dragonmasterhiccup

[dragonmasterhiccup]

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (2014) dir. Dean DeBlois

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Sigrid hummed in acknowledgment. “I can see that. Now I’m not trying to be degrading when I say this, as I know how Vikings can get— I’ve seen it firsthand— but, your husband seems to be gentler in that regard, softer spoken.” She shrugged, taking a hefty sip of water. “I don’t know if that’s it for sure, but whatever it is, it has the girls feeling safe, and that’s honestly all I care about. Of course I care about Magnus and Imogen, but they can handle themselves easier; Caito wasn’t lying when he was talking about Ellie’s vision— she can barely swing a sword straight for Thors sake! And the worst part is is that she thinks she’s doing it right, that she’s seeing it properly, and when we tell her she isn’t? Gods, you’ve never seen a girl that mad befits…” She paused. “And Isla’s only four, so I don’t expect her to do much of anything right now.”

The young woman seemed to be thinking back on some memories, fond ones at that, from what her expression was saying at least. “Oh, she said everything and anything about you guys— your daughter too. She referred to you guys as ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ for the longest time, told us about the hut, the Night Fury— I mean, she was the one to change our minds about dragons! Even after what they did to us! Who would’ve thought, huh?”

…

Isla was all smiles still, clearly overjoyed to have made what she thought was a new friend. She had never had a friend her age before!

At the mention of her hair being braided by either of Zephyrs parents, she shook her head, pointing back at Danny before touching her own head of hair. She wanted to have hair like her sisters!

…

Danny let out a shaky breath of relief, glad to know that Hiccup was still a hundred percent on board with being her father again.

At the mention of Isla receiving the same treatment, she nodded, her eyes glossing over. “That would be great. I, I think she needs it more than me.” Her eyes locked with Hiccups, and when she spoke again, her voice was hollow, almost desperate. “It was bad, Hiccup, when we found her. I just want it to be better for her. I want her to have what I didn’t.”

At him once again saying that it was good to have her back, she couldn’t resist wrapping her arms around him again, embracing him in a tight hug.

At this point, Isla had picked up on the fact that her big sister was upset, and obviously wanting to make her feel better, she went away from Zephyr to hug Danny as tight as her little arms would allow her to.

Chuckling softly, Danny picked her up in her arms. “Thanks, Isla. That made me feel a lot better. I love you, okay?”

The younger girl just nodded, burying her head in Danny’s shoulder.

Turning to the kitchen, she called out. “Caito! Can you come here? I wanna head over to Gothi’s now!”

———

In the end, Caito had agreed to do this, only because he was allowed to be with his two youngest siblings.

Once they got up to hut, he moved to stand protectively in front of the two girls, his expression firm.

“They go first, understood? And if there’s not enough space, I’ll stand in the doorway, but I need to be able to see them.

"Yep, that's Hiccup. He's always been that way, although he was extremely sarcastic for a while when we were teenagers."

Astrid's brows furrowed in concern. "The branding...that is what affected her eye, isn't it?" Glancing over at Danny, she said, "Gothi can probably help. I was once blinded by a lightning strike, and she was able to bring my sight back..."

It warmed Astrid's heart to hear these things, and she nodded her head towards Hiccup. "If it weren't for him, we'd still be at war with dragons. It's amazing how much one person can change."

---

Zephyr's face fell as Isla declined the new hairstyle, but as she pointed to Danny's hair, Zephyr's face lit up again. "Can--can I match you then? Do you think she could do my hair too?"

---

Hiccup tilted his head slightly, his face full of compassion, speaking softly. "I think you both could use it, Danny." Nodding, he said, "Then that's exactly what I'll do. On Berk, you, Isla, the others... you'll all have everything you need, and then some."

Returning her embrace, he only let go when he saw Isla approach, with Zephyr close behind. The young Haddock immediately plopped herself in her father's lap. "Hey dad! Isla and I are like, best friends now!"

"Oh, is that so?"

"Uh huh! I want to have my hair match hers!"

---------------

Hiccup held Caito's gaze, nodding. "I can make sure they are seen first, but you'll have to tell Gothi your other terms. I know I'll have to step out for a portion of the examination, but if you insist on staying for that portion, you need to take it up with her."

Knocking on the door, he said, "Gothi? I know it's late, but there are some new arrivals that have some wounds that need attention."

She gave him a tough time when Danny came, bonking him on the head for not bringing her sooner.

When the door opened, he greeted the elder Berkian. "There are three here with various injuries, can we start with the youngest first? Just a check over, make sure she's alright?"

