FRIENDSHIPS:

BUILT, REVIVED, AND EVOLVED

(A How To Train Your Dragon Fanfiction)

By: Astrid Camicazi N. Hofferson

Summary: Harper "Hiccup" Haddock is ditched by his best friend, Astrid Hofferson for fame and reputation. Can one event revive their friendship and make it even more? (MODERN AU!)

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

A/N: English isn't my first language so please bear with me. Constructive criticisms are pretty much appreciated.

- HTTYD-

XVIII

THE AFTERMATH

"WHERE'S HARPER? WHAT happened to him?" Stoick asked worriedly, his voice laced with concern.

"He is currently in the Emergency Room, and we have been advised to wait here for updates," Astrid replied, her gaze shifting to her friends, who were equally anxious.

Snotlout's self-doubt ate at him as he placed blame upon himself. "It's my fault that he's in there. If he hadn't saved me, he wouldn't be rushed to the hospital. I'm an idiot, useless," he muttered, his words heavy with guilt.

Astrid reached out to comfort him. "Don't blame yourself, Snotlout. Despite your past conflicts, you sought help when you were unable to do anything due to your weakened state. Unfortunately, a devastating turn of events occurred."

Stoick, Hiccup's father, joined the conversation, attempting to offer solace. "And I know my son. He wouldn't hold you responsible for what happened. Let's pray and hope for his recovery."

Just moments later, a doctor in his early thirties emerged from the Emergency Room. He approached the worried group, seeking the patient's family. Stoick raised his hand, his voice filled with anxiety. "I'm his father, doctor."

The doctor introduced himself as Dr. Theodore Wade and began sharing the news they all desperately awaited. "He is safe, but he is currently in a comatose state, unconscious. Harper also sustained second-degree burns and a severely infected injury in his left leg. We will need to amputate his leg immediately to prevent the infection from spreading."

Stoick nodded, his tone resolute. "Do what you must, doctor."

Astrid sought permission to see Harper, to be by his side during this difficult time. However, Dr. Wade explained that they could only see him after the surgery, in the recovery room. The group accepted this and expressed their concerns.

"I hope he recovers soon," Fishlegs stated, his voice filled with worry.

"Me too," Ruffnut concurred.

"We're all missing him already," Tuffnut chimed in.

"We all do, but we know he's strong. Let's keep him in our prayers and hope for the best," Heather voiced, her words filled with hope and concern.

As the night wore on, it grew increasingly late. The medical staff wheeled Harper into the operating room at 11:30 PM to remove his infected leg. Stoick, Gobber, and the gang remained in the waiting area, anxiously awaiting news of the surgery's success. Since it was already late, Stoick advised the teens to go home and rest, promising to inform them of Harper's condition later. After bidding their goodbyes, they dispersed, except for Astrid, whose worry for her boyfriend kept her rooted in place. She called her parents to inform them of the situation, relieved when they agreed to let her stay.

The operation ended at past 3 AM, leaving Harper in the recovery room for a short while before being transferred to a private room. Despite their sleeplessness, Stoick, Gobber, and Astrid felt a surge of relief as they received news of the successful surgery. They quickly sent updates to their friends, who would join them in visiting Harper at the hospital in the morning. There, they would take turns keeping watch over their friend.

Days turned into weeks, and still, Harper remained unconscious. His friends and family visited him regularly, supporting him with their presence and stories of their daily lives. Even Snotlout, battling his own guilt, found the courage to visit Harper, recognizing the strength of their bond. Stoick, especially, refused to leave his son's side, his worry etched into every wrinkle on his face. Harper's absence at school was felt by all, and his classmates wished fervently for his recovery.

After two weeks, Stoick and Gobber decided to take a break, leaving the gang to visit and care for Harper as they tirelessly hoped for his awakening. On this particular day, as they chattered in his room, they witnessed a slight movement in Harper's arm. Excitement filled the air as he stirred and slowly opened his eyes, rousing from his deep slumber. His friends quickly assisted him into a seated position, their smiles beaming with joy.

"Hi, guys," Harper greeted weakly, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and relief. "I'm in a hospital, right?"

"Yes, you are. You've been out for two whole weeks," Astrid replied, her voice tinged with both tenderness and incredulity.

"What?!" Harper exclaimed, his volume escalating. "I've missed so much at school."

Fishlegs reassured him, "Don't worry, Harper. You're smart, and we'll help you catch up."

With curiosity piqued, Harper asked about the events that unfolded during his absence and the absence of sensation in his left leg.

There was a momentary pause before Heather replied, "The doctors had to remove your leg due to the infection."

Harper's response was unexpected. "Oh. Why not? It's just a leg. What I'm grateful for is that I'm still alive. So, tell me, what really happened after the incident?"

As the silence settled, Ruffnut broke it, "Well, you were rushed to the hospital, your leg was amputated, your dad took leave from work to look after you-"

"He did?" Harper interjected, surprise flickering in his eyes.

Astrid's smile widened as she confirmed, "Yes, he did. He's been incredibly worried about you. He loves you more than anything."

"Anyway, we are all worried. The whole school is worried. Snotlout is worried. He even blamed himself for what happened to you. We always visit you and hope for the best."

There was a moment of silence. But then the Twins broke that with a question.

"What's with the silence?"

"H just woke up. Let's be happy. So?"

"So what?"

"GROUP HUG!"

And that day, they continued to catch up with Harper and fill him with what he missed during the days he's out. Also, they have spread the good news that he is already up. The others and most importantly, his father and Gobber, were very happy about it that they decided to throw a party for him.

-HTTYD-

A/N:That's all for this chapter guys! I hope you liked it. Though I must admit that I am struggling to write this chapter. But well, I must also say that I am happy to finish this chapter. And I am lucky to have readers like you.:)

See you next update!

Signing out,

ACNHHH

(P.S.: Shout out to my friends Freyja, Einar, Ingrid, Vrangr(even if he is a guy) and Ljoda of our little group:The Valkyries. Miss you all!️ Hope to see you and collaborate with your stories soon.

Love lots,

Asta ;) )

Originally Published: March 5, 2019
Wattpad Publishing Date: April 22, 2019
Updated: February 20, 2024