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p-artsypants · 3 days ago

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Fiddle Me This

Ao3 | FF.net

Hamish, former chief of the Shivering Shores, is coming to Berk and has requested Hiccup play some songs he's written over the years. The problem? No one else knew Hiccup could fiddle, and he's never performed for anyone.

The idea for this is completely self-indulgent and comes from the fact that Alexander Rybak does the Norwegian voice for Hiccup. He wrote two songs for the series, including one specifically for Toothless. I can’t just sit here knowing that and NOT write a fic, I mean COME ON. Also, in the Episode with Garf, Hiccup’s song was about Toothless, and he was really enthusiastic about it, making me think he wrote it himself.

This is not historically accurate, but neither is the source material.

Set somewhere during RTTE, before Blindsided.

—

Things had thankfully been slow at the Edge. The Hunters hadn’t been seen in a while, probably regrouping or strategizing. But the anxiety of that unknown was quickly pushed aside with a Terror Mail from Berk.

“Alright gang,” Hiccup stated that morning. “Who’s feeling homesick?”

Fishlegs sheepishly raised his hand, but the rest just kind of looked at each other.

“Well, you’re in luck. We’re heading back to Berk for a little vacation! The Shiver Shores are coming in a week, and they’ll be in Berk for three days. Hamish’s oldest son Hagar has taken over as chief.”

“Is Hamish okay?” Fishlegs asked, as that was the usual reason a tribe had a new chief.

“As far as I know, he’s still alive. Sounds like his health is declining and it was getting hard to keep up with all the duties. Hel, it’s hard when you’re not sick,” Hiccup muttered that last bit to himself.

“When do we leave?” Asked Astrid.

“I’m leaving today,” Hiccup rested his hands on his waist. “Dad specifically asked me to come early to help with some preparations. You guys are welcome to head back on Frigg’s day. Or earlier, if you want. But I’d like someone to stay on the Edge as long as possible.”

“Sweet! Unsupervised vacation!” Tuffnut high fived his sister.

“Uh, no. If you’re staying, you’re doing your jobs. That means patrolling!”

“Boo!”

“Killjoy!”

“What could your dad possibly need you so early for?” Snotlout asked, insult implied.

Hiccup’s face went red, satisfying Snotlout, but the blush was for a totally different reason. “Hamish…specifically requested…I play the fiddle.”

There was a pause. “You have a week to learn the fiddle?” Asked Tuff.

Hiccup sighed. “No, I have a week to brush up on the fiddle.”

Then everyone yelled in unison, “You can fiddle!?”

He chuckled awkwardly. “Yeeeeep.”

“Since when?!” Snotlout demanded. “I’ve known you since we were in diapers, and I’ve never heard you play a single note.”

“Yeah, but how well did you know me before the Red Death?”

“People talk, Hiccup. You’re not that good at keeping secrets.”

“And the Nightfury that spent three months in the woods?”

“A notable exception.”

Hiccup awkwardly played with his hands, avoiding eye contact. “I’ve been playing since … well, since I was able to. My mother played. We had her fiddle at the house, and when I was little, my dad asked if I wanted to learn how to play, explaining that mom had. I was really enthusiastic back then, and so when we went to visit the Shivering Shores a few times a year, he had me take lessons with Hamish.”

“Which is why he requested you play now,” Astrid gathered.

“Yeeeep.”

“So, are you good?” Asked Tuff.

“Oh no, I’m terrible. I’m thinking that I’ll just play with the band. Maybe quietly so they drown me out.”

“I’m sure you’ll be great, Hiccup,” Astrid said fondly. “When was the last time you played?”

He scrunched up his lips in thought. “For anyone? Never. Unless you count Hamish. Or Toothless.” He smiled over at his dragon. “But I sometimes play in my room or at the forge if I need to think something through and need to do something with my hands. I didn’t take it with me when we came out here.”

“So a few months.”

“Give or take.”

Tuffnut snapped his fingers. “The Fiddler on the Roof!”

“Excuse me?”

“What? You never heard the rumor of the Fiddler on the Roof? Ugh! It makes so much sense now!”

“What are you talking about?” Hiccup pressed.

“Okay okay, for years people have been talking about a mysterious fiddler in the village. His music carries over the rooftops, so people assumed he was up high…kinda like the chief’s house on the hill?!” Tuffnut nudged him.

“Th-that can’t be right. It must be someone else.”

Fishlegs pointed out, “no one else on the island plays a fiddle though. You said it yourself that you had to take lessons from Hamish.”

“Yeah, but Silent Sven plays the nyckelharpa and Sigurd plays the Hurdy-Gurdy. What if it was one of them?”

“Nope, not a nyckelharpa,” said Tuff.

“And definitely not a hurdy-gurdy!” Said Ruff.

“Besides, they play in the Great Hall all the time, we know what they sound like,” said Fishlegs.

“And it’s definitely a Fiddler on that Roof.”

Hiccup’s face went even more red, and he covered it with his hands. “Oh gods…people have been hearing me for years!”

“That’s the cool part, H,” said Tuff. “The Fiddler is said to be otherworldly in nature, and some even thought he might be a spirit of music himself.”

“Okay, now you’re just messing with me.”

“Am I?” Tuff wiggled his fingers.

“Look, don’t get too excited, okay? I’ll show my dad where I’m at and he might agree to have a private performance with Hamish. I would never want to subject the village to hear my…” he rolled his hand, looking for the word.

“Screeching?”

“‘Fork-on-dinnerplate’?”

“Dying cat?”

“Yeah,” Hiccup said flatly, “One of those.”

“You know, Hiccup,” said Snotlout. “I never saw you as the type to be musically inclined. But it suits you, I must say. Someone’s gotta play the tales of my awesome battles.”