[dragonmasterhiccup]

The mermaid smiles warmly at the sight of the two of them reuniting. She was really glad that Hiccup was back with his best friend, and that Toothless had him back too. Seeing them happy was all she could ever want.

“Aww, my boys are back together.” The girl giggles softly. 

Perseus bounds over as well, licking and nuzzling Melodía lovingly as she squeaks with delight, giving him kisses.

The princess grins at their Ingerman friend. “Hi Fishlegs! Thanks for taking such good care of them. Oh! We have SO much to show you about new dragons! Hiccup has a lot of it written down, so we can all go through it together if you like.”

As Hiccup finishes taking off his prosthetic, Melodía nods.

“Good plan. I can hang onto it if you like. I know you have enough tail fins in your hut already.” She chuckles. 

Melodía takes her shell necklace in hand. “Alright, I’m gonna turn myself back first, then I’ll do you, okay?”

With that, she blows into the shell, the same orange and yellow magic spilling out of it as the first time she did it. It envelops her, and she is gently lifted above the water before transforming back into her human form and being set back into the shallow water.

She giggles, lifting her skirt to look at her feet and wiggle her toes, before walking to shore and standing beside Hiccup.

“Alright. You ready?”

The former mermaid waits for him to give her the go ahead before taking a deep breath and concentrating. She brings the shell to her lips once more, a low whistle sounding as the magic spills out once more. It sparkles as it surrounds Hiccup, gently lifting him into the air just as she had been. His merfolk ears, tail, scales, webbing, and claws disappear. His one and a half legs return, leaving him exactly the way he was before he transformed, without the prosthetic of course. He is then gently set down next to Toothless, so he can lean on the dragon for support if he needs it.

Once the spell is finished, she lets go of the shell, slightly out of breath as she sways dizzily.

Hiccup grinned happily at Melodía as Toothless licked his face. The dragon made a face, and the Viking laughed. "Salty, huh?"

"Oh, of course!" Fishlegs beamed. "You know I'm more than happy to look after any dragons! They got along wonderfully with Meatlug! Isn't that right, girl?" The Gronckle leaned towards her rider, wagging her tail and her tongue hanging out.

Fishlegs inhaled sharply. "More new dragons?! I can't wait!"

Hiccup smiled, shaking his head slightly. "We will go over that, but maybe tomorrow. It's been a busy few days, we just need a little time to settle back in, think..."

The prosthetic detached, he placed it on the shore behind him. "Too many? Nah, no such thing. Besides, this fin is unique, and I'd like to hold onto it, if that's alright with you." She had put such thought and care into it, that when it wasn't in use, Hiccup wanted to hang it up on his wall, on display.

Nodding, he leaned back on his hands. "Sounds good!"

Fishlegs, who had never seen magic before, watched in awe as Melodía transformed back to a human. As she settled back onto the ground, he tilted his head, seeing her belt.

Realizing where he saw that before, he let out an excited squeal. "Oh! Hiccup! Is that what I think it is?!?"

Hiccup had a wide smile, fangs in full view. "Yes, it is! But, keep it quiet for now, I think dad wanted to do an official announcement."

"Oh congratulations! A wedding! How exciting! Meatlug we'll have to give your scales a good scrubbing and polishing, we need to look out best for an event of this scale!"

Hiccup chuckled, shaking his head. Looking up at Melodía, he nodded, getting a final look at his tail. "Yeah, I'm ready!"

He closed his eyes, the sensation from the magic tingling all over. When he was set down, Toothless was immediately there, ready to help Hiccup balance. "Thanks, bud!"

Turning to look at his fiance, his brows furrowed in worry as he reached towards her, placing a hand on her back to help steady her. "Melodía! Are you alright?"

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Oh okay. How many people really are in there? Why are there so many dragons flying around? This cloak makes me feel hot. Sorry I'm just used to the cold

"Right now? Uh, maybe a dozen or so. It's not exactly prime meal time at the moment."

He chuckled. "That is a long story. Maybe I'll tell it to you once we sit down to eat." Waving a hand, he said, "It's alright, I'm surprised you feel hot though, it's freezing out here. We're almost to the Great Hall. It's just up there."

"Oh, I haven't introduced myself, have I? Hi, I'm Hiccup, Hiccup Haddock."

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Toothless warbled in excitement, rolling onto his back in the flowers. Stormfly bobbed her head, stretching her wings in the warmth.

Hiccup's eyes widened, shaking his head, a polite smile on his face. "Oh, no, no thank you. As chief, I kind of need to be healthy enough to lead."

Looking at their surroundings, Hiccup shrugged. "With a circle this size, there's plenty of room for our dragons too, so I think it all worked out."

