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Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

PROLOGUE

[Berk, Thirteen Years Ago]

In the quiet neighborhood of Berk, two young children played in the backyard of their neighboring houses. Astrid, a fearless and adventurous girl with golden hair, held a plastic sword high above her head.

"Roar! I'm a dragon! Fear me!" she exclaimed, her imagination taking her on an epic adventure.

Hiccup, a slightly smaller boy with messy brown hair, giggled as he pretended to be a knight. "Thought that you're the princess, and I'm going to save you, Asty."

Astrid shook her head with determination. "I'm no damsel in distress, Hiccy. So come on and fight me."

Hiccup grinned mischievously. "If you wish." And with that, the two friends engaged in a playful battle, their laughter filling the air.

[Berk, Nine Years Ago]

Over the years, Astrid and Hiccup had become inseparable. They spent every waking moment together, laughing, playing, and sharing their dreams. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day.

"You are my best friend forever, Asty," Hiccup said, his eyes filled with sincerity.

Astrid smiled brightly. "Yes, you are mine too, Hiccy. No one can separate us apart forever."

"Promise?" Hiccup asked, extending his pinky finger.

Astrid hooked her pinky around his. "Promise!"

[Berk, Five Years Ago]

As they entered their early teens, Astrid and Hiccup faced new challenges, including the complexities of growing up. They found themselves in the same class at Berk Academy, and life seemed perfect until one fateful day.

A group of older students approached Astrid during a break between classes. "Hey! You friends with that wimp Harper 'Hiccup' Horrendous Haddock, right?" one of them sneered.

Astrid's eyes narrowed, feeling protective of her friend. "No, I am certainly not! Why should I be friends with him? He is puny and weak. He is useless. And those who are useless don't deserve friends."

The older students laughed mockingly before leaving Astrid alone. Unbeknownst to her, Hiccup had overheard the hurtful conversation from a distance.

Later that day, after the last class, Hiccup approached Astrid hesitantly, his heart heavy with sadness. "Hey, Astrid! How is my best friend doing?"

Astrid turned away, trying to hide the conflict within her heart. "Listen, Haddock, I don't want to be friends with you any longer."

Hiccup's eyes widened in shock. "Why? But you said and promised that we'll be friends, FOREVER."

Astrid's voice quivered as she struggled to maintain her resolve. "Because you are useless. I don't need a person like you in my life. Don't you ever show up to me anymore. Goodbye!"

Hiccup stood there, hurt and heartbroken, as he watched Astrid walk away without looking back. "Wait! Hear me out. I can change for you. Don't leave me. Please Astrid! ASTRID!" he called after her, his pleas echoing in the empty schoolyard.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

I

A FATEFUL REUNION

HARPER

THE MORNING SUN bathed the small town of Berk, signaling the start of another school day. Hiccup, or Harper as he was known by his real name, rubbed the sleep from his eyes and glanced at the clock. It was seven-thirty, just thirty minutes before the school bell would ring. In a rush, he hurriedly took a bath and fixed himself up, skipping breakfast to save time. Grabbing an energy bar, he dashed off to school.

Inside Berk High, Hiccup felt a familiar heaviness in his heart. It had been five years since Astrid, his once closest friend, had abandoned him for popularity. The pain of that loss still lingered, and life had become more challenging ever since. Bullies, led by Astrid's new friends Shaun (Snotlout), Riley (Ruffnut), and Tyler (Tuffnut), taunted him relentlessly. Despite now being a Junior, the torment hadn't ceased.

His homeroom was no exception to the cruelty. "Hey there, Hiccup the Useless!" Shaun, better known as Snotlout, taunted emphasizing the cruel nickname as he and his friends, Riley and Tyler, surrounded Hiccup in the school hallway.

Hiccup tried his best to brush off the bullying, focusing on the task at hand. "What do you want, Shaun?" he replied, his voice betraying a hint of irritation.

Snotlout smirked, "It's Snotlout for you, and nothing. I just want to make fun of you."

Tuffnut, who was standing beside Snotlout, chimed in, "Shut up, Tuff! He already looks funny because he's ugly and he's like a scarecrow."

Hiccup felt the weight of Astrid's absence. She used to be the one to stand up for him, but now she seemed to have joined their ranks. "Leave him alone, Tuffnut," he heard her voice echoing in his mind, but it offered little consolation. Hiccup knew he was on his own, and they knew it too.

When the final bell rang, Hiccup made his way home, shoulders slumped and heart heavy with the weight of the day's torment. As he stepped through the front door, his father greeted him with a warm smile, oblivious to the struggles his son faced at school.

"Hi there, Hiccup! How was school?" Stoick asked, genuinely interested.

Hiccup forced a smile, masking the pain he carried inside. "It's great, Dad. School's great."

"Glad to hear that, son," Stoick replied, ruffling Hiccup's hair affectionately.

"Okay, Dad. If you don't mind, I'm going to my room to change," Hiccup said, needing a moment of solitude.

Stoick nodded, not suspecting a thing. "Sure, take your time."

In the privacy of his room, Hiccup removed his long-sleeved shirt, revealing the painful bruises that marred his skin—a painful reminder of the relentless bullying he endured daily. His lanky, skinny frame had always made him an easy target for his tormentors.

Hiccup sighed, wishing he could find the strength to stand up to them or the courage to confide in his father about the truth. But fear and shame held him back, keeping his struggles hidden behind closed doors.

As the evening wore on, Hiccup did his best to keep his pain hidden, burying it beneath a facade of sarcasm and self-deprecating humor. He knew that someday, somehow, his life had to change. He yearned for the day when he wouldn't be known as "Hiccup the Useless" but as someone worthy of respect and understanding.

But for now, he kept his battles concealed, hoping for a better tomorrow.

oOo

ASTRID

MEANWHILE, IN ASTRID'S WORLD, life seemed to be falling apart. Summoned to the principal's office, she had no idea what awaited her.

"Good morning, sir. What is it that you have summoned me here for?" Astrid inquired.

"It's about your position in the varsity," Principal Sven began, "I'm sorry, but we have to remove you temporarily."

"What?! No! Please don't. I'm doing everything," Astrid pleaded, her heart sinking.

Her grades had slipped, and she no longer met the required standards. She had to be temporarily removed from the team unless she could improve her grades with the help of a tutor.

"But..." Astrid protested, feeling the weight of disappointment.

"No buts," Principal Sven firmly asserted. "The school will provide you a student tutor of your grade that will help you in your subject."

"Okay, sir. But who will be my tutor for the subject?"

"Harper Horrendous Haddock."

Astrid's heart sank even further at the mention of Hiccup's name. "What?! No! Anyone except him."

"No, Miss Hofferson. That's final. Harper will be your tutor starting from tomorrow."

As Astrid left the principal's office, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that she would have to face Hiccup again after five long years. The thought of dealing with him brought a mix of emotions and memories to the surface.

oOo

HARPER

THE FOLLOWING DAY at school, Principal Sven informed Hiccup about his tutoring duty with Astrid. Hiccup had initially refused, but the principal persuaded him, reminding him of his excellent grades in physics. Reluctantly, he accepted his "tutor thing" responsibility.

As the afternoon turned to evening, the library became the designated meeting place for the tutoring session. Hiccup arrived at five o'clock, a mixture of anxiety and anticipation brewing within him. He hoped that this encounter with Astrid would go smoothly.

oOo

ASTRID

AS THE CLOCK struck five, Astrid arrived at the library, waiting for Hiccup. Nervousness and regret churned inside her. She searched for a book to distract herself, but in her distracted state, she bumped into someone...

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

II

HER TUTOR

ASTRID

"HEY, WATCH YOUR STEP!" she warned as someone accidentally bumped into her.

"Oh, I'm very sorry," the person apologized.

Astrid looked up, and her irritation softened into surprise when she saw the person's face. He was tall and undeniably attractive, standing at least four inches taller than her, making him approximately 6'1". He had a mop of auburn hair, forest green eyes behind thick glasses, freckles sprinkled across his face, and a lean physique. For a moment, she found herself captivated by his appearance until he spoke, snapping her back to reality.

"Oh, Astrid. It is you. I've been waiting for you for the past fifteen minutes," he said.

Wait, does this man know me? Astrid thought, then quickly remembered her reputation. "What?! Waiting for me? Why? Do I know you?" she asked, trying to recall if they had any prior interactions.

"Yeah, I've been waiting for you because I'm your tutor," he replied with a knowing smile.

Her eyes widened in realization. "Yup. I know you are thinking if I am Harper Haddock or Hiccup, as everyone calls me, Ms. Hofferson," he said, as if he could read her mind.

Astrid's mind momentarily drifted off as she noticed how puberty had been kind to him, making him quite attractive. 'Oh, the good gods! Damn puberty is good to him. H-he is v-very h-hot! Wait a minute... Don't get distracted, Astrid,' she reminded herself.

"So, Miss Hofferson," he started, but she cut him off with her trademark bluntness.

"Listen up, Haddock boy, don't waste my time and start teaching me so I can get out of this stupid tutor program. And, by the way, I am forced to be here with you," she retorted.

"Yeah, as if I wanted you here with me. Hell, no! Principal Sven persuaded me to help you. So, what now? Let's start catching up for your Physics subject and get your C grades back to A," he said.

"Okay. Whatever," she grumbled, reluctantly accepting her fate.

The two of them settled at an empty table near the back of the library, where Astrid found a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere conducive to studying. Hiccup handed her a thick book titled 'MOTION IN FOCUS,' explaining that it contained all the necessary lessons and was the best resource to help her understand physics better.

"So, you've got your homework?" Hiccup asked.

"Yeah," Astrid replied, pulling out her assignments from her bag and handing them to him. She admitted to having a hard time with some problems, but as Hiccup began teaching, she found herself understanding the concepts better than she did with her regular teachers. He even provided her with shortcuts for solving certain problems, showcasing his intelligence as a consistent A student.

Surprisingly, she enjoyed the session, and after a 30-minute lecture, she had completed her homework with ease. "I'm done!" she proudly declared.

"May I see your work?" Hiccup asked, genuinely curious.

Astrid showed him her work, and he looked impressed. "You are a fast learner. No doubt, you've answered all of this correctly."

"Really?!" she beamed, her heart fluttering at the praise.

"Yes. Job well done, Astrid," he complimented her.

Blushing slightly, she managed to respond with a bashful "Thank you."

As Astrid made her way home, she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. She saw the caller ID showing the name of her close friend, Riley, and then she answered her phone.

"Hello Riley"

"It's Ruff to you sister. Anyway, Astrid, are you available tonight?"

"Why?" Astrid inquired.

"There's a party tonight at 7 PM at Hills Residence, Strike Avenue," Riley, or rather Ruff, informed her.

"Heather's?" Astrid asked, already considering the idea of attending the party.

"Yep."

"Okay, I'll go. Pick me up at 6. Bye."

"Bye, A. See 'ya later," Ruff said before they hung up.

Astrid contemplated the party invitation as she walked home. Maybe a little partying wouldn't hurt, and after her productive tutoring session with Hiccup, she felt more confident about maintaining her studies while having some fun.

oOo

HARPER

THE TUTOR SESSION with Astrid had already concluded, leaving Hiccup deeply impressed by her quick grasp of the subject matter. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in being able to assist her. What truly surprised him, however, was the unexpected gratitude she expressed for his help. It was a far cry from the days when she used to ditch him, and the change in her attitude both baffled and intrigued him. Despite these mixed feelings, Hiccup decided not to dwell on it too much and headed to Gobber's Mechanic Shop, where he worked after school.

"Sorry Uncle Gobber for being late," Hiccup said apologetically as he walked into the cluttered workshop.

Gobber looked up from the piece he was repairing, his single eyebrow raised inquisitively. "Why are ye late, lad?"

Hiccup hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's because Principal Sven asked me to lend Astrid Hofferson a hand in Physics."

"Astrid? Astrid Hofferson? The lass that used to ditch ye?" Gobber asked, a hint of surprise in his gruff voice.

"Yes, that's her," Hiccup confirmed, feeling a tad uncomfortable discussing it.

"And ye agreed to help her?"

Hiccup nodded, not entirely sure why he had agreed in the first place. "I didn't have much of a choice."

Gobber let out a hearty laugh, slapping Hiccup on the back. "Well, well, the times they are a-changin'. So how was it?"

Hiccup shrugged, eager to change the subject. "It was fine, I guess."

Deciding to focus on work, Hiccup asked, "Anyway, Gobber, is there something that needs fixing?"

"Yeh, lad. That Camaro needs some new brake pads," Gobber replied, pointing to a sleek vehicle in the corner of the workshop.

"Okay, I'll get right on it. Anything else?"

"No, that'll be all for now," Gobber said, turning his attention back to his own project.

With a determined spirit, Hiccup spent the next few hours meticulously working on the Camaro, ensuring every detail was taken care of. He found solace in the familiarity of the workshop, losing himself in the art of repair.

As the clock struck 10, Hiccup finally called it a day. He bid farewell to Gobber and began his journey home. The streets were quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the moon. Hiccup's mind drifted back to the tutoring session with Astrid, wondering about the enigmatic girl he once knew and the one he saw today. There was a mystery to her that he couldn't quite decipher, but he was determined to find out more.

As he reached his house, Hiccup couldn't help but look up at the night sky. The stars shone brightly, and he felt a sense of hope and wonder. Tomorrow was a new day, and who knew what it would bring? With that thought in mind, he stepped inside, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

III

PARTYING NIGHT AND MORNING WOES

ASTRID

THE CLOCK STRUCK 5:50 PM, and Astrid arrived home, promptly informing her parents about her plans for the evening. Assured that her friends would drop her back, she rushed upstairs to get ready for the party. Swiftly changing her outfit from short sleeves and pants to a sleeveless blue top and a skirt, Astrid added a touch of cologne and makeup, transforming herself into a party-ready girl.

As she finished dressing up, Ruff and Tuff, her friends, arrived to pick her up, and they set off promptly. Knowing that traffic could be a hassle, especially considering Stryke Avenue's distance from their houses, they left with plenty of time to spare. After a 45-minute ride, they reached the Hills Residence, where cheerful greetings awaited them upon entry.

"Hey guys!"

"What's up!"

"Hi there!"

The party officially commenced at 7 PM sharp, as music and laughter filled the house. Astrid had a blast, engaging in various activities that left her feeling a bit tired as the night wore on.

By 10 PM, it was time to head back home. With a school day awaiting them, staying any longer wasn't feasible. Weary but content, Astrid returned home and went straight to bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

THE NEXT DAY…

As the sun rose, Astrid woke up and began her morning routine, getting ready for school. The day progressed rather typically, with the lessons proving a bit dull. Despite her best efforts, Astrid couldn't help but feel her mind wandering in some of her classes. Math, English, Biology – all were bearable, but when it came to Physics, panic struck her like a bolt of lightning.

