Things Do Get Better (HTTYD Modern AU)

An Explanation

Hiccup,

I know I don't always express my feelings about things. Or explain situations as well as I would like to. It's just not something I'm used to. But I had a feeling that you wouldn't ask me why I changed my mind about you keeping the puppy, for one reason or another. So, I am writing this note to tell you exactly that. And if you did ask me, then I guess I'm just as surprised.

At first, I held onto what I said – to get rid of the dog. But I was expecting you to get rid of him that night. So, I guess you can imagine I wasn't practically happy when I constantly kept hearing that dog barking all night. It got to the point where I decided to take matters into my own hands. 'If you're not doing to do it, then I will', I thought. So, I took the dog and, for lack of a better word, dumped him in an alleyway, close to our house.

But that didn't stop him from barking. In fact, I think it made it worst. But it didn't bother me. At first. I returned home, however, I heard the barking again. Closer this time. I looked out of the window and saw that dog, who somehow was able to walk all the way back, with only three legs in the dark. But, what I really noticed was that he was barking and looking at your window.

Even when I went back outside and picked him up, he struggled in my arms, but he never took his eyes off that window. I didn't understand why and his struggling was getting irritating, so I made sure he was placed further away from our house.

The next day, after you left, I was about to leave myself. I opened the door when I met with a surprise – that same dog! How he managed to walk ALL THE WAY here was beyond me! It was clear this action would continue, so I gave in and allowed him to go inside.

When I came back, the dog was still there, but he didn't mess up the house, which was a surprise for me. So, I thought I could, at the very least, give him some food. I borrowed some dog food from our neighbour to use. I was still confused at this point. Why did he always come back? Why couldn't he move on?

It was only when I saw him greet you, and you greet him, was when I finally understood.

The two of you have a bond with one another. The dog wouldn't leave you and you wouldn't leave him. I don't know how long you knew him before bringing him in, but it had to be for a while for a bond like this to grow. It reminded me... of your mother.

Animals was never a thing I was informed at, but your mother loved animals. She would always talk about them like there was no tomorrow. Their habits and how they bond. And seeing you with that dog made me remember that about her.

So, I hope this note explains everything. Sorry if it was a bit too long. And I'm sorry for the way I acted. While you did go behind my back, I understand you had good reason for it.

Stoick, your father.

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

What you just read was a note, that I found on my bed just before going to bed on that day. I was genuinely surprised that he did that because he would have never done that. But, honestly, I appreciated that.

I think ever since that day, our relationship got a bit better. Sure, we would still have days where we would argue, but because of our main attention towards Toothless, there were less of it. It would take a while before he finally accepted who I was, but it was a start, and it was all thanks to my dog.

Through this improved relationship, I realised how all this time, even though he'd never show it, he cared about me.

And... that's what I miss most about him. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Meeting Toothless was the start of my life looking just that bit better. And that led to a surprise meeting with someone I admired deeply. And still do.