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mischiefnevermanaged89-blog · 7 months ago

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Gotta Be Somebody-part4

Angel Reyes X Reader

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Angel

My time spent with (Y/N) had been the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. She has started to become my best friend. I could tell her everything without judgment. Our mornings were becoming routine with breakfast and morning quotes. She was the most beautiful in the mornings when I’d go to her place.

The feelings inside me that she had stirring were new to me and that scared the shit out of me. The moment I walked into her apartment and I seen her dancing around to her favorite Nickleback song, it instantly became mine. I knew I had to do something, so when she left to meet Marcus, I went to the one place I knew I’d get some answers.

“Pop! You home?”

“In here, son.”

I walked into the kitchen, kissing my hand and touching Ma’s urn on the way.

“Angel. What brings you by?”

I sighed as I sat at the table. “I got a problem, Pop, and I don’t know what to do.”

“You okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah. You remember (Y/N) Losa?”

Pop smiled. “I see.” He said smiling.

“What’s that mean?”

“Tell me what troubles you?”

“I don’t know, Pop. I’ve been with her almost every day for the last few months and it’s like I think about her every minute I’m not with her. I got these feelings and I don’t know what they are. She means everything to me. I can’t wait to see her in the mornings. I go to sleep thinking about her. Even her favorite music has become mine.”

He laughed. “You’re in love, son.”

I scoffed. “No way.”

“You’d do anything to protect her right? Do anything she’d ask of you?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“Couldn’t picture your life without her anymore?”

That’s when it hit me. Pop was right. “No. I couldn’t.”

“The way you feel about her is the exact way I felt about your mother.” He chuckled. “She’d be so happy her baby had found him somebody to love. She always wanted that for you. She always knew you’d find somebody. She never worried about you like that. Always knew you’d find your way. That’s why she didn’t worry much when you were growing up. She knew one day you would be a man she could be proud of.”

It was my turn to chuckle. “(Y/N) said almost the same thing when I told her about mom and growing up. Said mom doted on EZ because she knew how he’d turn out, but never worried about me.” I looked at Pop. “She’s special, Pop.”

“I know, son. Don’t let her go. She’s brought out something in you I haven’t seen in a long time.”

My phone vibrated with a text from Bishop saying Templo. I said goodbye to Pop and headed for the clubhouse. As soon as I got there I was hit with questions.

“Prospect! Have you seen (Y/N) today?” Bishop asked.

I shook my head. “Not since I checked in on her this afternoon. Said it was her off day and she was going to stay home and clean. I just left from seeing my pops. I haven’t seen her since.”

He nodded. I went inside and started stocking beer in the fridge. Everyone started piling in not long after. (Y/N) and Alvarez were the last to arrive. She looked at me with a smile, one I returned.

“Prospect, come on. You’ll want to be in on this, too.” Alvarez waved me into Templo with them.

I was confused when he called me in, even more so when (Y/N) followed in behind. I stood to the side after everyone sat around the table. I looked to (Y/N) who looked so damn calm and collected standing at the head of the table between Alvarez and Bishop.

“Can I ask why you have my daughter and the prospect in here Padrino?” Bishops asked.

“As you all know, Galindo is having problems with the rebel group running in Mexico. They’ve come to believe it’s being led by a woman. Any transports being made have been stopped and sabotaged and everyone killed. (Y/N) and I just had a meeting with Galindo.”

She nodded and stood at the table. “Galindo explained that they wanted someone to infiltrate this group. Get on the inside, find out how they are working, where they will strike next and eventually take them out.” She looked to Bishop. “I know you run for the Galindo cartel papa. It’s only a matter of time before her group realizes this and strikes you all and I cannot let that happen.”

Bisphop went red. Everyone went red. We all knew what that meant.

“No. Hell fucking no, hija! I will not allow you to do this.” He banged his fist on the table.

“It’s been decided, papa. I accepted Galindo’s deal. In a few days time, I’ll will gain access in and earn her trust and feed intel back until the time is right.”

“And what is it you will have to do?” I spoke up, all eyes turning to me, even her (y/e/c) bore into mine.

“When the time is right, I’ll have to kill her.”

“Ah hell nah. Chica! You cannot do this! You’re not a killer. I’ve been there. Killing someone changes you. I don’t want that for you.” Coco pointed around the table. “We don’t want that for you.”

“It’s not for you to decide!” She yelled, banging her fists on the table, her actions mimicking Bishop’s. “I have decided. I’m doing this. For Primo, papa, Taza, Riz, Creep, Hank, Coco, Gilly, Angel.” She looked at each and every one of us.

“For the last twenty two years you have each been in my life, some longer than others. For twenty two years I’ve called you each my uncle or brother. I will not get a call one day that every man in my life for the last twenty two years is dead because some perra has a vendetta against their boss and took it out on them. I will not do it. Even if Galindo has made a very generous payout for me for each intel and the endgame, I’m doing it for my family.” She wiped tears from her eyes. “With or without your support, I will be doing this. Papa, I love you, so much, please, understand why Marcus and I went to Galindo and understand why I have to do this. You’re all I have and all I’ll ever need. Please?”

Bishop sighed and dropped his head. He stood and grabbed her in his arms and we could all see his shoulders shake from crying. Father and daughter held each other for a few moments. Bishop turned around to face everyone.

“Okay. It’s been decided. (Y/N) will do this. We will support her. I trust Padrino and if he says Galindo can be trusted with her and this, then I can’t argue. Nobody is to argue. We will stick to whatever plan they have for us.”

My heart sank. This woman that I just learned I love is about to throw her self into danger for her family. Why the hell am I finding myself loving her even deeper?

I watched everyone walk out and I followed behind, going to the bar to pass out beer to them. I watched (Y/N) walk outside; Bishop nodding to me to follow her. I nodded back and took a couple beers with me.

“Hey, (Y/N/N).”

She looked up at me, a small smile on her face. “Hey, A.”

I handed her the beer. “You okay?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

“Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen with all of this, but I want you to know that as your best friend, I’m here. No matter what.”

She chuckled. “Thanks, Angel. That means a lot.”

“I’m serious. I know shits about to get serious soon. I just want you to know that when you’re out there, if you can, I’m right there. I’ll be a quick hello away. Even if you want to hear a quick good morning quote or just me to say your name. I’m here, Cariño.”

There it was. That beautiful fucking smile I lived for every damn day. She always saved that smile for me. She scooted closer to me and wrapped her arms around mine and laid her head on my shoulder and sipped her beer. I kissed the top of her head, closing my eyes, wishing this moment didn’t have to end, because I knew in a few days time, I didn’t know when I’d see her again.

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@ravennaortiz

In the words of my 9year old daughter…

#mayans fanfic #mayans x reader #mayans fx #mayans imagine #mayans mc #angel reyes x you #angel reyes x reader #angel reyes

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fortheloveofwonderland · 4 years ago

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Sticks & Stones - Chapter 11 [Spencer Reid x fem! Reader]

Taglist is closed.

A/N - here is chapter 11! Lyrics are from Believe It or Not by Nickleback, which you can listen to here.

/// indicates change of perspective. Starts in Spencer’s POV.

This fic is a slow burn. Strangers to friends to very eventual lovers. Smut to come in later chapters but you will have to bear with it!

CW: mentions of Maeve, angst, graveyards, lap grinding, making out, ejaculation.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

WC: 3.4K

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Chapter 11 - Believe It or Not

Believe it or not, everyone has things that they hide.

Believe it or not, everyone keeps most things inside.

Believe it or not, everyone believes in something above.

Believe it or not, everyone needs to feel loved.

I don’t think I’d ever been so grateful for my eidetic memory as when Y/N kissed me. It enabled me to memorise exactly how her lips felt against mine in that brief moment. Honestly, I’m sure I wouldn’t have forgotten it if I didn’t have an eidetic memory.

We got called away on a case the following day and I probably had a stupid smile on my face the whole time.

It wasn’t just because she’d kissed me, it was what that represented. The fact that she’d been able to make the first move showed how much she’d grown in the few months I’d known her.

It meant she was getting her confidence back. She wasn’t shying away from the things she wanted. And the fact that I was one of the things she wanted drove me absolutely wild.

Stella’s words kept interrupting my happiness however. Could she have been right? Was I really developing feelings for Y/N?