"Oh Thor, Physics! I completely forgot to review!" Astrid muttered, berating herself for the oversight. She silently wished that Mr. Treacher might overlook it, but her hopes were dashed as he announced an angle of reflection quiz.

Feeling unprepared and overwhelmed, Astrid lamented not following Hiccup's example and studying ahead of time. She harshly criticized herself, feeling like a stupid, boar-headed girl for not making the effort. The quiz proved difficult, and she struggled to answer any of the questions. Despite her disappointment, she felt powerless to change the outcome, as she truly didn't know the material.

30 MINUTES LATER…

With the quiz over, the students received their graded papers. Astrid's heart sank when she saw a glaring F at the top of hers. Disappointment weighed heavily upon her. She was about to crumple the paper in frustration, but before she could, it slipped from her hand and landed right in Hiccup's.

"Astrid! A zero? Gods, didn't you review like I told you?" Hiccup questioned, looking concerned and disappointed.

Uh-oh.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

IV

THE CONSEQUENCES

ASTRID

"HEY, H-H-HEY H-H-HICCUP! N-nice t-to see y-you h-here," she stuttered, her nerves getting the best of her.

Hiccup, surprisingly calm, replied, "Of course, Astrid. I'm in this class too. I thought we could meet up at the library during breaktime."

"Oh. W-why? O-our n-next s-sessions a-are on T-thursday, r-right?" she stammered again, inwardly berating herself for her inability to speak smoothly.

"It's important. Don't ask any more questions," Hiccup said with an air of seriousness before leaving the room.

Astrid couldn't shake the feeling that whatever Hiccup wanted to discuss was significant and that it had something to do with her recent academic troubles.

BREAKTIME…

As Astrid made her way to the library to meet Hiccup, she was interrupted by Snotlout, who called out her name.

"Astrid!"

"Snotlout, what are you doing here?" she asked, trying to mask her irritation.

"Just going to invite you for a date. I know you can't resist all this," Snotlout boasted, flexing his biceps. "Anyway, what are you doing here at the nerd room?"

"First of all, never in a million years will I go out with you. Second, I'm not interested in all of that," she said, pointing at him. "And lastly, I'm here to meet my tutor."

"What, you have a tutor? And it's not me? Come on, who is it?" Snotlout inquired.

"It's none of your business," Astrid replied sternly, entering the library and leaving Snotlout behind.

oOo

SHAUN

' AS ASTRID ENTERED the library, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Who could be her tutor? Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to follow her from a distance. I spotted her meeting Hiccup, and my blood boiled. That guy really got on my nerves, and I couldn't stand the thought of him spending time with my princess'.

oOo

HARPER

HICCUP WAITED PATIENTLY in the library for Astrid, hoping to address her failing grades in Physics. When she arrived, he immediately confronted her about the quiz results, her paper having a glaring F. "Astrid, I saw your quiz. Haven't I told you to review for your quiz?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"I'm sorry. I went to a party, and I was so tired when I got home that the quiz slipped my mind," Astrid explained, feeling guilty for not taking her studies more seriously.

"You know, if you don't improve your grades faster, you'll be stuck with me longer than you expected. You can't improve with your old habits," Hiccup said, feeling a sense of responsibility for Astrid's academic progress.

"I'm only human. I'm not perfect," Astrid replied with a hint of frustration.

Hiccup knew he needed to be firm with her to make her understand the consequences. "I know, but if you continue like this, I'll have to tell your parents everything," he warned, hoping this would motivate her to change her ways.

"Please, no! Anything but that," Astrid pleaded, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"Then you need to control yourself and follow my advice. That's all for now. See you tomorrow, Astrid," Hiccup said, giving her one last chance to turn things around.

As he exited the library, he felt a sudden punch to his face. He looked up and saw Snotlout, anger evident in his eyes.

oOo

ASTRID

ASTRID WAS TAKEN aback by Hiccup's stern attitude, but she knew deep down that she deserved the scolding. Feeling a mix of emotions, she made her way to the cafeteria to meet her friends.

AT THE CAFETERIA…

Astrid's friends, curious about her whereabouts during breaktime, bombarded her with questions. She explained that she had been at the library meeting her tutor, Hiccup, which shocked everyone at the table.

"A tutor? Since when do you need one, Astrid? You're smart enough," Heather commented.

"I got a C in Physics, and they threatened to remove me from the football team if I don't improve my grades. So, they assigned me a tutor, and its Hiccup," Astrid replied, feeling a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

Snotlout suddenly appeared at the table, and the topic of conversation shifted to Hiccup again.

"He met Useless in the library. It would be better if it's me," Snotlout said arrogantly.

"What? Why would he meet Hiccup?" Ruffnut asked, puzzled.

"Obviously, there's one reason to meet in a secret place – they're dating!" Tuffnut exclaimed, causing the table to fall into an awkward silence.

Astrid quickly denied the absurd claim, explaining that Hiccup was just her tutor. She didn't want to reveal the real reason for their meetings and the principal's involvement.

As Snotlout continued to intrude, Astrid felt a mixture of annoyance and exasperation. But little did she know, this was only the beginning of the challenges she would face with her new tutor.

oOo

SHAUN

SNOTLOUT'S HEART SANK as his stupid mouth betrayed the secret he and the twins had been keeping from Astrid about Hiccup. Tuffnut and Ruffnut had blurted out the truth, revealing that they had been friends with Hiccup since middle school.

"How come didn't I know that?!" Astrid's voice held a mix of surprise and fury.

"I was supposed to be a secret," Ruffnut admitted, feeling guilty.

Astrid's anger boiled over as she turned her frustration toward her friends. "A secret. And Fishlegs? Heather? You know all about this and you didn't tell me anything?!"

"We're sorry, Astrid," Fishlegs replied remorsefully.

"I thought you are good friends. But you beat the crap out of other people! Demons! I may dislike Hiccup, but I don't want him to get beaten," Astrid fumed.

oOo

ASTRID

ASTRID COULDN'T BELIEVE what she was hearing. Her friends, including Fishlegs and Heather, had known about something significant happening between Snotlout and Hiccup, and they had deliberately kept it from her. Her frustration turned into anger as she questioned their loyalty.

"I thought you were all good friends, but you kept this from me? And Hiccup gets beaten because of it? This is unacceptable!" she exclaimed, feeling a mix of disappointment and betrayal.

Storming out of the cafeteria, Astrid headed to her next class, trying to process her emotions. She had believed her friends were good influences, but now she felt let down and couldn't understand why they would behave this way.

In her heart, Astrid knew she had treated Hiccup poorly in the past, and witnessing what he was going through made her question her actions.

"I need to apologize to Hiccup for what they did to him," she thought to herself, realizing that maybe she could apologize to him and try to mend their relationship, hoping he would give her another chance.

oOo

HARPER

HICCUP GINGERLY CLEANED his wounds in the comfort room after the altercation with Snotlout and his gang. He changed his clothes, strategically opting for a red shirt and black jacket to conceal the bruises, hoping nobody would notice the evidence of his regular encounters with Shaun's gang.

Throughout the day, Hiccup struggled to focus in class, the pain from his injuries distracting him. When school finally ended, he found solace in the fact that Uncle Gobber's shop would be closed for a week, allowing him some time to recuperate in peace.

Arriving home, Hiccup's father, Stoick, was absent, as usual, due to his demanding work schedule. Hiccup retreated to his room, changing into comfortable attire, and completed his homework and projects before heading downstairs to have some microwaved pizza.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, surprising Hiccup. It couldn't be his father; he typically used the backdoor when he returned late. Curiosity piqued, Hiccup opened the door, and to his astonishment, he saw...

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

V

SEEKING FOR REDEMPTION

ASTRID

AFTER A TUMULTUOS day at school, Astrid returned home feeling angry and hurt by her friends' betrayal. She changed into more comfortable clothing, a red shirt, and blue leggings, and attempted to focus on her homework and studies. However, her phone continuously rang with missed calls and texts from her friends, all trying to apologize for their actions. Despite their attempts at reconciliation, Astrid couldn't bring herself to forgive them just yet.

Feeling restless, she decided to take a walk and headed to her neighbor's house. Taking a deep breath, she rang the doorbell, waiting for him to answer.

oOo

HARPER

UPON HEARING THE doorbell, Hiccup opened the door, surprised to see Astrid standing there. "Astrid, what brings you here?" he asked, not sure what to expect.

Her voice was sincere as she replied, "I just wanted to apologize for what my friends did to you."

Hiccup couldn't help but be skeptical, recalling the hurtful things he had heard about her involvement in the situation. He sarcastically responded, "Thank you for your concern, O Saint! As if you do not know those. In fact, they have told me that you plotted all of those because you hate me more than they do."

Astrid quickly corrected him, explaining, "No, I don't hate you. I only found out about it during break time when Snotlout accidentally let it slip, and the twins confirmed it. That's why I'm here to apologize. I also realized that what I did to you was wrong. I made wrong choices in my life, and now I've decided to make it right, starting with you."

Hiccup found it hard to believe that 'Great Astrid Hofferson' was apologizing, wondering if it might be some kind of prank. But Astrid was sincere, asking for forgiveness and wanting to rebuild their friendship.

oOo

ASTRID

FEELING A MIX of regret and guilt, Astrid pleaded, "Yes, with you. I want to rebuild our friendship. Please forgive me."

Hiccup's response was harsh, as he reminded her of all the pain, she had caused him over the years. He mentioned the hurtful words, the betrayal, and how she had left him behind to make his life miserable. Astrid felt a surge of anger, wanting to slap him, but he quickly grabbed her arm, preventing her from doing so. She took a deep breath to calm herself down.

oOo

HARPER

HE WAS TAKEN aback when Astrid called him by his real name, Harper, something only his parents and uncle used to call him. It felt strangely intimate, considering their current situation.

Astrid tried to explain herself further, expressing genuine remorse for her actions and admitting that she had distanced herself from Snotlout and the others, realizing they weren't good influences on her.

Hiccup didn't immediately forgive her, telling her she would have to prove her sincerity before he could consider it. He asserted, "I will forgive you, but not yet."

oOo

ASTRID

WITH THAT, HICCUP closed the door, leaving Astrid to reflect on her actions and what she needed to do to redeem herself in his eyes. She made her way back home, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. The events of the day had unfolded rapidly, leaving her unsure of how to proceed. Nevertheless, she was determined to prove herself to Hiccup and show that she truly regretted her past behavior.

The next few days would be crucial in determining whether Astrid could mend their friendship and make amends for her mistakes.

oOo

HEATHER

HEATHER FELT A mix of hope and anxiety as she attempted to reach out to Astrid, who had been avoiding her calls all day. She hoped to explain her side of the story, to make Astrid understand that she hadn't intended to betray her trust. Hoping for a chance to talk things through, she made a mental note to meet Astrid at break time.

oOo

ASTRID

FILLED WITH DETERMINATION, Astrid arrived at school early, ready to face the day and mend her broken relationship with Hiccup. She had been happy and disappointed after her encounter with Harper at Harper's, and she was resolved to prove to him that she deserved his trust and friendship once again. After sharing her thoughts and feelings with her mother, Astrid found herself reminiscing about their childhood, wondering what could have been if she hadn't pushed Hiccup away.

As the next day dawned, Hiccup started his morning early, spending time with his father before preparing for school. He wore a black and white long-sleeved shirt with brown pants and said his goodbyes before heading to his first subject, History.

Meanwhile, Astrid arrived a few minutes earlier than Hiccup, and as she reached her locker, Heather approached her. Tension hung in the air as Astrid questioned Heather's intentions after being kept in the dark.

"Why would I answer your calls? You already broke my trust, Heather," Astrid confronted her.

Heather tried to apologize, but Astrid wasn't easily swayed. She demanded more than just words, wanting to see true remorse in Heather's actions.

"Your sorry isn't enough," Astrid said firmly, her emotions still raw from the previous day.

Heather persisted, wanting to explain her side, but the bell interrupted their conversation. Astrid proposed meeting during breaktime to continue their talk, but she didn't acknowledge Heather's farewell.

oOo

FISKE

FISHLEGS, WHO IDOLIZED Hiccup and longed to be his friend, knew he needed to apologize for his part in the betrayal. He found himself sitting in the same class with Hiccup, giving him the opportunity to approach him during a brief break.

"I wanted to talk to you," Fishlegs said, trying to find the right words to express his remorse.

Hiccup seemed wary but allowed Fishlegs to continue. "I just wanted to apologize for—"

Hiccup quickly cut him off, offering to talk privately outside of the classroom. Grateful for the chance, Fishlegs agreed, eager to make amends and prove that he wanted to do the right thing, even if it meant standing up to Snotlout and his crew.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

VI

REBUILDING BROKEN BRIDGES

HICCUP AND FISHLEGS stepped outside to talk, seeking some privacy away from prying eyes and judgmental ears. Hiccup wanted to understand why Fishlegs hadn't come to his aid when Snotlout and the Twins had attacked him, and what he heard surprised him.

"I just wanted to apologize for not helping you out when Snotlout and the Twins beat you up," Fishlegs began, his voice tinged with regret. "Heather and I were scared that they would turn on us too, and we feared getting into big trouble if we didn't follow along."

Hiccup listened intently as Fishlegs opened up about his fears and concerns. He questioned why Fishlegs was speaking up now and seeking forgiveness, especially after Astrid had cut ties with them.

"Because I can't stand them anymore, Harper. I've realized that I need to do the right thing, especially after almost losing one of my true friends, Astrid," Fishlegs explained earnestly.

As Hiccup processed this information, he began to comprehend Astrid's perspective. She hadn't known about the bullying, and he felt a mix of relief and guilt for assuming she was involved. With Fishlegs showing genuine remorse, Hiccup considered the possibility of rebuilding their friendship, but he needed time to heal and learn to trust again.

"Maybe we can be friends, but I'll need time to trust you, especially given your past actions," Hiccup responded honestly, wanting to give Fishlegs a chance to prove himself.

Fishlegs smiled gratefully, feeling hopeful about the possibility of reconciliation. They bid each other farewell and headed to their respective classes.

oOo

FISKE

AFTER TALKING TO Hiccup and apologizing, Fishlegs felt a sense of relief and hope for the future. He hoped that his friendship with Hiccup could be repaired and strengthened over time.

In his homeroom, Fishlegs encountered Snotlout, who immediately tried to provoke him about Astrid.

"Have you ever talked to My Princess yet?" Snotlout taunted.

"She's not your Princess, and why do you care? It's none of your business," Fishlegs retorted, standing his ground.