“And the fact that you sing a solo every Snoggletog doesn’t count because…?”

“Duh, because it’s Snoggletog, a season of giving. And I give the gift of my beautiful tenor.” He gestured to his throat.

“Right,” He sighed. “Anyway, I’m going to get packed. Anyone else coming now?”

“I will,” said Astrid.

“Me too!” Said Fishlegs.

Hiccup looked meaningfully at the Twins and Snotlout.

“What?” Asked Snot. “Yeah, we’ll behave! We’ll even patrol! We’re mature adults that don’t need a babysitter.”

“There was only one word in that sentence that was true,” Hiccup said, rolling his eyes and heading out.

Tuff yelled back, “Which one was it? Was it ‘that’?”

An hour later, Astrid, Fishlegs, and Hiccup were packed and ready to head back to Berk. One last chastising for the stragglers, and they were off.

“So…” Fishlegs began, as their trip was underway. “Can I ask more questions about the fiddle?” He squeaked.

Hiccup sighed. “Yeah, I guess. At least I know you two won’t make fun of me for it.”

“Never, Hiccup,” Astrid assured. “I can’t even sing, let alone play an instrument. I bet the muttonheads back at the Edge certainly can’t.”

“Not that I’ve ever heard,” he shrugged.

“What songs can you play?”

Hiccup winced. “Not many. I learned how to play some traditional stuff when I was younger, and when I nailed those down and got tired of them, I started doing my own thing.”

“…what’s your own thing?” Astrid asked.

“Well, I uh…I made up my own songs. Not really writing anything down, but developing a melody I liked…putting some words to it. That kind of thing.”

“You should perform those!” Said Fishlegs, enthusiastically. “I bet people would want to hear a Hiccup original over the same thing we hear all the time!”

He scoffed. “No, you got it all wrong. They aren’t good, Fishlegs! Like…I know you come up with little songs about Meatlug, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you perform those in front of the tribe?”

“Ha! No way! Not unless Meatlug was having a panic attack and I needed to calm her down.” He laid on his dragon, giving her a hug. “Then in that case, no crowd could stop me.”

“So did you play a lot?” Asked Astrid. “You said you would play to keep your hands busy.”

“Quite a bit,” he admitted. “It’s kind of fun to play, and the music kinda helps me think. But I’m usually not thinking about the fiddle when I’m playing, so I’m sure it sounds like a bunch of random notes just sliding around.”

“But if you practice a lot, it shouldn’t sound that bad,” she reasoned.

“Oh, you’d be surprised…”

The conversation changed then, and they talked about other things for the rest of the flight. Dragon training, the Hunters, there was even an hour long argument about who would win in a fight between three Flightmares and ten Speed Stingers.

Eventually, they reached Berk right before dinner. Gobber and Stoick were waiting for them and greeted them warmly.

“Evening son! Have a good flight?”

Hiccup slid off Toothless, stretching his back. “Good weather, fun company, no complaints.”

“You know…I got your fiddle out for you. It’s on your desk.”

Hiccup barked a laugh. “That didn’t take long. I thought for sure you’d wait to bring it up until after dinner.”

“Well, the others want to start practice after dinner,” Stoick argued. “Thought you might want a little time to make sure she’s all ready to play.”

“Others?”

“Oh you know, Sven, Sigurd, Hackjaw, Frida, Hilda…and Gobber wants to play the pan flute.”

“I love playing the pan flute!” The man cheered.

“Well, I’ll need all the practice I can get. I’m really hoping to just pretend to play, and let the others kind of drown me out.”

Stoick gave him an incredulous look. “What are you talking about son? Why would they need to drown you out?”

“Dad, I’m not good,” he chuckled humorlessly.

“Aw this hogwash again? You’re a fine fiddler!”

“A damn fine fiddler!” Gobber added.

“Thanks but—“

“No buts!” Stoick interrupted. “It’s been decided. Through our letters, Hamish and I have been talking. I told him about the songs you wrote.”

“You didn’t.”

“I did! And he’s so excited! He wants to hear all four!”

“DAD!”

“I want to hear ‘em properly too! I like that one about the fairytale, that love song? Oh it gets me in the heart. Makes me think of your mother…” he said wistfully.

“Dad!” Hiccup grabbed his face in horror. Feeling more and more sick as the story went on.

Gobber said, “I asked if the one that’s like, ‘come fly with me! Oh whoa, oh whoa’ was in the line up, because that’s the one I like.”

“You too?” He gaped at Gobber. “You’ve been listening?”

“The backroom to the forge is only separated by a cloth lad, not exactly soundproof.”

“And then the one you wrote for Toothless,” Stoick suggested.

Hiccup furrowed his brow, he’d actually come up with a dozen little songs about Toothless. “Which one?”

“Oh you played it for a week straight during our first Snoggletog with the dragons! You built that tail for Toothless, and you were so heartbroken that he was gone…”

“Oh Thor, that one?”

“It was so sweet, lad! No need to be embarrassed.”

“Ugh! And dare I ask about the last one?”

Stoick gave him this weirdly proud smile, “Oh you know which one I’m talkin’ about.”

“If I did, I wouldn’t be asking,” Hiccup droned.

Stoick glanced at Astrid, before leaning in to speak into Hiccup’s ear.

Fishlegs and Astrid had to assume it was beyond embarrassing as Hiccup’s face flushed a vibrant red and his eyes went wide. “You heard that?”

Stoick giggled, “how could I not? You sang with so much passion!”

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

Stoick patted his shoulder. “Everyone gets a little stage fright, son.”

“What about stage paralysis?” He asked.

“We’ll have an hour of music during dinner on the first night. The rest of the band has already figured out all the other music to play. Now, all they need is to hear your songs so they best know how to accompany you.”

“And the songs that they’re playing?”

“You know them. And you know how to make it up if you don’t.”