He kept looking at Lyra's wingspan, this being only the second time he's actually seen her wings. What must it be like, to have wings of your own? He had some notion, from his flight suit, but that was solely for gliding...

He loved flying with Toothless though. He wouldn't trade it for anything. And the way they flew, with Hiccup controlling the tailfin, it did feel like he had more than just a small part in their flights.

Hearing Kiara's answer, he looked down at Lyra, who looked happier than an armorwing in a scrap metal pile. "Thank you. I was worried, because we have such long winters here...with this, it can help Lyra keep up her strength through it."

Astrid knelt down next to Lyra. "Need a hand? I know it's not the same as braiding hair, but when it comes to straightening things out, I'm pretty good at that."

"It's true," Hiccup chimed in, sitting himself down next to Astrid. "She's great at many things, but when it comes to untangling or straightening, she's the one I go to for help."

“Hiccup!” Lyra ran up to the chief, an excited grin on her face.

“Are you busy? I have something to show you!” She took his hand and pulled him towards Altair and Toothless.

“You know how last month the lightning strike caused the large forest fire?” Stopping in front of the dragons the fae all but buzzing in excitement. If her wings were visible they’d be fluttering.

“I did a thing!” She couldn’t wait to show him.

[dragonmasterhiccup]

"Hiccup the right brained wild dragon boy" Hiccup the grounded, awkward, left-brained human dude who is snappy and sarcastic and quick to the draw, who can stand firm on the ground.

Hiccup, who wants to be rough yet jokes and ribs when others are smelly and violent, when they are messy and wild and pull pranks and roll around like animals, who walks with set shoulders, who isn't smooth, isn't at all like his mother in the way she crouches and crawls and rattles hollow bones with hunched shoulders, who can't connect to dragons so easy- not at her level, in a way that seems nearly supernatural, nonhuman- yet somehow he finds a way to make up for that, joking and speaking to his dragon as if he himself is a man.

Hiccup, who seems more comfortable in the forge than on his own two feet, who had to learn to have empathy for dragons, something which came natural to her.

Hiccup, who needs people too, who is able to connect with them in the same way his mother can't, who wants others the same way she is pushed away from them, both different in completely opposite ways, one more human than anyone just as the other is more dragon than man.

Hiccup is a human first and a dragon rider second which is exactly the kind of trait that allowed him to bond with Toothless in the first place, the same kind of trait that allowed him to make Berk better. Valka is a dragon first and a human second which was what made her such a good member of the dragon sanctuary.

Hiccup makes dragons human while Valka becomes a dragon herself.

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Freya's attempt to hide her amused smirk was brought to a complete failure as the future Chief hastily downed the water from his jug, both her and Blaze watching with raised brows. "Uh-huh. You have now.." She took a small step closer, eyeing the container with an exaggerated shake of her head. "You're lucky. I was getting ready to drag you to the Great Hall again...what a shame.."

Feeling slightly competitive, she raised her chin and folded her arms, her gaze darting across his face. "I don't know.." She hummed, "We'll just have to see.. you did make a beginner's mistake when your last injury happened after all. What was the reason again..?" Looking to the side as if deep in thought, she continued: "Because of a fly? Yeah, we're gonna have to work on that."

Her ears grew warm, cheeks faintly burning in a crimson tone as she blinked at Hiccup's words. Hearing him exactly say that he'd like to willingly spend the day with her made Freya's heart flutter in a way she didn't expect. Trying to gather herself together, she cleared her throat, appearing as though she weren't completely caught off guard. "..Good. Cause you're stuck with me today."

Noticing the sudden red tint across face, she lightly snorted and poked his shoulder. "I think we're gonna have to get you out of this forge quicker...can't have you fainting from being in here for so long either."

'Since when does he act this playful?' Freya, ignoring the warmth that was probably visible on her features, chuckled before responding: "I have more of a reason now, do I? Wow. I'm hurt. Do you not believe I can take care of myself perfectly fine?" Faking an exasperated sigh, she spoke sarcastically, examining her nails, "Ah, you're right. Poor me, I'd have to deal with someone taking care of me if I got injured." She wanted to implicitly specify that, if Hiccup were to help her recover from something like that, she'd be more than welcome to let him.

"I really don't get how you and Gobber are able to sit there and listen to her neverending questions.."

Thankful he offered to take some of the load, she carefully handed him the items in her grasps, Blaze giving the Chief's son a grateful nod that he assisted her, knowing she probably wouldn't have done so otherwise.

"Mhm. I told you!" Freya, dramatically copying his actions, placed her hands on her hips. "Again, what would you do without me?"