Snotlout attempted to assert his authority, reminding Fishlegs of his position as the leader of their group. However, Fishlegs refused to back down, revealing that he had left Snotlout's group.

Enraged, Snotlout grabbed Fishlegs' shirt and threatened him, but Fishlegs stood tall, catching his fist and twisting it, causing Snotlout to cry out in pain. Fishlegs remained firm, unafraid of Snotlout's threats.

"Listen, Fishface. You're gonna regret this!" Snotlout warned, backing away.

"I would never," Fishlegs replied confidently.

As Snotlout stormed out of the room, Fishlegs felt a newfound sense of empowerment. He had learned to stand up for himself, and he felt proud of his actions. However, he knew that this confrontation might have consequences, but he was willing to face them for his newfound sense of self-respect.

oOo

HEATHER

HEATHER SPOTTED FISKE (Fishlegs) in the cafeteria and waved him over. They hadn't spoken since the incident, and she was relieved to see that he was willing to forgive her. She was eager to talk to Astrid and hoped that she would also be willing to hear her side of the story.

"Fiske! How are you?" Heather greeted him warmly.

"I'm fine. Hiccup already forgave me, and I hope we can be friends. I also quit Snotlout's gang. What about you? Have you talked to Astrid yet?" Fiske asked.

"I haven't had the chance to explain my side. I plan to talk to her during lunch, but she hasn't arrived yet," Heather replied.

"Oh, I actually wanted to talk to her too," Fiske said.

"Great, let's wait for her together. In the meantime, we can eat our lunch. Can we?" Heather suggested.

"Yeah, sounds like a plan."

They sat together, sharing their meal and anxiously waiting for Astrid to arrive, hoping that she would be willing to listen and eventually forgive them.

oOo

ASTRID

ASTRID HEADED TO the cafeteria, knowing that Heather and Fiske wanted to talk to her about what had happened. As she entered, she noticed them sitting together, and she decided to join them at their table. They greeted her warmly, relieved that she had come.

"Astrid!" they exclaimed together.

"Finally, you're here. We've been waiting for you," Heather said.

"Okay, start telling me what you want to say. I'm ready to listen," Astrid said, trying to remain open-minded.

Fiske spoke up, "Astrid, we're really sorry. We didn't mean to hide the truth from you. We were scared of Snotlout, and we didn't want to get beaten up."

Heather added, "Please, Astrid, forgive us."

Astrid took a moment to consider their words. She could see the sincerity in their eyes and sensed their remorse. After a pause, she responded, "I forgive you both. I understand that you didn't mean any harm. I was just disappointed by the revelation."

Their faces lit up with relief and gratitude. They hugged Astrid, and she returned the embrace, feeling a sense of relief herself.

"We promise we'll never hide anything from you again," Heather said, with determination.

"Yes, we won't," Fiske affirmed.

They let go of the hug, and Astrid changed the topic to lighten the mood.

"Anyway, how was your day?" she asked.

They shared their experiences, and Astrid was glad to hear that Fiske had made amends with Hiccup and decided to quit Snotlout's gang. She was proud of him for standing up for himself. As they continued chatting, Astrid mentioned that she had a tutorial session with Hiccup later that day, hoping to rebuild their friendship.

"We wish you the best of luck," Heather and Fiske said, supportive of Astrid's efforts to mend her relationship with Hiccup.

"Thank you."

oOo

HARPER

AFTER SCHOOL, HICCUP and Astrid met at the library for their tutoring session. To his surprise, Astrid arrived early, dressed in a green shirt and a white cardigan, her enthusiasm evident in her warm smile.

"Hi Harper!" she greeted him cheerfully, looking genuinely excited to begin.

"Hello, Astrid. You're early," Hiccup replied, pleased by her eagerness.

"I'm very excited to start. Besides, I wanted to tell you that I've been doing advanced study, just like you advised. And because of that, I got an A on our quiz earlier," she said with pride, beaming at her accomplishment.

"That's fantastic, Astrid! I knew you could do it. Keep up the great work! So, shall we start our session?" Hiccup asked, eager to help her further improve.

"We shall," Astrid responded, her determination shining through.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

-HTTYD-

VII

THE IDEA

HARPER AND ASTRID settled into their tutoring session, focusing on angles of incidence and angles of reflection in Physics. To their surprise, the session went exceptionally well, with no arguments or tension. Instead, it was peaceful and harmonious, making it a perfect learning experience for both of them. Astrid's improvement in Physics brought a sense of fulfillment to Harper, proud to see his guidance bearing fruit.

As the clock struck six-thirty, they wrapped up their productive session, having completed all the planned topics for the day.

"That's all for today. You've done remarkably well, and your progress is truly impressive," Harper said, offering a warm smile to Astrid.

"Thank you. And well, it's all because I have an excellent teacher. So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Astrid responded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Absolutely. But are you planning to walk home alone?" Harper inquired, concerned about Astrid's safety.

"Yes," Astrid affirmed, the sound of the popping 'p' emphasizing her independence. "Why do you ask?"

"It's getting late, and I worry about you walking alone. If you want, you can ride with me," Harper suggested, showing genuine concern.

oOo

ASTRID

ASTRID COULDN'T BELIEVE her ears when Hiccup, or rather Harper, offered her a ride home. She was taken aback, wondering if she had heard him correctly. Was he being genuinely kind, or were they already friends again? Her mind raced with questions and emotions, leaving her flabbergasted and her jaw almost dropping to the ground.

"H-hello? Earth to Astrid," Hiccup said, snapping his fingers to bring her back to the present.

"Oh, sorry. Are you serious about what you said?" Astrid asked, trying to confirm his offer.

Hiccup nodded, looking sincere. "Yeah, I am. So?"

Astrid felt a mix of surprise and gratitude. "Okay, I'll ride home with you. Now, where's your car?"

"It's parked outside," Hiccup replied, leading the way.

They left the library together and made their way to the school's parking lot. Astrid noticed Hiccup's black Honda Civic parked there. To her surprise, he opened the door for her, playfully saying, "Ladies first."

She smiled inwardly, finding his gesture thoughtful and gentlemanly. After they settled into the car, Hiccup started driving them home. The fact that they were neighbors made it convenient for him to offer her a ride.

As the minutes passed by, they arrived at their destination. Hiccup parked the car, and Astrid prepared to leave, thanking him before stepping out.

"Thank you for today and for driving me home," she said.

Hiccup smiled warmly. "You're welcome. It's my duty to help you, anyway."

With that, they bid each other goodbye, and Astrid entered her house, feeling a sense of contentment and joy, as today had turned out to be unexpectedly great.

oOo

HARPER

EXHAUSTED FROM A long day at school, Hiccup finally arrived home at six-fifty, just after dropping Astrid off at her place. He couldn't fully forgive her yet, but he couldn't bear the thought of something happening to her if she walked home alone. Safety was a priority, so he made sure she got home safely. However, the tension between them remained.

Upon reaching home, he found his father still absent due to his demanding work. Hiccup settled for a reheated leftover pasta for dinner and watched television to pass the time. His thoughts drifted back to the events of the day, feeling a mix of weariness and unresolved emotions.

oOo

SHAUN

TODAY WAS SHAPING up to be another awesome day, as usual. Snotlout relished in the attention he received from admirers, reveled in the fear he instilled in the nerds, and took satisfaction in the loyalty of his followers, Ruff and Tuff, who admired him like they worshiped Loki, the Norse god of mischief. However, his good mood took a hit earlier at school when Fishlegs, the nerd, dared to humiliate him in front of the class by answering back and physically twisting his arm. To make matters worse, Fishlegs wanted to quit Snotlout's so-called "awesome group" because he couldn't tolerate their activities. Snotlout always knew the loser couldn't handle their greatness.

Though Snotlout couldn't resist flexing his biceps and bragging about his supposed irresistibility to Astrid, he was frustrated by her playing hard to get. As for Hiccup, whom he scornfully referred to as "Useless," he hadn't seen him around, assuming the boy was hiding in fear of him.

But Snotlout's focus quickly returned to his vengeful plan against Fishlegs. He decided to dial Tuffnut's number and greeted them, not caring about the late hour.

"Hello, you two muttonheads."

"Snotlout! What the heck?! We're in the middle of our sleep!" Ruff exclaimed yawning with annoyance.

Slightly more composed, Tuffnut asked, "Hello, S. Sorry for my sister's attitude. She's just fiesty today. What makes you call us this late? Was it something very important?"

"Yeah. It's like a quarter to twelve for you!" Ruff said annoyed.

"It is very important. So better listen up, you two!" Snotlout said sharply.

"Go ahead," Tuffnut responded, curious about the purpose of the call.

"That nerd, Fishlegs, betrayed our group today and humiliated me in front of the class. I want to make him pay for what he did and I want you guys to meet me at the school grounds tomorrow at six o'clock sharp to execute the plan. Understood?"

After delivering his message, Snotlout hung up, feeling a sense of anticipation for what was to come. Tomorrow was going to be exciting, and Fishlegs would soon regret crossing paths with him. An evil laugh escaped his lips as he reveled in the anticipation of his revenge.

oOo

RILEY

RUFFNUT, OR RILEY, as she preferred to be called at times, felt annoyed that Snotlout had disturbed their sleep with his selfish plan. She and Tuffnut, her twin brother, couldn't rest now, thanks to him.

"Hey, sis," Tuffnut called out to her.

"Yeah, what is it?" she replied.

"Do you think what I'm thinking?"

"Nope, not exactly. But is it about Snotlout?"

"Yes, you got it. Snotlout. Who does he think he is? We're not his slaves, just mindlessly following him like dogs. I think Fishlegs did the right thing by standing up for himself and breaking free from Snotlout's control. Snotlout deserved to be humbled; he's too bossy and foolish."

Ruffnut and Tuffnut were truly kindred spirits. They often found themselves in sync with their thoughts and opinions.

"You're right. It's about time Snotlout starts treating us like normal friends and not his minions," Ruffnut agreed. "I mean, seriously, anyone would be a better friend than Snotface."

"Absolutely. Even Hiccup knows the value of true friendship, especially with Astrid," Tuffnut recalled.

"I remember that too," Ruffnut added. "So, can you still stand him and everything he makes us do?"

"No, not at all," Tuffnut replied honestly. "But what can we do? If we go against him, he'll make our lives miserable."

"Not if we do something about it," Ruffnut said, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"What's your idea?" Tuffnut whispered, intrigued by his sister's plan.

Ruffnut whispered her idea to her brother and judging by the look on his face, she knows that he's already into it.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

VIII

THE UNEXPECTED OFFER

THE NEXT DAY, in the darkness of the janitor's closet, Hiccup found himself confronted by Ruffnut and Tuffnut, the longhaired wheat blonde twins known for their mischief. Bewildered and slightly panicked, Hiccup demanded to know their intentions.

"Who are you? Show yourself," Hiccup urged, trying to make sense of the situation.

Unbeknownst to Hiccup, the twins were hiding their true identity in the dimly lit closet.

"I think it's time to turn on the lights," Ruffnut suggested.

With the lights on, Hiccup's suspicion was confirmed as he came face to face with Ruffnut and Tuffnut. He couldn't understand why they brought him to this secluded place.

"Ruff and Tuff?! What do you want with me? Why did you bring me in here? Did Snotlout plan something to make my life miserable again? Tell me!" Hiccup's emotions were evident in his voice.

Trying to reassure Hiccup, Ruffnut spoke, "Shh... Hiccup, please lower your voice. We're not here to hurt you, and Snotlout didn't send us."

Tuffnut chimed in, "Besides, we wanted to talk with you, that's why we brought you here."

Hiccup was still skeptical of their motives, questioning why they wanted to talk with him, especially in such secrecy.

"We brought you here to help you beat Snotlout and show him that people like us shouldn't be underestimated," Tuffnut explained.

Hiccup couldn't fathom why they, supposedly Snotlout's friends, would want to help him. He raised an eyebrow, suspicious of their offer.

Tuffnut confessed, "We are friends with him, but he treats us unequally, like we're beneath him. He bullies us too. We want to make amends for what we've done to you over the years."

Ruffnut chimed in, "Consider this as our apology. We just wanted to teach Snotlout a lesson and fix things with you."

Hiccup was taken aback, processing their unexpected confession and request for help. He agreed to consider it but asked why they couldn't stand up to Snotlout themselves.

"Because we're scared of him, okay? He's much better to us when we're on his good side. We admit he can be bossy, but he's not all bad. We want to change things, and helping you is a start. Will you accept our offer or at least consider it?" Ruffnut pleaded.

Hiccup nodded hesitantly, "Yeah. I'll think about it. Give me some time."

Tuffnut handed Hiccup a piece of paper with both of their phone numbers. "Here's our number. Call us or meet us up if you decide."

As Hiccup left the janitor's closet, he couldn't shake the conflicting feelings. He had a class to attend, leaving the twins inside to await his decision.

oOo

SHAUN

SNOTLOUT FELT ANNOYANCE bubbling within him as he waited impatiently for Ruffnut and Tuffnut to arrive. They had been supposed to meet him an hour ago, and he couldn't understand why they were taking so long. When they finally showed up, he noticed that something was off – Ruffnut appeared sick, and Tuffnut was helping her.

"You two, where have you been? You're late! Do you know what time it is? It's already seven-fifteen in the morning. I said meet me up at six, not an hour later," Snotlout scolded, trying to hide his concern.

Tuffnut explained that their mother had sent them on an errand, but Ruffnut fell ill, making her attendance at school a challenging decision. Snotlout, although annoyed, couldn't ignore Ruffnut's condition and the responsibility Tuffnut had to take care of her.

"Anyway, it's much more important that you two are already here. Now we can talk about the plan for Fishlegs. Then, you two could do it," Snotlout stated firmly.

However, Tuffnut was quick to point out that they couldn't execute the plan due to Ruffnut's illness and the twin's strong sense of unity. He asked for a postponement, requesting understanding from Snotlout. Looking at Ruffnut, who was coughing violently, Snotlout reluctantly relented.

"Fine. But make sure that Ruff will feel better as soon as possible. So, I'll see you two at lunch?" he said, displaying a hint of concern.

"Sure," Tuffnut replied, grateful for the leniency.

Leaving the twins to tend to Ruffnut, Snotlout headed off, feeling a mix of irritation and worry. He hoped that Ruffnut's condition would improve and that they could proceed with their plan soon.

oOo

TYLER

AFTER SNOTLOUT LEFT, Tuffnut and Ruffnut dropped their act, relieved that the first part of their plan had gone smoothly.

"So, first part of the plan's done," Tuffnut stated.

