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/N1: Hello guys! It has been a while. I hope you will like this new chapter that I have wrote. Also, I would like to thank my friend, uriecstatic (wattpad), for helping me in writing this chapter.

A/N2: English isn't my first language so please bear with me. Constructive criticisms are pretty much appreciated.

- HTTYD-

VII

THE IDEA

HARPER AND ASTRID settled into their tutoring session, focusing on angles of incidence and angles of reflection in Physics. To their surprise, the session went exceptionally well, with no arguments or tension. Instead, it was peaceful and harmonious, making it a perfect learning experience for both of them. Astrid's improvement in Physics brought a sense of fulfillment to Harper, proud to see his guidance bearing fruit.

As the clock struck six-thirty, they wrapped up their productive session, having completed all the planned topics for the day.

"That's all for today. You've done remarkably well, and your progress is truly impressive," Harper said, offering a warm smile to Astrid.

"Thank you. And well, it's all because I have an excellent teacher. So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Astrid responded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Absolutely. But are you planning to walk home alone?" Harper inquired, concerned about Astrid's safety.

"Yes," Astrid affirmed, the sound of the popping 'p' emphasizing her independence. "Why do you ask?"

"It's getting late, and I worry about you walking alone. If you want, you can ride with me," Harper suggested, showing genuine concern.

oOo

ASTRID

ASTRID COULDN'T BELIEVE her ears when Hiccup, or rather Harper, offered her a ride home. She was taken aback, wondering if she had heard him correctly. Was he being genuinely kind, or were they already friends again? Her mind raced with questions and emotions, leaving her flabbergasted and her jaw almost dropping to the ground.

"H-hello? Earth to Astrid," Hiccup said, snapping his fingers to bring her back to the present.

"Oh, sorry. Are you serious about what you said?" Astrid asked, trying to confirm his offer.

Hiccup nodded, looking sincere. "Yeah, I am. So?"

Astrid felt a mix of surprise and gratitude. "Okay, I'll ride home with you. Now, where's your car?"

"It's parked outside," Hiccup replied, leading the way.

They left the library together and made their way to the school's parking lot. Astrid noticed Hiccup's black Honda Civic parked there. To her surprise, he opened the door for her, playfully saying, "Ladies first."

She smiled inwardly, finding his gesture thoughtful and gentlemanly. After they settled into the car, Hiccup started driving them home. The fact that they were neighbors made it convenient for him to offer her a ride.

As the minutes passed by, they arrived at their destination. Hiccup parked the car, and Astrid prepared to leave, thanking him before stepping out.

"Thank you for today and for driving me home," she said.

Hiccup smiled warmly. "You're welcome. It's my duty to help you, anyway."

With that, they bid each other goodbye, and Astrid entered her house, feeling a sense of contentment and joy, as today had turned out to be unexpectedly great.

oOo

HARPER

EXHAUSTED FROM A long day at school, Hiccup finally arrived home at six-fifty, just after dropping Astrid off at her place. He couldn't fully forgive her yet, but he couldn't bear the thought of something happening to her if she walked home alone. Safety was a priority, so he made sure she got home safely. However, the tension between them remained.

Upon reaching home, he found his father still absent due to his demanding work. Hiccup settled for a reheated leftover pasta for dinner and watched television to pass the time. His thoughts drifted back to the events of the day, feeling a mix of weariness and unresolved emotions.

oOo

SHAUN

TODAY WAS SHAPING up to be another awesome day, as usual. Snotlout relished in the attention he received from admirers, reveled in the fear he instilled in the nerds, and took satisfaction in the loyalty of his followers, Ruff and Tuff, who admired him like they worshiped Loki, the Norse god of mischief. However, his good mood took a hit earlier at school when Fishlegs, the nerd, dared to humiliate him in front of the class by answering back and physically twisting his arm. To make matters worse, Fishlegs wanted to quit Snotlout's so-called "awesome group" because he couldn't tolerate their activities. Snotlout always knew the loser couldn't handle their greatness.

Though Snotlout couldn't resist flexing his biceps and bragging about his supposed irresistibility to Astrid, he was frustrated by her playing hard to get. As for Hiccup, whom he scornfully referred to as "Useless," he hadn't seen him around, assuming the boy was hiding in fear of him.

But Snotlout's focus quickly returned to his vengeful plan against Fishlegs. He decided to dial Tuffnut's number and greeted them, not caring about the late hour.

"Hello, you two muttonheads."

"Snotlout! What the heck?! We're in the middle of our sleep!" Ruff exclaimed yawning with annoyance.

Slightly more composed, Tuffnut asked, "Hello, S. Sorry for my sister's attitude. She's just fiesty today. What makes you call us this late? Was it something very important?"

"Yeah. It's like a quarter to twelve for you!" Ruff said annoyed.

"It is very important. So better listen up, you two!" Snotlout said sharply.

"Go ahead," Tuffnut responded, curious about the purpose of the call.

"That nerd, Fishlegs, betrayed our group today and humiliated me in front of the class. I want to make him pay for what he did and I want you guys to meet me at the school grounds tomorrow at six o'clock sharp to execute the plan. Understood?"

After delivering his message, Snotlout hung up, feeling a sense of anticipation for what was to come. Tomorrow was going to be exciting, and Fishlegs would soon regret crossing paths with him. An evil laugh escaped his lips as he reveled in the anticipation of his revenge.

oOo

RILEY

RUFFNUT, OR RILEY, as she preferred to be called at times, felt annoyed that Snotlout had disturbed their sleep with his selfish plan. She and Tuffnut, her twin brother, couldn't rest now, thanks to him.

"Hey, sis," Tuffnut called out to her.

"Yeah, what is it?" she replied.

"Do you think what I'm thinking?"

"Nope, not exactly. But is it about Snotlout?"

"Yes, you got it. Snotlout. Who does he think he is? We're not his slaves, just mindlessly following him like dogs. I think Fishlegs did the right thing by standing up for himself and breaking free from Snotlout's control. Snotlout deserved to be humbled; he's too bossy and foolish."

Ruffnut and Tuffnut were truly kindred spirits. They often found themselves in sync with their thoughts and opinions.

"You're right. It's about time Snotlout starts treating us like normal friends and not his minions," Ruffnut agreed. "I mean, seriously, anyone would be a better friend than Snotface."

"Absolutely. Even Hiccup knows the value of true friendship, especially with Astrid," Tuffnut recalled.

"I remember that too," Ruffnut added. "So, can you still stand him and everything he makes us do?"

"No, not at all," Tuffnut replied honestly. "But what can we do? If we go against him, he'll make our lives miserable."

"Not if we do something about it," Ruffnut said, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"What's your idea?" Tuffnut whispered, intrigued by his sister's plan.

Ruffnut whispered her idea to her brother and judging by the look on his face, she knows that he's already into it.

-HTTYD-

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