Trouble (Hijack)

Part 8

The week went by extremely slow for both Jack and Hiccup. The only thing that kept them both sane was the constant texting in between, the calls before bed, and the thought of Friday night coming closer.

Everyone could tell a difference in them. Hiccup seemed to have a spring in his step and smiled much more. He was distracted more so than usual and ignored Snot completely, which infuriated the guy. Only Astrid knew the reason why Hiccup was such a gussy these days and it made her feel warm inside knowing Hiccup was happy.

The only other person to question what was really going on with Hiccup was his Chemistry lab partner, Ferdy. Everyone called him Fishlegs and the name stuck. He was one of the brightest kids in school, always learning and sharing his knowledge. He was a good person and Hiccup liked working with him, but he could tell Ferdy was annoyed with him as Hiccup mixed up a few chemicals during lab.

"What are you doing?!" Fishlegs yelled as Hiccup almost poured the wrong mixture in, "Are you trying to set the school on fire?"

Hiccup blushed and apologized, rechecking his work and getting it right the second time.

Fishlegs sighed and continued working with him, "You've been off this week, Hiccup." He commented, "Not to be mean or anything, but...you okay?" he asked.

That was another thing Hiccup liked about Fishlegs, he was never afraid to ask questions and help Hiccup out with anything personal. He was genuinely concerned for others and sometimes acted like a mother hen. He could care less what others thought of him. Sure he was husky and nervous, but he was brave where it mattered most.

"I'm fine, Fishlegs, just distracted." Hiccup said, smiling at him.

Fishlegs nodded, "Well, at least you have the weekend to get your focus back." Fishlegs laughed.

Hiccup sighed and nodded, "Sorry about being a sucky lab partner." Hiccup said.

"It's okay, nobody's perfect, but just try not to burn anything down or start a world war." Fishlegs smiled.

The teacher called for time and everyone cleaned up. Hiccup got his stuff together and looked at his phone. He smiled when he received another text from Jack.

"Who's Jack?" Fishlegs asked behind Hiccup.

Hiccup jumped and pocketed his phone, "Just a friend." He said quickly, grabbing his things.

Fishlegs nodded and then followed Hiccup out to the hall as soon as the bell rang.

"Hiccup, I wanted to ask if you could take over the Physics meeting next week on Tuesday." Fishlegs said suddenly.

Hiccup thought for a minute and then nodded, "I can do that."

"Great." Fishlegs smiled, standing there awkwardly at Hiccup's locker.

Hiccup smiled awkwardly as he got his book bag out and put his homework inside to take home, "Did you need something else?" he asked him.

"Oh, no...just...making sure you're really okay." Fishlegs said quickly.

"Fishleg's, I'm fine." Hiccup said quickly, "Just...ready for the weekend."

"Yeah..." Fishlegs sighed, "Well, call if you need anything, okay Hiccup?"

Hiccup smiled at him warmly, "Thanks, you're a good friend."

Fishlegs smiled proudly and walked away feeling lighter in his step.

"What was that about?" Astrid laughed, coming up to him.

Hiccup shook his head and chuckled, "Just a concerned friend."