Chapter: Winter with Jack Redux
"Well, it's not as bad as I thought it would be." Jack said.
"I suppose." Hiccup replied.
After much deliberation, advice from North, and support from his friends, Jack finally decided to have his birthday party. At first he thought he might keep it small, but quickly changed his mind. The guest list was originally down to five, but inviting Rapunzel meant inviting Elsa and Anna… then he remembered he had invited Eilonwy…which meant he invited Taran…who was a teammate, and it would have looked weird if he didn't invite the team…and inviting them meant inviting their girlfriends…and their friends…not to mention his friends from 's…
And now, Jack found himself on a yacht on the harbor. The two-floor boat was a rental, courtesy of the Arendelle family. While most of his friends where inside, Jack was taking a moment to recuperate alone. The sun had long since set, and the air was chilly. The heavy bass of a trance song vibrated through the boat. He could hear his guests laughing, dancing, and screaming. He sighed, breath hitching at the sound of the glass door sliding open. 'Another guest, another fake smile.'
"It's just me."
Jack relaxed, leaning on the railing. "Hey adorable."
"Hey yourself." Hiccup replied, sipping punch from a plastic cup. "Oh darn…Punch is spiked again…"
Jack took the cup, dropping its contents into the ocean. "Glad to know everyone is having a good time."
Hiccup laughed, shaking his head. "Don't worry. Between Tooth and Elsa, it'll get sorted out."
" .Ever!" Anna declared, wobbling in front of Rapunzel and Merida.
"I reckon you've had the punch?" Merida asked.
"Ugh, not again." Elsa steadied her sister and shook her head. "I'm on it."
As Jim walked towards them carrying three cups of punch, Elsa snatched the drinks away and continued towards the refreshment table.
"Where's Hiccup?" Jim asked.
"He went to find Jack." Rapunzel replied. "This is some party he's got going, huh?"
"Aye." Merida nodded. "It's got everythin' in it but Jack."
"I think Jack disappeared last year too." Rapunzel thought back. "I mean, I wasn't at his party for long though. I get the feeling this isn't the party he really wanted."
Jim watched the crowd. "It does seem like a bit much."
"I don't even know most of these people." Merida alleged.
"Huh?" Rapunzel blinked.
"If the party is too much, and the crowd is too big, then let's get it shut down!"
Just as Jack was being coaxed back into the party, the yacht was suddenly heading back to the dock.
"What's going on?" Jack asked, squinting in the dark.
"Dunno…Wait, what's that stuff on the dock?"
The 'stuff' on the dock turned out to be multiple food deliveries, strippers, and uninvited party guests. By the time they reached shore, 3 fights had broken out, and the karaoke machine had mysteriously vanished. After a definitive amount of time at the police station, Jack and a much smaller amount of his party guests retreated back to Hotel Tartakovsky, and ordered food from Tiana's.
It was as memorable of a birthday as Jack could want.
If only Elsa could be as happy about hers.
The following month, Anna threw a surprise birthday party thrown for her sister.
And due to a blizzard, the Arendelles and all 300 of their guests were trapped inside for 3 days.
None of Rapunzel's friends could make it, as weather conditions kept them from traveling. Instead, Rapunzel gave Hiccup a play-by-play over the phone as she watched the madness unfold.
The first night, right before the guests were snowed in, Anna made a declaration that caused a three day fight.
"Hiccup-Hiccup-Are you there!?"
"Yeah? How's the party?"
"Okay, okay you will not believe what just happened!"
"Okay...Slow down Rapunzel. What's wrong?"
"Anna and Hans want to get married!"
"No way..." Marriage was a nice thought to Hiccup. Just not while someone was still in high school.
"But Elsa said no!"
"Ah." Hiccup plopped onto the couch. "That sounds like her."
"She said, and I quote: You can't marry a man you just met. And Anna was like, we've been dating for months! To which Elsa replied: it hasn't even been half a year. You're practically strangers."
"Well, she's kinda got a point there..."
"What!?"
"Well...They barely know each other."
"You're taking Elsa's side?"
"I'm just saying you have to spend time with someone. Like, a lot of time."
"It's not about time! It's about having a connection...I'll have you know that there are people out there who get married after a day, Hiccup! A day! And they spend the rest of their lives together!"
"Are you talking about Dharma and Greg?"
"No...B-But! You haven't known Jack that long either!"
"But we aren't getting married right now!"
