccup was soaring along with an easy straight A average and his support had pulled Astrid towards an overall A as well.

But he had become more twitchy as the date for Senior Prom approached. He wondered how Astrid felt about going to Senior Prom with a guy who was only using her to hide the fact he was gay. The fact that she was sacrificing her Senior Prom for someone who didn't even have the decency to act like a friend, let alone a boyfriend at any other time rankled him as little else did. Astrid was worth so much more than that and it hurt Hiccup to see her imagine she wasn't. He couldn't lie and say he hadn't imagined being at the Prom at her side but he knew his presence would cause her too much grief…and him, he mentally added with chagrin. His Dad was away that whole day-spending time with Gobber-and Hiccup was grateful for the space so he could stew on his own. Astrid had sent him a picture of her in her glorious azure floor length gown, her golden locks free over her shoulders and his heart had almost stopped…while an unfamiliar curl of jealousy had run through him. Erik, that undeserving coward, would get to stand by her side and have his picture taken for Senior Prom with Astrid Hofferson. Hiccup would have given his other leg for the privilege but Erik wouldn't even value the precious gift he was squandering. He just hoped that Astrid would have a good time.

He was dozing in front of the television when he heard a knock on the door and when he opened it, he found a distressed Astrid standing there. Her hair was slightly dishevelled and her mascara had run. She chewed her lip as she twisted her hands together.

"Can-can I come in?" she asked in a small, broken voice. Immediately he surged forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug and felt her break, her face burying into his shoulder and her body shaking with sobs. He squeezed her tighter, nuzzling her hair.

"It's okay," he whispered gently, not caring she was soaking his shoulder or that he was standing on the front porch in his shorts and a tee-shirt, his prosthetic leg in full view for the first time ever. He was very self-conscious about his prosthetic leg and only wore shorts when he was sure he was home for the night. But with Astrid so distraught, it suddenly didn't matter. Only Astrid mattered. "I'm here for you. I'm always here for you."

"I've been a fool," she whispered, her voice thick with misery and a little betrayal. "I-I have done everything I promised for him to make sure he fitted in and got along with all his friends…and this was my Senior Prom. And I shouldn't care because I-I always told myself I didn't care about this nonsense but as soon as we arrived and had our photos taken, he left me and went off to spend time…" Her face twisted in a snarl. "I'm not homophobic but I never expected it to hurt so much when I felt everyone's eyes on me. And they were pitying me. Pitying Astrid Hofferson! Like I couldn't keep a man. Like I was so ugly that I had to go out with a guy who was gay for my Prom Date. And I knew…I knew I should have been there with you. And I am so sorry, Hiccup. You should have been there with me!"

He gently steered her inside and closed the door, allowing her to hug him tighter once more.

"It's okay," he soothed her, feeling her sobs slowly die down and her body harden in his arms. Then she finally lifted her head and pulled back a little. He let her go.

"Sorry," she mumbled but he looked into her eyes, seeing them red-rimmed but still stunning. And that small flash of vulnerability just made him want to protect her-even though he knew that she was probably far more capable of protecting him.

"Why?" he asked her simply. "You're a human being, Astrid. You have been a very good friend to Erik who has used you so he could look like the perfect School Football Star with the looks, the success on the field and the beautiful girlfriend. Always hiding what he is. Too cowardly to admit who he is. And instead, he has used you. He's not even been much of a friend-when has he come over or supported you in your interests? And now, at the only Senior Prom you ever get, he's basically abandoned you!"

He hadn't realised but he was walking back and forth in the hallway, arms whirling and eyes flashing. And he was angry, angry that Erik, the perfect School Football player, had upset Astrid, stolen her chance of a good Prom and also wrecked Hiccup's chance of being her boyfriend. She rested back against the wall, her hands flat on the wall beside her.

"It's okay," she said defeatedly. "It's not like I really cared…"

Yes, you did. Very much.

In a second, he was at her side, taking her hand, a thought sparkling through his brain.