I needed to talk to someone about it, and the first person my mind went to was Alex.

As soon as we arrived back in state I called her and she fit me in for coffee between classes.

I met her on campus, already with a drink in hand for her and we walked the grounds together.

“So,” she asked me as we strolled. “You seemed to want to see me pretty urgently. Does this have anything to do with Y/N?” I saw her smirk in my peripheral vision. She was always so good at reading me.

“Yes.” I bought myself a little time sipping my coffee. “I’m scared Alex. Petrified really.”

“How so?” She questioned.

“I think I have feelings for her. But I haven’t had feelings for someone in such a long time.”

She turned to look at me as we walked but I couldn’t bring myself to look at her.

“She’s wonderful. You could do a lot worse Spencer.”

“I know. But…I didn’t think I could feel these things anymore. I’m so confused Alex. I think I’m falling in love with her but I just don’t know how that can be possible.”

Alex wrapped her hand around my wrist and pulled me to a stop so I was forced to look at her. She was giving me a sympathetic smile.

“Isn’t it a good thing Spencer? After Maeve you never thought you’d be able to feel again.”

“Maeve was the only person I’ve ever been in love with and look how that ended.” I sighed, feeling tears in my eyes.

“Perhaps you’ve been confessed. What a lovely thought.” She grinned, making me roll her eyes.

“Trust you to make a Sword of Truth reference.”

“Spencer,” she looked hurt for me. “Not all love has to end in disaster. Take James and I or JJ and Will.”

“What about Hotch and Hayley? Or Rossi and any one of his wives.”

“You’re focusing on the negative Spencer. They only make up a small percentage of the population.”

“That’s not true. Statistically forty to fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. And it’s even higher for subsequent marriages.”

Alex gave me a smile with a shake of her head.

“No one said anything about marriage Spencer. Just let yourself feel something. It really isn’t the worst thing in the world.” She sipped her coffee with a sad smile before checking her watch. “I’m so sorry, I’ve got another class soon.”

“It’s ok.” I smiled at her. “Thank you for this. It helped…I think.”

“Just stop thinking so much all the time ok? You never know what might happen if you just shut that giant brain off every once in a while.” She gave my arm a squeeze by way of saying goodbye and I watched her walk away.

She was right and I knew she was. Once I was alone I had a sudden overwhelming urge to see Y/N. I checked my watch.

I knew exactly where to find her.

///

The bell above the door chimed as I stood behind the counter cashing up. I didn’t look up from what I was doing.

“I’m sorry, we’re closed.” I spoke, trying not to forget the figures in my head.

I heard footsteps coming closer and by the time I looked up, my company was right in front of the till.

“Seeker!” I smiled at him, coming around to his side of the counter. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

He didn’t speak, he was just staring at me with a wide grin on his face.

“Uhm…is everything ok?” I frowned a little, feeling slightly self conscious.

He still didn’t speak, instead he moved quickly, placing his hands on my face and then he pressed his lips to mine.

I gasped in shock and as my lips parted, his tongue dove into my mouth.

He pushed me back into the nearest wall, hungrily exploring my mouth and I let him.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and he pushed his body against mine as he deepened the kiss.

To say it took my breath away would be an understatement. I felt like I was floating, my whole body had given itself over to him. And I knew I could trust him with it.

He caressed my face as he kissed me, grinding his hips into mine and I could feel he was erect. It made me wet in an instant.

His hands moved to my hips, clutching desperately at me and pulling me closer even though that seemed impossible.

When the kiss broke we both gasped for air to refill our lungs. But he didn’t go far. He rested his forehead on mine and moved his hands back to my face.

“Good god Dahlia, what are you doing to me?” He let out a breathy laugh. “Something about you is making me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time and honestly I don’t know what to do with that. I don’t know what any of this means. It’s too soon to call it love but it is certainly more than lust, I know that much.”

“I-I…” I stuttered, blown away by that kiss.

I had dreamed of those lips on mine for what felt like a lifetime and now I had experienced it, my mind was a complete haze.

Spencer smiled at me and caressed my cheek with his fingers.

“Say something, please.” he chuckled a little.

“I...I...t-thank you.” Thank you? That was the best I could come up with?

He kissed me again briefly.

“You are very welcome.” he smiled so brightly at me, as though I had done him a favour when in reality it was the other way around.

We stayed like this for a while, our foreheads pressed together and his hand on my cheek. We were wrapped up in our little world where it was just the two of us and everything was perfect.

Spencer had that effect on me. He had a way of making me forget all the terrible things I had been through. Spencer never looked at me like I was a victim, he never treated me like I was broken. When I was with Spencer, I felt as close to normal as I’d ever felt.

And it was a feeling I never wanted to let go of.

“Are you done here?” He asked me softly after a while of silence.

“Yeah I think so.”

“Let’s go home shall we?”

I simply nodded.

Home sounded perfect.

///

It had been a couple of weeks since our kiss and we were yet to repeat it. I wanted to, god how I wanted to, but it was important that she be the one to instigate it this time.

I’d been scared what her reaction would be at my pouncing on her in such a way. I’d always wanted everything to be on her terms.

But I just couldn’t help myself. She had no idea what she did to me simply by existing.

I needed to give her a chance to process what had happened and the next move was up to her. It was like a game of chess and it was killing me to see where she might go from here.

But the kiss was enough to keep me going for now. I dreamt of it most nights, usually waking up with a throbbing between my legs.

I could be patient. I just hoped I didn’t have to be patient too long.

The last week or so however, the kiss had been the furthest thing from my mind. The date had snuck up on me but once I realised it was all I could think about.

I had been snappy towards everyone the last few days, Y/N included. The team knew why I was acting this way but she didn’t. I should have explained it to her but I couldn’t bring myself to speak about it out loud.

My mood didn’t deter her though. We still spent all our free time together but she knew something was up. And I knew I should tell her.

But I couldn’t bring myself to.

We were watching a movie, she was at one end of my couch with Cara’s head in her lap while I was on the other end, as though I couldn’t create enough distance between us. Usually I would have my arm around her and she would bury her head in my chest while Cara laid across us. But it didn’t seem fair on her tonight. It didn’t seem fair to either of us.

Suddenly I felt as though I was struggling to breathe. All these feelings I had towards Y/N were stifling me and that combined with the time of year made it feel as though the walls were closing in on me.

I pushed myself up from the couch, causing both Y/N and Cara to look at me.

“I need some air.” I croaked out, already heading for the door.

“Do you want company? I’m sure Cara wouldn’t say no to a walk.”

“No.” I spat a little harsher than I’d meant to as I threw my shoes on.

As I heard her get up from the couch I opened the front door and quickly disappeared, probably leaving her confused and worried.

But at that moment I didn’t care. I just needed to get away.

***

The sky was grey and it looked as though it was going to rain and how perfect would that be, I thought bitterly as I trudged across the dewy grass.

It had been a while since I’d last been here and I tried to ignore the guilt that had made itself home in the pit of my stomach.

I tried to reason with myself, between work and Y/N I had simply been too busy, but that wasn’t entirely true. If I’d really wanted to visit, I would have.

I found her with ease, despite not visiting regularly I knew the location like the back of my hand.

The map to her final resting place was etched permanently on my heart.

As soon as I reached her grave, my legs gave out and I fell to the damp grass in front of her headstone.

“I’m not going to give you some inadequate excuses as to why I’ve not visited because I know you’ll see right through them. You knew me so well, and you know the reason I haven’t visited is because I was scared.” I sniffed, willing myself not to cry. “Next week it will be six years. Six. Years. How on earth has that happened? How can it possibly be that long since I last heard your voice Maeve?”

I sat silently, as though waiting for a response I knew was never going to come. I rubbed my eyes with the palms of my hands.

“How can I still miss you this much after all this time? When you died, everyone told me it would get easier and quite frankly I think that’s complete bullshit. Nothing has been easy since you’ve been gone, in fact quite the opposite. And now I’ve finally met someone else who makes me feel alive again but that makes me feel guilty. How is that fair on you? You don’t get to move on and meet someone else so why do I? I stopped feeling things such as that when you died and I tell myself it was involuntary, that’s just the effect your death had on me but I know that isn’t entirely true. In part it is, but in part I forced myself to shut down my emotions. I never wanted to allow myself to feel this kind of pain again. And what if she gets hurt because of me? You died because I wasn’t enough to outsmart Diane. I can’t be the reason someone else I care about dies.” I hadn’t realised quite how much I’d kept pent up until it was all spewing out of my mouth.