About to ask him what he meant, her eyes widened in shock as Hiccup grabbed her waist, abruptly making her closer to him - which she didn't mind. But it was so out of the blue, she felt even more warmth crawl up onto her cheeks while realizing what he was doing. His 'warning' to Snotlout didn't make that any better whatsoever. She was burning red. And to make it worse, he was right there, near enough to see it. The weird, fluttery feeling was overwhelming her as she stood there, frozen. 'Since when--'

'No.' She told herself, 'Won't let him win this one so easily..' With Freya's challenging nature rising, despite her scarlet tinted face, she slightly narrowed her eyes and pointedly stared down at the other young viking below them. "Yeah, Snotlout.." In one swift movement, her hand reached towards the side of his jaw, cupping it towards her while she remained looking down at where Hiccup's cousin stayed. "I recommend you going somewhere else, or people might get the wrong idea of you.."

He immediately made a disgusted expression, briefly sticking out his tongue. "Ew, that's nasty. Get a room!" He began to walk off, muttering certain things to himself as he did so.

Freya paid no mind to him, shrugging nonchalantly before returning her gaze on her pretend boyfriend. "Just going according to plan, right?" A small triumphant smile formed on her lips while she slowly retraced her hand away from his cheek, stepping away from his hold. Purposefully making sure her hand brush against his while she walked towards Toothless, her voice was airy and lighthearted as if nothing happened. "Mkay, let's get back down!"

Once they landed, she 'dusted' herself off, glancing at Hiccup. "We should--" She was quickly interrupted as a snowball came and hit her arm, causing her to threateningly stare in the direction where it came from. Of course, it was Snotlout. He didn't actually leave.

"Ha! That's a score for me!" He pumped his fist victoriously, missing the way in which Freya furrowed her brows with a mocking smile, unhurriedly leaning down to form one of her own snowballs from the ground. There wasn't too much snow yet, but it was enough to do what they were doing now.

"You picked the wrong person to throw that at." Imagining the snow as one of her daggers, she lurched forward and tossed it at him, hitting him right at his helmet - which fell off after the rough impact.

"Hey! That was uncalled for!" Snotlout yelled, Blaze grumbling in laughter at the scene while his rider sauntered over to him and gently scratched his chin.

Rubbing the back of his head, he genuinely couldn't remember if he had said it was a fly that distracted him. Shrugging, he said, "It was an off day..."

That only made his grin widen. "Stuck implies being forced...I prefer the phrase, 'I get to be with you today'."

Clearing his throat, he nodded weakly. "You know, some fresh air will probably do me some good..." He would have protested that he didn't faint...but he did, once.

Seeing the red on her cheeks, he suppressed a grin. Her words made him realize what she meant...and then he couldn't stop from smiling. "Just because you know I'll be there for you doesn't mean you can go, acting all reckless, understand?" He meant it when he said the day before that he didn't know what he'd do if something happened to her.

Chuckling, he pointed out, "You do realize that Gobber once listened to my neverending questions, don't you?" When he first started in the forge, he had just as many things to ask and say as Ayla.

Hiccup returned Blaze's nod before taking what Freya handed him.

"What would I do without you? Gee, I don't know..." He pretended to be in deep thought for a moment. "Well, I suppose I'd have finished polishing about a dozen weapons by now..." Eyes darting over to her, he broke out into a wide smile. "I'm kidding, kidding!"

Now it was Hiccup's turn to be frozen. As Freya's hand rested on his cheek, he stared at her, eyes wide and lips parted in a mix of shock and surprise. His heart beat faster, and he sucked in a breath.

She was so close...

He resisted the pull he felt towards her, trying not to close the distance between them. Once Snotlout left, he blinked at her before finally nodding. "Y-yeah, exactly..."

His eyes stayed on her as she pulled away, as he wished she wouldn't do that just yet.

When their fingers brushed, it felt like a wave of warmth swept through him, and all he could say was "Uh-huh..."

Seeing the snowball hit Freya, he brows lowered and eyes narrowed as he searched for its origins. He has to hold back a grumble as his eyes fell on Snotlout.

Hiccup knelt down, also making a snowball. "It's two against one, Snotlout. I don't think you'll like those odds..."

He threw his snowball only moments after Freya, hitting his cousin square in the chest. "Uncalled for? Snotlout, you threw one first!"

The twins were passing by, drawn in by the projectile weapons.

"Oo, what are we doing? Can we join?" Tuffnut inquired.

"Why ask, brother," Ruffnut answered, making a snowball of her own, "when we can just get in there and cause more chaos?"