"Are you saying if Jack asked you to marry him, you would say no?"
Hiccup nearly dropped the phone. "That's..."
"Would you?"
Now there was a loaded question. Hiccup liked Jack. He liked Jack a lot. A lot. But he hadn't even told him he loved him back...
"Hiccup?"
"..."
"Hiccup?"
"..."
"Are you still there?"
"Hiccup?"
"Huh?"
"I said let's move on to stretches." Guy repeated.
"Oh, okay." Hiccup braced himself against the wall. Rapunzel had given Hiccup a lot to think about. Even though it felt as if he had known Jack forever, he hadn't. There was plenty more to learn about Jackson Overland, and Hiccup wasn't exactly a open book.
Spring break was approaching, prompting Hiccup to plan ahead. Burgess's winters were no where near as dangerous as Berk's which meant Hiccup would probably be staying inside until March. And if he was lucky, he'd be staying in with his boyfriend. Not that he thought much talking would occur, but it was a step in the right direction.
His efforts started with inviting Jack to Berk. Things didn't go as planned, but Hiccup decided to try harder, starting with a home visit. Much to Hiccup's surprise, He realized he had never been inside Jack's home before. Jack had left work early prompting Hiccup to suggest that they meetup. Burgess was in for a blizzard, so Hiccup suggested they met at Jack's as it would mean that he a) could get a ride home, b) be stranded at the Overland house overnight if travel was bad and c) Be away from his father's watchful eye.
And he got his wish. The Overlands lived in a loft, next door to the Tartakovsky Hotel. Jack answered the door looking disheveled, as going to practice and work back-to-back made him miserable. He stepped back, letting Hiccup in. The doorway opened to reveal a short hallway, coat rack, and a umbrella bin. Several pairs of shoes were lined up against the wall. Jack wordlessly disappeared down the hall as Hiccup removed his coat, scarf and boots. The heated floor panels were a nice touch, helping the cold melt away from Hiccup.
"Jack?"
Hiccup walked down the hall until it lead him to a wide opening, and a spacious living room. Jack sat on a long black leather couch, knees propped up to his chest. The 'wall' to his left was a ceiling to floor window, showing the downtown area. Hiccup gravitated to the window first, looking below. "You've got a really nice view."
Jack watched him from the corner of hill eye. There was something unnerving about seeing Hiccup standing in front a sheet of glass. He stood, barefeet hitting white carpet, and walked over to where Hiccup stood. He grabbed Hiccup from behind, leaning his chin against the back of Hiccup's head. Hiccup rested his hands on Jack's watching as snow flurries fell below. He sighed and Jack began to assault his neck with kisses. And Jack couldn't help it. There was just something extremely inviting about v-neck sweaters...
Hiccup pushed Jack's hands away. They were straying away from talking again. He turned, undoing Jack's embrace. His eyes fell on a photograph. 'There! '
"Is that you ?"
"Hm?" Jack stuck his hands in his pockets. He followed Hiccup's line of sight to a collection of framed photographs. "No, that one is Aster."
"Aster?"
Jack shifted on his feet back and forth, as if the topic made him uncomfortable. "Aster is a guy North...mentored? Its hard to describe, but he was kind of like the son never had..." Jack shrugged. "Before he adopted me. He moved away ages ago, but he shows up around the holidays sometimes."
"You never mentioned him before."
"I suppose not."
Hiccup turned away, causing Jack to walk towards him again. Hiccup sat on the couch, eyes moving to the tv mounted on the wall. The wind howled outside. Jack turned at the sound of it. He pressed a switch on the wall, and a heavy wine colored curtain pulled itself in front of the window, dimming the amount of light.
Hiccup swallowed hard. They were entering dangerous territory again.
"I-Is North here?"
"No." Jack crossed the room, taking a seat next to Hiccup. "He won't be back for a few hours." The grin following that statement was far from innocent.
'Asgard to Hiccup! Come in Hiccup! Give him a conversation topic!' He looked at the screen. A action flick was playing.
"What was your favorite movie as a kid?"
Jack eyed him curiously. He leaned back, eyes on the screen.
Hiccup watched him, waiting for answer.
"Promise you won't laugh." Jack said, looking serious.
Hiccup nodded. "I won't."
"If anyone else asked, I'd say Robocop." Jack began playing with his hair. "But since you asked, its The Brave Little Toaster. "
Hiccup was quiet. Out of all movies, he definitely didn't expect Jack to name that one.