A gust of wind passed me by and it felt like Maeve’s gentle caress. Maybe she was telling me it was going to be ok.

“I failed you Maeve, that’s the simple truth. I don’t know if I can live with myself if I fail her too.”

I put my head in my hands as my tears caught up with me. Almost at the exact same time my first tear fell, I felt the first raindrop on my arm.

As the skies opened, so did my tear ducts and I sobbed into my hands next to the grave of the love of my life while the rain cascaded around me.

And strangely, it was cathartic. Between my tears falling and the rain, it felt like it started washing away my guilt. It felt like Maeve was telling me it was ok. Or maybe I just needed to believe that.

But either way, I started to feel better.

Maybe the rain was cleansing me, or maybe it was a simple coincidence. But I needed something to cling to at that moment. And that something was the rain.

///

I should have gone home after Spencer left but I couldn’t bring myself to. Whatever he was going through, I needed him to know I was here for him in whatever capacity he needed me.

I was worried about him. I’d never seen him like this before. It was quite possible I’d been so wrapped in my only problems I hadn’t noticed he was struggling.

I stayed on his couch with Cara at my side. I put my headphones on and turned the music up loud, hoping to drown out my thoughts. It was a playlist Stella had put together for me, one she’d named “Kitten’s Happy Tunes.”

I pulled out my journal and started to write down my feelings, something Spencer was always encouraging me to do.

I thought he said one of the most important rules was to tell him when something was wrong which I do. But shouldn’t it work both ways? He didn’t tell me he was struggling, I just hope he’s ok.

Maybe it’s me? Maybe he’s starting to realise I am everything Brett said I am.

Cara jumped up all of a sudden and her tail started going and I pulled the headphones off before turning to see Spencer standing behind me.

“I never meant to make you feel that way.” His lip quivered and he pointed to the words I’d just written.

I closed the journal as he came to sit next to me.

“You are not those things he said to you. I promise you. This isn’t because of you.” He sighed, his eyes full of tears.

“Is this…when I was staying at the BAU, Jennifer mentioned someone called M-Maeve.”

I saw his whole body stiffen and I knew I was right.

“She had no right telling you about her.” His jaw clenched.

“She d-didn’t tell me anything. She just m-mentioned her name.” Was he mad? Should I not have said that?

He unclenched his jaw and sighed heavily.

“She was…the love of my life.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “And she was murdered right in front of me.”

I couldn’t hold back the gasp that left my lips. He spoke like he had come to terms with it but it seemed too casual to my ears.

“She…oh gosh.” I swallowed. I had no idea what to say.

“It was a long time ago. But it’s coming up to the anniversary of her death and it snuck up on me. Her death destroyed me and I haven’t let myself feel things for anyone since. But then I met you and out of nowhere all these feelings I thought I was incapable of came rushing to the surface and honestly I don’t know how to cope with that. I’m scared and I’m confused and I am falling deeper and deeper for you with every passing day. But fuck Dahlia, that terrifies me.” He stopped to take a breath and took the chance to take hold of his hand.

I threaded our fingers together and held his hand tightly.

“I’m scared too, Spence.” I admitted. “I spent a long time with a man who constantly belittled me and told me I wasn’t good enough. My idea of love and relationships is about as warped as they come. But I am definitely feeling things for you and I don’t know if I should be or not. I'm constantly terrified you’re going to hurt me the way he did even though I know you would never do that. But all I’ve ever known is that kind of love. I’m scared, Spence, constantly scared. But I’ve never felt so alive.”

I couldn’t stop myself any longer. It had taken everything in my power over the last few weeks to not kiss him again but this time I couldn’t hold back.

I let go of his hand and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into me and letting our lips clash together.

He didn’t seem to mind at all as he quickly took hold of my face and his tongue found its way into my mouth.

He pulled me into his lap and I straddled him, kneeling either side of his thighs.

I felt him growing hard beneath me within a matter of seconds and I still didn’t understand how I could have that kind of effect on anyone, let alone him.

Without thinking about it I started grinding in his lap, feeling myself getting wet between my legs. Spencer moaned into my mouth and bucked his hips up to meet me.

My fingers found their way into his hair, getting lost in his thick curls. His hands fell from my face to my shoulders, down my arms and to my hips.

He held my hips tightly, continuing to buck up to me, his hard member rubbing between my legs. God how I wished for fewer clothes. Between his slacks and my pajama pants it was too much fabric between us.

The kiss was growing messy and sloppy as we were both painfully aroused. I grinded myself on his erection, unable to stop myself. I needed to feel him in any way I could.

///

Goddamn Dahlia. I had waited for this for weeks and now it was happening, I was overwhelmed.

The way she was kissing me and riding my lap made my head spin. Usually I was good at holding back my release but Y/N was something else entirely.

I managed to keep back my moan as I felt my climax fill my pants. I instantly felt sticky.

That had never happened to me before. She wasn’t even touching me, we had several layers of clothes between us yet somehow, she had made me come in my pants.

I broke from the kiss, desperate for air. We were both panting.

“What’s wrong?” She asked with a hint of concern.

“Nothing Dahlia.” I smiled at her. “I don’t want to rush you.”

I helped her off my lap before she inevitably felt the wetness in my pants. I would be mortified if she realised what I’d done.

“Why don’t you order some food while I jump in the shower?” I got up, trying to subtly place my hands in front of my crotch in case it was obvious.

“Ok.” She nodded with a small smile.

Normally I would have kissed her forehead before I left, but I needed to clean myself up.

As I walked to the bathroom I could feel I was sticking to my underwear.

Seriously, what was this woman doing to me?

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lamiavena · 7 years ago

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If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late, could you say goodbye to yesterday?

If today was your last day - Nickleback (via @lamiavena)

#today #iftodaywasyourlastday #nickleback #yesterday #song #frasi canzoni #citazioni #goodbye #addio

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shipmistress9 · 4 years ago

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FTLOAP: Chapter 50: Just One Chance, Just One Breath

For The Love Of A Princess Masterpost

Alpha-reader: @athingofvikings

Taglist: @drchee5e @hey-its-laura-again @thepixiedustfactory (If you want me to add you to this list, just let me know. ^^)

* - . - * - . o O o . - * - . - *

If you want to leave a tip you can buy me a coffee. I love coffee 😊

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* - . - * - . o O o . - * - . - *

AN:

! 3 YEARS! !

Today (April 3rd), it's been three years since I posted the prologue to this story. Meeting this anniversary served as a great deadline for me to finally finish editing this chapter.

Also, I can't believe it's really been that long! I never planned for this story to grow so big or to only write so little for it. But I'm going to power through, I still love this story very much.

I want to apologise it again took so long. January and February were bad for me, mentally, and I barely had enough energy to get through the day, let alone do just about anything in addition. Even the 'short' one-shots I posted in this time took me weeks to write instead of the usual one or two days. And I can't predict how long the next update might take, life is just chaos these days.

Now to this chapter. Finally, things are happening! I'm very excited about this chapter and the following event, and about your reactions, too.

This chapter's title comes from the song Far Away by Nickleback. It's one of my favourite songs all around, and the sentiment of this one quote felt very appropriate for this chapter.

. o O o .

There was a constant drizzle coming from the grey sky above them. It made Hiccup wish he was already wearing his warm travelling coat instead of the colourful attire that marked him as Eret’s squire so he could pull it tighter around himself. He couldn’t concentrate. Right at this moment, the King was giving his opening speech for the Dragon Hunt, with them all being packed and ready to get going any minute now. He should listen, should pay attention, if not for any important information then at least out of respect.

But no matter how hard he tried, he didn’t hear a single word; his heart was beating in his throat and drowned out every other sound. His eyes kept shifting away from the King too, constantly moving a bit to the left to where Astrid stood a step behind her father and beneath a hastily built canopy. As if she was too delicate to be subjected to the weather. She wore her mask of a pleasant smile, her eyes gliding around slowly, resting nowhere.

