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-

XI

GETTING GOOD GRADES AND SEPARATION

HARPER

HICCUP'S PREPARATION FOR the grand payback were set into motion on this particular day. The plan required gathering everyone at his house since it was an unexpected location for such a gathering, ensuring secrecy and surprise. Luckily, Hiccup's father agreed to have friends over and appeared quite enthusiastic about it. With Gobber still on vacation, Hiccup had the entire day free to proceed with the preparations.

As the clock struck 5:15 pm, his friends arrived one by one, greeted Hiccup warmly, and he welcomed them into his home. Despite Hiccup's offer of freshly prepared food, they declined, eager to begin their mission.

"Hi, Harper!" Fishlegs greeted, using Hiccup's less-known middle name.

"Sup, Hiccup," Ruffnut and Tuffnut chimed in unison.

"Good afternoon, Harper," said Astrid, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"Hey, guys! Welcome to our house. Maybe you could eat first before we get going. I have prepared some pizza and—" Hiccup started, but Tuffnut quickly interrupted him.

"No thanks, H. Besides, we are not yet hungry," he replied confidently.

"He's right. We just ate some at the MH," Ruffnut added, referring to a popular local restaurant.

"Never mind that, but you have an enormous mansion? Meaning you are filthy rich. Freaking Hell! Why didn't you tell anyone about it?" Heather was flabbergasted by this revelation.

"The Horrendous Haddocks are indeed wealthy. They hail from a long line of royalty, mostly a line of chiefs that ruled Berk for generations," Fishlegs explained, revealing the family's illustrious history.

"Why didn't I know about this?" Astrid asked, her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. Well, about that. Our house at Nadder Lane is just a backup. But this is our main house. I didn't tell anyone about it because if they knew, they'd befriend me for my money and not for who I am," Hiccup explained while rubbing the back of his neck, showing his concern about authenticity in his friendships.

"You're right, Harper. You're a good man, and anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend. We only realized it a few days ago," Heather stated, expressing her newfound appreciation for him.

"It's okay. We should forget the past and start over. Am I right?" Hiccup proposed, looking at them with hope for a fresh beginning.

"You are. Now let's get going," Ruffnut declared, eager to dive into their mission.

The gang made their way upstairs to Hiccup's room, where they began raiding his closet, much to his surprise.

"Guys, what are you doing with my closet?!" Hiccup asked, genuinely shocked by their actions.

"Big house, big wardrobe, makes sense," Ruffnut complimented.

"We're looking for the kind of clothes you have so we will know what to eliminate and what to replace them with," Tuffnut explained.

"Replace?!"

"Yeah. That's part of the plan."

As they searched through his belongings, Fiske discovered a picture that caught everyone's attention.

"Hiccup, you never told us that you are the mayor's son," Heather said in amazement.

"Yeah, probably because there are many Haddocks on Berk," Hiccup sarcastically replied. "And besides, we look different, so no one really noticed. But it doesn't really matter anyways."

"Yes, it does."

"Fine, but let's get back to the plan. What's wrong with the clothes I own?"

"They're too lame and nerdy, just like your style," Ruffnut teased.

"There's nothing wrong with my style!" Hiccup defiantly defended himself.

"Maybe let's go to the mall to shop for your new clothes, take you to the optometrist for new contacts, and to the dentist to check if you can already get rid of the braces," Ruffnut suggested.

"Okay. I've got my credit card ready," Hiccup said, feeling both excited and anxious about the makeover.

"Good. But not now. It's on us. Are we clear?" Astrid asked with her usual assertiveness.

"This is getting very one-sided," Hiccup muttered under his breath.

"Hmm?"

"Crystal." Hiccup replied, defeatedly.

"Good. Now what are you waiting for? Let's go to the mall!"

"TO THE MALL!" The gang cheered, their spirits high as they embarked on this transformational journey.

They descended the stairs, locked the house, and piled into Fishlegs' car. By 6 pm, they reached the mall and headed straight to the dentist. After confirming that the braces could be removed soon, they booked an appointment for the procedure. Next, they went to the Virtuoso Optical to get clear contacts and the necessary cleaning solution. Finally, they hit the stores for a shopping spree, getting Hiccup new jeans, jackets, shirts, button-ups, polos, and grooming products to complete the transformation.

The clock struck 8 pm as they left the mall, dropping Hiccup back at his house. The first part of the plan might have gone well, but the challenge of changing his appearance for the grand payback still loomed large in front of him.

oOo

THE CAREFULLY CRAFTED plan had been set in motion, and things were proceeding smoothly for Hiccup and his friends. Astrid, together with the rest of the gang, played their designated roles in training Hiccup for the upcoming challenge. Astrid focused on teaching him the art of combat, while the Twins worked on building his confidence. Meanwhile, Heather took on the task of selecting the perfect outfit for Hiccup to wear during the crucial moment, and Fishlegs provided valuable insights about their opponents.

Hiccup had decided that the plan should be put into action after the semester break, and the gang agreed to keep it a secret until the right time. As the weeks passed, their bond grew stronger, thanks to their shared endeavors and the clandestine meetings that never interfered with their regular routines. They continued to attend their classes, fulfill their daily responsibilities, and spend time with one another as friends.

oOo

ASTRID

AS THE LAST day of the semester arrived, Astrid felt a mix of emotions. She was delighted to see her improved grades, especially in AP Physics, where Hiccup's tutoring had made a significant difference. From a mediocre C, she had soared to an impressive A. Gratitude and joy filled her heart, knowing that she wouldn't have achieved this without Hiccup's help.

However, alongside her accomplishments, Astrid also sensed a tinge of sadness creeping in. With her grades now up, she could rejoin the football team, which meant she wouldn't need Hiccup's tutoring anymore. A sense of uncertainty loomed before her as she wondered if this meant saying goodbye to the close bond, they had formed during their study sessions.

After class, Astrid headed to Hiccup's place for their daily meetup. Concerned about her friend's mood, Hiccup approached her, with the rest of the gang following suit.

"What's wrong, Astrid?" Heather asked, genuine worry etched on her face.

Astrid hesitated for a moment before finally opening up, "I got an A in AP Physics, and I can now rejoin the football team."

Harper, the voice of reason, chimed in, "But isn't that great news? You wanted to be back on the team, right?"

Astrid sighed, "Of course, it's great news. It's just that now the principal might think I no longer need any help, and we'll be apart again. Separated."

Ruffnut couldn't resist teasing, "Looks like someone's in love."

"Shut up!" Astrid blushed, trying to brush off the comment.

Harper stepped in to reassure her, "No matter what happens, Astrid, we won't be apart again. We are friends now, right? That means we will be together forever."

A glimmer of hope brightened Astrid's eyes as she asked almost tearfully, "Really?"

The gang echoed in unison, "Yeah!"

Embracing her, they conveyed their unwavering support and commitment to stand by each other's side through thick and thin, no matter the challenges they might face.

And so, as the semester came to a close, the bond between Hiccup and his friends grew even stronger, with Astrid realizing that their friendship was built on something more profound than just a shared mission. They had become a family, and no matter what the future held, they knew they could rely on one another, always.

-HTTYD-

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