Ruffnut nodded, sharing her relief. "Yeah, I got nervous earlier and thought Snot wouldn't believe us. Luckily, he did. Now, we just need to focus on convincing Hiccup to agree with our plan and become friends with him."

Tuffnut smirked skeptically. "As if it's easy. The possibility that he'll agree with us is bigger than the possibility that he'll accept us as his friends. It's like 60-40."

"Don't lose hope. I know he will," Ruffnut said confidently. "Anyway, we still need to apologize to Astrid and talk to the others so we can inform them about our plan."

Curious, Tuffnut asked for a reminder of the plan. Ruffnut outlined it step by step, naming it "Operation: Teach Snot a lesson!" Tuffnut couldn't help but admire his sister's plan.

"You know what? I really love that plan of yours," he said, showing his support.

oOo

HARPER

AS THE CLASS began, Hiccup's teacher launched into a lecture about an intriguing new topic. However, Hiccup found it difficult to focus. The events of the past few days had been strange and unexpected. His bullies, the Twins (Ruffnut and Tuffnut), had surprisingly apologized and offered friendship, which left him perplexed. They even presented him with something tempting, giving him time to consider their offer.

The confusion weighed on Hiccup's mind, making it hard for him to concentrate on the lesson. Life had taken an unexpected turn, and he needed to think carefully about the decisions he would make. Uncertain about what the future held, he tried to make sense of the conflicting emotions within him.

oOo

ASTRID

AT BREAKTIME, ASTRID, Heather, and Fishlegs decided to escape the crowded cafeteria and enjoy their lunch on the serene school grounds. They found a peaceful spot where they could eat their meals without distractions.

"Finally, a good place to spend the rest of the recess," Astrid remarked, looking content as she faced Heather and Fishlegs.

"Yeah, much better than the chaotic cafeteria," Heather agreed.

Fishlegs chimed in, "It's peaceful and a nice change from what we're used to. You know, this is the first time we've come here for recess, right?"

"Yeah, and it's great out here actually. So, shall we start eating? I'm really hungry right now. I could eat this whole place," Astrid joked.

Heather playfully questioned her, "Isn't that a bit exaggerated?"

Fishlegs explained, "It's a figure of speech, a hyperbole. It's not meant to be taken literally."

Amused, Heather replied, "Okay, we get your point."

With the explanation settled, they delved into their meals. Astrid had a chicken sandwich, Heather had a garden salad, and Fishlegs enjoyed some yak chops. As they ate, they noticed someone approaching – Harper.

"Guys, isn't that Harper?" Fishlegs asked, pointing in Harper's direction.

Astrid agreed and suggested inviting him to join them. "Maybe we could invite him to eat or sit here with us."

Nodding, Astrid called out to Harper, "Harper! Over here!"

He looked their way and approached, carrying a couple of AP books and a piece of burger with him. Uncertain, he asked, "Do they mind?"

"We don't," both Fishlegs and Heather responded simultaneously.

"Okay," Harper replied, accepting the invitation.

Now, the four of them sat together, sharing a meal and conversation as acquaintances. Astrid savored the moment, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie. It felt good, and she wished that this newfound bond wouldn't fade away easily. She wanted to savor every moment of it.

oOo

RILEY

AS THE SCHOOL day drew to a close, Riley packed their belongings, ensuring they didn't leave anything behind. Their last class was Geography, a subject they shared with Astrid. This presented an opportunity for Riley to speak to her and clear the air.

"Astrid!" Riley called out to her.

At first, she seemed to ignore them, but Riley wasn't going to let this chance slip away. They chased after her and stood in her way, determined to talk.

"Please let me talk to you," Riley pleaded earnestly.

After a moment of hesitation, Astrid relented and asked, "Fine. What is it?"

Riley took a deep breath and laid everything out for her. They explained their situation and apologized for keeping secrets from her. To Riley's relief, Astrid understood and forgave both Tuff and them. Riley shared their plans with her, and she seemed interested, wanting to be a part of it. They agreed to discuss it further with the others and decided to meet at the Edge Café.

Later, at the café, the whole gang assembled. It was Tuff, Astrid, Fishlegs, Heather, and Riley. They shared their ideas, and everyone seemed eager and intrigued. Astrid's presence brought a sense of unity, and they felt hopeful about what they could achieve together. After a fruitful discussion, they headed home, feeling grateful for the resolution and excited about the future.

Thank Loki! This day turned out to be great, and it seemed like the beginning of something promising for all of them.

oOo

HARPER

AFTER REACHING HOME and taking care of his chores, Hiccup found himself lying on his bed, deep in thought about the offer from earlier. After much contemplation, he finally made up his mind. Taking the paper, the twins had given him, he dialed Tuff's number.

"Hello, Tuff. It's me," Hiccup said as the call connected.

"Hiccup? Is that you?" Tuff responded, surprised.

"Yes, it's me. I wanted to tell you that I've made my decision."

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

IX

THE DECISION

TYLER

TONIGHT, TUFFNUT AND RUFFNUTdecided to stay indoors, foregoing any parties or potential mischief to avoid being seen by Snotlout. They needed to be cautious, especially because Ruffnut was feeling under the weather, and Tuffnut was taking care of her. Boredom set in as they found themselves cooped up in their room, so they turned to their social media accounts for entertainment.

After a while, Tuffnut's phone rang, displaying an unknown number. Curiosity got the better of him, and he answered the call.

"Hello, Tuff, it's me," a familiar slightly nasal voice spoke on the other end.

"Hiccup? Is that you?" Tuffnut asked in surprise.

"Yeah, it's me. I just wanted to tell you that I've already made my decision," Hiccup stated.

Tuffnut was eager to share the news with Ruffnut, calling her over to listen to Hiccup's decision.

"Ruffnut, come over here!" he called out.

Annoyed at first, Ruffnut approached, but her mood quickly shifted when she learned the reason for the interruption. She took the phone from Tuffnut and spoke to Hiccup.

"Hello, H. It's Ruff. What is your decision?" she asked with anticipation.

After a brief conversation, Ruffnut hung up, a wide grin on her face. She couldn't contain her excitement and let out a joyful squeal, shaking Tuffnut in the process.

"What did he tell you?" Tuffnut asked, eager to know the outcome.

"He agrees with the plan and promises to give it his all. He won't regret it, and we'll meet up maybe tomorrow," Ruffnut shared.

"Really?!"

"Yes!"

Overwhelmed with excitement, they jumped on their beds like enthusiastic kids. Hiccup's agreement meant they could finally put their plan into action, and they couldn't wait to see what the next few days had in store for them.

oOo

HARPER

AFTER AGREEING TO to the Thorston twins' offer, Hiccup found himself in a dilemma. Tuffnut wanted to meet him after school, but Hiccup had already scheduled a tutor session with Astrid. However, Tuffnut insisted that Astrid knew about the plan and assured him that they had rescheduled the meeting at 6 PM at the Mead Hall Diner, one of Berk's best fast-food restaurants.

[Library, Timeskip..]

During their tutor session on classical mechanics, Hiccup noticed that Astrid's understanding had improved significantly since their previous sessions. Impressed, he assigned her some questions, and she answered them all correctly within fifteen minutes.

As they made their way to the Mead Hall, Hiccup decided to confront Astrid about not telling him about the twins' plan.

"Astrid, I'd like to ask you something," Hiccup began hesitantly.

"Sure, go ahead," Astrid replied.

"You knew about this plan of Ruff and Tuff. Why didn't you tell me?" Hiccup questioned.

Confusion flashed across Astrid's face. "Wait... you're part of this?! I didn't know. So you're going to the Mead Hall too, aren't you? I thought you just wanted to eat there. But anyway, they said that aside from the five of us, there's another guy they won't reveal the identity of until tonight."

Hiccup was taken aback. Astrid seemed genuinely surprised by his involvement, which led him to believe that she had indeed not known about it.

Arriving at the Mead Hall, Tuffnut proudly announced Hiccup's presence, leaving Heather and Fishlegs flabbergasted.

"So he is the guy you two were talking about?" Fishlegs asked, pointing at Hiccup.

"Yep, the one and only," Ruffnut affirmed.

Astrid's words rang true, and Hiccup felt a mix of relief and concern. While he was relieved that Astrid hadn't kept his involvement a secret, he couldn't shake off the sense of unease about the twins' plan.

"Astrid's right. Why do you summon us tonight?" Hiccup asked.

"Because we wanted you to know how the plan will go. It's time to prepare," Tuffnut grandly declared. "So better listen as we speak, 'cause this will be awesome!"

"Dream on," Hiccup scoffed at the twins' bravado, not entirely convinced that their plan would be as spectacular as they claimed.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

X

THE PLAN PREPARATION

SAMUEL

TODAY, STOICK DECIDED to leave work early to spend some quality time with his son, Harper, whom he felt he had been neglecting lately. He even brought home Harper's favorite food, pizza, as a small gesture of offering. As he arrived home, Stoick expected to find Harper in the living room, either watching television or doing his schoolwork. However, to his surprise, Harper was nowhere to be seen.

Panicking, Stoick immediately called Gobber, hoping that Harper might be at his place.

"Hello, Gobber. Is Harper at your place right now?" Stoick inquired anxiously.

"Hello to ye, Stoick. I do nae know where the lad is. I'm not in my place right now. I'm currently on vacation. Is the lad gone missing?" Gobber responded.

Feeling a mix of relief and worry, Stoick explained, "Okay, I don't know. I just panicked when I didn't see him here in the house, so I called you."

Gobber, ever understanding of parent problems, suggested, "Have ye tried to call him?"

"Not yet" Stoick admitted.

"Then go call yer lad. I'm sure he has a reason to go home late," Gobber reassured him.

"I will, and I hope so. Thank you, Gobber. Enjoy your vacation," Stoick said before ending the call.

Just as Stoick was about to call Harper's number, a voicemail notification from his son popped up on his phone. He quickly listened to it.

'Hi, Dad. It's me, your son. I wanted to let you know that I might be getting home late tonight because I have a meet-up with my classmates at the Mead Hall. That's all, Dad. Goodbye.'

As the voicemail ended, Stoick couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. He realized that he should have spent more time with Harper and stayed more involved in his life, especially during these crucial teenage years. Nonetheless, he decided to wait for Harper to arrive, doing some work on his emails while he waited. Stoick couldn't shake off the concern he felt for his son and hoped everything was alright.

oOo

ASTRID

AT THE MEAD Hall, Astrid found herself surrounded by familiar faces, including Fishlegs, Heather, Ruff, Tuff, and surprisingly, Harper Haddock. She was taken aback by the fact that he was involved in the plan they were discussing. The atmosphere was intense, as the group gathered to strategize on how to deal with Snotlout and teach him a lesson.

As they sat down and ordered food, the Twins, Ruff and Tuff, took the lead in explaining their plan, which they dubbed "Operation: Teach Snot a Lesson." To Astrid's surprise, Harper was chosen as the main star of the plan, leaving him visibly shocked and reluctant.

"Why me?" Harper protested, unable to fathom his starring role.

Tuffnut explained, "Because you, my friend, have the potential to be the star player in this. We need to unleash that potential and have you trained to fight."

Harper responded sarcastically, "Thank you for summing that up."

Fishlegs chimed in, pointing out that Harper wasn't as lean as they thought and that they could see muscles through his clothes. Despite the mild praise, Harper wasn't convinced about the plan.

Next, the Twins insisted on changing Hiccup's appearance, from his clothing to his hairstyle. Astrid and Heather agreed, while Harper questioned the need to alter his style.

"What's wrong with my style?" Harper protested.

A hesitant Heather replied, "Um... you have a too big sweater?"

"And you have those nerdy glasses that are way too big," Tuffnut added.

"And you should wear your hair naturally. I've seen it without gel. It looks tousled and better," Astrid said matter-of-factly.

Feeling defeated, Harper finally relented, saying, "Okay."

As the Twins continued laying out the plan, the group finished their meal. Harper, eager to move forward, asked, "Okay, when will we start?"

"The sooner, the better," Ruff replied with determination in her voice.

oOo

HARPER

AFTER LEAVING THE Mead Hall, Hiccup drove himself home, knowing that Astrid would be taken home by Heather and Fish. As he drove, he couldn't help but question why he agreed to be a part of whatever plan they had concocted. Doubts lingered in his mind, but he tried to focus on the potential positive outcomes, realizing that once he committed, there would be no turning back.

It was already 8 in the evening when Hiccup arrived home. Opening the door, he was greeted by his dad, Stoick, who had been worried about him, having received his message.

"Son, how's your day? I've been worried about you, especially when I reached home and didn't see you," his dad expressed his concern.

"It's okay, Dad. I'm okay. And it's good that you decided to go home earlier than usual," Hiccup replied, appreciating his father's attempt to spend time with him.

"Yeah, I planned to spend time with you. I even brought you pizza," Stoick said, trying to engage with his son.

"Thanks, Dad," Hiccup expressed his gratitude.

"But it turns out you have other people to spend your time with," Stoick said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Hiccup quickly clarified, "No, Dad. It's actually something important, that's why I met them up. If not, I could have just declined. I would love to spend time with you, Dad."

With that, a heartwarming moment ensued as Hiccup and his dad caught up on the moments they had missed. The father-son bonding was wonderful and amazing, giving Hiccup a sense of having a parent beside him. He cherished the time spent with his dad and looked forward to preparing for the plan they had discussed starting the next day.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XI

GETTING GOOD GRADES AND SEPARATION

HARPER

HICCUP'S PREPARATION FOR the grand payback were set into motion on this particular day. The plan required gathering everyone at his house since it was an unexpected location for such a gathering, ensuring secrecy and surprise. Luckily, Hiccup's father agreed to have friends over and appeared quite enthusiastic about it. With Gobber still on vacation, Hiccup had the entire day free to proceed with the preparations.

As the clock struck 5:15 pm, his friends arrived one by one, greeted Hiccup warmly, and he welcomed them into his home. Despite Hiccup's offer of freshly prepared food, they declined, eager to begin their mission.

"Hi, Harper!" Fishlegs greeted, using Hiccup's less-known middle name.

"Sup, Hiccup," Ruffnut and Tuffnut chimed in unison.

"Good afternoon, Harper," said Astrid, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"Hey, guys! Welcome to our house. Maybe you could eat first before we get going. I have prepared some pizza and—" Hiccup started, but Tuffnut quickly interrupted him.

"No thanks, H. Besides, we are not yet hungry," he replied confidently.

"He's right. We just ate some at the MH," Ruffnut added, referring to a popular local restaurant.

"Never mind that, but you have an enormous mansion? Meaning you are filthy rich. Freaking Hell! Why didn't you tell anyone about it?" Heather was flabbergasted by this revelation.

