Things Do Get Better (HTTYD Modern AU)

Never Hated You

It was about 2 weeks later, early in the morning at school, where I was hanging out in my form room with my form tutor, Gobber. I did that a lot, but he didn't mind. In fact, he'd always welcomed it, telling me to come before school if I needed anything. For the past few days, we were talking about my dad and I taking care of Toothless.

"I mean, we're OK, but it's clear that he doesn't know anything about dogs." I explained to Gobber, while doing some Physics calculations (for fun because why not?).

"Well, why don't you teach him? I'm sure he'll appreciate it." Gobber suggested, while he was working on his presentations for school on his computer.

I sighed. "I don't know. You know he doesn't listen."

"Wait, I thought you said you two were finally getting along?" he asked confusingly.

"Yes, but not on everything." I stopped for a bit before speaking again. "We... had another argument yesterday." I admitted.

"Ah! Let me guess. You want to do engineering, but he wants you to be a teacher. Repeat that for 10 minutes and..."

I smirked at what he said. "You know us so well." I commented before my smile went away. "I just... wish he can understand."

"Well, Hiccup. Not everything changes the moment a puppy comes into play. But I'm sure you'll figure it out. If you can solve many Physics questions without trouble, this shouldn't be a problem as well."

I smiled. "I'll try. Thanks, Gobber." He was always the one to give the best advice when I needed it, and I'd always appreciated that. He still does today, more so than before for... reasons I'll get to soon.

Anyway, after that conversation, he looked at his watch before getting up from his computer seat.

"Time for teachers' meeting. You're going to stay here?" he asked.

"Umm... yeah, I will." I replied.

"Alright, then. I'll keep the door open, so the others can come in." And with that, he left the form room.

I was on my own, continuing to work on the calculation. It was quiet, which I enjoyed and savoured before Snotlout and his group would come in and caused havoc.

And speak of the devil, that was exactly what happened – causing havoc and making fun of me. If I had a penny for every time they did this, I probably would have enough money to pay for tuition to study engineering at university. In any case, I ignored them and focused on my work.

Then, I felt a tap on my shoulders, coming from my left side. I rolled my eyes before turning around, thinking it was one of the twins, Tuffnut. When I did, I was surprised to see it wasn't Tuffnut. I was even more surprised to see it was Astrid, sitting at the table next to mine.

"Hey there." she greeted.

"Oh, umm...hi...Astrid." I stuttered. (Once again, making a great impression).

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"Yeah... How about you?"

"I'm good, thanks." she answered. Then, we had an awkward silence before we both went back doing our work. (And here I thought awkward silence was only exclusive to my dad and I).

I felt another tap on my shoulder, and knowing it was Astrid, I happily turned around to face her.

"I... umm... forgot to thank you." she said.

I looked at her confusingly, which she noticed. "For the homework we did at the library a couple of weeks."

"Oh, right. How did you do?" I asked.

"Good, good. Not full marks, but was definitely better than my last work. So... yeah, thanks."

I was so stunned at what she was saying, that I probably looked ridiculous. But, if for a moment things were looking up for me, I was immediately brought back to reality from the mockery of Snotlout.

"Hey, Hiccup? I think you should stop with your diet because I think it's doing too good of a job." he laughed. I rolled my eyes and ignored him as usual, but to my surprise (again), Astrid rolled her eyes as well before turning to face Snotlout, who was sitting behind us.

"Hey, doofus, unless you have a speaker in your big mouth, keep your voice down." she exclaimed. I couldn't help but chuckle at her words. She noticed this, causing her to chuckle as well.

"Gosh! He annoys me sometimes." she exclaimed.

I chuckled. "I can tell. I wish I had the confidence to do that."

Then, her smile went away. "Why do you let them bully you like this? You don't tell anyone about this."

I shrugged my shoulder. "I don't know. I guess I don't see an excuse to do so. I mean, I tried it once, but they continued. But, it's OK. I'm used to it by now." I explained.

She sighed. "Well, I wish you aren't."

"Why do you care about me, all of a sudden?" Her eyes grew at my question, clearly looking offended at what I said, and the things is, so did I. That was a question that I was supposed to ask in my head, not out loud. But, it was too late now.

"What do you mean? I've always cared about you! Why do you think I asked for your help?"

"Because Fishlegs left early, like you said."

"No! I..." She sighed before looking me straight in my eyes, which honestly was a bit intimidating. "I lied, OK? Fishlegs was in, and he did try to help me, but he couldn't do it because he was stuck too. I was going to leave, but then I remembered you. I knew you always hanged out in the library. That's why I asked you. I know how smart you are, and it showed. You explained things clearly and that helped me explain it to Fishlegs, which is something I'd never do. I know I don't show it because of school and what not. But... I don't hate you. I never did."

Now I wasn't surprised. I was astonished. It was like I was in some sort of alternate reality – one where the girl that I had a crush on since primary school, actually said that she didn't hate me. All this time, I thought she did. I thought she didn't even acknowledge me, like I was invisible. But she didn't. This whole time she didn't.

I was so zoned out that the sudden voice of Gobber almost made me fall off my seat.

"Alright, people! Settle down. Let's get on with the register." When he said, Astrid began to get her stuff.

"Sorry. I have to sit with them. I mean, somebody has to keep them in check." she explained.

"Yeah, that's true." I chuckled. She was about to head off before stopping in her tracks.

"Hey, umm... Fishlegs and I were going to do some Physics revision at my house at the weekend. You want to come?"

I think I turned into a statue when she said that.

"Umm...uhh...yeah...why not."

"Great!" She then quickly wrote something on a piece of paper before handing it to me. I took it and saw it was her home address. "Saturday. 10am. Don't be late." she said.

I was about to confirm that when something came into my mind.

"Oh...umm...I don't think I can. I have to take care of my dog at the weekend."

"Then, he can come over as well."

"Uhh..."

"It's OK." she chuckled. "Fishlegs brings his pet over. It'll be fine. See you on Saturday." And she went to sit with the others.

I don't think I've ever felt this dumbfounded that I did that morning. Talking to my crush. Her telling me I'm alright. Inviting me?!

"This had to be a dream!" I thought. But it wasn't, and I was glad. Because it only got better for me.