The two snickered, making up their own snowballs and chucking them at everyone they could. One of Ruffnut's hit Hiccup in the face with such force it caused him to stumble back.

"Alright, that's it! Take cover! Toothless!"

The dragon rushed over, opening a wing to cover Hiccup and Freya. The future chief started scooping as much snow together as he could. "Quick! We need a barrier to duck behind, and we need a good supply of snowballs to throw!"

[dragonmasterhiccup]

———

The twenty year old let out another chuckle, shaking her head tiredly. “Yeah, I bet. She…she was real skittish when she was younger— kind of still is, so I’m glad she seems to already be comfortable around you, no matter what Caito says.”

Her eyes shone with gratitude, and she nodded, smiling at Astrid. “I know I’ve been saying it a lot, but thank you, seriously. You have no clue how much this means to us— to them. Magnus wasn’t lying when he said Ellie was talking about this place almost nonstop since she returned.”

Once Isla was composed again— which didn’t take too long— she shook her head, trying to signal to Zephyr that she had no reason to be sorry.

She was a future chief?! That was so cool!

Scurrying over to Danny, she tugged at her sister’s satchel before signing,

‘Can I please have some paper, Danny? And a pencil?’

Danny paused her conversation with Hiccup and nodded, reaching into her satchel and pulling out some loose paper and an almost fully used charcoal pencil, handing it to the four year old and watching her run back over to Zephyr.

Isla instantly started drawing, scribbling down a sloppy image of the girl in front of her, instead now, in the drawing, she was wearing the same cloak her father was. She also circled Zephyrs hair before pointing at it, trying to tell her that she liked it.

Danny sighed, going to lean her head on Hiccups arm. “I know you will, I just…I don’t want you to be like, overwhelmed because it’s not just me anymore, it’s all of us…”

She took the cloth from him and wiped her teary eyes. It did make her feel a bit better to hear that… “Are you sure that I’m not intruding…? I mean, you have Nuffink anymore, and I’m sure you weren’t planning on me coming back anytime soon…”

“…I still want that…” she whispered, “I want you to be my dad again, but I- I don’t think Caito really wants that…” She let out a watery chuckle. “Nah, that’s fine. I kind of wanna stay with Isla anyways… She, I know I’ve only known her for a few months, but I need to keep her safe.”

"She warmed up to Hiccup almost immediately when she came here last, but it did take her a couple days at least to warm up to me. He just had that effect on people and dragons...he leaves quite the impression."

"This is what we do, the least we could offer is a warm meal...but Hiccup just can't help going above and beyond." Astrid smiled warmly as she spoke about her husband, then sat herself down across from Sigrid, asking. "What did Danny say? I just wonder how much she remembers."

Zephyr watched curiously as Isla drew, inhaling sharply in excitement as she realized that she was the one being drawn.

Her smile widened at the compliment. "Thanks! Mom braided it for me. I can have her braid your hair too! Or my dad could do it, but mom is better!"

"Overwhelmed? Nah, that won't happen!" He waved it off, before mentioning, "The older ones may not want to stay with me and Astrid, but then again, they don't trust us. Give it some time, and that trust will build."

Shaking his head, he reassured her, "You're not intruding, you're invited. Look, we do have Nuffink now, but the way I see it, you're still my daughter. And if Isla wants that too, she will be."

"I never knew when you'd be back, but I knew you would be back." Granted, he thought that happened when older Danny came, but he was overjoyed to see this Danny return as well.

Wait, older Danny...she'd be returning, and then there will be two Danny's on Berk...

He'd have to address that another day.

His brows furrowed. "Why would Caito have a problem with that? Isn't that a decision you can make, for you?" Shaking his head, he got back to the point, "If that's what you want, then I will be your dad again. Gods, it's so good to have you back!"

Glancing over at Isla, he nodded. "I think she'll want to stick with you, no matter what."

[dragonmasterhiccup]

“Well, I’m happy to show you. All you gotta do is ask.” She grins.

****

Melodía swims with Hiccup, Ttheeni, and Heracles all the way back to the cove, giggling and swimming loops all the way. As they make their way through the boats on the close outskirts of the island, she jumps out of the water and waves to them, though Mulch had to keep Bucket from falling off the boat in surprise.

They finally make it to the cove, and the mermaid smiles at her fiancé. “We’re home.” She takes his hand before surfacing.

At the sight of the dragons and Fishlegs, the princess grins excitedly, waving.

“Hi everybody! We’re back!”

Perseus, who was cooing comfortingly to Toothless, perks up immediately, giving a happy “Rawr!” To his Night Fury friend as if to say “See? I told you they’d be back!”