"The Horrendous Haddocks are indeed wealthy. They hail from a long line of royalty, mostly a line of chiefs that ruled Berk for generations," Fishlegs explained, revealing the family's illustrious history.

"Why didn't I know about this?" Astrid asked, her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. Well, about that. Our house at Nadder Lane is just a backup. But this is our main house. I didn't tell anyone about it because if they knew, they'd befriend me for my money and not for who I am," Hiccup explained while rubbing the back of his neck, showing his concern about authenticity in his friendships.

"You're right, Harper. You're a good man, and anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend. We only realized it a few days ago," Heather stated, expressing her newfound appreciation for him.

"It's okay. We should forget the past and start over. Am I right?" Hiccup proposed, looking at them with hope for a fresh beginning.

"You are. Now let's get going," Ruffnut declared, eager to dive into their mission.

The gang made their way upstairs to Hiccup's room, where they began raiding his closet, much to his surprise.

"Guys, what are you doing with my closet?!" Hiccup asked, genuinely shocked by their actions.

"Big house, big wardrobe, makes sense," Ruffnut complimented.

"We're looking for the kind of clothes you have so we will know what to eliminate and what to replace them with," Tuffnut explained.

"Replace?!"

"Yeah. That's part of the plan."

As they searched through his belongings, Fiske discovered a picture that caught everyone's attention.

"Hiccup, you never told us that you are the mayor's son," Heather said in amazement.

"Yeah, probably because there are many Haddocks on Berk," Hiccup sarcastically replied. "And besides, we look different, so no one really noticed. But it doesn't really matter anyways."

"Yes, it does."

"Fine, but let's get back to the plan. What's wrong with the clothes I own?"

"They're too lame and nerdy, just like your style," Ruffnut teased.

"There's nothing wrong with my style!" Hiccup defiantly defended himself.

"Maybe let's go to the mall to shop for your new clothes, take you to the optometrist for new contacts, and to the dentist to check if you can already get rid of the braces," Ruffnut suggested.

"Okay. I've got my credit card ready," Hiccup said, feeling both excited and anxious about the makeover.

"Good. But not now. It's on us. Are we clear?" Astrid asked with her usual assertiveness.

"This is getting very one-sided," Hiccup muttered under his breath.

"Hmm?"

"Crystal." Hiccup replied, defeatedly.

"Good. Now what are you waiting for? Let's go to the mall!"

"TO THE MALL!" The gang cheered, their spirits high as they embarked on this transformational journey.

They descended the stairs, locked the house, and piled into Fishlegs' car. By 6 pm, they reached the mall and headed straight to the dentist. After confirming that the braces could be removed soon, they booked an appointment for the procedure. Next, they went to the Virtuoso Optical to get clear contacts and the necessary cleaning solution. Finally, they hit the stores for a shopping spree, getting Hiccup new jeans, jackets, shirts, button-ups, polos, and grooming products to complete the transformation.

The clock struck 8 pm as they left the mall, dropping Hiccup back at his house. The first part of the plan might have gone well, but the challenge of changing his appearance for the grand payback still loomed large in front of him.

oOo

THE CAREFULLY CRAFTED plan had been set in motion, and things were proceeding smoothly for Hiccup and his friends. Astrid, together with the rest of the gang, played their designated roles in training Hiccup for the upcoming challenge. Astrid focused on teaching him the art of combat, while the Twins worked on building his confidence. Meanwhile, Heather took on the task of selecting the perfect outfit for Hiccup to wear during the crucial moment, and Fishlegs provided valuable insights about their opponents.

Hiccup had decided that the plan should be put into action after the semester break, and the gang agreed to keep it a secret until the right time. As the weeks passed, their bond grew stronger, thanks to their shared endeavors and the clandestine meetings that never interfered with their regular routines. They continued to attend their classes, fulfill their daily responsibilities, and spend time with one another as friends.

oOo

ASTRID

AS THE LAST day of the semester arrived, Astrid felt a mix of emotions. She was delighted to see her improved grades, especially in AP Physics, where Hiccup's tutoring had made a significant difference. From a mediocre C, she had soared to an impressive A. Gratitude and joy filled her heart, knowing that she wouldn't have achieved this without Hiccup's help.

However, alongside her accomplishments, Astrid also sensed a tinge of sadness creeping in. With her grades now up, she could rejoin the football team, which meant she wouldn't need Hiccup's tutoring anymore. A sense of uncertainty loomed before her as she wondered if this meant saying goodbye to the close bond, they had formed during their study sessions.

After class, Astrid headed to Hiccup's place for their daily meetup. Concerned about her friend's mood, Hiccup approached her, with the rest of the gang following suit.

"What's wrong, Astrid?" Heather asked, genuine worry etched on her face.

Astrid hesitated for a moment before finally opening up, "I got an A in AP Physics, and I can now rejoin the football team."

Harper, the voice of reason, chimed in, "But isn't that great news? You wanted to be back on the team, right?"

Astrid sighed, "Of course, it's great news. It's just that now the principal might think I no longer need any help, and we'll be apart again. Separated."

Ruffnut couldn't resist teasing, "Looks like someone's in love."

"Shut up!" Astrid blushed, trying to brush off the comment.

Harper stepped in to reassure her, "No matter what happens, Astrid, we won't be apart again. We are friends now, right? That means we will be together forever."

A glimmer of hope brightened Astrid's eyes as she asked almost tearfully, "Really?"

The gang echoed in unison, "Yeah!"

Embracing her, they conveyed their unwavering support and commitment to stand by each other's side through thick and thin, no matter the challenges they might face.

And so, as the semester came to a close, the bond between Hiccup and his friends grew even stronger, with Astrid realizing that their friendship was built on something more profound than just a shared mission. They had become a family, and no matter what the future held, they knew they could rely on one another, always.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XII

FRIENDSHIPS, FORGIVENESS AND CONFESSION

DURING THE ENTIRE semestral break, the gang, alongside Hiccup, diligently pursued their plan, which was set to be put into action within the coming week or two. As time passed, they found themselves growing even closer, as if they had been lifelong friends, despite having collaborated for only three months to impart a certain lesson to someone. The plan was progressing remarkably well, with Hiccup's training and transformation showing promising results. They were all optimistic about the upcoming event.

One afternoon, as they gathered together to discuss their progress, Fiske couldn't believe that the plan's execution was just around the corner. "Guys, I can't believe it'll be next Monday, 4th of February, when we put the plan into action," he exclaimed.

"Time really flies," Heather added with a nod.

Tyler, ever the cautious one, voiced his concerns. "Can we really carry out this plan without any hiccups? No offense, Hiccup, but can we ensure its success?"

Astrid, always a staunch supporter of Harper, responded firmly, "Of course, we can. Harper will play his part, and the rest of us will do our best. Look at the progress he's made."

Feeling the sincerity in Astrid's words, Tyler apologized to Harper, "You're right, Astrid. Hiccup, I'm sorry for doubting you," he said, offering a reassuring pat on Harper's shoulders.

"It's okay. Apology accepted. To be honest, I'm nervous about it too," Harper admitted.

Riley, the encourager of the group, chimed in, "There's no need to be nervous. We got this!"

"But..." Harper began, trying to express his concerns, only to be silenced by the others' stern gazes.

"Come on, have faith in us," Astrid urged. "Repeat after me. We can do it!"

"We can do it!" they all echoed in unison.

"Louder!" she exclaimed.

"WE CAN DO IT!" they shouted with renewed determination.

"That's the spirit," Astrid grinned.

Tyler then suggested taking a break and having some fun. "What do you think, guys?"

Riley agreed, "I think that's a great idea, bro. What say you all?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, signifying their approval of the plan.

Fiske, ever curious, asked, "May I just ask, where are we going?"

Riley responded excitedly, "We're heading to the Paradise Hotel and Resort. We'll pick you up at two."

Harper hesitated and suggested, "Not sure about that, guys. Maybe I'll meet you at Berk square."

"No, H, we need to go together so we can prepare properly," Astrid insisted.

"Alright, then," Harper relented.

With the plan to meet at two, the gang left Harper's house to prepare for their upcoming escapade.

oOo

HARPER

HICCUP HAD MIXED feelings as the sembreak drew to a close. The time spent with his newfound group of friends had been unexpectedly enjoyable. Surprisingly, he found himself starting to see beyond their differences and discovering the positive traits that each of them possessed. He couldn't help but wonder if perhaps forgiving them wouldn't be such a difficult task after all. As the days passed, he realized that their contrasting personalities made their friendship all the more intriguing and meaningful.

Among the group was Fiske, or affectionately known as Fish. Much like Hiccup, he was fond of studying and delving into intellectual pursuits. However, Hiccup occasionally found Fish's studious nature a tad overbearing. Nonetheless, Fish's genuine and amiable personality made him a wonderful companion to have around.

Heather, Astrid's closest friend, shared many of Astrid's traits: stubbornness, beauty, and intelligence. On top of that, Heather had a flair for cooking and exuded an infectious optimism. Over time, Hiccup had come to consider her like a sister, appreciating her presence as an uplifting force.

The twins, Riley and Tyler, better known as Ruff and Tuff, were renowned mischief-makers who adored Loki. Though many dismissed them as mere pranksters, Hiccup recognized a depth to their character that others often overlooked. Their peculiar way of expressing themselves often left others perplexed, but Hiccup saw that their words held hidden wisdom, requiring careful contemplation to fully grasp. Beyond their playful antics, he found them to be surprisingly intelligent and straightforward, with a quirky sense of humor that never failed to lighten the mood.

And then there was Astrid – a captivating and multifaceted person. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her intelligence, sass, wit, kindness, and strength that truly set her apart. Despite the painful episode they had shared, Hiccup couldn't deny the bond that remained between them. Astrid was still an essential part of his life, and he couldn't help but hope that their friendship might one day blossom into something more.

Deep down, Hiccup knew that he had developed feelings for Astrid that went beyond friendship. The thought of confessing these emotions weighed heavily on his mind. However, the fear of potential rejection made him hesitate. What if Astrid didn't feel the same way about him? Gods help him. If there is only a way…

oOo

ASTRID

ASTRID HAD BEEN going through a series of intense days, but today was different. Today, she and her friends decided to take a break from their plans and indulge in some well-deserved fun. After all, what good was life without moments of carefree enjoyment? As she prepared for the outing, Astrid carefully picked out her attire, opting for a delightful white and blue dress that perfectly complemented her playful personality. She adorned herself with a matching blue headband and doll shoes, her loose hair cascading gracefully over her shoulders. A touch of makeup enhanced her natural beauty.

Standing before the mirror, she took a moment to appreciate her reflection. "Why not treat yourself once in a while?" she thought, flashing a self-assured smile.

Time seemed to dance as she finished her preparations, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her gang. As she made her way downstairs, a sense of excitement surged through her. Just as she reached the bottom, a familiar sound echoed through the house – the doorbell.

"It must be them," Astrid thought, feeling her heart flutter with joy.

Upon opening the door, however, she was met not by her gang but by Harper, their eyes locking in an unexpected encounter. Harper, looking both dashing and slightly apprehensive, wore a crisp white button-up shirt that accentuated his charm, combined with sleek black pants. There was something magnetic about him, and she couldn't help but feel a hint of curiosity as to why he was standing at her doorstep when they were meant to meet at Berk Square.

"H-hi A-astrid," he stammered, a touch of shyness in his voice.

Her smile never faltered as she responded, "Hi Harper. What brings you here today?"

With a small nervous laugh, Harper admitted, "I just wanted to talk to you about something. It's a bit personal, though."

Intrigued, Astrid invited him in, gesturing towards the living room. "Come on in, Harper. Let's talk."

As they settled down, Harper seemed to gather his thoughts, his fingers gently rubbing the back of his neck. Astrid couldn't help but wonder what he wanted to share, but she remained patient, giving him the time he needed.

"What is it?" she asked gently, reassuringly.

"Are you sure you won't hate me after this?" Harper inquired, uncertainty lacing his words.

The question piqued her interest even more, and she responded with playful confidence, "Nope," popping the 'p' for emphasis.

Harper took a deep breath, looking into Astrid's eyes as he began to speak, "Astrid..."

oOo

RILEY

THE VAN RUMBLED along the familiar streets of Berk, carrying Ruffnut and the gang, except for Hiccup, who was to be met at Berk Square. They were on their way to Astrid's place to pick her up before embarking on some adventure only Tuffnut had a vague idea about. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the quaint village.

As they approached Nadder Lane, the van slowed to a stop, and Ruffnut's eyes caught a glimpse of Hiccup and Astrid standing by the sidewalk, engrossed in a conversation. Her mischievous side couldn't resist the opportunity to tease her friends. With a wicked glint in her eyes, she thought, "Oh, Hiccup and Astrid talking? Must be nice to interrupt them just this once."

Unable to contain her playful impulse, Ruffnut announced to the others inside the van, "I'm going down to pick up Astrid."

Her statement was met with nonchalant responses of "sure" or "okay" from the rest of the gang. They knew Ruffnut's spontaneous nature, and they were used to her impromptu actions.

As Ruffnut stepped out of the van, the cool breeze tousled her hair, and she sauntered towards where Hiccup and Astrid were standing. The conversation between the two seemed earnest, their faces illuminated by soft rays of the setting sun. Ruffnut couldn't help but find the scene oddly endearing, but she quickly shook off any sentimental thoughts, focusing on her playful scheme.

Approaching them with a sly smile, Ruffnut interjected in her typically boisterous manner, "Hey lovebirds, sorry to break the spell, but Astrid, we've got places to go!"

Startled, Hiccup and Astrid turned to face her, with Astrid playfully rolling her eyes at Ruffnut's comment. Hiccup grinned, accustomed to Ruffnut's teasing nature, and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we better get going," he said, slipping his hand into Astrid's.

Astrid shot Ruffnut a friendly smirk before turning back to Hiccup. "Alright, I'll catch up with you later."

Ruffnut returned to the van, a victorious feeling spreading through her as she had successfully interrupted their moment. She couldn't resist adding, "You guys owe me one!"

With a laugh, the gang set off again, this time with Astrid joining them in the van.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XIII

THE PLAN INITIATION

ONE WEEK HAD passed since the gang and Hiccup devised their plan to teach Snotlout a lesson. The day had finally arrived, the 4th of February, marking the resumption of classes at Berk High. It was the day they had agreed to set their plan, allowing Hiccup to take the lead while the others observed every step of the way.

oOo

HARPER

AS THE MORNING sun began to rise, Hiccup woke up at five in the morning, knowing that this day would be different. It was the initiation of Operation: Teach Snot A Lesson (OTSAL). With determination in his heart, he proceeded with his daily routine, but he made some changes to his appearance and demeanor. He made his bed first, as he always did, not wanting to incur his father's disapproval for being messy. Then, he took a refreshing bath and dried himself off.