“You, sir, are putting way too much faith in me.”

“No. You,” he poked Hiccup’s chest, “aren’t putting enough faith in yourself.”

Hiccup rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’m the best fiddler on Berk.”

Fishlegs squeaked, “Aren’t you the only—”

“That’s my point, Fish!” He scratched his head. “Look, I’ll see you guys around. I’m gonna go…fiddle with the fiddle.”

Gobber chuckled, “an oldie, but a goodie.”

As Astrid watched Hiccup and Toothless depart up to the chief’s house, “He’s really good then, chief?”

“Aye! As he is with all his artistic endeavors.”

“The Halls of Valhalla are filled with bards that wished they played as well as him!” Gobber declared.

“So why does he think he’s bad?” Asked Fishlegs. “How can he not notice?”

“Well, you’ve got to look at it from his perspective. Hiccup has always compared himself to others. I’m at fault for that, as well as most in the village. We always told him he wasn’t as good as others at fighting. But he’s taken it to the level of all his skills. You think he’s talented at drawing and smithing, right?”

“Absolutely.”

“But to him, he’s ‘just good enough’ because he’s compared himself to others and decided he’s not as good. I think that’s why he’s so gung-ho about Dragon Training. No one else has ever befriended a Nightfury, therefore, no one to compare to.”

“Wow,” Astrid said sadly. “I never thought of it that way before.”

“With his fiddle, he learned from Hamish, who’s a fantastic fiddler. Hiccup could never quite get the technique the man had. The only other comparisons are Sven and Sigurd, and they’re quite good too. But their instruments sound different from Hiccup’s. He can’t do what they do, therefore, he’s bad.”

“Now I’m depressed,” said Fishlegs. “I never knew this about Hiccup.”

“Oh don’t let it get your skivvies in a twist. Hiccup’s drive to find his place in the village is what drove him to Toothless afterall, right? And look at how he’s doing now!”

Distantly, Astrid could hear it. Someone playing the scales on the fiddle, the notes sliding into place. A note played alone, over and over, and then the next.

“Ah, sounds like it needs some tuning,” Stoick observed. “That’ll bother him all night.”

She wanted to listen. She wanted to sneak over and just watch and listen. But that wouldn’t be fair to him if he was so self-conscious. Maybe this will get him out of his shell, and he’ll be more willing to share his music with her.

Astrid’s parents were having dinner up at the Great Hall, and she happily joined them, catching up with them about all the things that had been happening at the Edge.

As she ate, she watched as Stoick and Hiccup arrived, bowls in hand. Hiccup wore a wooden case on his back, attached with a leather strap.

His fiddle.

It was one thing to have him tell them about it, but to see it…

Then again, this was still just the case. It would be completely different once he was actually holding it and playing it.

He set the case down on a table over by the wall, where she could see other instrument cases sitting and waiting for practice. Then he went and sat with his father at the head table.

“You’ve been away from the boy for an hour and you can’t take your eyes off of him,” Phlegma Hofferson teased.

Astrid whirled around, red faced, and hushed her mother. “Don’t say stuff like that!”

Her father laughed. “Oh, like everyone doesn’t remember you planting a big ol’ wet kiss on him after the dragon war.”

“That was years ago!” She hissed.

“And you’ve only grown fonder of him, no?”

“Ugh.” Astrid’s head smacked lightly on the table. “You two are impossible.”

“We are? Sure dear. But when are you two just going to make it official? You know we’re ready to pay your dowry whenever Stoick’s got the bride price.”

Astrid rubbed her temples. “Look—you’re not…totally wrong about how I feel…but I haven’t said anything, and I’m waiting on Hiccup to make the move.”

“Dear, you’ll be old by then.”

“Give him some credit! He’s got a lot on his mind.”

“I hope he’s got you on his mind too,” Phlegma smirked. “Have you tried seducing him?”

“Mother!” Astrid damn near screamed.

“Sorry dear, sorry. We’ll drop it for now.” Phlegma and Axel shared a smug look.

Astrid doubted they were done with the topic for this trip. If Hiccup was going to be busy in rehearsals most days, then she’d have to find a way to avoid her parents.

Maybe Fishlegs would be up for some fun instead of spending it in the library?

After dinner, Astrid hung around the Hall, even as her parents left.

The rest of the band was setting up. Sigurd and Sven had their strings, Hackjaw had his drums, Frida had the lute, Hilda on the horn, Bard on the mandolin, Bucket had a shaker, and Gobber had his pan flute.

And Hiccup was just sitting by them, not making any move to his case. In fact, he kept glancing around to the other non-band folks in the Hall, waiting for them to leave.

Then his eyes met hers.

She waved and smiled.

He ducked his head sheepishly.

Astrid felt a pang in her chest. It was so heartbreaking to see Hiccup this embarrassed. It was almost like the old days, before Toothless.

Toothless.

The dragon wasn’t in the Great Hall. He was probably frolicking with the other dragons, or just with Stormfly and Meatlug. But if anyone was going to give him the courage to do this, it was Toothless!

Astrid got up and went to find him. Though, it didn’t take long at all. He was sprawled out on the grass on the hill.

“Pst! Toothless!”

He perked up, looking at her, ears up at attention.

“Hiccup’s inside!” She pointed.

He leapt to his feet and trotted over.

“Now,” she told him, “he’s going to be working hard and practicing music with the others inside, but he’s nervous about it, so you’re going to support him, okay?”

Toothless was the smartest dragon she knew. Sometimes with the looks he gave, she swore he was going to open his mouth and speak perfect Norse. Right now was one of those times. He gave her this look, like he knew exactly what she was saying and what needed to happen. He nudged her arm with his nose and then plodded into the Great Hall and over to Hiccup.