Gods, he hadn’t even left yet, but he missed her already! They hadn’t really talked since their saying goodbye in Eret’s suite two days ago. Yesterday had been busy with the journey to Oramond—which Astrid had been made to spend in a carriage—and she’d taken all her meals with Eret, Dagur, and their fathers. Frigga, they’d barely even seen each other, and he’d missed her so much. Could he really leave and endure several days without her? It felt so wrong.

But once again not being able to interact with her in over a day had reminded him of just how much he needed her in his life. It reminded him of why he had to follow through with their plan. They only had this one chance to ensure their future by following the path the Gods had wanted him to take, by doing what came naturally to him. He could do this! He had to…

Eventually, the King ended his speech with a reminder of the glory and the new life that was waiting for the winner—as if he needed that reminder. Then he, Eret, Dagur, and their small group of guards rode through the crowd to set out as the first participants. They all turned their heads as they rode past the King and the group around him. Silent nods were exchanged and to satisfy those watching, Eret even blew a kiss in Astrid’s direction. Her smile grew a little warmer, making Hiccup’s heart beat in his throat. Then her gaze glided on, over the rest of their group, and eventually, their eyes met. It lasted for less than one second before she looked away again, but to him, the emotions and the meaning in that brief exchange were tangible. Real, full of love and reassurance. The promise that they would soon be together again. It was a moment he would cherish, something to hold on to.

Then he took a last deep breath and turned away, toward the road ahead of them.

It felt like ripping out his heart.

. o O o .

Hiccup wasn’t sure whether to call it a lucky streak or just good preparation, but as everything worked out as planned, he was willing to go with either.

Both Eret and Dagur had been given a group of three guards from their fathers and a couple of pack horses. They rode hard—trying to bring as much distance between themselves and the other participants that would follow—and by noon, they reached their first stop.

It was a village of medium size. The people here obviously expected visitors, the hunt was no secret, after all, and it didn’t take long until the high lords and their entourage had gained rooms to stay in during the following days.

Hiccup spent an hour visibly busy with getting them settled in. He unpacked his and Eret’s things, arranged for them to get their food delivered to their rooms, and made sure that Cassie, Crusher, Squish, and the other horses were taken care of. But once he was sure that nobody paid him much attention anymore, he focussed on his main course again.

Back in the room he was supposed to share with Eret, he quickly changed his clothes; out of the flashy attire of a squire and into nondescript but practical travelling clothes made of wool and leather.

With his hand lingering on Astrid's key around his neck, he gave himself a moment to think of her. Now that there were actually dozens of miles between them, he felt their separation even more acutely. It felt as if something was tugging at him from the inside, urging him to get back to her, to hold her, to never let go. And a major part of him wanted nothing more than to give in to that urge, too. No matter how confident he was about this whole plan, Astrid had been right as well. Being apart from her was just wrong.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed these thoughts and feelings aside. He couldn’t afford to be distracted now. Now, he had to concentrate on his plan; being with her had to wait until he was back. Until he’d killed a dragon and returned to become a count. Until he had the land and title necessary to ask for her hand. Until he was truly worthy of her. Oh, he couldn’t wait.

Feeling a little lighter, he reached for the bundles he hadn’t unpacked earlier. They contained all he needed for the Hunt, some weapons, a few emergency rations of food, and more practical equipment he needed for a couple of days in the wilderness. And, most importantly, the bola shooter.

He threw the bags over his shoulder, then reached for the last thing he needed, the cloak Astrid’s servants had provided him with. In itself, it was an ordinary cloak, black with a blue border. What made it special however was the badge and sigil that came with it, marking the wearer as an official royal courier. It would allow him to change horses whenever he needed and ensured that he got a bed and a meal as long as he travelled along the road. He even had a letter to top off his disguise, complete with a wax seal of House Jag’r. He just hoped that he wouldn’t need this and that Eret wouldn’t get into trouble for providing him with this false message.

He didn’t pause to say his farewell to his cousin. Too easily someone could overhear them, could stop him, or could pin his leaving without permission on Eret. He and Dagur already had done enough for him; he didn’t want to risk any further trouble.

Instead, he sneaked into the stables and readied the two pack horses Eret and Dagur had brought, then left without anyone paying him any attention.

Being on the road then was a relief. It meant another part of their plan had worked perfectly. Hiccup rode for another two hours before he changed the tired horses at the next way station. A part of him wished he could take a break as well, to eat and to warm up at a hearth. He’d missed out on the meal he’d ordered for Eret in that inn and the drizzling rain was wearing on his strength. But taking a break wasn’t possible, not if he wanted to stay ahead of everyone else and out of reach of whoever might or might not be following him. So instead, he just switched to the well-rested horses a helpful stablehand provided him with and, chewing on some dried meat from his travelling rations, continued on his way up north.

He again got remounts in the evening, then rode on until long past nightfall before he stopped at an inn for the night. But despite being tired to the bones, from the second day spent in the saddle and the cool drizzle having crept through all his clothes, sleep didn’t come easily to him. His mind couldn’t find rest and for a long while, he just kept shifting from one side to the other. His thoughts kept circling around the task that lay ahead of him, around the dull sense of someone possibly following him, and around Astrid.

Gods, he missed her so much. What wouldn’t he give to hold her in his arms now, to listen to her soft breathing and breathe in her mayweed scent? Trembling, he curled into a tight ball, his hand pressed to his chest, and took a few deep and calming breaths. She was always with him; he reminded himself. Within him, their bond was tangible, pulsing like a second heart. It was warm and reassuring and real. Nothing would ever come between them, not even distance…

And soon, he would be with her for real again, too. Just a few days…

. o O o .

On the second day of the Hunt, Hiccup’s lucky streak still seemed to go on. Or that was what he tried to tell himself, at least. He was still tired, even after some hours of rest, but after a quick but tasty and filling breakfast, he was back on the road in no time. And while the rain had kept on during the night, it had stopped by now. The sky was still cloudy and the air cool, but thanks to the trees and hills around them, the wind didn’t affect him too much.

Not once did he encounter other participants of the Hunt, not by chance and not someone who might be searching for him either. Apparently, he was safe from any followers, and all Astrid’s worries had been for nothing.

Around noon, he reached another village. Although, it wasn’t even that, really, mostly a way station and a few additional buildings around it. But it was nonetheless an important place as it was the last station of his journey before he would have to leave the road and head into the swamplands.

“Now, things are getting serious,” he murmured to himself, then chuckled. Talking to himself had been a habit he’d picked up during his years of travelling on his own, to not feel quite as lonely. Almost a year had passed since then, but apparently, old habits died hard.

Pressing his legs against the horse’s sides, he rode toward what had to be the stables. “Hello?” he called, looking around for someone to take over his tired horses.

There was a grunt followed by heavy footsteps, then a burly man in a brown leather vest and with a bald head came into sight. “Oi, stranger.” He looked Hiccup over, his eyes pausing on the badge on Hiccup's cloak. “A messenger, eh? We don't see many of you around here. I’m Owen. You need horses, boy?”

Hiccup nodded, but then directly shook his head. “I do. But before I ride on... Do you have a tavern around here? Somewhere where I can get something to eat?”

“No tavern,” Owen said, but nodded toward a building on the other side of the road. “But you can get food in the main building over there. There’s not much to choose from, but my wife makes a fine stew. Just perfect for this weather.” He threw a glance past Hiccup and up into the grey sky and grimaced. “I’ll have your fresh horses ready when you need them.”

With a grateful smile, Hiccup took his bags from the horses’ backs and wandered over toward the other building. He couldn’t agree more, a good stew was just what he needed, warm and filling. When he stepped inside, he was greeted by a wave of wonderful warmth, the scent of hearty food, and a middle-aged woman of a comfortably rounded shape coming over from another room.

“Oh, a visitor!” she exclaimed, looking him over with curiosity. “But look at you. Come in, come in. You look exhausted, boy. What do you need? A room to rest?”

With a tired sigh, Hiccup shook his head. He had no time to take a rest, no matter how appealing that thought was. “Just something warm to eat, if you would be so kind. I need to be back on the road as soon as possible.”

She frowned in motherly disapproval, but nodded when he inconspicuously turned so she could see his messenger badge. “I see.”

She ushered him in and before he’d even sat down, she placed a steaming bowl of stew in front of him.

“Must be a mighty important message you’re delivering when you can’t even take a minor break.”

