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-

II

HER TUTOR

ASTRID

"HEY, WATCH YOUR STEP!" she warned as someone accidentally bumped into her.

"Oh, I'm very sorry," the person apologized.

Astrid looked up, and her irritation softened into surprise when she saw the person's face. He was tall and undeniably attractive, standing at least four inches taller than her, making him approximately 6'1". He had a mop of auburn hair, forest green eyes behind thick glasses, freckles sprinkled across his face, and a lean physique. For a moment, she found herself captivated by his appearance until he spoke, snapping her back to reality.

"Oh, Astrid. It is you. I've been waiting for you for the past fifteen minutes," he said.

Wait, does this man know me? Astrid thought, then quickly remembered her reputation. "What?! Waiting for me? Why? Do I know you?" she asked, trying to recall if they had any prior interactions.

"Yeah, I've been waiting for you because I'm your tutor," he replied with a knowing smile.

Her eyes widened in realization. "Yup. I know you are thinking if I am Harper Haddock or Hiccup, as everyone calls me, Ms. Hofferson," he said, as if he could read her mind.

Astrid's mind momentarily drifted off as she noticed how puberty had been kind to him, making him quite attractive. 'Oh, the good gods! Damn puberty is good to him. H-he is v-very h-hot! Wait a minute... Don't get distracted, Astrid,' she reminded herself.

"So, Miss Hofferson," he started, but she cut him off with her trademark bluntness.

"Listen up, Haddock boy, don't waste my time and start teaching me so I can get out of this stupid tutor program. And, by the way, I am forced to be here with you," she retorted.

"Yeah, as if I wanted you here with me. Hell, no! Principal Sven persuaded me to help you. So, what now? Let's start catching up for your Physics subject and get your C grades back to A," he said.

"Okay. Whatever," she grumbled, reluctantly accepting her fate.

The two of them settled at an empty table near the back of the library, where Astrid found a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere conducive to studying. Hiccup handed her a thick book titled 'MOTION IN FOCUS,' explaining that it contained all the necessary lessons and was the best resource to help her understand physics better.

"So, you've got your homework?" Hiccup asked.

"Yeah," Astrid replied, pulling out her assignments from her bag and handing them to him. She admitted to having a hard time with some problems, but as Hiccup began teaching, she found herself understanding the concepts better than she did with her regular teachers. He even provided her with shortcuts for solving certain problems, showcasing his intelligence as a consistent A student.

Surprisingly, she enjoyed the session, and after a 30-minute lecture, she had completed her homework with ease. "I'm done!" she proudly declared.

"May I see your work?" Hiccup asked, genuinely curious.

Astrid showed him her work, and he looked impressed. "You are a fast learner. No doubt, you've answered all of this correctly."

"Really?!" she beamed, her heart fluttering at the praise.

"Yes. Job well done, Astrid," he complimented her.

Blushing slightly, she managed to respond with a bashful "Thank you."

As Astrid made her way home, she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. She saw the caller ID showing the name of her close friend, Riley, and then she answered her phone.

"Hello Riley"

"It's Ruff to you sister. Anyway, Astrid, are you available tonight?"

"Why?" Astrid inquired.

"There's a party tonight at 7 PM at Hills Residence, Strike Avenue," Riley, or rather Ruff, informed her.

"Heather's?" Astrid asked, already considering the idea of attending the party.

"Yep."

"Okay, I'll go. Pick me up at 6. Bye."

"Bye, A. See 'ya later," Ruff said before they hung up.

Astrid contemplated the party invitation as she walked home. Maybe a little partying wouldn't hurt, and after her productive tutoring session with Hiccup, she felt more confident about maintaining her studies while having some fun.

oOo

HARPER

THE TUTOR SESSION with Astrid had already concluded, leaving Hiccup deeply impressed by her quick grasp of the subject matter. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in being able to assist her. What truly surprised him, however, was the unexpected gratitude she expressed for his help. It was a far cry from the days when she used to ditch him, and the change in her attitude both baffled and intrigued him. Despite these mixed feelings, Hiccup decided not to dwell on it too much and headed to Gobber's Mechanic Shop, where he worked after school.

"Sorry Uncle Gobber for being late," Hiccup said apologetically as he walked into the cluttered workshop.

Gobber looked up from the piece he was repairing, his single eyebrow raised inquisitively. "Why are ye late, lad?"

Hiccup hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's because Principal Sven asked me to lend Astrid Hofferson a hand in Physics."

"Astrid? Astrid Hofferson? The lass that used to ditch ye?" Gobber asked, a hint of surprise in his gruff voice.

"Yes, that's her," Hiccup confirmed, feeling a tad uncomfortable discussing it.

"And ye agreed to help her?"

Hiccup nodded, not entirely sure why he had agreed in the first place. "I didn't have much of a choice."

Gobber let out a hearty laugh, slapping Hiccup on the back. "Well, well, the times they are a-changin'. So how was it?"

Hiccup shrugged, eager to change the subject. "It was fine, I guess."

Deciding to focus on work, Hiccup asked, "Anyway, Gobber, is there something that needs fixing?"

"Yeh, lad. That Camaro needs some new brake pads," Gobber replied, pointing to a sleek vehicle in the corner of the workshop.

"Okay, I'll get right on it. Anything else?"

"No, that'll be all for now," Gobber said, turning his attention back to his own project.

With a determined spirit, Hiccup spent the next few hours meticulously working on the Camaro, ensuring every detail was taken care of. He found solace in the familiarity of the workshop, losing himself in the art of repair.

As the clock struck 10, Hiccup finally called it a day. He bid farewell to Gobber and began his journey home. The streets were quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the moon. Hiccup's mind drifted back to the tutoring session with Astrid, wondering about the enigmatic girl he once knew and the one he saw today. There was a mystery to her that he couldn't quite decipher, but he was determined to find out more.

As he reached his house, Hiccup couldn't help but look up at the night sky. The stars shone brightly, and he felt a sense of hope and wonder. Tomorrow was a new day, and who knew what it would bring? With that thought in mind, he stepped inside, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

-HTTYD-

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