Hiccup lit up when he saw his friend, and greeted him with a chin scratch.

Toothless laid at his feet, paws crossed elegantly.

Hiccup chuckled, and then looked over to her, still standing in the doorway.

Astrid gave him the thumbs up and a wide reassuring smile.

Hiccup returned it, though not as confident. But he did get up and go to the fiddle case.

Astrid decided to leave and give him his privacy. Toothless was all the support he needed right now, and anymore attention would just make him crumble.

A few minutes later, Hilda put a sign on the door. ‘Practice in session, do not disturb.’

So now it was a waiting game. Hiccup obviously wasn’t going to give out any sneak previews. Though she did try to keep an eye on him.

—

As the week went on, she noticed happily that his demeanor had changed quite a bit. He stood up straighter when he went into practice, and he talked freely with the band, like he was one of them instead of an intruder.

Astrid wondered if someone had said something to him, or if just having Toothless around was making a difference.

The band practiced for a few hours after dinner every night. Even with the doors closed, the faintest music could be heard. Astrid didn’t know enough about instruments to know if she was hearing a fiddle or nyckelharpa or hurdy-gurdy.

She actually wasn’t really sure what those last two were.

During the day, Hiccup was mostly helping with preparations. She often saw him helping someone or another in the town.

But there were a few hours a day where he couldn’t be found. He wasn’t at his father’s house or the Great Hall.

“Hey Chief,” she greeted. “Have you seen your son around?”

“Nope,” he smiled. “He’s gone off to find a place to practice.”

“He’s really taking this fiddle performance to heart, isn’t he?”

“Sure is,” he continued smiling, seemingly proud at the thought. “Hiccup’s a viking, though he might protest. He’s as bullheaded and stubborn as the lot of us. When he doesn’t want to do something, he fights and protests the whole way. But when he finds a reason to want to do something, he dives in, head first, and puts his whole being into it.”

“Yeah,” Astrid agreed. “I’ve seen that. And he’s good about finding a reason to do something.”

“We’re friends with the Shivering Shores, our alliance isn’t in any trouble. But Hiccup knows I’m good friends with Hamish, and he has a lot of respect for the man. I think it might break his heart if he disappointed him.”

“Hiccup has always valued other’s opinions,” she supposed.

“And…” Stoick drawled, a keen smile on his face. “I happen to know one of the songs he’s got is a love song. Maybe he wants it just right to convey a message?”

Astrid flushed red. “T-t-to who?”

“Ah, I’m joking,” he patted her back, though the smile didn’t go away.

Stoick had read her like a book. He knew there was something going on between them, even if that ‘something’ had been in a weird limbo for years.

She looked away, shyly. “Well, anyways, I’m excited to see him perform.”

“Aye, me too, lass. Should be memorable!”

—-

Snotlout and the Twins arrived the next day, one day before the Shivering Shores’ arrival. Despite what Astrid was expecting, they seemed to have forgotten all about Hiccup’s fiddle secret, as no one brought it up.

They had dinner together in the Great Hall, which was now decorated with fresh flowers and garland.

“So,” Hiccup began, sitting down with a plate of chicken and veggies. “How’s the Edge? Everything still quiet?”

“You think anything is quiet with these dunderheads?” Snotlout jabbed a thumb over at the twins. “But as for our enemies, we didn’t see anything.”

“Did the twins cause any—”

“The answer is yes, and you don’t want to know. We’ll talk about it on the way back, I already did my part.”

Hiccup sighed. “Well, thank you, Snotlout. I knew I could trust you to watch the Edge while we were away.”

Snotlout sat up straight at this praise and started to smile. “I did do a good job, didn’t I? Hey, maybe you shouldn’t even worry about coming back to the Edge. Your dad seemed really stressed and you should—”

“Nice try, but I’m definitely going back.”

Snotlout folded his hands behind his head. “Can’t blame me for trying.”

“How goes the fiddling practice?” Asked Fishlegs.

Astrid flinched heavily, ready to punch him.

“Oh yeah!” Said Snotlout. “You’ve got a little recital coming up, don’t you?”

“Hiccup: Live in Concert!” Said Tuffnut, enthusiastically. “I’ve been thinking about it all week!”

“Tomorrow during dinner.” Hiccup nodded, looking sheepish. “I think it’ll be okay. I’m really nervous, but…I found a really good tactic to distract myself.”

“And that is…?”

“I play to Toothless, specifically. He really likes music, and almost dances to it. It’s kind of adorable. So I just watch him.”

Astrid tried not to seem too proud. After all, it was her that encouraged Toothless to join that first rehearsal.

“So what are ya gonna play?” Tuffnut asked. “Silvard had a Little Yak?”

Hiccup rolled his eyes, but retorted smugly, “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Did your dad convince you to play the songs you wrote?” Fishlegs asked, again making Astrid want to hit him.

Hiccup sighed. “Yep.”

“Hold on,” said Snot. “You wrote songs?”

“Sure. Didn’t you write a few for Garf?”

“That’s totally different,” Snotlout laughed. “I never expected to perform them for anyone. Oh this is rich. I can’t wait until you see what we have in store for you tomorrow!”

Hiccup felt pale. “Wh-what are you talking about?”

“Nothing much,” said Tuff. “Just a little surprise.”

“You’ll love it,” insisted Ruffnut.

“Somehow, I doubt that completely.”

—

Great ships with black sails arrived at the docks the next day. Hiccup stood with Stoick to greet the guests, while Astrid stood a little ways away for emotional support. Hiccup had foregone the leather armor, as requested by his father, and went back to his fur vest. His hair was still a mess, despite combing it for twenty minutes. It was probably stuck in place for ever thanks to Toothless’ saliva.

Hamish, a man as big as Stoick, disembarked first, using a cane to get around. “Stoick! My old friend!”