Hiccup smiled back before breaking the surface of the water.

The Night Fury let out an excited roar at the sight of Hiccup.

"Toothless!! Come here, bud!" Hiccup swam towards the shore, his hand outstretched towards the Night Fury, who bounded over to the rider.

Fishlegs waved hello. "Hey, guys! Welcome back!" He was a little surprised at Hiccup's appearance, not expecting him to have been turned into a merman, but didn't address it.

Hiccup wrapped his arms around Toothless' neck. "I missed you so much, bud!"

After pulling away, Hiccup laid in the surf, flipping onto his back and bending forward to take off his prosthetic tail fin. "Don't want this getting lost or falling into the water when you change me back," he said to Melodía. "I know I'm going to need this for the next time we go..."

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Hiccup i think you've got the hiccups

"What the-- please tell me that isn't what I think it is...?"

[dragonmasterhiccup]

My favourite thing about the twins from httyd is that when they have an idea you don't if it's gonna be nonsense that makes no logical sense or nonsense that makes perfect sense that fixes everything.

[dragonmasterhiccup]

“I can tell,” Caito replied, eyeing Hiccups prosthetic. “It seems that this… ‘Gothi’ might actually know what she’s doing.” Clearing his throat, he continued. “I still want her looked over first, and Isla as well.” While there wasn’t anything about Isla that was too obvious— aside from being underweight and tired— it was still better to be safe than sorry.

He shook his head, his expression going firm once again. “I’m not going alone. I don’t care how much space she has or doesn’t have, but Sigrid is coming with, and so are the girls; I’m not leaving them with you alone.”

———

Sigrid, who currently had her head in her hands, eventually looked over at Astrid and nodded, letting out a strained sigh. “I think that’s a good idea, thank you.” Disregarding her two younger siblings, she spoke only to Astrid. “I’m truly sorry about them. This is just… a lot, for all of us, Ellie especially, and I think we all just need time to settle in.” Letting out an airy chuckle, she continued, “The stew was great, though, thank you again. Also, feel free to ask us to step out; I can totally understand not wanting a bunch of bickering teenagers invading your home so suddenly.”

Isla was more than a little confused at Zephyrs approach. Why was she stepping forwards like that? Did she have something on her face? After running her hand down her face to check and confirm that no, there was nothing there, Zephyr was already standing in front of her, and she jumped a slight bit.

The little girls eyes widened. For her? To keep? No one had ever given her a toy before! Let alone one as nice as this!

Reaching out carefully, she wrapped her hands around the stuffed Gronkle, a small breath escaping her lips as she felt just how soft it actually was.

Sitting down again, it was only a moment before she was hugging it tightly against her chest, smiling up at Zephyr.

Danny was watching them as well, and at Hiccups question, she immediately shook her head. “No. No, we… we checked the island over, and we’d know where to look if there were anymore captives. The hunters there were… taken care of as well…”

Danny scoffed, finishing off the last bit of her stew. “Yeah, you tell him that, see if he’ll listen.

She nodded, seemingly deep in thought. “I think, if I uh, don’t decide to stay with you, I’ll just go wherever Sigrid and Caito go, if that’s okay?”

“But I don’t think I’d know what to choose even if I did think about it! I, I missed you so much, and I want to stay with you and Astrid so bad, with Isla too, but you guys have your own family now, and I don’t want them to think that I’m ditching them.” She couldn’t fight the few stray tears that fell down her face, and when she spoke next, her voice was a whisper and she was looking down at the ground. “I just… I thought when I got back, it’d go back to before, and you’d want to be my dad again, but… it’s not like that; it’s awkward, and I don’t know what’s gonna happen anymore now that we’re here, and—“ Upon realizing she was ranting, she cut herself off, now hanging her head in shame at what she’d just admitted.

"She does, she's the best there is in the archipelago." He remembered how when Danny arrived the first time, she didn't appear to be in much pain, but had horrible burns along her back. "That's a good idea. I'd prefer that as well."

Hiccup's shook his head, realizing there was a misunderstanding. "Sorry, I forgot to mention, Gothi is mute, she communicates through writing. She uses an old dialect, so I'll be going with you, to translate what she says."

"I understand your concern, so if you still want all to come, we can figure that out. Some may have to wait outside, but that will have to be up to Gothi."

-------------

Astrid gave an understanding nod. "It's really okay. I remember when Danny stayed with us, it took her a week I think to really settle in."

She chuckled. "Ask you to step out? No way, I couldn't do that. Spring may be here, but it does get cold out there at night. Besides, Hiccup would be beside himself, worrying about the lot of you all night out there. No, we have the room here, you are more than welcome to stay."