"You know," he said. "I've not really eaten. I can order a pizza and we can maybe…spend a little time together? Would that help?" She smiled then, nodding and she allowed herself to be led into the main living room, a wide white-walled room with a large TV, a huge dark wood fireplace and a horseshoe of brown leather couches. There was a large green and white rug on the floor and the mantle was decorated with candles, just as Hiccup's dead mother loved. A heavy teak bookcase against the right hand wall was laden with books and family pictures and Astrid peered at them.

"You've changed these around," she murmured and he nodded, swiftly lighting the candles.

"I went through our family albums and found some more pictures of Mom and Dad," he admitted. "And I've been scanning them in as well…just in case." He shrugged. "Generally, good things don't tend to happen to me." She swatted him across the shoulder. "Case in point. OW!"

"Muttonhead," she scolded him. "I'm here, aren't I?" Then he smiled.

"You want a Sven's Special from the Viking Pizza place?" he asked and she nodded.

"Sure," she sighed. Taking a deep breath, he walked to her side.

"I'm going to order the pizza and change. Help yourself to a cola-you know where they are? I'll be down in a minute. Is that okay?" She nodded absently.

"I'll be fine," she sighed and watched him sprint up the stairs, turning to look at the pictures more closely. She could see him growing up through the years, a runt compared to his tall and impressive parents. It was very clear that his parents were very much in love and intensely devoted to their only child. It hurt her heart that such happiness was ripped apart when some selfish idiot decided to spend an afternoon getting wasted and then clambered into the cabin of an eighteen wheeler truck. Hiccup had lost a parent through no fault of his own as well as suffering injuries that worsened his life yet he had remained optimistic and generous while she had become angry and hard after her father walked out. But their shared losses had bonded them quicker than she could have imagined.

And then she sighed. Hiccup had castigated Erik for being a coward but she was just as craven. It had been on her insistence that they hide their friendship and he had been good enough to hide it. And while there was the issue of Erik's friends blaming her-and him-for 'betraying' Erik, she knew part of it was because she was Astrid Hofferson, badass Valkyrie and flaunting a friendship with outcast one-legged nerd Hiccup Haddock would have ruined her image.

She blinked and walked to look into the mirror over the fire. The girl looking back to her was pretty-in a slightly dishevelled, having-run-away-from-Senior-Prom sort of way, her golden hair in need of a comb and her mascara a disaster. And she looked sad and alone…

She spun, for there was a movement behind her. Hiccup had reappeared, his hair mildly tamed and combed and he was wearing a white shirt, a red tie and black pants and shoes. Over the year, he had gained about three inches and his hair had thickened and darkened a little. The roundness of his cheeks was also vanishing and he was looking more adult finally-and more handsome. And as he stood opposite her, dressed up to meet her, she felt her heart flutter. He extended his hand.

"Milady, would you do me the honour of dancing with me?" he asked her, thumbing a suitably slow song to play on his phone. She ran her fingers through her hair and smiled, walking forward, taking his hand.

"I-I would be delighted," she said, though there was a lump in her throat. She sniffed. "Why?"

"Because everyone should get one dance at their Senior Prom," he told her softly. "And I guess you didn't get one?" She looked up into his eyes and rested her hands onto his shoulders as he rested his hands gently onto her slender waist.

"Nope-Erik was dancing with his 'friend' and when he was voted Prom King, he danced with Lyla frickin' Mortensen!" she snapped. "But he never danced with me. So I walked up to him and punched the selfish bastard in the face. And then flattened his three Football friends who had the damned nerve to protest. And poured the punch over him. And kicked him in the…assets. And then I left."

Hiccup's eyes widened. "Wow," he commented. "Remind me never to get on your wrong side!" She chuckled.

"I think I may have cemented my reputation as a badass," she sighed. "Though the only other time I'll see these morons is at Graduation."

"You know it's not Prom unless something happens they'll be recollecting in ten years time," he told her, gently swaying to the music and steering her across the carpet.

