The guy in the diner (Hiccstrid)

Part 3

Astrid's relief, Bekka, was ten minutes late but Hiccup waited patiently, his wary green gaze watching her every move. She smiled at the girl, curiously glad she was on a short shift today, though she had come in to cover sickness, because it meant she had miraculously got to see Hiccup-and it was painfully clear he needed a friend urgently. She emerged from the back in her warm coat and boots, her shoes in her bag, to see Hiccup achingly lever himself to his feet and look at her expectantly. She smiled.

"I'm just parked at the side," she said and he limped hard to her side, pulling his collar up.

"This is really kind-and I'm sure I'll be fine," he began and then grimaced. "Maybe not," he added tightly and she hastened to his side, letting him lean on her. He was heavier than he looked and the way he moved told her that he was immensely self-conscious at needing her help, though his grasp was warm and gentle. They opened the door and stepped out into the frigid Berkian afternoon where the dusk already falling. Hiccup was limping hard, trying not to put any pressure on her arm but as his foot slipped, she suddenly found herself sliding under him and they ended up sprawled against the wall. She gave an embarrassed smile but Hiccup was scarlet with mortification.

"I'm so sorry!" he gabbled. "Oh Gods, I..." She gently righted him and shook her head.

"It's fine, Hiccup," she reassured him but he curled back from her, hands rising to dig into his tousled auburn hair, his shoulders hunching. He was shaking his head, his eyes stricken.

"No, no it's not!" he protested, backing away. "Gods, you must be disgusted by my even touching you and..." She stared at him, seeing him cringe back and wonder what had happened to the gentle. goofy man she had known.

"Hiccup!" she said more sternly. "What are you taking about? That was an accident, right? Everyone slips on ice-and I'd rather catch you than see you sprawl on the floor."

"But..." He was on the brink of hyperventilating and she grasped one arm and forced him to still, staring into his shamed green eyes. Her expression was patient.

"Hiccup-it's freezing," she reminded him. "Come with me and I'll get you home." He nodded wordlessly, blinking hard and limped after her. She unlocked the passenger door to her small blue car, leaning in to toss a pink cloth doll into the back by the booster seat and stood back to help him in. She couldn't help but frown as she saw him flinch when he put pressure through his left leg, her mind running back to his words and wondering what injuries he had suffered. He nodded wordlessly, allowing her to close the door and then scoot rapidly round to the driver's side. He was still sitting still and rigid, his seat belt fastened across his lean shape. She slammed the door, turned the key in the ignition and turned the heater up to maximum, then looked across to him.

"Sorry," he mumbled, horrific lack of confidence making him curl a little more and she extended a gentle hand to land on his arm.

"It's okay," she said lightly, patting him gently. "I'm not bothered, I'm not disgusted, I'm not repulsed or any other nonsense. You're my friend, Hiccup, and I am taking you home because that's what friends do." She paused. "And sorry about the car."

"What about it?" he asked, his voice slightly more calm. "It's not gonna crash, is it? Coz I have to tell you...I'm not a great passenger since the accident..." She smirked.

"Nah-I am very careful how I drive," she told him cheerfully. "No, I apologise because the car looks like a garbage dump inside and there are pink things everywhere..." His lips quirked and his embarrassed green gaze flicked up to inspect her face. There was a peace in her expression that he found calming, realising she was at ease with her situation, even with a strange man in her car.