Jack was looking at the tv, but his gaze appeared to be set on the past. "When I lived at the home, they had this collection of video tapes they would play over and over. I don't know why I liked it so much, but every time they put the tape in, I would sit and watch."
Jack had pulled his knees up to his chest again. He tilted his head to look at Hiccup.
"Well?"
"Huh? What is that? "
"I'm not going to do all the sharing here. What was your favorite movie?"
Hiccup rubbed his arm. "Hm..." 'Can't chicken out now.'
"Princess Bride." He admitted, looking away.
Jack cracked a smile. "Really?"
Hiccup nodded, cheeks reddening. "I dunno. I spent my whole childhood training to be like my Dad. I played a lot sports and different fighting techniques...But I wasn't happy unless I was reading fairy tales or watching fantasy epics. And Berk's elders had plenty of Norse tales to tell me."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Fighting techniques? "
Hiccup nodded. "Like some judo, or boxing...Stuff that was less about size and more about finesse. I was born small, hence the name Hiccup, so I had to prove myself worthy of the Haddock name."
Jack remembered hearing something similar before. "Sounds annoying but still pretty cool. I never learned anything that great."
"You had to learn something? Besides school stuff, I mean."
"When your underprivileged everyone wants to make sure you're 'cultured". So I learned how to play the piano...And of course, there were the dance classes. "
"Dance classes? "
"Yep. Ballroom dancing. Because of all the skills to prepare you for life, you need Ballroom dance. Don't ask me about mortgages or taxes, but I can show you the waltz."
Hiccup chuckled, unable to stop himself. "Pfft. Sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sure it was...horrible."
"Laugh all you want, the ladies love a guy that can dance."
"Right. How's that working for you lately?"
"Not so great." Jack admitted. "But I have plenty of other tricks."
Hiccup never got to find what they were that day (as North appeared before Jack could drag Hiccup further into the apartment), but once February rolled around, he was sucked into an event that would disrupt the peace of Burgess.
It was The Great Dance Debate of 2015.
"Do you want to go to the dance with me?"
It was an innocent question. Jack had spent his time as a highschooler going to dances. A school dance was just another party to a guy like him. He was expected to be there, and so was his latest attachment.
"No, not really." Was the response he received.
It was puzzling. The question was actually rhetorical...like a formality in common dating practices. Jack was supposed to ask, and Hiccup was supposed to agree. But that wasn't what happened.
"Why not?"
They sat at their usual lunch table. The period was almost over, and the topic of the dance had just been brought up as Tooth put up a poster.
The din of chatty teenagers almost died down completely after Hiccup's reply.
Jack wanted a reason, and Hiccup was happy to give it to him.
"Because I don't want to."
"But...why?"
"Is it 'cause of what happened last year?" Eilonwy asked.
Hiccup blinked twice. He had forgotten all about the last dance. "No."
The bell rang, ending the period, but not the conversation.
"Jack seemed a little ticked." Jim said after they had split ways.
"He's used to getting his way." Merida replied.
"I can understand why he's surprised though."
"Really?" Merida laughed. "Why? Does Hiccup strike you as the dancin' type?"
"No, but he is Jack's boyfriend, and Jack's like...the party king. It's expected."
"So Hiccup is just supposed to do whatever Jack wants?"
Jim frowned. "That's not what I'm saying."
"That's what it sounds like."
Elsewhere, Eilonwy and Taran were having their own conversation.
" I just don't get why Hiccup said no." Eilonwy said, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
"It doesn't matter." Taran replied. "They're both guys.I doubt the school will allow them to go together."
"What!?"
"Back when Hiccup first got out off the hospital, Captain Shang had said the principal wanted us to keep a tight lip about his relationship with Jack. If a reporter asked, you had to say they were friends and nothing else."
Eilonwy, surprised that such a thing had occurred decided to bring up the topic in Ethics class.
"Miss, is it true that samesex couples can't go to the dance together?"
Quite a few eyes fell on Hiccup. He could feel his cheeks burning. Did they have to stare? It wasn't like Hiccup and Jack were the only same sex couple in school...
"Ms. Eilonwy, what does that question have to do with the banishment of Tibetan monks?"
Eilonwy had a rebuttal. "Infringement of rights...Like... China shouldn't tell Tibetan people what to believe in, and the school board can't tell students what to do, right?"
Hiccup kept his eyes in the desk. He could hear the hushed voices of his fellow students.
"Is it true?"