“Good to see you, Hamish! Have a nice trip?”

“Oh yes, very peaceful. Ever since your boy made peace with the dragons, sailin’ around has been a breeze! Of course, that doesn’t hurt.” He pointed at the three dragons leashed to the ship, having pulled it. They were all getting fish and scratches from the rest of the crew.

Hiccup smiled proudly.

“And look at you, boy-o!” Hamish praised, spotting him. “Shot up like a tree! I wager you’ll be taller than your old man one day.”

“Wouldn’t that be something?” Hiccup chuckled.

“Well you’ve grown into a fine young man, are your fiddling skills set to match?”

Hiccup’s smile faltered. “Hamish, I’m going to do my best, but I don’t think I’ll ever be as good as you.”

“Hiccup…” Stoick reprimanded.

“You aren’t me, lad!” Hamish said joyfully. “I could never tame a dragon like you did! Let alone smith a tail! You have a lot of skills that you’ve honed over the years. Your father just said you never gave up the instrument, so I want to see what you’ve got!”

That seemed to relieve Hiccup more than any other words had up until now. He smiled genuinely and said, “thanks for understanding.”

Hagar, the new chief of the Shivering Shores disembarked a moment later and came to stand by his dad. He was just as large, but had no gray in his beard. He greeted Hiccup and Stoick with a wide smile.

“Incoming dragons!” The lookout called, pointing out over the sea.

Hiccup and Astrid narrowed their eyes, looking at the two dragons coming in.

“Is that…?” Astrid asked.

“Oh gods,” Hiccup moaned.

Before they even landed, a voice called boisterously. “BROTHER!”

“H-hey Dagur…” Hiccup waved awkwardly.

“Dagur of the Berserkers?” Asked Hamish. “What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?”

“Hamish! You’re looking well!” Dagur and Shattermaster landed at the docks while Heather landed back by Astrid. “How are you feeling?”

“Oh I’m doing pretty good. Some days are better than others. Been having a lot of great days leading up to this trip!”

“Great to hear!”

“So…what brings you to Berk?” Hiccup asked, dread churning in his gut. He had been on edge since Snotlout and the Twins said they had a surprise for him.

Dagur laughed. “Isn’t it obvious?! We’re here to see your fiddling prowess!”

Hiccup smacked his forehead. “Those muttonheads…”

“Yes, Heather and I came to check in on the Edge a few days ago, and Snothat told us all about what you were doing! Why didn’t you ever tell me you played the fiddle?”

“He didn’t tell any of us,” said Astrid. “Apparently, he’s not very good.” She smirked.

“So he thinks!” Said Stoick.

“Alright, alright. I should have known,” Hiccup groaned. “It’s fine. The more the merrier, right?” He smiled, but it was wobbly.

“And of course it’s always a pleasure to see the Shivering Shores folks, especially after we confirmed our alliance.” He shook Hamish and Hagar’s hands.

“Glad to have Berserker Island back in our good graces,” said Hagar.

“It's all thanks to my sweet baby brother!” Dagur grabbed Hiccup and pulled him into a side hug. “Showed me the error of my ways. Converted me into a real dragon lover. United me with my long lost sister! Oh, such a big and loving heart! The heart of an artist and musician!”

Hiccup wheezed. “You’re too kind, Dagur.”

“Brother?” Asked Hagar with an amused smile.

“Honorary title,” Hiccup wheezed again.

It seemed like Dagur’s praise reframed his arrival to Hagar and Hamish, and they looked a lot more relaxed and amused.

“We’ll only stay tonight,” said Heather. “To watch Hiccup’s performance and give our dragons some time to rest. This is your vacation, after all. We didn’t mean to intrude.”

“Tonight is the best part, anyway!” Said Hagar. “Feasting! Music! Dancing! And barrels of mead!” He gestured to their ship, where several barrels were stacked in a pyramid.

Stoick cheered gleefully.

“Perfect,” said Hiccup, “drunk ears are happy ears.”

Astrid elbowed him.

—-

Dinner time came around far too quickly for Hiccup’s liking, as with most things dreaded.

The band was setting up in front of a support pillar. The tables were arranged in a semi circle around them, with enough space in front to move around. Directly to Hiccup’s left was the head table, where Hamish, Hagar, and his father sat. Next to them, with a front row view, was the table with his friends. They all watched eagerly as Hiccup moved around and talked with the band.

Toothless laid at the front of the table, on his absolute best behavior. His eyes were rounded and soft, as he occasionally stuck his tongue out in excitement.

People were still milling around, getting drinks and sharing food.

No introductions were made yet, no commencement speeches, but Hiccup had his fiddle in hand and walked up to the front of the band. The players watched him, waiting for a queue.

Hiccup nodded his head, put the fiddle to his chin and started a fast paced one note sprint, literally sounding like someone was running. Then Hackjaw came in with several heavy beats of his drum. Then the rest of the band joined, filling the hall with boisterous music.

And to Astrid’s disappointment, mostly drowning out Hiccup. He had taken a few steps back to stand with the group. He had his head bowed, and eyes clenched shut tightly as he played. Occasionally, she thought she could hear that sprinting note from him, but the song seemed to highlight the other members of the band. Frida had an incredible performance on the lute, plucking the notes and a dizzying speed. Same with each member, all having a unique solo to introduce their sound. The band played the same driving melody in the background while Hiccup stayed playing that same note.

The song came to an end, and the crowd was full of cheers.

Hiccup sighed in relief and shared a smile with the other players. They all gave him thumbs up.

“Looks like everyone has found their seats,” said Stoick, his voice booming over the chattering crowd.

Everyone grew silent, ready to listen.

“Tonight, we welcome our dear friends from the Shivering Shores, and celebrate their new era with them. Hagar has shown to be a very capable leader, and will surely follow in his father’s legacy.”