When Isla jumped, Zephyr winced. "Oh...sorry! I...I was just trying to not scare you..."

Zephyr grinned as Isla took the toy, her smile growing wider as she started to hug the Gronckle. Sitting down with her, she placed her hands in her lap, trying to not get overexcited at the idea of a new friend. "My name is Zephyr! I'm going to be chief someday!"

At the word 'captive', his face fell, his eyes moving over to little Isla, who was now sitting with Zephyr. No wonder the little girl didn't talk... "Good thing you got her out of there...and brought her here. I'll make sure that she, and all of you really, have everything you need."

He nodded. "Sure, wherever you'd like. Just... make sure to stop by and join us now and then, yeah?"

His face fell more, and he was shaking his head as she spoke. Pulling out the clean cloth he always kept in his armor, he offered it to her. "Don't you ever think we don't have room for you anymore in our family. You're still a part of it, whether you choose to live here or not."

Setting his bowl down, he wrapped an arm around her, "I...I wasn't sure if you still wanted that. It's been so long...but, Astrid and I still think of you as ours, it can be like before, you just...have to share a room with Zephyr, probably Isla too. I can build an addition on, add another bedroom or two."

[dragonmasterhiccup]

If you ever happened to be under a mistletoe with someone and you had to kiss them, who would you want it to be?

"None other than Astrid Hofferson. It's only ever been her, she's the only one for me."

[dragonmasterhiccup]

I think the Light Fury’s pretty, don’t get why many ppl hate her :(

"That's strange, why would anyone hate her? She's a dragon! A pretty incredible one, at that! That, that invisible trick she does? Amazing!"

[dragonmasterhiccup]

You remind me of Viktor from Arcane. Only you don’t become the equivalent ofJesus

"Uh...I'm not really sure anyone can be the equivalent of Jesus, just based on what I've heard. But, I'll take the comparison to this Viktor fellow as a compliment. So in that case, thank you!"

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Thinking she may have gone a little overboard, Freya's gaze flickered to the ground for a moment. 'Remember, can't give away what I feel...but isn't this what friends do..? Check on one another..?' "Alright, fine...I hope you'll get a decent amount of sleep today then."

Deciding to tease him just a bit further, she raised her brows, a trace of an expectant smile following her. "Okay... How about water? Did you drink any water yet, Hiccup?"

Not fully expecting him to actually want an answer, her playful and confident demeanor faltered in the slightest. 'Oh, he's serious..' Of course, she didn't want to give away that one time she 'wiped' off a very small speck of porridge off his face when he came to her hut, portraying it as though it was much more than a speck. "..Well, uhm, I just..." Shrugging, she tried to play it off, "...Was it such a crime to say those words? I mean, all I said was that I meant it...so you wouldn't think I was joking...or something."

"Okay, okay, geez." Freya walked up to him again and poked his shoulder. "I want you to be safe is all. So, do that for me, will ya?" Hiccup's prediction, which was entirely accurate, made her freeze in place for a couple of seconds before she slowly started taking steps back again, amber eyes looking at everything else but him. "...No, of course not...what made you say such a thing..?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but glanced at the floor when nothing came out. "Alright...nevermind...maybe I was only thinking of that one day you hurt yourself...but you better not make that accident a second time..!"

Fighting off an affectionate smile, Freya lightly tilted her head. "You shouldn't have too much of a problem then..I'm pretty sure I won't be getting hurt that easily."

Oh, she didn't have a problem with that at all. In fact, it made her even more jubilant. Yet, one thing came to mind almost immediately; "That's fine with me...but, Ayla will want to come along as well, which is definitely not a big surprise."

Hiccup's pretend girlfriend looked at Blaze, both of them blinking with slightly wider eyes at one another. She waited for the Sand Wraith's confirmation, not wavering in their silent staring contest as he remained perfectly still. After a short duration, he nodded and motioned at the top of the roof, a loving grin taking over him while his rider immediately hugged his neck, careful to avoid the certain spikes along his scales. "Yeah, sounds good!"

She practically skipped over to Toothless, gently rubbing the side of his face before orderly mounting him, making sure not to drop the nails in her one hand and the lights that hung off her arm. "Let's do this." Her voice was overly determined, gaze set on the roof as if it were a task assigned to her since birth.

Once they took off from the ground, she had to hold on from the sheer impact of the brief wave of air that hit her, not actually anticipating for the strength of the Night Fury to be shown in such a little moment. As soon as she was able to, Freya quickly stepped foot on top of the sturdy wood that held them up. "Yes! We're gonna make this look so cool..!" She ignored her childish claim while hastily, and yet cautiously, walking towards her desired spot.