"I bet Hiccup told her to ask that."
"He's such an attention hog..."
"Well, since you asked Ms. Eilonwy, yes." The teacher replied. "Individuals who run the school's dance committee do technically have the right to turn away students who don't meet certain...criteria."
Hiccup flinched. It was one thing if he wanted to stay home, it was another if he was told he could not attend.
The voices grew louder.
"Woooooow."
"So?"
"No one wants to see two dudes dancing anyway!"
Hiccup knew that voice. It was one of Jack's teammates.
The chatter continued to grow in volume and Hiccup decided to raise his hand.
"C-Can we get back to talking about something important? Y'know, like Tibetan monks..."
Once class was over Hiccup wished he could run away. With his legs wobbling he could only muster a quick trot.
He came across Merida and Jack in the hall.
Merida's face was full of concern. "Are you alright, Heccup? I got a text about what happened in class."
"What happened? "
Hiccup adjusted his backpack. "Its nothing. Let's just get to class."
It wasn't 'nothing' as the exchange spread from classroom to classroom, until finally-
"Hiccup Haddock, please report to the guidance counselor's office."
At this time of year, senior students were often called to the office to choose their final classes and future goals. But Hiccup was not called in for that.
"Do you feel that you're being treated unfairly Mr. Haddock? "
"No."
"Have you experienced bullying from your peers?"
"...N-No. Not really. Is this about my schedule choices?"
"As a representative of this school, I hope you understand that Burgess High students are asked to watch their behavior."
"What are you saying?"
"What I'm saying, Mr. Haddock, that this school as a age, and we don't want it tarnished."
Hiccup's eyes narrowed. "You're kidding, right? Don't tell me this has to do with the dance."
"I just want to negotiate with you, Hiccup. There have a been a few phone calls-"
"I didn't-It was yesterday!"
"Several parents are concerned-"
"Concerned about what!? Concerned my homosexual tendencies might spread via dancing? Are you serious?"
"Mr. Haddock, I'm not saying you can't attend. I've just been asked to negotiate with you."
"I don't want to hear it!" Hiccup rose quickly and steadied himself.
"This is insane. I-I'm getting out of here."
While Hiccup couldn't exactly storm out, he made his exit as swift as possible. He almost walked straight into Jack, who had been standing outside the office.
"Hiccup? They called you down here too?"
"We need to talk."
"That's the dumbest thing I ever heard!"
"I know..."
"I bet Jack was pissed."
"He was."
"And Merida too!"
"She definitely was..."
"Hiccup? Is it just me or are you not as upset as you should be?"
Hiccup rolled over, adjusted the phone in his hand. He had retreated to his room after school and had no intention of leaving it until June.
"I was mad at first. Rapunzel. Then I thought about it. Why should I fight to be apart of something I didn't care about in the first place?"
"But Hiccup, it's your right as a student to go to the dance with anyone you want! Doesn't it bother you that its being taken from you?"
"Of course it bothers me. You should've seen the look on Jack's face when I told him. Like he was heartbroken..." He sighed. "I had no idea the school was so...backwards."
Meanwhile, Jack was grudgingly fixing up displays in the men's section. It was past four, and the crowd was thinning out, so no one approached him. He was grateful for the quiet. Had Hiccup not begged him not to, he would've marched right into the principal's office. Once again, he was unaware that he was being watched. Pitch was leering from a corner with fascination. What had that handicapped fool done now?
"I heard what happened."
He turned. Mavis stood there, looking sympathetic.
"Oh...Hi."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"...I just...I don't get it! What's the big deal!?"
"Some people are just jerks, Jack. I remember when we went to the dance together in the eighth grade? They didn't want to let me in because I was wearing all black..."
"I remember. We wound up dancing in the parking lot, and taking out the air in Mrs. Grundy's tires." He stopped fixing the display. "Hiccup said no when I asked him, y'know."
"Sounds like him."
"I guess..."
"I may not have talked to Hiccup often. but I think it's kind of obvious he's not the school-dance type."
Jack knew that Hiccup wasn't as outgoing as him, but he also knew that life was short, and he had every intention of dragging Hiccup around until he enjoyed life as much as Jack did. If only Jack didn't have a mini heart attack every time Hiccup tripped...
Pitch sighed. 'Hiccup this, Hiccup that. And the theme of the week is...A school dance? Oh the drama! I think I liked it better when he was with the morbid girl.'