Hiccup smiled into his spoon. Even tired as he was, the food and the comfort of the hearth fire was enough to refuel at least some of his energy. And the woman had been kinder than she had to be, so giving her some gossip in exchange seemed only fair.

“I guess it is,” he replied between two mouthfuls. “A wedding invitation, if I’m informed correctly. From House Jag’r. I’m supposed to deliver it and return with an answer right away.” That was the story they’d decided on, giving him a good reason to head back in a couple of days as well. Even as he didn’t look forward to the question that would inevitably follow.

The woman’s eyes grew and she leaned a little closer. “A wedding invitation, you say? So the rumours are true then. The princess is going to marry our young Lord Eret?”

Hiccup dug his head and had to bite his lip to keep himself from scowling. Of course, these rumours would have spread by now. And the fondness in her voice didn’t surprise him, either; House Jag’r was well-liked among its subjects. It wasn’t this woman’s fault, that the idea of Astrid and Eret marrying didn’t fill him with the same joy as her.

“Maybe,” he suggested casually. “Or it’s about Lady Esther’s wedding.”

“Lady Esther is going to marry too?” the woman exclaimed, and she clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, what wonderful news. Are you sure it’s true?”

Smiling a little more genuine now, Hiccup gave something between a shrug and a nod. “That’s what I overheard, at least.”

She seemed excited, but before she could say more, another woman called her over from the room next door and she left him to eat in peace. Clearly in a good mood now, she probably couldn’t wait to spread the gossip.

Content to have made at least one person’s life brighter today, Hiccup finished his stew, left a coin as thanks for his meal, and then headed back to the way station outside. Grimacing at the gust of wind tearing at his cloak, he waited for an older boy—surely Owens son, judging by his looks—to bring him his horses. He remembered the woman’s offer of a room to rest, and dreamily imagined taking her up on it, to get some sleep until the weather—hopefully—turned more agreeable soon. But he didn’t have time for that. He had to stick to their plan, couldn’t make an exception just because the weather wasn’t playing along.

As he rode on, his thoughts kept circling around the task that lay ahead of him, and slowly, he became nervous. Over the past few days, he’d repeatedly assured Astrid and the others that he knew what he had to do, that he had the knowledge and training necessary to hunt and kill a dragon.

But the truth was… It was years since he’d been out to learn how to hunt dragons, another life. He’d only been a youth, accompanying the experienced hunters to learn just like his father had instructed and everyone had expected of him. But back then, he hadn’t been interested in the best techniques to track and find wild dragons. Instead, he’d only been excited about seeing and studying them, leading him to pay little attention to what the more experienced men had tried to teach him. Now, he could only hope that enough information had stuck with him nonetheless.

. o O o .

When Hiccup reached the swamps, what awaited him was just what he’d expected. A vast plain where grass-covered hummocks seamlessly merged into muddy lakes as far as the eye could see, with lonely trees or small corpses strewn in-between. Sadly, the weather still hadn’t changed, the air cold and close to freezing. So far, the forest had kept him mostly safe from the biting wind, but out here, he wouldn’t have that protection anymore. Even his travelling cloak could only do so much in shielding him.

Hiccup grimaced but tried to focus on any advantages the wind could give him. It would carry scents and sounds over far distances, but maybe it would also confuse his prey, making it hard for the beasts to locate him. If he managed to track one down in the first place…

With a tired grunt, he dismounted and took the horses’ reins to lead them behind him as he made his way deeper into the swamps. He needed them to carry his equipment, but carrying him over the muddy ground would needlessly tire them out. So he went on foot, regularly leaving the animals fixed to a branch or rock when he found one to search the area for any signs that a dragon might be close by.

But there were none.

When dusk came, Hiccup was starting to feel anxious. For hours, he’d been wandering through these swamplands now, but not once had he spotted even the hint of wings larger than those of a hawk on the horizon, let alone found any traces of a dragon being nearby. And he was exhausted . The wetness from the ground had soaked into his trousers, his boots, and up his cloak, making it even heavier. Dragging him down. The sky had cleared, but without the sun that only meant the temperature was dropping even lower, further wearing out his remaining strength. And in addition, the three days of travelling hadn’t done his leg any good to begin with. By now, every step was painful, his back hurting, and his limps felt like jelly. He stumbled and fell more often the farther he wandered through the swamps, and soon, his hands were muddy and cold. Numb.

And still, there were no signs of any dragons. Which meant that he was wasting his time here anyway.

With a tired sigh, Hiccup sank down onto a damp rock and buried his face in his hands. Gods, he was so exhausted. He didn’t want to waste any time by just sitting here, couldn’t really afford to do so. But he couldn’t go on like this, either. He needed to rest , something to eat and some hours of sleep. Which probably was the more sensible thing to do, anyway. Yes, he would break off for today and get some rest. And tomorrow, he would travel farther north along one of the marked paths. Maybe he would have more luck there.

“It’s the only sensible thing to do,” he muttered to himself, reluctantly resigning to this plan. “But first, I need to find a dry place to make camp. And preferably something warm to eat…” The clear sky promised a freezing night, warmth would be essential.

Gathering his remaining strength, Hiccup fought himself back up on his feet and kept going. He wandered further through the swamps, but now, he wasn’t looking for hints or trails of any dragons anymore. Instead, he was looking for prey to hunt. A deer would be nice, enough meat to keep him full through the coming days. But just a rabbit would do, too. He still had some dried rations in his pack, but he would only touch those if he had no other choice.

This time, his search didn’t take long. It was less than half an hour, the sun gone and the night illuminated by stars only, until he spotted movement in the high grass ahead of him. The rustling of the blades of grass was distinctly different from that of the wind, and it seemed as if his tiny lucky streak was still going; from the size of it, it had to be a deer and not a rabbit.

He stopped, grimacing as he found nothing to tie the horses to, but it couldn’t be helped. He wouldn't be gone for long anyway. As quietly as he could, he took one bag off the nearer horse to reach the bow and quiver strapped beneath. Then, with one arrow loosely nocked, he sneaked up the hummock behind which the deer had disappeared.

Slowly, without making the slightest noise, Hiccup made his way to the top and looked for the deer. He’d heard the rustling of grass from the dip on the other side just a moment ago, the animal had to be here somewhere. He looked around, squinting to see in the near-complete darkness of the night—but when he spotted the beast, he barely believed his eyes.

From one moment to the next, Hiccup froze in fear, eyes wide and unable to move. The animal that stood with its head bent down to drink from a shallow lake just a few feet away from him was not a deer.

It was a dragon. And not just any dragon, no. Hiccup had never seen one of these before, but he’d heard stories and had seen drawings in old books. Deep black and almost invisible in the night, Hiccup could only make out its sleek body and powerful wings by the starlight reflecting on its shiny scales. A long tail with spiky tail fins, some odd earlike protrusion on its head, it was—

A Night Fury!

The ultimate prize!

Hiccup’s heart began to race uncontrolled. This was why he was here! For whatever reason the Gods had led his way here, this was it. It had to be! The legendary beast from the old stories, so tightly linked to his name. This couldn’t be a coincidence. Now, all he had to do was incapacitate the monster with the bola shooter, and—

And the bola shooter was still at the bottom of one of his bags, back with the horses.

At the last moment, he remembered to suppress his groan; alerting the dragon to his presence could have fatal consequences. But that was the problem. There was no way he could go back and return with the shooter without the beast hearing him. It was a miracle that he’d managed to sneak up on this stealthy dragon, to begin with.

His mind was working at a rapid speed. Only seconds had passed since he spotted the dragon, but it was unlikely that he would get much more time. Any moment now, it would notice him, hear or scent him. He had to do something now.

His eyes dropped to the bow and nocked arrow in his hands. A horribly insufficiant weapon to fight against a dragon, but it was all he had.

Feverishly, he tried to remember his lessons.

A downed dragon is a dead dragon.

The wings! If he incapacitated the beast’s wings and it wasn’t able to fly, couldn’t flee and could only attack him from the ground—then he might have a chance. He carried a hunting knife strapped to his belt; not much but, it could work. It had to!

Hiccup forced himself to calm down his breathing and lifted the bow. Archery wasn’t his greatest skill, but the shot should be easy enough. He just had to tear a big-enough hole into one of the leathery wings, that was all. Manageable from this short distance. Right?