A cheer.

“We honor our friendship with the Shivering Shores, and we’re grateful for the many years Hamish worked with us. As a thank you, we have a special performance prepared. Specially requested from Hamish himself, my son Hiccup will be joining the band tonight on the fiddle.”

Another cheer went up through the crowd, and Astrid swore she heard people say “no way” and “he’s so much like his mother” and even “is there anything he can’t do?”

It made Astrid’s heart swell with pride.

“Many of you older folks may remember that my dear Valka was a fiddler. Well, as a little boy, Hiccup picked up the instrument and got his instruction from Hamish himself, the best fiddler in the archipelago.”

“We’ll see about that!” Hamish laughed.

Stoick grinned. “Hiccup has prepared several unique songs for your listening pleasure this evening. Take it away whenever you’re ready, son.”

Hiccup had his awkward ‘I know I messed up but please don’t be mad at me’ smile on his face as he shuffled closer to the front.

He shrugged and said, “sorry in advance.”

The rest of the band scoffed.

He put the fiddle on his chin, taking several deep breaths. He glanced across the room, lingering on Astrid’s face for a moment.

She gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Then he looked at Toothless, and actually started to smile a little.

He turned to the band, and mouthed something to them, though she couldn’t tell what.

Then he pinched his eyes shut, and set his mouth in a thin line…

And he attacked the fiddle, the bow ripping across the strings with the fervor to make sparks fly if they could. His eyebrows twitched and his nostrils flared as the notes came out rapid fire. His entire body moved with the effort, like it took every fiber of his being to make this wonderful, soul-filling sound.

“Holy—” Snotlout barked.

He briefly turned to the band and bobbed his head to bring them in, and a joyful bouncing beat filled the hall. People started stomping and clapping.

Then the fiddle slowed to a less intense melody, and Hiccup opened his mouth.

“Years ago, when I was younger, I kinda liked a girl I knew.

Thought she was mine and we were sweethearts. That was then, but then it's true…”

The music cut out, except for a few plucks of the fiddle strings.

Then Hiccup belted out, while continuing to play.

“I'm in love with a fairytale! Even though it hurts…

'Cause I don't care if I lose my mind, I'm already cursed!”

He returned to that intense dance with the bow, his heel slamming back on the floor with each beat of the drum. He twisted and jerked, like he was fighting with the music.

And he was winning.

“Every day, between the fighting, I could have sworn we fell in love.

No one else could make me sadder, but no one else could lift me high above!

I don't know what I was doing, she let me go, we grew apart…

Nowadays, I cannot brave her…”

He dared to smile.

“But when I do, we'll get a brand new start!”

He pulled on the strings, a high note that conveyed heartache. Astrid felt it in her chest.

“I'm in love with a fairytale, even though it hurts,

'Cause I don't care if I lose my mind, I'm already cursed…”

The band cut out, suddenly, leaving Hiccup to battle the notes on his own. His fingers flew in a flurry, matching the cutting of the bow. Hiccup set his jaw, garnering the strength for the end. A few slower, growing notes, and he sang again.

“She's a fairytale, yeah! Even though it hurts…

'Cause I don't care if I lose my mind, I'm already cursed!”

Astrid had no idea he could sing like that, or even hit that note. It struck her to the core, and she sat breathless and stunned as he played his last battle hymn and ended with a flourish.

The hall was deafeningly loud with cheers as Hiccup finally, finally opened his eyes to look around. He seemed surprised as he met everyone’s boisterous cheers.

Dagur launched from his seat and ran to Hiccup, grabbing him in a hug that lifted him off the floor. He laughed maniacally, and Astrid could hear him damn near yell, “that was amazing, brother! The best song I’ve ever heard!”

Hiccup looked kind of pale, she noticed.

Once Dagur set him back on his feet, Hiccup used his shoulder to stand upright.

“Thank you!” He called to the crowd still freaking out.

“Alright, settle down,” Stoick called, laughter in his voice.

Once it got quieter, Hiccup said, “thank you, very much. I wasn’t expecting that kind of reception. I uh…I have some more songs for you, but I’m feeling kind of light headed, so I’m going to sit down for a minute.”

Astrid patted the empty spot beside her, she saved just for him.

He slid into it, awkwardly smiling. “Hey, how’s it going?”

“What the hell, Haddock?!” Snotlout shouted.

“Aww, thanks Snotlout, that means a lot.”

Astrid giggled, and gave Hiccup a pat to the shoulder, the universal ‘I’ll be right back’ sign. She got up and went to get him some water, so he could sit and bask in the praise.

The band, in Hiccup’s absence, played a reprise of his song, though it sounded really weird without the fiddle.

Gobber and Hilda belted the lyrics, in an unflattering harmony.

“I'm in love with a fairytale, even though it hurts,

'Cause I don't care if I lose my mind, I'm already cursed!”

She had been so caught up in the music, in the fact that she was finally hearing Hiccup sing and play, she hadn’t paid attention to the lyrics. It was like they had been in a foreign language.

But now, she understood, and her face turned bright red.

Determined not to be awkward, she returned to her place with the cup of water for him.

“Thank you, milady!” He raised the glass with a big smile. His eyes were twinkling in the firelight, and his cheeks flushed a handsome pink.

“You’re welcome,” she replied, voice a little deeper than intended.

She sat beside him, their arms occasionally brushing in the cramped space. But Astrid really didn’t mind. In fact, she had half a mind to reach over and hold his hand.

“I don't know what I was doing, she let me go, we grew apart…

Nowadays, I cannot brave her…

But when I do, we'll get a brand new start!”

So she didn’t hold his hand. She decided that he needed to make that move. Was it petty after he sang her a love song? Maybe.