Hiccup avoided any contact with Jack for the rest of the day, which scared Jack. He figured it would be best to give Hiccup a little space, considering he looked like he would cry. Which made Jack want to punch something.
He was happy to see that Hiccup was willing to talk the following morning.
Hiccup took his usual place in the passenger seat. He glanced back at the empty seat. "So...Where's Merida?"
"Driving with her parents apparently." Jack replied. He paused before starting the car. "Are you okay?"
Hiccup looked out the window. "...I'm supposed to say I'm fine. I'm used to saying that, but I'm not." His eyes began to water, blurring his vision. "It's just a dance. I don't even know why it bothers me so much!" He wiped his face with the back of his hand. Jack wrapped his arm around him.
"I'm sorry Hic. I'm sorry. "
"We don't have to go back." Jack said, smoothing down his hair.
Soon Hiccup's chest was heaving and the tear wouldn't stop. It wasn't that easy. Was he going to run away every time something like happened?
"No..." Hiccup rubbed his eyes. "That's not going to solve anything. I have to do this. Let's get to school."
"I looked it up!" Rapunzel said, taking her seat at the table. She was back in town for a weekend. "The school can't tell you who to bring to the dance!"
Hiccup looked up from his menu. "Are we still talking about this?"
Two days had passed since the original argument in Ethics class, and Hiccup couldn't be happier it was the weekend. Here in the dimly lit jazzy den that was Tiana's Place, he could relax. If only his friends would let him.
Jack entered the restaurant with Merida after practice. He found Hiccup and Rapunzel arguing over a plate of Beignets. He took his seat next to Hiccup, dropping his bag on the floor.
"Are you okay Jack?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, you look worse than usual."
Jack nearly jumped out of his chair. He whipped his head around, staring at the next table's occupant. "Emperor Kuzco!?"
"The one and only." Kuzco said.
Jack was sure he looked a mess, and could only hope Kuzco wasn't on his way to St. North's. "I didn't see you there. You look different without your...entourage."
"I'm traveling incognito-like...Sampling food at every Tiana's in the states."
Jack nodded. "I-I see."
"What's this look? Soccer grunge?"
"I'm on my school's lacrosse team."
"Uh-huh. So what's with this dance?"
Jack reluctantly explained what happened, somewhat sure what he was saying would go in one ear and back out the other. Instead, he got a valid response.
"That's like, really lame. Throw your own dance."
"That's a great idea!" Rapunzel exclaimed.
"Aye, if y'could." Merida said. "Where and how would y' have such a thing?"
"I'm thinking a yacht." Kuzco said. "With pirates. We can cruise to the bay of Biscay. Bissssscay." Kuzo stroked his chin. "Yeah...That sounds good."
"Not to burst your bubble...Your majesty." Jack began. "But we common high school kids can't get a yacht...Or get to Biscay bay."
Kuzco snorted. "As if you kiddies could. I'm on a good deed kick. I say we do it whenever this dance is supposed to happen."
Jack stared at Kuzco as if he had turned into a llama. What happened to the selfish, egotistical Emperor he was so used to dealing with? He waited for a punchline, or a laugh.
"Okay. I know, I know. I'm amazing." Kuzco sighed before taking a selfie. He uploaded the picture, adding a caption. "Hanging at Tiana's Place number twelve..Still...Loving...Beignets."
Rapunzel squealed. "A dance on a yacht? With pirates?!"
Merida checked her mental map. "Wait...Bay of Biscay? Where is that?"
Jack looked at Hiccup, who was staring at Kuzco as if he were, well...a llama.
"Can you excuse us for just a second?" Jack said, grabbing Hiccup's hand. He lead him towards the kitchen.
"We don't have to go with him if you don't want to." He said, nervous. It was surprising that Hiccup even wanted to go to school the previous day. He didn't want to pressure him any further. From what Taran and Eilonwy told him, Hiccup was currently the center of attention...and for all the wrong reasons.
Hiccup could tell Jack was treading on eggshells with him. They hadn't talked much after Hiccup's crying fit in the car. Jack already thought he was physically fragile. He didn't want him to think he was a emotional wreck too.
"I'm fine." He had to be stronger. "Besides, we just got invited to a party. By an emperor. I think a school dance pales in comparison."
Jack breathed a sigh of relief.
"But that doesn't mean we're letting the school off the hook." Hiccup crossed his arms. "I highly doubt we're the only ones who can't go to that dance together. And we're going to change that."