Today called for a new look, so Hiccup rummaged through his closet, eventually selecting a plain white t-shirt paired with a leather jacket. The others had assured him that this combination suited him well. Along with that, he chose a pair of slightly skinny jeans, opting for contact lenses instead of his usual eyeglasses, and deliberately left his hair ruffled instead of neatly combed.

As Hiccup descended the stairs to have breakfast, he encountered his father, who seemed to be in a cheerful mood, as he had taken the day off to spend time with his son.

"Hi, son," his father greeted warmly.

"Hi, dad," Hiccup replied with a smile.

"I cooked your favorite yak chops. I woke up early just to prepare this for you," his father said proudly.

"Thanks, dad. It smells wonderful. I can't wait to dig in," Hiccup replied, taking in the savory aroma.

When Hiccup's father turned around to face him, he was taken aback by his son's new appearance.

"Harper, what in Thor's name happened to you?!" his father exclaimed, visibly shocked.

"Umm... dad? Is there something wrong with how I look?" Hiccup asked, slightly self-conscious.

"No, no, not at all. You look great; it's just that I'm not used to seeing you like this. You usually wear baggy clothes, and now..." his father trailed off, assuming Hiccup might have a romantic interest. "Wait a minute?! Are you dating someone?! Oh, my Thor! I can tell from the way you look. Love can really change a person. But remember, don't rush into anything intimate. And if you ever need... um, protection, just check your bedside drawer for c-"

"Dad! Please. Isn't it too early for 'the talk'? And I don't have a girlfriend. I just wanted to try something different today," Hiccup interrupted, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Fine, son. If you say so. But are you sure there's nothing going on between you and that Hofferson girl? You two have been spending a lot of time together," his father probed with a sigh.

"Astrid and I are just friends. That's all. We hang out, and I tutor her in Physics," Hiccup clarified.

"Okay, enough about that. Eat your breakfast; you might be late for school," his father said, changing the subject.

Hiccup immediately took a bite and said, "Dad, these tastes awesome!"

"I am glad that you have liked it," his dad chuckled.

After finishing his meal, he brushed his teeth and bid his father farewell before heading out to the garage to drive his Black Camaro.

"I guess today you'll see the light of day without hiding," he chuckled to his car as he got inside and started driving to school.

En route to Berk High, Hiccup's phone vibrated, indicating a call from the Twins.

"Hello Ruff, Tuff," Hiccup greeted.

"It's me, your pal, Tuff. We called to let you know that you should enter the school right as Snotlout does so you can grab more attention," Tuff explained.

"Is that really necessary?" Hiccup asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.

"Yeah, it adds a dramatic flair to our plan. You know, making a grand entrance," Ruff added with enthusiasm.

"Alright, if you think it'll work. See you at school," Hiccup agreed.

As the clock struck 6:30 am, Hiccup arrived at Berk High and parked his Camaro in front of the school, relieved that most of the students were already inside and hadn't seen him yet. He made his way towards the front door, just as his phone buzzed with a message from Ruff:

' It's time, Hiccup. Snotlout just entered the school. Go show him who's the boss ;) Good luck.'

With a determined smirk, Hiccup readied himself for the next phase of Operation: Teach Snot A Lesson. Today would be a day to remember.

oOo

SHAUN

SNOTLOUT COULDN'T HELP but feel a surge of excitement as he stepped back into the familiar hallways of the school. After a long summer break, he was eager to bask in the adoration of his fans once more. He strutted in at 6:30 am, the early morning rays casting a golden glow around him. As he passed through the doorway, he immediately noticed the stir he caused among his fellow students, especially the girls.

Whispers and giggles followed in his wake, and he overheard flattering remarks being thrown his way.

"Look at him. He is so handsome."

"Ooh, what a hottie."

"Mr. Hotstuff is back."

Snotlout flashed his charming smile, relishing the attention. "Oh, thank you very much. I appreciate that you all missed me so much," he said, not one to be humble, "and I know that you want to hug and kiss me, but, you know, all of this..." He gestured towards his biceps with a playful smirk, "...is reserved for my babe."

The girls giggled even more, swooning over his confident demeanor. But as he reveled in the spotlight, a cute redhead cheerleader caught his attention by mentioning someone else.

"It's not you, Snotlout. We are talking about the hottie over there," she said, pointing to a guy with auburn hair who was surrounded by a growing crowd.

Snotlout's competitive spirit ignited. "Looks like we have some competition. Is that what you want? Game on!" he thought, his ego feeling a challenge.

Throughout the day, he couldn't help but wonder who this mysterious rival was, garnering even more attention than him. Later on, he discovered that the guy wasn't just handsome; he was also incredibly smart and quick-witted. The revelation intrigued him, but what caught him off guard was the realization that the guy was Hiccup. Hiccup! The name struck a nerve. Snotlout had always seen Hiccup as an annoyance, someone to be dismissed and looked down upon.

During break time, his irritation grew as he observed Hiccup hanging out with his friends, especially Astrid. The nerve of him, trying to compete for his friends' attention! Snotlout's jaw clenched as he vowed to assert his dominance. He was determined to show Hiccup why he should never mess with him, no matter how much his appearance had changed or how popular he had become.

In Snotlout's mind, Hiccup might have transformed physically and gained popularity, but that wouldn't alter the fact that he was just a useless runt, a mere hiccup in Snotlout's grand existence. As the rivalry between the two intensified, little did they both know that their clash of titans would lead to unexpected outcomes, challenging their perceptions of each other and themselves.

oOo

ASTRID

ASTRID'S HEART POUNDED with excitement as the meticulously crafted plan unfolded flawlessly. The sunlit courtyard provided the perfect setting as she and her close-knit group of friends spotted Harper during breaktime. With determined smiles, they beckoned him over to join their table, hiding their glee behind a facade of casual nonchalance.

In Astrid's eyes, the entire rendezvous seemed like a finely choreographed dance. As Harper settled into the seat they had reserved for him, she noticed the spark of curiosity in his eyes, and it warmed her heart. They had managed to skillfully infiltrate his world, just as they had hoped.

Their celebration was discreet, as they shared furtive glances that spoke volumes about their little triumph. Amidst discussions about trivial matters, they couldn't help but sneak in compliments to boost each other's confidence. Astrid, in particular, found herself marveling at Harper's transformation. Gone were the days when he lingered in the background, unnoticed. Now, he radiated a newfound charm that drew attention like moths to a flame.

However, amidst their elation, Astrid couldn't ignore the occasional intrusion of Harper's newfound fangirls. As much as she appreciated the sign of their success, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy gnawing at her. Yet, she reminded herself that this was merely a testament to their progress, proof that their efforts were bearing fruit.

Astrid understood that this was just the beginning of their journey. Though they had successfully paved their way into Harper's life, they were well aware that maintaining this connection would require more finesse and perseverance. The challenges ahead loomed like dark clouds on the horizon, but she was determined to face them head-on.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XIV

MISERABLE

WEEKS HAD FLOWN by, and Hiccup's life had undergone a profound metamorphosis. The news of his sudden transformation had spread like wildfire across the campus, drawing the attention of students, especially the female ones. Now, referred to as Harper by many, he had become the most sought-after guy in Berk High—a heartthrob in his own right. This newfound popularity brought with it a plethora of benefits that he was unaccustomed to, leaving him somewhat uneasy. Despite this discomfort, he managed to conceal his feelings and gracefully navigate his new reality. His days were now filled with a growing number of admirers, seemingly eager to catch his attention solely for their own popularity boost, and a slew of fresh opportunities.

However, Harper remained the same genuine person he had always been. He never forgot the ones who had stood by him during his difficult times, especially his newfound friends Fiske, Heather, Tyler, and Riley, and the revitalized friendship with Astrid. Happiness seemed to envelop everyone around him, but one person remained discontented—Shaun Jorgenson, also known as Snotlout.

Shaun's once charmed life had turned upside down due to these very changes. He had gone from being Mr. Popular to being the one left in the dust—ditched and deemed a loser. Harper's rise to fame had caused Shaun to harbor a deep-seated fury towards him. It was as if their roles had reversed entirely. Previously, Harper had been an outcast, a target of bullying, but now the tables had turned, and karma seemed to be at play.

oOo

SHAUN

WEEKS HAD PASSED since Useless, whose real name was Hiccup, had taken everything from Snotlout, leaving him stripped of his popularity, friends, girlfriend, and reputation. Once a prominent figure in school, Snotlout now found himself relegated to the ranks of the outcasts, the Loserville as he called it. He became a target of bullying, a pariah no one wanted to associate with.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the school's windows, Snotlout trudged down the crowded hallway, burdened by the weight of his fallen status. His once confident stride was replaced with hesitation and vulnerability. A malicious shove sent him crashing to the floor, scattering his belongings in all directions. The whole scene unfolded in front of an audience that took pleasure in his misfortune. Snotlout looked up, anger and humiliation twisting his features as he sought the face of his aggressor.

To his dismay, he recognized Thuggory, who was once his closest friend but had now become one of his tormentors, aligned with the jocks who enjoyed preying on the weak.

"Well if it isn't Snotlout-outlout. Being clumsy, aren't we?" Thuggory sneered, relishing in the opportunity to taunt his former friend.

"What do you want, Thuggory?" Snotlout's voice wavered, struggling to maintain a semblance of pride.

"Nothing. Besides, you were blocking my way, muttonhead! I had to shove you to get to class early. The faster, the better," Thuggory replied dismissively, enjoying the control he had over Snotlout.

The mention of the word "muttonhead" struck a nerve in Snotlout. Anger boiled inside him, and he clenched his fists, ready to retaliate. But before he could act, Thuggory and his companions closed in on him like a pack of predators, taking pleasure in the vulnerability of their prey. Snotlout's attempt at fighting back was futile as they overwhelmed him, landing painful blows that left him battered and bruised.

"You think you can fight me, Snottykins? NO! Because you are nothing but a pathetic excuse for a teenager," Thuggory spat, his words venomous.

The bullies departed, leaving Snotlout on the floor, feeling utterly defeated and worthless. The echoes of their mocking laughter haunted him as he struggled to gather his scattered belongings. He couldn't help but wonder how Hiccup endured the pain and humiliation for so long. Snotlout realized he was now experiencing just a fraction of what Hiccup had endured. The once arrogant and conceited teenager now felt an overwhelming sense of misery.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XV

HAPPINESS

WHILE SHAUN WAS feeling very miserable with his new social status and appeared to be learning from all his mistakes, Harper, on the other hand, seemed more likely to adjust to his new social status. Although he felt very uncomfortable at first, he managed to cope with the help of his friends, who stood by him through it all. Despite the newfound attention from others, Harper managed to maintain a semblance of a normal life. The influx of opportunities came like a plague, but he embraced them, using his enhanced physical strength from training to excel in athletic activities. The varsity teams were eager to have him, even under the condition that he masked his face during games. Harper cherished the newfound friends, fame, and opportunities that had come his way.

oOo

HARPER

IT WAS JUST an ordinary day for Harper as he went about his morning routine. After finishing his breakfast, bidding goodbye to his father, and getting ready, he set out to pick up Astrid, his close friend, so they could walk to school together. To his surprise, as they strolled through the school hallways toward their lockers, they were met with enthusiastic greetings. The familiar calls of "Hi Harper!", "Morning hottie", and "Sup dude!" filled the air, and he reciprocated each with a warm smile. Harper couldn't help but think back to what had happened a few weeks ago, nearly eight weeks or almost two months ago to be precise. Although some time had passed, he still hadn't quite grown accustomed to the newfound attention.

Once Astrid and Harper reached their adjacent lockers, they bid each other farewell and went to their separate classrooms. As breaktime approached, their group of friends gathered in the cafeteria as they always did. They found their usual spot by the wall, although, given their popularity, some might argue they belonged at the center, among the "famous" kids. But they knew they were different from that crowd, and they preferred it that way. As they shared laughter and conversation while savoring their meals, a troubling sight caught their attention: Snotlout, one of their classmates, was being bullied by Thuggory, Eret, and Dogsbreath.

Astrid sneered, "Serves him right."

"Yeah, he totally deserves it," Fishlegs added.

Harper hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Guys, isn't this too much for him? We shouldn't just stand by and do nothing. I think we should help him. I know you might oppose this idea, but we all understand how it feels to be belittled. Despite how he may have treated us in the past, doing the right thing means lending him a hand."

Agreeing with Harper, his friends nodded. He stood up and made his way over to where the four were standing. Thuggory had Snotlout by the collar, while Eret and Dogsbreath stood behind him, looking menacing.

"Thuggory," Harper called out, emphasizing his name.

"Oh, it's you, Harper, my friend. What brings you here? You want to watch how this loser gets beaten up, don't you?" Thuggory taunted, facing Harper.

"No. I want you to leave Snotlout alone."

"Fine. You're lucky, Snotty. If H didn't show up, I'd have beaten you up until you were broken," Thuggory sneered at Snotlout before turning back to Harper with a smile. "See you later at training." Thuggory and the others then walked away.

Harper helped Snotlout to his feet and asked sincerely, "Are you okay?"

"I'M FINE. WHY ARE YOU HELPING ME?! I DO NOT NEED YOUR HELP! AND DO NOT GIVE ME YOUR PITY BECAUSE I DO NOT NEED IT!" Snotlout responded angrily before storming off.

Returning to the table, Harper resumed eating his food while his friends shared their thoughts on the situation.

"Geez, he's so tense," Tuff remarked.

"And so ungrateful," Ruffnut added.

"Just give him some time and try to understand where he's coming from," Harper suggested.

As the day went on, classes resumed and Harper's day turned out to be quite enjoyable. He received praise from his peers for his skills during training, and later, he headed to work where he spent the rest of his time.

A few days passed, and Harper decided to invite Astrid to his house to have a conversation about something he had been wanting to tell her, but had been interrupted by Ruffnut last time. She arrived at his house around 2 pm, and after welcoming her, he offered her a seat on the couch and some refreshments.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about, Harper? You wouldn't have called me here without a reason," Astrid said, gazing into his eyes.

Harper took a deep breath, feeling nervous, and began, "Remember a few months ago when we went on that outing, and I was about to tell you something before Ruff came in? Well, that's what I want to talk about."

Astrid looked intrigued and asked, "What is it?"

With a mix of anxiety and sincerity, Harper confessed, "Astrid, I like you. No, I love you. I've felt this way for a few years now, and I want you to be my girlfriend, and if you'd have me, my prom date. I didn't tell you this earlier because I lacked the confidence, and I was afraid it might ruin our friendship."