Hiccup finished his water, still smiling as the gang animatedly talked. No one broached the yak in the room, ‘hey Hiccup, who was that song about, huh?’ and that was just fine.

Once the band finished their butchered version of his song, Hiccup patted her shoulder and got up. “Wish me luck, gang,” he chuckled.

“You don’t need it,” Ruffnut waved him off.

“Yeah, but Astrid might,” Tuff smirked.

Astrid blushed fiercely. “I don’t know…what y-you’re talking about…” She tried to be casual, but couldn’t make eye contact with them.

“You’re hopeless,” said Heather, fondly.

“Oh shush!”

Hiccup had his fiddle in hand, and played a sharp note to get attention. He looked a lot less nervous now, and looked around at everyone. “This next song is older. I started writing it while I was training Toothless, before anyone else knew about dragons, before the Red Death…back then, I practiced a lot of speeches where I tried to convince everyone that we didn’t need to fight them. I never ended up successfully delivering those speeches, but I did write this anyway.” He nodded to Frida, who strummed the lute, starting the song.

Then Hiccup came in, playing a fast tune again, though it wasn’t as intense as the first. He also didn’t have his eyes closed anymore. He was looking directly at Toothless and slowly walked towards him.

“I have a dream, you are there, high above the clouds somewhere.

Rain is falling from the sky but it never touches you, you're way up high!”

Toothless perked up, his tongue lulling out as he stood, making light little steps in time with the beats. The rest of the band joined as Hiccup continued to play and sing at the same time.

“No more worries no more fear, you have made them disappear,

Sadness tried to steal the show, but now it feels like many years ago!”

Hiccup did a little skip hop to be right in front of Toothless, and sang brightly to him.

“And I! I will be with you every step!”

The band shouted, “Hey! Hey!” While Hiccup leaned it and rubbed his nose against Toothless’.

“Tonight I found a friend in you, and I'll keep you close forever!”

He skip-hopped backwards and sang to the room.

“Come fly with me!”

The band echoed, “Ohoohoh Ohoohoh!”

“Into a fantasy!”

“Ohoohoh Ohoohoh!”

“Where you can be whoever you want to be! Come fly with me!”

He was on the move again, skipping over to the table and plopping into the spot next to Astrid. He leaned against the table, pretending to be casual, but he looked her dead in the eyes as he sang.

“We can fly all day long, show me the world, sing me a song,

Tell me what the future holds, you and me will paint it all in gold!”

Astrid beamed at him, her face hurting from the smile.

“And I! I will believe your every word!”

The audience got the prompt and stomped in time “Hey! Hey!” Hiccup leaned in and rubbed his nose against hers, just as he did with Toothless, making her burst into laughter.

“‘Cause I, I have a friend in you. We'll always stay together!”

He leapt to his feet, dancing in time with the beat and Toothless’ little prancing.

“Come fly with me!”

“Ohoohoh Ohoohoh!”

“Into a fantasy!”

“Ohoohoh Ohoohoh!”

“Where you can be whoever you want to be. Come fly with me!”

He played his heart out, barely containing his laughter as Toothless did this adorable little steppy-step right along with him. Then Hiccup stopped his dance, though the smile didn’t leave his face.

“And I…I will be with you every step.”

His notes were slow, and his voice was soft, like he was making a promise. He swept his gaze across the hall, singing to the village this time.

“Tonight I found some friends in you, and I keep you close forever!”

He beckoned with his head, and smiled widely as a few kids from the back ran up and started dancing with Toothless. Hiccup flipped the fiddle to his side and strummed it like a guitar while Hackjaw kept a steady beat.

“Come fly with me, into a fantasy!

Where you can be whoever you want to be!

Come fly with me!”

He flipped the fiddle back onto his chin to resume playing normally, but beckoned at the teens table with his head. This got the Twins and Snotlout up and dancing with the kids.

“Come fly with me!”

“Ohoohoh Ohoohoh!”

“Into a fantasy!”

“Ohoohoh Ohoohoh!”

“Where you can be whoever you want to be. Come fly with me!”

As he came to the end of the song, Snotlout grabbed him by the waist, lifting him off the floor and spinning him around. Hiccup didn’t miss a note though, and only laughed as he was rag dolled around.

The room broke into cheers when the song ended, and Hiccup gave an exaggerated bow. Toothless mimicked this behavior and bowed his head, making his little ear flaps flip around.

Astrid’s heart was full and ready to burst from her chest.

She loved him so much.

Seeing him so happy, having fun and dancing, it almost made her cry tears of joy. She smiled at him, watching as he cooed at Toothless. Then she turned back to her table mates. Fishlegs, Heather, and Dagur were all looking at her with thinly veiled giddy.

From behind them, she could see her parents, who were even more enthusiastic.

She rolled her eyes and covered her face with her hand.

“Alright,” Hiccup said with an exaggerated sigh. “I guess I’ll give the band a break.” He plopped down on the floor, using Toothless as a backrest. In turn, Toothless curled up and rested his head in Hiccup’s lap.

People slowly started to calm down, curious about what was happening next. The children that had been dancing sat down around Toothless, leaning on him too.

That included the Twins, who draped themselves over him.

“This next song, I wrote that first Snoggletog we had with the dragons. That year, all of the dragons left a few days before, and we had no idea why. Toothless couldn’t fly on his own, so I made him a tail that he could use by himself. He flew off, to where I assumed the other dragons were.

“I missed him immediately, and started writing this that same day. You may remember that Snoggletog morning when the dragons returned with a boatload of babies.”

There were some fond ‘aww’s from the crowd.

“Well, Toothless wasn’t with those Dragons. It was a lonely few days waiting for answers, but when he finally came back, he brought my helmet I had lost at sea. He had spent all that time getting back what I had lost. He gave me a wonderful gift that year, so I gave him this song. It’s his very special song and he demands I sit on the floor like this when I play it.”