Adrenalin made his hands shake as he pulled and aimed. But he only had this one chance. So he took a deep breath and held it, forcing himself to calm down. For Astrid! he thought, and released the arrow.

And for a brief moment, Hiccup thought he’d made it.

The dragon screamed—in pain or surprise, Hiccup couldn’t tell—and whirled around. Hastily, Hiccup dropped the bow and pulled his knife instead, and in rapid speed, instructions he’d thought long forgotten popped up in his mind. He had to keep moving, had to circle the beast, somehow corner it and if possible make it use up his shots. Now that it wasn’t able to fly, he had to attack its other wing, its legs, weaken it, and—

The Night Fury roared in his direction, its large black wings stretched wide. And to Hiccup’s dismay, they were unharmed. He’d missed. Cold dread filled his stomach, but he had no time to think about his failure. For the beast had spotted him. For an endless heartbeat, its cold eyes all but pierced him. Then it jumped into the air, wings covering the entire sky, and screamed. Purple light gleamed in its throat, growing brighter and brighter and—

Hiccup reacted without thinking. At the last moment, he threw himself to the side and out of the way of the dragon’s fiery breath, and the blast of purple light missed him by inches. However, instead of landing in the grass as he’d anticipated, the world was suddenly spinning around Hiccup, leaving him without orientation. Up became down, the ground turned into thin air, and as Hiccup tumbled down the hillside, he could hear the beast screech angrily.

The landing was hard, jarring. Icy darkness closed around him, the momentary numbness only pierced by a sudden sharp pain in his left leg. He screamed as something cut deep into his flesh and doubled over to reach for his leg, but jerked back a moment later, spluttering and gasping.

For an endless heartbeat, there was only chaos; the pain and cold made Hiccup blind to what happened around him. There was another scream from the dragon, whinnying from the horses, and a noise that sounded like a sudden gust of wind—and then, only silence.

With a low groan, Hiccup tried to sit up. It took him a few tries; the ground was muddy and slippery. He’d landed in a shallow pool, and the water was icy. It stung like countless needles and made his fingers go numb. His clothes, already uncomfortably damp before, now clung to his skin. They dragged him down, and crawling up the embankment was more difficult than it should be.

Between the pain and the freezing water, Hiccup had forgotten everything else around him. But once he was back on—relatively—dry land, he remembered that he wasn’t alone. Where was the dragon? Was it watching him, waiting in some shadow and ready to attack again? He looked around frantically, eyes darting here and there, with fear blocking his throat and making it hard to breathe. He was defenceless, wouldn’t be able to dodge another attack in his current state.

But no attack came. The surrounding shadows were empty, the dim starlight enough to see at least that much.

Slumping in on himself, Hiccup let out an exhausted sigh. The threat seemed to be over, for the moment at least. And if the dragon was still around… well, then there was little he could do to defend himself anyway. A quick search showed him that he must have lost his knife during his fall, and as poor of a choice of weapon it had been, without it, he felt even worse.

Accepting that he wasn’t in immediate danger, he took a minute to catch his breath, then shifted to inspect his leg. The sharp pain made him grimace. Adrenalin and the cold water had numbed the pain after the initial burst, but now it became nearly unbearable—and horribly familiar.

Hissing in pain, he peeled back the torn fabric and tried to inspect the wound as best he could without light. His fingers were shaking and he had to grit his teeth, but after a minute of prodding and probing, he had a relatively good idea of the state his leg was in. The wound was a clean and straight cut, matching the edges of the fabric. It wasn’t so deep that it was directly threatening, but he would need to treat it and pray that the wound didn’t get infected.

“Oh, wonderful, ” he cursed under his breath, as it dawned on him what must have cut him. “Just perfect! I manage to dodge the dragon’s attack, only to fall into my own weapon. Typical! I’m… I’m such an idiot!”

With a hopeless groan, he let his head fall against the knee of his good leg, feeling a horrible sense of déjà vu.

The night and the cold wind. The failed fight against a dragon. His injured leg.

It was all happening again.

But no! No, he wouldn’t mess everything up, not again. There was still time, he could still find and kill a dragon. He hadn’t failed, not until he gave up.

Gritting his teeth, Hiccup fought himself up to wobbly stand on his good leg. This new injury had hit his already weaker leg, which was good. Maybe his sort-of-lucky streak wasn’t over just yet, despite the mess he was in. He just had to focus on the positive things...

But the wound needed tending, and he was in dire need of some dryer clothes, too. Looking around, Hiccup found that his weird luck really hadn’t run out yet. Only a few steps away, he spotted a long branch. Crooked and not as strong as he would have preferred, it was still sufficient enough as an improvised crutch. It didn’t make walking easy, but at least it became a little more bearable.

Slowly, he made his way around the hummock to where he’d left the horses. In one of the saddlebags, he had clean cloth for bandages and a small flask of willow bark tincture. It probably wasn’t enough for a wound as big as this one, but it would have to be enough for now. However, even with his crude crutch, the way was difficult, especially on this uneven ground. Hiccup hobbled more than he was walking, putting as little weight on the injured leg as was possible. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as he went on and on, forcing himself to endure the pain.

Just a little longer...

Just until he’d reached the horses, then he could rest…

The way around the hummock seemed to take longer than was logically possible, but Hiccup passed that off as fatigue and the slight daze he was in with the pain and after the shock of the dragon attack. He felt like the beast had still to be around somewhere, and it took him way too long to realise his mistake.

The horses were gone.

He’d possibly rounded the hummock for the second time when he spotted a leather bag lying on the ground a small distance away from him. Hobbling closer, he recognised it as his own and after throwing a glance around was sure that this was the place he’d left the horses before he’d approached the Night Fury. Except that the horses were nowhere to be seen.

“ Of course, they aren’t here anymore!” he groaned, slumping down to the ground next to the lonely bag. “The dragon probably scared them and they ran away. And I run around like an idiot, looking for...” He trailed off, laughing at himself and shaking his head. “I’m such an idiot…”

Hiccup leaned against a rock and gave himself a few moments to regain his strength. He needed a rest… Just a moment to breathe, to gather his thoughts.

First, he had to find the horses. Maybe there was another silver lining waiting for him and they’d only run a little further away from the fight. Maybe, he could recapture them easily.

With more effort than he liked, he climbed back on top of the hummock, looking around, searching. By now, the moon had come out, a full moon, bathing the landscape around him in cool silvery light. But no matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t spot the horses anywhere. Instead, he spotted a patch of burned grass nearby, right next to where he’d left the lonely bag. He let out another groan. If the dragon’s attack had hit this close to the horses, it was no wonder they’d fallen into a panic and run. They were probably still running at this very moment, and were irrecoverably lost to him by now. Walking around looking for them wasn’t just nearly impossible in his current state, it was entirely useless, too.

“Shit…”

The curse came as merely a weak groan. Without these horses, it would be difficult to get fresh ones at a way station. And without horses in general, it would be tricky to make it back to Eret in time for the Dragon Hunt. If he was lucky, the messenger’s badge and a good story of how he’d lost the horses would be enough but—

Then the full range of this development hit him. The horses hadn’t just been meant to carry him back.

“SHIT!”

This time, he yelled. With the horses gone, he had no equipment anymore either. No bandages or medication for his leg. No dried food for emergencies. No oiled blankets against the weather. In those bags had been everything, clothes, equipment—his weapons!

Burying his face in his hands and pulling at his hair, he let out an inarticulate scream. Astrid had been right, after all. He should have listened to her. This whole idea had been madness right from the beginning. He never should have left her side. No matter how bad the odds, holding her hand when they tried to convince Daniel to support them�� that would have been leagues better than dying out here, alone. Never to see her again…

“No…” He looked up, a small flicker of determination blooming in his chest amidst the ocean of despair inside him. “No, I won’t give up! I… I promised that everything would be all right…”

Behind his mind’s eye, an image of Astrid appeared. He’d barely ever seen her truly angry, but he could imagine so well how she would look, with her fists in her sides, leaning forward a little and giving him a well-deserved scolding. He could almost hear her, telling him that she’d told him so, that he was an idiot for going through with this stupid plan, and that he should have listened to her. Oh, what would he give to hear her voice for real now… Even if she were to yell at him, he wouldn’t mind.

