Things Do Get Better (HTTYD Modern AU)

Against His Back

Throughout the weekend, I couldn't stop thinking about that puppy. I was worried about how he would cope, especially since it was very cold at the weekend. Could he survive the cold? How would he be able to keep warm? Is his fur long enough to keep him warm?

But then, I started to think about something. I don't know how long he lived at that alley. But what I did know was he was able to in some way. So, I hoped he was OK. And that I could see him again.

Monday rolled by and right after school, I raced to that place. I called out to him, hoping for a response. Thankfully, I heard the familiar barking sound. Then, I found him at the same spot I first found him. He was so happy to see him; I couldn't help but have a big grin on my face. I don't think I'd ever met another person, or even one that cared. But I did. I wanted to make sure that he was OK.

"Hey there! Glad to see you're alright." I said. I went into my backpack, which caused him to become so excited, he almost fell onto his side. I guess he sometimes forgot he doesn't have a left front leg. Like I said, I went in the backpack and brought out more biscuits for him.

"Alright, then. Go nuts." I said, before placing the box and without hesitation, he began to nibble on them. I'd hanged out with him for a bit before I had to leave. But that wasn't it.

From that day on, after school, I would visit him and give him food. Soon, he got used to me around, that he allowed me to stroke his back. His fur was rough, maybe due to living among garbage. But he was still smiling. He was quite a jumpy dog, which doesn't help due to his missing leg, but it never stopped him, and I admired that. I couldn't help but see myself in him. Despite difficult circumstances, he kept going and still acted like a dog would.

I hanged out with him for the next month, eventually giving him the name Toothless. Why that name for a dog, you may ask? Well, it was because when I first met him, I thought he didn't have any teeth, but as a matter of fact, it was the darkness when he was hiding in the box that gave that illusion. I know it's a weird name, but he likes that name and that's all that matters. As well as finding a home for him.

I didn't want him to live on the streets for the rest of his life. If I didn't intervene, he probably would have died. And I was afraid I won't be able to continue to visit him.

But maybe, I didn't have to worry about that. Maybe, ... I could take him home.

I mean, it wasn't a bad idea and it made sense. There was just one problem that came in the form of my father.

I doubted my dad would have been thrilled with me being a stray dog without telling him first, but in the back of my head, I knew even if I told him beforehand, he would have still said no. But I wouldn't take no for an answer. I couldn't leave Toothless on the streets anymore. So, I had to find a way to sneak him in and later, convince my dad (What can I say, I'm a stubborn guy).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was about 4pm and I was at the front door of my house. I had told my dad that I was staying behind to do work at school (which, of course, was a lie). I took my keys out of my pocket, unlocked the door and I went inside, stumbling a bit before closing the door behind me.

"Son, is that you?" my dad asked.

"Damn it!" I mumbled before answering him. "Yeah, it's me." I was really gambling on the fact that he wasn't in yet, so things were going to get a bit complicated.

Anyway, I staggered into the living room where I found him, sitting on the sofa and watching the news.

"Hey, son. How was school?"

"It was good, I guess." I answered. Then, I began to crouch down, like I had pain in the stomach. I tried not to make it obvious in front of my dad, but he caught on immediately.