Things Do Get Better (HTTYD Modern AU)

Returning to a Better Life

As I mentioned previously, I was advised by the doctors to stay at home for one month to ensure that I have fully recovered. To be on the safe side, I stayed for a month and a half. It might sound extreme, but I didn't want to feel useless while I was at school. I wanted to be absolutely sure that I was OK. And after that month and a half, I felt like I was ready.

My dad kept on asking me if I was sure about this, that it was OK if I stayed for a bit longer, but I assured him I was fine (didn't know he could worry that much). So, soon afterwards, I woke up, got myself ready and headed back to school (in my wheelchair, of course).

I have to admit; I did miss school while I was recovering. Not really sure why, seeing as how I kept saying I'd get bullied every time, but I did (maybe I got bored at home really quickly) and it felt like returning home as I strolled down the corridors, heading towards my form room. It was early in the morning, so no student was in the room at the moment. All except Gobber.

He was at his desk, as normal, so focus on his work that he didn't notice me. I knocked on the open door, which made him stop. He turned around and a big smile came upon his face.

"Well, look who made it out alive!" he exclaimed.

"Hey, Gobber." I chuckled as I made my way inside. He was definitely surprised, which was good because that was what I wanted. I purposely didn't tell anyone that I was coming, just so I could see their genuine reactions.

"How are you feeling now?" he asked.

"Still a bit pain, here and there, but better enough to attend school again." I proclaimed.

He laughed. "Well, it's good to see you again, Hiccup." He got up to get a better look at me (honesty, sitting on a wheelchair made me look small), when I saw his expression changed, seeing my missing leg.

He sighed. "When your father said you lost your leg, he wasn't joking."

I nodded. The accident was still fresh in my mind, but I've learnt to not let it get to me. The important thing was that I made it out alive.

"Well, I guess that means I'm not the only one." he said. I couldn't help but laugh at the comment. You see, Gobber is an amputee as well, losing not one but two limbs – his right leg and his leg hand. But that never stopped him, so it shouldn't for me either.

After the initial greetings, he went back to his work, providing me with a smaller table for me and some Physics work for me to work on (man, I missed doing them). As I did them, I couldn't help but think about the other reaction. How would Snotlout react? Did he actually miss me, or would he waste no time in insulting me again? But... I was mainly thinking about Astrid. She was a strong girl, I knew that (she still is), but how did she react to my accident? Well, I didn't have to wait long.

Soon, Gobber had to leave for his teachers' meeting, leaving me on my own, absorbing the many Physics questions in front of me. I was able to welcome the quietness, allowing me to focus, comparing to when I had the accident.

Then, I heard her.

"So, wait, where do you want me to put the box?"

I stopped, frozen like a statue before slowly turning my head. And I saw her. She was just outside the door, her back facing me, carrying a pretty heavy box (I told you she was strong). I wanted to call her, but I went tongue tied for a moment. I hadn't seen Astrid for a month and a half, and she was right there. Right in front of me. And I didn't know what to say.

After a while, she went inside. But she still wasn't facing me, clearly focusing on making sure not to drop the box she was carrying for a teacher. My eyes watched as she, despite struggling for a bit, was able to place the box on a desk at the back. She leaned her arms against the desk, catching her breath before stretching them.