With a weak smile on his lips, he raised his hand to press it to his chest. There it was, the pulsing of their bond, warm and reassuring. Urging him on. He wasn’t defeated, not yet.

Looking around the top of the hummock, he spotted his bow where he’d dropped it before. That was something, at least. Taking it, he made his way back to the one bag of equipment he had left. Every movement hurt, but that didn’t really matter. All that mattered was that he wouldn’t let himself drown in self-pity now. He had to do the best of his situation, no matter how bad it may seem.

Just like with the injury being on his already weakened leg, he found that he was lucky in that of all the bags he’d originally brought with him, this one was the one he still had now. It contained little that was of use to him right now. A woollen blanket and a spare tunic occupied most of the space within—both things he would appreciate once he’d found a dry place to rest—but so much more importantly was what he’d stored at the very bottom of this bag. Hidden beneath the layers of cloth should anyone have taken a look, he’d stored part of his weapons. A few additional arrows for the bow, a spare dagger…

And the bola shooter.

Apparently, the Gods were still on his side. He still had a chance. The thought was reassuring, enough to keep the rising hopelessness at bay. He hadn’t lost, yet.

Studiously, he pushed all other problems aside and only focused on the next step. First, it was the spare shirt he needed. Putting it on beneath his other dripping clothes would be pointless, but at least it was clean. Using the dagger from the bag, since he’d lost the other one somewhere in that muddy puddle, Hiccup cut the shirt apart and used the cloth to put an improvised bandage around his leg. Not perfect, but it was better than nothing. At least it helped staunch the bleeding for the moment.

“All right,” he muttered to himself as he lifted the by now damp bag off the ground and onto his back. “On to looking for a place to rest. Maybe I’m even lucky and I find something to eat after all.”

. o O o .

Eventually, Hiccup’s lucky streak ran out. It had to happen sooner or later, but he still cursed that it had to happen now.

What he needed more than anything else was a fire to warm his body and to dry his clothes, a place that wasn’t too damp and wood and flint and stuff to light it. Food or treatment for his leg would be a welcome bonus, but those could wait until tomorrow. First, he had to make it until then. And that proved to be more difficult than he’d anticipated.

After last night’s rain, finding dry wood or a dry spot to rest was all but impossible. With the injury on his leg, he only made slow progress, the pain getting worse with every step. More than once, he cursed having lost the horses, not just because of his lost equipment but because them carrying him now would have been an invaluable help. But it was more than just that. The exhaustion of the long days of travel eventually caught up with him, and the blood-loss combined with his wet clothes draining his strength did the rest to leave his mind clouded and fuzzy.

Two times, he noticed the movement ahead of him too late, a rabbit disappearing before he even had the chance to ready his bow. But even as his stomach grumbled, he found it more and more difficult to care.

His crutch hadn’t lasted long, had broken and left a long gash on his forearm in the process. Since then, he kept stumbling and falling, jarring his wound even further. And every time he fell, it became harder to get up again. He was beyond exhaustion by now. The cold wind was tearing at his clothes and slowly draining him of any energy that was left, cutting into his hands and face, and oftentimes made it hard to keep his eyes open at all. Every step was agony, his arms and legs were growing weaker with every minute, and fighting himself back up on his feet seemed more and more futile.

What even was the point? What was he trying to achieve by stumbling through this hostile landscape? Killing a dragon? Earning himself the right to be at Astrid’s side? Regaining his honour, proving to himself that he was not a failure? How was he supposed to do any of that here?

Maybe it was impossible, especially the last point.

Maybe, he was nothing but a failure, after all…

The next time his tired feet got caught and he landed face-first in the dirt, he couldn’t find the strength to stand up anymore. Maybe he should just stay here, sleep for a few hours. His skin was so numb that he wasn’t even feeling the cold anymore. And he was so tired...

Somewhere in the depth of his mind, he knew that these were not good signs. It meant hypothermia, meant that he most likely wouldn’t wake up again if he fell asleep, if he didn’t get up right now. But he was just too exhausted to move, every part of him. His body, his arms and legs, his head, and most of all his mind. Everything was so heavy and slow, so exhausting. Maybe, he should just stay here. Maybe he should give up…

It was then, in that moment of resignation, when he sensed it. A whiff of mayweed reached his nose, seemingly out of nowhere, and with it came the memories. An impression of golden hair. Eyes as endless as the sky. The ghostly touch of fingers, so soft yet also strong. And a voice sweeter than the sweetest music.

You promised . You promised that you ’ d come back to me. Please, Hiccup. I… I can ’ t imagine a world without you in it.

Groaning, Hiccup rolled onto his back.

“I… promised…”

Moving was difficult. His arms and legs were so numb he barely felt them anymore. But he had to get up. He’d promised Astrid that he’d come back to her, and it was a promise he was going to keep, no matter what. Grimacing and with a shaking hand, he reached for his left leg and pressed his thumb into the wound.

“F-fuck!”

Hiccup screamed. The pain was intense, burning hot along his nerves and bringing tears to his eyes. But it also ripped away the haze around his thoughts and brought him the clarity he needed.

He couldn’t stay here, couldn’t give up and die. He had to go on, to live. For her. Sitting up, he found himself halfway up a low hummock, the ground here slightly dryer. Tentative hope bloomed in his chest, but this wasn’t good enough. Maybe if he found another hummock with some trees, some ripped-off branches and something to shield him from the wind and further rain…

Clinging to that hope, he crawled toward the hummock’s top. By now, the moonlight was flooding the land around him, so maybe the raised position would help him find what he was looking for; any form of shelter against the weather would do.

What he saw, however, made him doubt his sanity again. There, less than half a mile away, was the glow and smoke of a fire.

Hiccup stared in wonder and disbelief. With his eyes clinging to the flickering light, he even thought that he could feel the fire’s warmth on his skin, smelled the scent of food.

He made an unconscious step toward the promising campfire but then paused again. If he truly went there… what would await him? If he was lucky— very lucky一then it was just a group of travellers, hopefully friendly enough to share what they had with a stranger in the night. But he wasn’t fooling himself. Who would wilfully travel through the swamps, and this far off the paths no less? No, far more likely was that somehow other participants of the Dragon Hunt had found their way here as well. And if that was the case…

Biting his lip, Hiccup pondered his options. Going to this camp might very well end in him getting killed on the spot. No matter whether those were the same people who’d killed Snotlout’s squire or whether they were regular participants and trying to win County Ravenledge; if they saw him as a rival then they wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of him. After all, out here, nobody would ever find out what really happened. But if he didn’t go to this camp…

Hiccup’s shoulders slumped in resignation. If he didn’t go to that camp, then he was as good as dead. There was no point in deluding himself; without the warmth of a fire, shelter and care for his wound, and maybe even some food, he wouldn’t survive the night.

“I promised,” he murmured into the breeze, his decision made. “I promised I’d come back to you. And I will, Astrid. Nothing will come between us. Not even death.”

So he made his way toward the campfire in the distance. He was still just as tired and cold and in pain as before, but the hope that maybe he would survive the night after all gave him the strength he needed. The hope that he might see Astrid again.

However, when he reached the edge of the light, he paused, confused. As far as he could tell, the camp was empty. There was the fire, burning brightly, a shelter made of oilcloth, and to the side stood two horses tied to a tree. There was even something roasting over the fire, two rabbits if he wasn’t mistaken. But whoever had hunted them or had built this camp, they were nowhere to be seen.

Maybe it was a trap. But at that moment, Hiccup didn’t care anymore. All he cared about was the heat of the fire beckoning him over, the scent of meat that made his stomach churn.

Slowly, he came closer, eyeing the shadows for any hidden movement even as he had no idea how he was supposed to react to an attack. Stumble against them and hope they would hit their head on a rock when they fell? Yeah, that would totally work...

With a heavy sigh, he slumped down by the fire. Warmth soaked into the skin of his face and hands, and with his weight off his leg, it already felt so much better than just moments before. He eyed the roasted rabbits but left them untouched. He was no thief, after all, still hoped the people here might help him. Instead, he just curled into a ball and sat as close to the fire as was possible without burning himself, and stared into the dancing flames.

Time passed—minutes or hours, he didn’t know anymore—until the sound of footsteps made his head whirl around. With wide eyes, he gazed at the figure emerging from the shadows, his heart pounding. He recognised them immediately, their armour, and knew exactly who was standing in front of him.