Astrid seemed taken aback for a moment before she softly responded, "I honestly don't have the words."

Harper, rubbing the back of his neck, said, "Alright, I understand if you don't feel the same way..."

"No! I want to. I would love to. I love you too. It's just that I was too shy to confess," Astrid admitted, her voice gentle and sincere.

"Really? So, does that mean you're now my girlfriend, and I'm your boyfriend?" Harper asked, his disbelief turning into joy.

"Yes, it does," Astrid teased, smiling at him.

Overwhelmed with happiness, they embraced and shared their first kiss. Harper couldn't ask for more than this moment. He wished for it never to end, and in that instant, all he felt was pure bliss. The unexpected turn of events had brought them even closer, and they knew that this newfound love was something worth cherishing.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XVI

PROM

ASTRID

EXCITEMENT SURGED THROUGH Astrid's veins as she couldn't help but let out a joyful squeal. Harper had finally asked her to be his girlfriend, and without a moment's hesitation, she accepted. The love she felt for him was undeniable, and now they were officially a couple. They spent the evening together, enveloped in each other's company, watching movies, and savoring slices of pizza. The joy of their newfound relationship was so overwhelming that they couldn't wait to share the news with their loved ones.

After a heartwarming conversation with their immediate family and friends, it was evident that everyone approved of their union. Their loved ones couldn't help but notice the natural harmony between Astrid and Harper, expressing their delight at how good they looked together and how perfectly they complemented one another.

With prom approaching, Harper didn't even have to ask Astrid to be his date; it was an automatic decision since they were now officially a couple. Astrid gladly agreed, feeling a surge of excitement for the upcoming event and the promise of many more shared memories to come.

oOo

RILEY

GATHERED TOGETHER FOR a fun-filled sleepover, all their friends were present except for Hiccup and Astrid. Curiosity got the better of them as they wondered why the two were absent, considering they were usually regular attendees. Nevertheless, they had dived into the night's festivities, laughing and engaging in various activities, all the while wondering what their two missing friends might be up to.

Suddenly, the phone rang, and Ruffnut was quick to answer. Hiccup's voice echoed from the other end, sparking excitement among the group. The phone was put on loudspeaker, and to everyone's surprise, Astrid's voice joined the conversation.

"Hi, guys!" Astrid greeted them warmly.

"ASTRID?!" The collective exclamation of surprise filled the room.

"Why didn't you come tonight?" Heather inquired eagerly.

"What the hell are you doing in there, woman?" Ruffnut added, slightly agitated.

"Are you finally sleeping with Hiccup?" Tuffnut asked with exuberance.

'TUFFNUT!' Both Hiccup and Astrid exclaimed, a hint of embarrassment in their voices.

Hiccup calmly explained, "We didn't come tonight because we needed to discuss something personal."

"And what might that be?" Ruffnut prodded.

"We decided to take the next step in our relationship. I asked Astrid to be my girlfriend, and she said yes. So now we're officially together," Hiccup announced, his voice filled with happiness.

The news delighted their friends, who promptly erupted into celebration. Heather couldn't contain her joy, jumping on the couch with the others.

"So, the Hiccstrid ship is finally sailing, guys!" Heather declared, the thrill evident in her voice.

'Hiccstrid?' Astrid asked, seemingly amused by the newly coined couple name.

"Yeah, Hiccstrid. Your power couple name. Anyway, enjoy your time together, because we're having a blast over here," Ruffnut said, brimming with happiness before ending the call.

In her heart, Ruffnut couldn't be happier for Astrid and Hiccup. They seemed to be destined for each other, their love a serendipitous embrace that brought joy not only to themselves but also to their close-knit group of friends. As they continued their sleepover festivities, they couldn't help but look forward to witnessing the blossoming romance between Astrid and Hiccup.

oOo

MONDAY DAWNED, AND rumors of 'Hiccstrid' - the newly formed relationship between Hiccup and Astrid - spread through the school like wildfire, eliciting both positive and negative comments from their peers. Among the students, congratulatory remarks like "Congratulations!" and "You look good together" resounded, but there were also spiteful whispers, particularly from Hiccup's fans club, accusing Astrid of not deserving him. Despite the mixed reactions, it turned out to be a day filled with excitement and happiness for the couple.

As the days slipped away, the Prom Night approached, a highly anticipated event that was now just three weeks away. The entire gang was abuzz with excitement, discussing preparations and envisioning the grand occasion that awaited them. The Boutique, nestled in the heart of Berk, became their destination of choice as they set out to find the perfect attire for the night of enchantment. Though the shop was known for its upscale prices, they were relieved to discover that a sale offering a staggering 50% discount was underway, making their shopping spree all the more enjoyable.

Once the school day ended, the gang rendezvoused and headed to The Boutique together. Amidst laughter and playful banter, they explored the extensive collection, each selecting the most exquisite garments and accessories they could find.

As the Prom Night loomed ever closer, the school busied itself with preparing the grand venue at the Vanaheim Hotel. Every detail, from the delectable catering to the vibrant music and mesmerizing decor, was carefully arranged for the night of celebration.

The days seemed to fly by, and before anyone realized, the long-awaited Prom Night was finally upon them. The gang made plans to meet at the Vanaheim Hotel with their respective dates - Fishlegs with Heather, Ruffnut and Tuffnut accompanying each other as inseparable siblings, and, of course, Hiccup with Astrid.

At precisely 6 pm, Hiccup, donning a dashing blue long-sleeved button-up shirt complemented by a matching dark blue necktie and a sleek black suit, pulled up to Astrid's house in his sleek Black Camaro. As Astrid emerged from her home, she looked breathtaking, akin to a Valkyrie descending from Valhalla. Her hair was woven into an intricate braid, and her light makeup accentuated her natural beauty. She wore a captivating blue strapless gown, perfectly matching Hiccup's ensemble, a visual testament to their newfound connection. The moment Hiccup laid eyes on her, he was rendered speechless, captivated by her radiance.

He extended his hand to assist her into the car and gallantly kissed her hand before presenting her with a bouquet of roses.

"Lovely evening, milady," he said, his voice carrying genuine admiration. "Flowers for you."

Astrid accepted the flowers with a grateful smile and thanked him warmly. "Thank you. You are such a gentleman, and you look handsome as always," she replied, her laughter tinkling like a melody.

"Anything to make you look gorgeous as always. Shall we head to the prom?"

"We shall," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

The couple set off in the Black Camaro and arrived at the Vanaheim Hotel at 7 pm, where they were greeted by the sight of their friends, all elegantly clad in beautiful gowns and formal suits. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, they noticed Snotlout, who seemed to be in a perpetual state of misery. Despite their attempts to uplift his spirits in the past, they decided not to intervene this time, allowing him to find his own way to enjoy the evening.

The Prom Night unfolded in a whirlwind of enchantment. As the music swirled and the lights sparkled, everyone danced with delight. Yet, amidst the vibrant throng, Hiccup and Astrid stood out, moving as if in their own world. Their dance was a harmony of souls, an expression of their deep connection. It was a profoundly significant moment for them, marking their first dance as a couple. In each other's arms, they felt like the only two people in the world, and time seemed to stand still.

As the night progressed, Hiccup and Astrid found themselves cherishing every fleeting second together. It was a magical night filled with laughter, love, and the beginning of a beautiful journey that they hoped would never end.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XVII

THE INCIDENT

HARPER

THIS NIGHT, ADMITTEDLY, was the most incredible moment of Hiccup's life so far. The night was filled with joy as he spent time with his friends and his dream girl. They danced and embraced the freedom of the moment. Everything felt perfect. As the night progressed, it was finally time for the announcement of this year's Prom King and Queen. Excitement filled the air as Hiccup and his fellow students gathered together for the coronation. Their principal, Mr. Sven Anderson, stepped onto the stage to reveal the winners.

"Greetings to the Junior and Senior students of Berk High. Tonight, as we celebrate our promenade, my heart flutters seeing you all so happy. Now, it is time to announce this year's Royalties. Are you all excited?" Mr. Anderson asked.

"YES!" The entire function hall resounded with enthusiasm.

"Let us not keep you waiting any longer. This year's King and Queen of the night are none other than-"

Just as he was about to declare the winners, the fire alarm abruptly rang out, triggering panic among the crowd. Flames erupted from the hotel's electrical room, located right next to the function hall where they all stood. To their horror, the sprinklers failed, allowing the fire to rapidly spread. Frantically, everyone rushed towards the nearest exit, desperate to escape the impending danger. Miraculously, they all made it out of the hotel safely. However, Hiccup quickly scanned his surroundings and realized someone was missing—Snotlout. He must still be trapped inside, risking his life. Despite their tumultuous history, Hiccup couldn't bear the thought of leaving him to die. Determinedly, he made up his mind to go back in.

As he prepared to enter the burning hotel, Astrid grabbed hold of his arm, concern etched on her face. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

"I'm going back inside. Please, release my arm," Hiccup calmly replied.

"No! It's too dangerous! What's the reason for going back? Did you lose something? Never mind that. Things can be replaced, but people cannot," Astrid reasoned, trying to dissuade him.

"I'm going back for Snotlout. I can't leave him to die. You said it yourself, things can be replaced, but people cannot. Sorry, Milady, but I have to go," Hiccup explained firmly, gently removing her hand from his arm. Before he embarked on his perilous journey, he planted a heartfelt kiss on her cheek.

"Be safe," Astrid pleaded.

"I will. Don't worry," Hiccup reassured her with a determined smile.

Returning to the burning hotel, Hiccup confronted the raging fire, fighting his way through the smoke to find and rescue Snotlout. The thick, suffocating black smoke made it challenging for Hiccup to locate him. But determination fueled his every step. After what felt like an eternity, Hiccup finally spotted Snotlout lying near some debris, struggling to breathe. Without hesitation, Hiccup helped him to his feet, guiding him towards the nearest exit. As they made their way, Snotlout mustered the strength to utter a few words through his labored coughs.

"Thank you, Hiccup... for saving my life," he weakly expressed his gratitude.

"No time to thank me now. Let's just get out of here," Hiccup replied, focusing on their escape.

Their progress was halted when a shower of burning debris suddenly plummeted from the ceiling, blocking their path to the exit. Instinctively, Hiccup pushed Snotlout away from the danger, ensuring his safety outside the fire's reach. But before Hiccup could make his own escape, a deafening explosion erupted, unleashing chaos and uncertainty upon them both.

oOo

SHAUN

A FIRE HAD ravaged the Vanaheim Hotel, creating a nightmarish scene of chaos and danger. In the midst of the burning hotel, Snotlout found himself trapped, resigned to his imminent demise. However, to his surprise, an unexpected savior emerged through the smoke-filled haze. It was Hiccup, the last person Snotlout had anticipated would risk their life to save him. Hiccup swiftly helped Snotlout to their feet, their urgent escape becoming their shared priority. Despite his struggle to speak due to the dense smoke, Snotlout managed to convey his gratitude to Hiccup, their words lost amidst the roaring flames.

For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though their desperate plan would succeed. Almost within reach of the exit, their path was abruptly obstructed by falling debris, separating them and sealing Hiccup's fate inside the fiery inferno. Snotlout's heart sank, knowing that in his weakened condition, he couldn't offer any assistance. Helplessness washed over him, but he understood that he needed to call for aid. With all the strength he could muster, Snotlout shouted desperately, his voice strained by the overwhelming circumstances.

"PLEASE, ANYONE, HELP HICCUP! HE IS TRAPPED INSIDE!"

oOo

ASTRID

YET, BEFORE ANYONE could respond, a sudden explosion mercilessly shattered their hopes and plunged them into further chaos and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Astrid paced anxiously, consumed by worry as Hiccup ventured back into the burning hotel to rescue Snotlout against her pleas. Time dragged on, and neither Hiccup nor Snotlout emerged from the hazardous depths. Suddenly, Snotlout's voice carried to her ears, filled with desperation and a plea for help.

"PLEASE, ANYONE, HELP HICCUP! HE IS TRAPPED INSIDE!"

In an instant, fear gripped Astrid's heart. She rushed towards the source of the plea, her thoughts racing, hoping to find a way to assist Hiccup. But before she could reach him, a deafening explosion shook the surroundings, leaving Astrid devastated and falling to her knees. The loss of Hiccup, her beloved boyfriend, struck her with a profound sadness. She wept, tormented by the cruel twist of fate that had taken him away. Hiccup's selflessness and inherent goodness made his untimely departure even more tragic.

Moments later, the sound of sirens pierced the night as firefighters and rescue teams arrived. The twins had called for their assistance an hour earlier, but due to the distance and traffic, they had only just arrived. Working tirelessly, they managed to bring the raging fire under control and successfully locate Hiccup. Though alive, his condition was dire, his appearance a testament to the harrowing ordeal he had endured. Placed on a stretcher, the medical team rushed him into the ambulance, with Astrid as his designated companion during the journey. The rest of their friends decided to follow closely behind.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Hiccup was promptly whisked away to the Emergency Room, leaving his loved ones consumed with worry for his well-being. Even Snotlout, wracked with guilt at his own inability to aid Hiccup, insisted on joining them. Moments later, Stoick Haddock and Gobber, Hiccup's father and godfather/boss, arrived, their faces etched with panic and fear. They immediately sought out Astrid for answers, desperate to know the fate of their beloved Hiccup.

"Where is Harper? What happened to him?" they queried; their distress palpable.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XVIII

THE AFTERMATH

"WHERE'S HARPER? WHAT happened to him?" Stoick asked worriedly, his voice laced with concern.

"He is currently in the Emergency Room, and we have been advised to wait here for updates," Astrid replied, her gaze shifting to her friends, who were equally anxious.

Snotlout's self-doubt ate at him as he placed blame upon himself. "It's my fault that he's in there. If he hadn't saved me, he wouldn't be rushed to the hospital. I'm an idiot, useless," he muttered, his words heavy with guilt.

Astrid reached out to comfort him. "Don't blame yourself, Snotlout. Despite your past conflicts, you sought help when you were unable to do anything due to your weakened state. Unfortunately, a devastating turn of events occurred."

Stoick, Hiccup's father, joined the conversation, attempting to offer solace. "And I know my son. He wouldn't hold you responsible for what happened. Let's pray and hope for his recovery."

Just moments later, a doctor in his early thirties emerged from the Emergency Room. He approached the worried group, seeking the patient's family. Stoick raised his hand, his voice filled with anxiety. "I'm his father, doctor."

The doctor introduced himself as Dr. Theodore Wade and began sharing the news they all desperately awaited. "He is safe, but he is currently in a comatose state, unconscious. Harper also sustained second-degree burns and a severely infected injury in his left leg. We will need to amputate his leg immediately to prevent the infection from spreading."

