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It always made for an interesting day when their group of friends went to the movies together. Today. Today would turn out to be especially interesting. They were seeing Star Avenger’s Creed. Rather than seven people wasting money and each getting a popcorn they decided to split three large bags of popcorn. The twins took one. Hiccup, Jack, and Astrid shared another, and North and Aster took the third. Jack reached a hand into the bag Hiccup was holding in his lap. He took his handful and held it at chest level, occasionally grabbing a piece and munching absentmindedly. It was no coincidence that it was decided the three of them would share one bag, they’d take the longest to go through it. It was common knowledge that the twins would tear through theirs like a train wreck, and throw a good amount at unsuspecting passers by. Additionally Aster and North would go through theirs fairly quickly.
The movie soon came to the climax, with the Demi-God evil overlord, about to inform the protagonist that he was his father’s older brother. Jack had already found spoilers online, but that didn’t stop him from becoming very engrossed in the film as he nibbled away at the popcorn in his hand.
Astrid tapped Hiccup’s shoulder and he leaned towards her without looking away from the screen. She told him that North and Aster had run out of popcorn and were asking if they could steal a bit from the trio’s still half full bag. Hiccup nodded wordlessly and handed the bag over. Astrid passed the bag along and Aster began dumping half it’s contents into theirs. At the same time, Jack was finishing off the last few pieces he had in his hand and absentmindedly reached for more. His hand came down on something that was very distinctly NOT popcorn. Hiccup let out a startled shout and jumped in his seat. Jack quickly pulled his hand back to his chest in shock at the reaction, also very quickly realizing what he had just done. The others all looked towards Hiccup, not aware of what had just happened.
“Are you alright?” Astrid asked from beside him.
“I-uhh…” Hiccup stammered, his face red as he looked to Jack, whose face was also red in the light from the movie. “I-I-I’m fine…” He cleared his throat. “S-Sorry,” he said, as he turned in his seat, trying very hard to ignore everyone’s curious glances. After a moment everyone sat back to continue watching the movie. The bag of popcorn was passed back. Hiccup placed it back in his lap, clutching it like it was some sort of protective shield. Jack however would not reach for anymore popcorn for the remainder of the show. And neither would look at each other for the next 30 minutes.
* * *
As luck would have it Astrid had offered to give both Jack and Hiccup rides home after the movie. Jack stood next to the condiments bar, hands shoved in the pocket of his hoodie. He groaned while his shoulders slumped at the thought. Well! This was going to be awkward. Jack glance to the side and saw Astrid and Hiccup standing near the door of the theater auditorium they had been in a few minutes before, having what appeared to be a heated discussion. Jack looked down with a sigh. How did he mange to screw things up like this? They had been friends for years, and he felt like… like he could just die. Hopefully this turned into one of those things where you had a few awkward interactions and then you both just never spoke of it again. He looked back towards the other two, noticing Astrid was walking away, and Hiccup was walking towards him. He felt his own cheeks turn red as he quickly looked back down. They hadn’t said a word to each other since… Ok. Calm down. They just had to get past this first awkward interaction, then he was sure everything would be fine. He heard Hiccup come up beside him and saw the other lean up against the wall beside him.
They both remained silent a moment before Hiccup finally spoke. “So… Uhmm… I think you owe me a drink.”
Jack’s face reddened again as he looked up, confusion also etched on his face. “Wha-what? Why?”
Hiccup’s face was slightly red as well, but he nodded. “Yea. I dropped mine when you grabbed my crotch.”
If jacks face had been flushed before it was flaming now. “You-you did? I-I’m so sorry!” Jack stammered.
Hiccup was still blushing a bit as well, but he laughed. “No,” he admitted. “But it seemed like a good way to break the ice.” He cleared his throat. “Did it help any?”
Jack grinned, face still red, but he laughed. “Could use a bit of work,” he teased. “Not the best line I’ve heard.”
“Oh, I’ve got better in my arsenal.”
Jack raised an eyebrow playfully. “Really? Ok, let’s hear one of your best.”
Hiccup smirked and leaned towards Jack. “Are you my appendix? Cause I’ve got a funny feeling in my stomach that makes me think I should take you out.”
Jack laughed. “You cheesy fucker!”
They both laughed a moment at the ridiculous pick up lines, then Hiccup smiled and looked sideways at Jack. “Anyways… Uhh. Would you be interested in going for a drink or something?”
Jack’s face turned red again. Was he seriously asking… “R-really?”
Hiccup nodded, his face also red, head turning downward. “I’ve… actually been wanting to ask for a while.”
“Uhh,” Jack stammered a moment. “… sure. Uhh… Just… Just let me know when… I mean,” he shrugged, “you have my number already, right?” He laughed, a little awkwardly.
Hiccup smiled. “Sounds like a plan,” he said as he moved away from the wall. He hesitated a moment then took a chance, and leaned over quickly giving Jack a light kiss on the cheek. He moved away quickly then, leaving Jack a red and shocked mess. Ok. So maybe today hadn’t been a complete train wreck.