Her attentive sight scanned the roof, nodding to herself when she concluded where to begin. Mindfully kneeling down, she set the lights down and set one of the nails pointed in the wood. "We'll start here.." Suddenly, her tone became more focused. "Hammer!" She beckoned for Hiccup to strike the small piece of metal in, nodding again in satisfaction when it was finished.

That action was repeated, of her continuously saying "Hammer!" with each and every nail she placed in the roof. Freya was immensely meticulous as they worked, amber eyes faintly squinting in concentration along with her lips being pressed into a thin line, almost as though she were studiously reading something. At last, they were done and she cautiously hung the lights on the nails that were now securely in the wood. A delighted smile formed on her features, stopping herself from jumping as she stood proudly.

"I told you! It's great!" She remained staring at the lights that beautifully dangled off the forge, finally turning her gaze on Hiccup after sighing in content. "Thank you. For helping. I appreciate it." She stood there for a bit, focus staying on his face as a thankful smile was evident on hers. At least until another voice was heard from below them.

"Eugh, I see you two are acting googly-eyed even on a roof. Wow." None other than Snotlout yelled, not hiding his amused smirk as Freya flinched from the abrupt interruption. Meanwhile, Blaze grumbled at the appearance of the future Chief's cousin, sitting down as he licked his paw, treating it as if that were more important.

"Me too." He knew he wasn't the greatest when it came to getting a good amount of sleep, but last night was a bit more extreme than usual.

Of course, he hadn't had a choice in it. Though it was tough to know how much sleep he'd gotten exactly.

His eyes widened, and he thought back. Did I drink any water? "Uh...heh...well--" Spotting his water jug on the shelf, he quickly grabbed it, taking a big swig.

Swallowing, he held out the jug and said, "I have now!"

Eyebrow raised, he looked at her skeptically, before breaking out into a grin. "Alright."

Letting out a little chuckle, his eyes softened as he took in her words. "I can't promise nothing will happen, but I can promise to be more careful. Does that satisfy your demands?" Eyeing her playfully, he wondered if she'd accept his statement, or if she'd somehow up the ante.

Stepping closer, he looked around as well. "Oh, I don't know, it could be that...that we both agreed last night to see each other again today...and..." He looked back at her, "...and I think I would like that, to spend the day with you again."

Putting his hands up in mock surrender, he grinned, "It won't happen again, don't you worry!" In his mind, the thought flashed of leaning in, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek to make her smile, but he pushed it away, his cheeks suddenly burning.

I really need to get it together...what if I had actually done that? She'd probably punch me, actually... Clearing his throat, he shook his head. "N-nope, no more reckless injuries here..."

Nodding, he pursed his lips, "Oh, good. Because you know how I worry," he spoke casually, though there was a ring of truth to it, "and if you were hurt in any way, I certainly couldn't leave your side. I'm afraid you have even more reason to be careful from now on..." Sighing dramatically, he crossed his arms, smirking playfully. "I mean, you'd get sick of having me around pretty quickly, after all..."

"Ayla is always welcome to join us. Even Gobber's gotten pretty fond of her. As for me, I don't mind answering any of her questions."

Hiccup mounted onto Toothless' back as he waited for the sand wraith to give his permission. Eyeing Freya's full arms, he offered, "Why don't I help with some of that? You're going to want to hold on, and you do need your hands for that..."

He couldn't help but grin at her excitement, dismounting as well and pulling out the hammer from where he'd tucked it into his saddlebag. "It sure is!" Sticking close by, he knelt down next to her, helping keep the lights in place with one hand.

At her direction, he hit the nail into the wood, and they moved together along the roofline. They had gotten into a good rhythm as they kept going, Toothless laying himself down as he waited for the riders to finish, stretching his wings in the morning sun.

When finished, he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, standing back up and placing his hands on his hips.

Returning her smile, he nodded, "I had no doubt it would!"

He placed the hammer back in the saddlebag before moving to stand next to Freya again. "No, thank you for dragging me out of the forge. Knowing me, I would have been inside until after sundown."

As he looked into her eyes, his mind raced. Should I tell her? No...no, I can't...

He was about to say something when he heard his cousin down on the ground below. Giving Freya a playful look, he whispered, "Just go with me on this, he'll be gone in a second..."

Wrapping his hand around her waist, he pulled her closer, turning to answer Snotlout, "What? You don't like seeing us so happy? Where's your holiday spirit, Snotlout? You really oughta get going, you might see something you wish you hadn't..."

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Northern Lights