Stoick nodded, his tone resolute. "Do what you must, doctor."

Astrid sought permission to see Harper, to be by his side during this difficult time. However, Dr. Wade explained that they could only see him after the surgery, in the recovery room. The group accepted this and expressed their concerns.

"I hope he recovers soon," Fishlegs stated, his voice filled with worry.

"Me too," Ruffnut concurred.

"We're all missing him already," Tuffnut chimed in.

"We all do, but we know he's strong. Let's keep him in our prayers and hope for the best," Heather voiced, her words filled with hope and concern.

As the night wore on, it grew increasingly late. The medical staff wheeled Harper into the operating room at 11:30 PM to remove his infected leg. Stoick, Gobber, and the gang remained in the waiting area, anxiously awaiting news of the surgery's success. Since it was already late, Stoick advised the teens to go home and rest, promising to inform them of Harper's condition later. After bidding their goodbyes, they dispersed, except for Astrid, whose worry for her boyfriend kept her rooted in place. She called her parents to inform them of the situation, relieved when they agreed to let her stay.

The operation ended at past 3 AM, leaving Harper in the recovery room for a short while before being transferred to a private room. Despite their sleeplessness, Stoick, Gobber, and Astrid felt a surge of relief as they received news of the successful surgery. They quickly sent updates to their friends, who would join them in visiting Harper at the hospital in the morning. There, they would take turns keeping watch over their friend.

Days turned into weeks, and still, Harper remained unconscious. His friends and family visited him regularly, supporting him with their presence and stories of their daily lives. Even Snotlout, battling his own guilt, found the courage to visit Harper, recognizing the strength of their bond. Stoick, especially, refused to leave his son's side, his worry etched into every wrinkle on his face. Harper's absence at school was felt by all, and his classmates wished fervently for his recovery.

After two weeks, Stoick and Gobber decided to take a break, leaving the gang to visit and care for Harper as they tirelessly hoped for his awakening. On this particular day, as they chattered in his room, they witnessed a slight movement in Harper's arm. Excitement filled the air as he stirred and slowly opened his eyes, rousing from his deep slumber. His friends quickly assisted him into a seated position, their smiles beaming with joy.

"Hi, guys," Harper greeted weakly, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and relief. "I'm in a hospital, right?"

"Yes, you are. You've been out for two whole weeks," Astrid replied, her voice tinged with both tenderness and incredulity.

"What?!" Harper exclaimed, his volume escalating. "I've missed so much at school."

Fishlegs reassured him, "Don't worry, Harper. You're smart, and we'll help you catch up."

With curiosity piqued, Harper asked about the events that unfolded during his absence and the absence of sensation in his left leg.

There was a momentary pause before Heather replied, "The doctors had to remove your leg due to the infection."

Harper's response was unexpected. "Oh. Why not? It's just a leg. What I'm grateful for is that I'm still alive. So, tell me, what really happened after the incident?"

As the silence settled, Ruffnut broke it, "Well, you were rushed to the hospital, your leg was amputated, your dad took leave from work to look after you–"

"He did?" Harper interjected, surprise flickering in his eyes.

Astrid's smile widened as she confirmed, "Yes, he did. He's been incredibly worried about you. He loves you more than anything."

"Anyway, we are all worried. The whole school is worried. Snotlout is worried. He even blamed himself for what happened to you. We always visit you and hope for the best."

There was a moment of silence. But then the Twins broke that with a question.

"What's with the silence?"

"H just woke up. Let's be happy. So?"

"So what?"

"GROUP HUG!"

And that day, they continued to catch up with Harper and fill him with what he missed during the days he's out. Also, they have spread the good news that he is already up. The others and most importantly, his father and Gobber, were very happy about it that they decided to throw a party for him.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

XIX

RECONCILATION

DAYS, WEEKS, AND MONTHS have passed since Harper regained consciousness. He has already undergone therapy and has gotten his new prosthetic, which allows him to walk even though he lost a part of his lower left leg. Everyone is thrilled about that and happy for him. He has also fully recovered from the accident, but he can't go to school yet because school ended before his recovery from the hospital culminated. Though he never failed his junior year because his school gave him a chance to catch up with the lessons and answer his exams (which he missed), the administration knew and understood his situation. And luckily, he passed. Well, it isn't a surprise, though. Harper is very smart, and despite all that has happened to him, he is still the one who is leading in his class.

There are many things that happened in the past year, and I might say that there are also many additions to the things that happened in the past that are happening this time. First, because of the accident, he is proclaimed a hero of the school and is also proclaimed a hero by the city government. Likewise, he attended local TV shows for interviews about what happened at that time. Second, he and his friends, as well as his family, had plenty of moments that summer that they will surely never forget. Third, his romantic relationship with Astrid got stronger because of the struggles that they have faced these past few months, and lastly, it was the one that he never expected.

It is mid-July afternoon, the 13th day of the month, and Sunday. Six teens gathered in the Horrendous Haddock Residence (more likely a mansion) to hang out. Namely, Harper/Hiccup, Astrid, Heather, Fiske/Fishlegs, and Tyler/Tuffnut, and it isn't surprising because it is a regular thing for teenagers to spend time with their friends. Mr. Haddock allowed them to be in their house anytime because he knows the teens well and is very fond of them, especially because they are good to his son. They are currently gathered around in the living room, eating pizza and talking with each other about interesting things while the music is playing loud. They are currently enjoying their time together as a group, but then someone rang the doorbell.

RING!

"I'm on it!" Ruffnut shouted. She went to the door and opened it to see the face of

"Snotlout! What are you doing here?" she said in shock.

"Ruffnut, I meant no harm. I just wanted to talk to you guys, especially us—I mean Hiccup or Harper. So please let me in, Snotlout said softly.

"For what? Give me a good reason to let you in, Ruffnut demanded.

"I came here to apologize, said Snotlout. Come inside." She sighed and opened the door wider, gesturing for him to come inside.

Snotlout entered the house with Ruffnut, following her to the living room, where the others could be found.

"Hey Hiccy! Someone wants to talk with you, or more likely, with all of us." Ruffnut called.

"Okay. Wait-what? Hiccy?" Hiccup raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"It's a nickname or probably a codename for you, H. We came that up ourselves, Tuffnut stated proudly.

They turned around to see Ruffnut and another figure, which was unexpected for them to see.

"Snotlout?"

"Hiccup,I came here to-" Snotlout started but was quickly cut out by the others.

"We don't want to hear anything you want to say!" Heather exclaimed.

"You frickin' bastard! Get out!" shouted Astrid, pointing a finger at Snotlout and another at the exit.

"We are not interested." Fishlegs deadpanned.

Guys, please stop. Let him speak, Hiccup told the others, and suddenly there was a moment of silence. Hiccup nodded once to Snotlout, meaning he could start speaking.

"I know that you do not want my presence here today, all of you. I suppose you are disgusted with me because of what I did. But I just came here to explain my side and apologize, especially to Hiccup. It is not because you are already famous and I wanted to use your popularity for my own welfare, like you are thinking. No. I came here to admit that I was wrong. I treated you like trash and consider myself higher than you." Snotlout said, probably avoiding eye contact. He was ashamed to face the people he had belittled before. He waited for months just to gather up enough courage to speak with them.

"Glad you know, Ruffnut sneered, but they just ignored it, and Snotlout continued speaking.

"My experience this past few months taught me a very important lesson that I can bring throughout my life. It is to be humble and to give importance to the people around you. Never to belittle them. Because sometimes the people you belittle will help you in times of struggle. So, sorry. Also,Hiccup, I would like to thank you for saving my life back in Vanaheim Hotel during that accident. I'm sorry. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be in a coma and be amputated. Sorry, sorry. I know that you would not forgive me today. But I hope that you will forgive me today.

Snotlout, we already forgave you, Hiccup said.

"Really?" Snotlout asked, sniffing his nose and wiping his tears away.

"You know what? We just wanted this day to come, Astrid stated.

"Dude, you might have done something bad to us before, but we already forgave you. 'Cause God forgives as well as we, Tuffnut declared with wisdom.

"Thanks, says Snotlout gratefully.

"You know? We can start again. If you wanted to." Hiccup offered." Also, thank you, Snotlout. Because if not for you, the others and I wouldn't be close and wouldn't be together as well. You are the reason why I met my friends. So, thank you very much. By the way, I didn't blame you for what happened. It's my decision to go back. Besides, it's an accident. No one knows when it will happen. So it's not taken. But your apology is. For I already forga

"Really? All I can say is thank you for accepting my apology. And thank you for giving me a chance to start over and establish a good relationship with all of you."

"Welcome to the gang, Snotman!" Greeted Tuff with a hug.

"Gang?"

"Well, everyone deserves a second chance. And it should be better than the first one, right? Since we have forgave you already, maybe we could be friends, or more appropriately, one of us, Ruffnut said.

Everyone agreed with a nod and a smile.

"I do not know what to say. You guys are the best! You are too good. I don't know how to repay that. But I promise that you won't regret giving me this one, Snotlout said.

"Just make sure or else..."Astrid threatened, cracking her knuckles. Snotlout gulped in fear. But then Astrid smiled and laughed, saying:

"Just kidding."

"Thank Thor."

Everyone laughed heartily at that little joke of Astrid's.

"So, what are you waiting for, guys? Let's welcome Snotlout to the group! Hiccup declared.

"We shall! everybody exclaimed.

-HTTYD-

Chapter Text

- HTTYD-

EPILOGUE:

ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL

One year after...

IT WAS ALREADY graduation day for the Seniors at Berk High School. Every student has received their diploma, a fulfilling moment for them, for they have worked very hard for it.

Hiccup and his friends are there too. Of course, they are part of the graduating batch. Each received prestigious recognition, which caused their hearts to flutter.

Meanwhile, their parents are very proud of them. You can see them crying except for Hiccup's father, Stoick, who is booming and boasting about his son, who is the valedictorian. He is carrying a puppy who belonged to Hiccup and is named Toothless. Also with him is Gobber because he is already a part of their family. someone they can't afford to lose.

Anyway, Hiccup is the valedictorian, and because of that, he is going to deliver his speech of gratitude in front of everyone after the recognition of the graduates. Time passed by, and Hiccup had already gone up to the stage. He was a little bit nervous, but luckily, he delivered his speech with confidence and heartfelt emotions. Everyone paid attention to the speech, which in the end gained a standing ovation.

"To the administrators, teachers, guests, parents, and fellow students, good afternoon.

Today, I am standing here in front of you as a graduating senior at Berk High, delivering his speech.

I am very happy to see myself and my fellow students on this occasion. I would like to congratulate all of us for that. I know that everyone strived hard to get this honor of graduating high school. I, myself, witnessed all the hard work that, in the end, will be worth it. I know that after this, we will all take different paths to college to pursue our biggest dreams. And for that, good luck. But before I thank all the people who helped me attain where I am today, I would like to tell you something. Well, as a saying goes, you cannot reach your destination if you don't know how to look back from where you started or came from.

The past few years of my life are the most memorable to me. Why? Because it contributes a great deal to who I am today. Anyway, a few years ago, I entered BHS as a freshman, a newbie, and a nobody. I used to be a small and scrawny teenager who was looked at by other people as a nuisance or a curse. They picked me up, bullied me, ignored me, and belittled me. They even called me 'Hiccup the Useless' instead of my real name, Harper. But that never stopped me, and it never brought me down. It became my inspiration and hope. Even though sometimes I wish to give up already. But, no! I never quit, for I wanted to prove everyone, including myself, that they were wrong. That went in every day until the past year. A year that has changed my life a lot. I was given a chance to reconcile and befriend my former bullies, and now they're my best buddies. Though they did something bad to me before, I decided to forgive them and give them a chance, for they've already learned their lesson, which is enough for me. They helped me showcase and let out the talent that I have. Because of that, many opportunities came, which changed my life and for which I am very thankful.

Moving forward,I would like to express my gratitude to the following: To my teachers, for teaching us not only what can be found in the books but also live lessons we can bring into our daily lives.

To my classmates, who have given me company for the past years.

To my friends, Fiske, Heather, Shaun, Riley, and Tyler, or together the Dragon Gang, Squad, whatever you like to call it. Thank you for helping me improve my life for the better and also for giving me undying support and a good time.

To Gobber, my mentor, thank you for being a second father to me, especially when dad was busy with his work, for treating me like your own son, and for raising me up. I owe you a lot.

To Astrid, my best friend, girlfriend, partner, and confidante Thank you for everything. for always supporting me, loving me, and encouraging me when I'm down. I love you.

To my mom, Valka Horrendous Haddock, may God bless her soul. Even though you left us early, God knows how much I am thankful to have you in my life, even if it's granted for a short time. I miss you.

To my dad, Stoick 'The Vast' Horrendous Haddock, Thank you, dad. Though you are always busy with your work, you never forget to give me your time and attention. Thank you for taking care of me, teaching me, and loving me. You are always there for me through my ups and downs. You are my hero. I love you, dad, and all of this (the gestures to his medals) is yours.

And lastly, to our Almighty God, thank you for everything. I am here today because of you.

Before my story ends, always remember that you are who you are, that you are the one to make your own paths and decisions, and that you should never give up on the things you want to achieve. No one can bring you down and take everything you have from you. Be strong, brave, and courageous to face challenges. They may be hard, but I assure you, they're worth fighting for. That's all, and good luck. Once again, congratulations to all of us, the graduates of Berk High. May God bless you always. Let us soar high like an eagle! "

After the speech, they were proclaimed official graduates of Berk High. Everyone bid goodbye and good luck to each other. Then the graduation song was sung, and the program ended.

Everyone went home, but Hiccup, his family, friends, and all the others celebrated their success in The Mead Hall. Everyone was happy and went there; they chowed, partied, and chatted the whole night long. Things went great—I mean, greater—especially when Hiccup called the attention of everybody and kneeled in front of Astrid to propose.

"Astrid Hofferson, I would be the happiest guy in the world if you would agree to spend the rest of your life with me, he said as he smiled, opening a black box and revealing a gold ring with sapphire stones in it.

Astrid was so shocked by what happened. She is very happy, and her tears streamed down her face. She nodded and replied, Yes, Harper. I would love to."

Hiccup placed the ring on her finger and passionately kissed her in front of all the people, which helped them gain wolf whistles, cheers, and claps.

"I love you, Astrid, Milady."

"I love you too, babe."

Everyone is so thrilled about that news. They are now engaged but decided to get married after finishing college.

A few months later...

The gang went to the New Wilderwest Central Integrated University in Archia to attain their college degrees. They were very ecstatic and knew that a good future was in store for them.

THE END

-HTTYD-