At that moment, he knew that he was dead.

. o O o .

AN: Soooooo... I'm incredibly curious about the reactions to this chapter! Finally, we met a dragon, if only briefly. But Hiccup is in a bad shape, not good for hunting down a dragon. And who was it he met there at the end? So many questions...

I'm already working on the next update, but as always, no promises for when it might be done...

Next Chapter

* - . - * - . o O o . - * - . - *

If you want to leave a tip you can buy me a coffee. I love coffee 😊

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#Hiccstrid #fanfiction #httyd #For The Love Of A Princess #FTLOAP #Royalty AU #Hiccstrid Royalty AU #Medieval AU #Medieval Hiccstrid AU #Fluff #Romance #Angst #Drama

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hawks-supremacy · 4 years ago

Text

New Beginnings - Rejection

A/N: This had nothing to do with the story but have you listened to Nickleback’s Rockstar Sea Shanty? It’s kind of a bop tbh.

Warnings: Swearing? That’s to be expected from me tbh.

Word count: 1.7k

Masterlist

You woke up the next morning with the blinds being torn open and three boys shouting. You sat up and groaned as you covered your face. “Shut up I have a headache.” You said as they all laughed at you. The pounding in your head only seemed to get louder as they started talking. You opened one eye as someone nudged you and you saw a glass of water and some headache meds, you let out a thank you as you downed them both.

“You may have a headache but you also have work in an hour.” As Suga finished his sentence you shot out of bed, regretting the action immediately. You glanced at the clock on the wall before going into the bathroom and hurriedly changing into your work clothes.

As you entered the kitchen you saw Saeko cooking lunch. “How the hell do you not have a pounding headache, I recall you drinking just as much as me.” You asked as you sat in the empty spot at the table, squinting at the bright lights. You heard her laugh and mention something about being a lightweight as she set a plate of food in front of you. You scoffed and quickly started scarfing down the greasy breakfast.

“Why don’t you slow down before we’re making a field trip to the er.” You shook your head at Saeko’s words, and Suga mentioned how you had to work soon and you were walking. “Why didn’t you just say so dummy. I can just give you a ride so calm down.” You slowly nodded and finished chewing your food before saying a thank you.

You all finished eating and piled into Saeko’s car so she could drop everyone off at their respective places. As you got into the passenger seat she handed you a pair of sunglasses seeing the way you squinted at the bright sun, “Honestly Y/n, why don’t you just call off work. You look like shit and you can barely keep your eye open because of how bright it is. Lord knows what the fluorescent lights are gonna be like on your eyes.”

You shrugged and winced as she hit a bump in the road, “There isn’t anyone to cover my shift, I think Ukai leaves early and then it’s just me closing. Besides it shouldn’t be that busy and maybe he’ll just let me sit behind the counter and wallow in self pity.” Saeko laughed at your statement as she pulled to a stop. You said your goodbye to everyone as you exited the vehicle.

You mindlessly walked in and clocked in before you went into the back area to set your stuff down and put your apron on. Upon walking back out to the front you saw Ukai finishing up putting out the rest of the freight you got in. “You probably have a hangover, so you can just sit back all day if you want.” You gave him a look of confusion, how did he know you were drinking last night? “You don’t remember do you?” You shook your head and he let out a soundless laugh, “That’s alright, just sit at the counter and ring people up, it’ll be fine for today.”

“Uh thanks, I guess.” You sat down at the counter. You were thankful that Saeko let you keep her sunglasses for the day because she was right the lights are super fuckin bright. “So uh, I’m scared to ask, but what did I do last night? I mean how did you know I was drinking?” You decided to break the silence in the room after a half an hour of no talking.

He walked over and sat on the second stool beside the counter before talking, “You sent me some lovely texts last night. Full of gibberish, can’t even understand what you’re trying to say in them.” He laughed as you put your head in your hands and groaned. You let out a muffled sorry and it just made him laugh harder than before. “What were you even doing last night? Were you at a bar?”

Flashbacks to you and Saeko talking about your crush on the person sitting in front of you played in your mind. You felt your face grow hotter before speaking, “No I was at Tanaka’s house hanging out with his older sister. She had alcohol so of course we drank it. I guess we drank a little too much huh?”

After three hours of talking Ukai looked at the time on his phone and got up saying it was time for him to go and walked into the back, presumably to leave for the night. You assumed he had errands to run. As he left to the back you got out your phone to see what exactly you texted Ukai. Upon reading the texts you realized that he probably could tell what you were saying and just chose to ignore it for your sake. You were extremely grateful for that. You glanced up as you heard him come back out a while later. You took in his nice appearance, “Where are you going so dressed up?” You asked out of curiosity.

He avoided eye contact as he rubbed the back of his neck, “I uh, have a date in a little bit, I’m about to go pick her up.” You felt your heart break a little bit with his words. You smiled brightly at him and told him to have fun. You waved as he walked out of the shop and you deflated. Obviously he would like you back, you were just someone he worked with who had a small schoolgirl crush on him. He could clearly decipher your texts last night so he knows you like him or at least find him attractive, so you took this as rejection.

The last few hours of your shift went slow, but before you knew it you were home. You let out a sigh as you plopped down on the couch next to Suga. “Why do guys suck. Also why are you here? No offense.”

Suga laughed as you leaned against him, “I don’t know why guys suck. To answer your question though I just got back from a date with your brother. Why do you say guys suck?” You whipped away from him as you turned to where your brother was frozen in the doorway. He slowly started to turn around to go back to where he came from before you jumped up and grabbed his arm. You walked back to the couch where you forced him to sit a spot away from Suga.

“You guys finally went on a date?!” They both nodded as they blushed and looked away from each other. “Are you together now?” They shrugged as they shyly made eye contact, having a silent conversation. You narrowed your eyes as they started to gesture and mouth words to each other before Suga looked at you and let out a firm “yes”. “Okay now that you guys are officially dating I need to have the talk with you,” as they both let out noises of disgust and protests you sighed, “not that talk. My god you guys are nearly in college I would hope you know about that talk. If you don’t, just google it. Anyway! Daichi if you hurt Suga I’m kicking your ass. Suga if you hurt Daichi, well he can handle it himself. Although I’m sure you won’t hurt each other. Now that that’s done, get out of my face. I’m very happy for the both of you. I was rooting for DaiSuga but I don’t want to be near a couple right now. I’m pretty sure I was just rejected, so.”

Daichi raised his hand before speaking, “I have multiple questions.” Suga put his hand down before telling him “not now” as he stood up and ushered you to your room leaving your brother very confused and slightly hurt that his boyfriend just ditched him for his sister.

“What happened? What do you mean you’re pretty sure you were just rejected?” Suga asked as he closed the door to your room and sat down next to you on your bed. You handed him your phone with it open on the texts you sent to Ukai last night. “Oh honey, who let you drunk text last night? He didn’t say anything though, so how was this him rejecting you?”

You took back your phone and closed it as you plugged it in, “You dumbass, why didn’t you take my phone as the alcohol was being poured.” He shrugged and let out a small sorry before you continued, “And that wasn’t the rejection. The rejection was when I went to work today and he told me he couldn’t understand it when you clearly can and then he went on a date. So clearly he doesn’t like me back if he’s going on dates.”

Suga hummed in thought, “Maybe the date was already planned and he felt bad cancelling. Or he lied to see how you’d react. Maybe he wants to see if what you said last night was true or if it was just you being drunk.”

You let out a sound of agreement, “Yeah but I feel like he would just ask, he’s not the kind of person to beat around the bush and drop subtle hints at what he wants. Whatever, either way I don’t wanna talk about it tonight. So when did you and my brother agree to go on this date?” You asked with a small smile.

He sighed dramatically as he fell over, “Noya and Tanaka talked me into it last night. While you guys were drinking in the living room they convinced me to call Daichi and ask him out. It was so embarrassing.”

It was your turn to laugh as he covered his face as it turned red. “Regardless of how it happened I’m glad it did. Now I don’t have to hear your guy’s pathetic excuses for flirting or you guys both gush about the other person. I was getting tired of pretending like the sexual tension wasn’t suffocating every time we were in the same room.” You both laughed as Suga began hitting you with a pillow telling you to shut up.

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