"Well, if I meet any of them in ten years, they'll probably run away in terror!" she reminded him, smiling.

"There she is," he sighed gently. "The Valkyrie I know and love…" And then he went pale and stiffened. "Sorry," he whispered and pulled away. "I've gone and ruined it." His face was stricken and she realised that her heart had lurched at the words. He hung his head, turning away. "Sorry," he repeated, all his confidence evaporated in an instant-but without thinking, she grabbed his hand and pulled him back.

"Hiccup," she said sternly. "Did you just say you loved me?" He gulped.

"Yeah," he sighed. "Sorry. I think I've ruined it and I know that was the wrong time and we're only supposed to be friends and not anything more and…"

"Hiccup! STOP!" she snapped, taking his other hand and forcing him to face her. He nodded.

"Sorry," he murmured. She quietly lifted her hand and pressed it against his cheek.

"Hiccup,' she sighed. "You are my best friend. My only real friend, the only person I can say anything to. You've been here all through this year and I have been such a coward. I should have fought for you, fought to be with you instead of just going along with a selfish ass…"

"…who now has a broken nose," he mumbled.

"…and you have made me a mini Prom here in like ten minutes," she continued, staring into his ashamed emerald eyes. "You have given me my only ever Prom dance. And what you just said…no one has ever said that to me." Then she lunged forward and slammed her lips into his. He stiffened for half a second before he pressed his hands to her cheeks and kissed her back. It was only for a few seconds but when she pulled away, his eyes were half-lidded and he looked as if he had stopped breathing completely.

"Wow," he mouthed. She chewed her lip.

"I think I love you too," she murmured. He started.

"Um…really?" he mumbled. "You-you don't have to. I mean, my Dad probably doesn't much and Gobber is my godfather and Mom died so you don't have to…"

"I do,' she told him more firmly, seeing his emerald eyes widen. "Everyone deserves to be loved."

"So do you," he told her quietly. "And you don't deserve to be used and abused by some ass. You helped him out and he treated you like dirt…"

"And then I kicked him in the assets," she concluded.

"Ouch." He winced in sympathy.

"Don't you side with him," she warned him.

"I don't," he replied quickly. "I would have punched him myself for how he treated you." His eyes glittered with anger. She leaned forward and kissed him again, sinking her fingers into his soft, auburn hair. His lips moved inexpertly against hers and she felt herself smiling against his lips when the doorbell rang. Both teens leapt apart guiltily-and then burst out laughing.

"That would be the pizza,' Hiccup said, gesturing to the door. "I'll just go and fetch it…I mean…yeah…" And he scuttled to the door, his face flushed red. Astrid pressed her fingers to her lips and gave a small smile, which broadened as he reappeared with a giant Viking Special Pizza box in his arms. "What?"

"I was just thinking that I have smiled and done more Prom things here than at the actual Prom," she told him as he rested the box on the coffee table. He looked up and gently rested his hands on her waist.

"I'm sorry," he told her honestly. "But I'm not sorry you're here."

"Nor am I," she whispered as they swayed to the next song. She rested her head on his shoulder and they gently moved to the beat. "Hiccup-there is no one I would rather be with here."

"Lucky as it's my home," he replied automatically. "Otherwise, that would be extremely weird…" She chuckled.

"Very serious," she told him, tightening her hands on his shoulders. "I'm trying to be serious. Because I should apologise. I should have fought to be your friend. You wouldn't have had to be bullied by Thuggory and his friends if you were my boyfriend…"

"Yup. I'm a damsel in distress," he sassed gently, inspecting her face.

"Hush, you," she told him with a smile. "I'm sorry." He rested his hand against her cheek.

"You're here, aren't you?" he whispered. "And there's nothing to forgive." he kissed her again and then smiled. "Now do you fancy pizza and a movie?" She nodded and then pulled out her phone.

"One more thing," she whispered and set the phone up on the timer. "My proper Prom photo." And she kissed him once more.