The Dog Trainer (Hiccup x Reader) [ModernAU!]

28: Silent Confrontations

"Well, what do I do?" you panicked, "I can't just waltz in there and pretend I don't know anything!"

Henry gave you a disbelieving look. His eyes read "bull-shit" as he gave you a deadpan look. "Stop lying," he interrupted, "How else did you escape your father?"

You gave him an obvious look. "Because Eric's my friend!"

His look became more of a glare. "Yet, you have no problem when you trick me," he added. You got nervous as his glare became a little more aggressive. As much as he felt guilty, Henry was actually enjoying himself teasing you. Usually, he would have been given a retort that immediately dismissed his remark, but your flustered emotion was taking its toll over your calm demeanor. So, he thought to take the chance.

"You thought that was easy?" you squeaked while covering your face with your hands, "Not only did I feel guilty, but it was also hard for me not to reveal myself to you. I only thought about wanting to return to you all the time."

Henry's eyes widen at the sudden confession. He was expecting a protest but not a full explanation (or maybe, even a confession). And the way you explained didn't help him wanting to hold you.

He suddenly felt like laughing as he held it back behind his hand when he raised it to cover his lips. To no avail, a breath of laughter escaped his lips. You looked up to him with slight redden cheeks. Henry let out the rest of his chuckle. You pouted at him, thinking he was making fun of you.

"It's not funny!"

He laughed a little harder but it soon ended so he hug you to himself. Your eyes widen in slight surprise but it disappeared as soon as it appeared. You were used to his closeness but you were not used to his abrupt actions because he usually so forward.

"Sorry," he chuckled again, "But it kinda is." His facial expressions turned to normal once he calmed down. He continued, "Look, it's probably no big deal. We just walk back in there and pretend nothing happened and everything will be alright."

As easy as it sounds, you just knew it wasn't going to be that easy, yet you still followed him in with his arm wrapped around you.

.

.

.

It was awkward to say the least.

No, more like there wasn't any other feeling than this.

At least, for you and Henry.

It seems like you and Henry couldn't make eye contact with Eric anymore while still eating with friends in the brunch restaurant.

Henry suspected the questioning stares from all of his friends, mostly from Eric, so he lazily draped his arm around your shoulders while still avoiding eye contact with Eric.

You sigh in distress when you saw the awkward silence that surrounded the three of you. Despite the small talks between your other friends, it felt awful when it quickly became silent again. This is the last situation you expected from your childhood friend whom you thought of as a brother you never had.

Sudden memories flashed before your eyes as they clouded over in deep thought. The memories consisted of you and Eric playing when you were kids, whether it was playing in the halls of old architectural buildings you lived in or playing outside when you snuck out. Like everything in life, you grow old and more mature. It was the same for Eric. You wished the innocence would forever last, but time comes with change.

No matter the innocence of the other party, Eric is a guy after all.

You felt a nudge from your shoulder of Henry's hand opposite of his side.

At the corner of your eye, you caught Eric's questioning gaze turn to a slight glare towards the arm wrapped around your shoulder. You wanted to pushed off the warm arm in discomfort but caught yourself before doing so. It might be awkward but Henry was still your boyfriend.

You caught Eric eyes as looked up towards yours. He looked away in embarrassment from being caught staring.

His reaction caused a train of thoughts for you.

There was a reason why he hasn't told you his true feelings and how he views of you.

All the times you called him a brother or a close friend, he knew how you viewed of him and didn't want to change that image for the worst outcome. He didn't want to make things awkward like how it feels now. He liked the way things are now and that has always been. It wasn't because he was too nervous or cowardly to do so. It almost seemed like he already knew the outcome if he did.

You suddenly became glum when you thought of all the times you indirectly rejected him.

The moment Eric became occupied with your other friends, Henry took the opportunity to lean near your ear and whisper.

"Eric is starting to notice your sudden change in behavior. Should we say something?" he asked concerned since he noticed it started taking a toll on you now.

"No," you concluded, "It's not necessary to decide something that has already been decided."

Henry pulled away with confusion showing from his eyebrows but he seemed to understand somewhat as he nodded his head. The two of you turned back to your friends once again and for the first time for an hour, it was normal again.

Eric stared in yearning, less obvious now since he noticed your gaze every time he looks at you. Eric wasn't stupid. He knew Henry probably had said something; whether he felt protective as a boyfriend or because he couldn't handle the frustration anymore of you being oblivious. Either way, the secret would've been led out. He was just surprised you're taking it well. Well being awkward for the first half hour, but you seemed to have concluded something already. Eric's thoughts went to how patient you can be in waiting for his confession, but he will never confess and a big part of him is relieved that he will never have to. He knew the answer. You never saw him that way, and he was fine with that.

His theory proven right when he saw your relationship with Henry blossomed and continues to grow. He was glad it was Henry who makes you happy. It seemed like you never were when back at home where you and he grew up in. You were taking in a whole new world with someone you trust and he couldn't trust anyone but Henry to be by your side.

Does it still hurt to see the two of you together like right now?

Yes.

Just time has to help him get over you.

Word Count: 1105

Status: Unedited

I'm sorry it took so long, but it's finally out! And hopefully, I can update more and finish this book! Happy reading!