Toothless warbled in confirmation.

“So…here we go…” He said, without further adieu.

He held the fiddle up to his chin, but instead of using the bow, he plucked at the strings, playing a lullaby.

Apparently, Toothless knew exactly what song this was, as he let out a warm rumbling purr.

“It's almost night, I should be sleeping.

But the moon's so bright, as if it's playing with me.

Round and round, I walk in circles aimlessly.

Where could you be?”

The twins, without prompting, started snapping on the beat and rocking side to side.

“The purple skies were so inviting when we used to fly.

But the excitement slowly fades away.

Feels like there's nothing I wanna do.

Not without you.”

Hiccup leaned his head back, eyes closed and relaxed, as he sang in a falsetto.

“And I will cry you a thousand tears the day you will return.

Tonight I swear, I'll stay right here until you will return.”

Sven picked up his Nyckleharpa, but tapped on it instead, making soft percussion. Hacksaw hit his drum ever so gently with his hand. Frida plucked the same notes on her lute, letting Hiccup go back to his bow.

“And every little cloud, and every single star, reminds me of just how much I miss you. And every little cloud, and every single star, reminds me of just how much I miss you.”

The band crept closer, softly harmonizing as Hiccup played his song. Toothless looked around to them, smiling, as everyone was singing his special song.

“And I will cry you a thousand tears the day you will return.

Tonight I swear, I'll stay right here until you will return.”

Then Hiccup bowed a gentle waltz, one that might be played at a wedding. A warm, happy melody. Sven harmonized.

“And I will cry you a thousand tears the day you will return.

Tonight I swear, I'll stay right here until you will return.”

Slowly, the band faded out until it was just Hiccup plucking those soft notes.

“And every little cloud, and every single star, reminds me of just how much I miss you.”

Hiccup smiled at Toothless, and just as he took his fingers away from the strings, Toothless warbled a loud ‘wah wah wah!’ that Astrid swore sounded like he was trying to sing.

“Yeah bud! Every little cloud!”

“Wah wah wah!”

“And every single star.” He chuckled.

Most people were too busy cooing to applaud. Astrid included. She held her hands over her heart, feeling all those warm and fuzzy un-viking feelings in her chest.

She heard a loud sniff, and turned to see Dagur, Snotlout, and Fishlegs crying. Fishlegs just had tears, Snotlout was weeping openly, and Dagur was bawling uncontrollably.

“That was beautiful,” Dagur whimpered. “He has the most beautiful soul.”

Heather, who was only a little misty-eyed, looked at Astrid and rolled her eyes. “Boys.”

Astrid chuckled, wiping a tear from her eye before joining in the remainder of the applause.

“Alright, I’ve heard enough,” said Hamish, standing without the use of his cane. His face was serious, and solemn.

“Wh-what? Did I–did I do something wrong!?” Hiccup struggled to stand with the fiddle still in hand. “If you didn’t like those, I can play something traditional! I just thought—”

Hamish held up a hand to stop him. “Hiccup. You…are a damn fine fiddler.”

Hiccup relaxed slightly. “So then—”

“It's time for your final test.”

Hiccup stared, wide-eyed. “Really? You think I’m that good?”

“Fiddler on the Roof!” Tuffnut yelled.

“Is this not a good enough final test!?” Snotlout yelled a beat after.

Hamish moved his cloak aside. “It’s time for you and I to do battle. As master and apprentice.” From under his cloak, he withdrew his own wooden case, and his own fiddle.

Hiccup gulped.

Hamish smiled, good naturedly. He brandished the shiny black instrument. “I’ll hold you to that last song, but now, we play Shades.”

“Shades!?” Hiccup yelled. “Are you—are you sure?”

“You are ready, my boy. Hagar, will you join us on vocals?”

Hagar laughed. “You’re roping me into this too?” But he stood anyway.

“What’s Shades?” Astrid asked Fishlegs.

“Don’t look at me! I don’t know anything about this kind of music!”

It seemed that Hamish heard her question and answered, “Shades is a piece written by my mentor. It’s difficult, but the perfect piece to test my students with. The difficulty lies in performing it with two fiddles.”

Hiccup nodded in agreement. “But I’m willing to try.”

Hamish smiled at him. “That’s a good lad! You’ll take the high part.” He pulled a long note off his strings. Then he turned to the band and told them, “A Minor.”

Then he and Hiccup took a stance, staring at each other. A breath passed, then two.

In a blink, they started playing a frantic gallop in time. The notes started rising, climbing an invisible ladder through the air. Always harmonizing, never falling out of sync. Hackjaw was the only one that joined in, playing a syncopated beat on the drum. Then the fiddles both calmed down to a whisper, and Hagar sang.

“In a forest without any trees, where feelings and memories superimposed by an image of you are caught on the morning dew.”

A duel, trading notes back and forth, taking over each other’s parts.

“Swim in a lake at the first light of day, where children and swans go to play right in the wake of your perfect body and sing of unity.”

Right at the last line, they jumped it, keeping strides with each other. Like running a race, but they were matching each step for step. Hiccup kept his eyes locked with Hamish, watching his hands as he played.

“A Shiv’ring garden where willows grow tall, their shadows caught on a wall.

The sound of weeping so soft in the breeze, a bustle of falling leaves.”

Soft notes, punctuating each line, soft swells, not distracting, just accenting. Matching tone, volume, intensity.

Astrid was riveted. She didn’t know much about fiddling, much less any music, but performing like this without practicing together had to be very hard. Impossible even.

“A night has many shades. It can last for many days and hurt in many ways,

like the force of a rising tide when the moon floats by.”

The song seemed to come to an end. Slow, drawn out notes that seemed to gently set everyone down from the heights they had been climbing.

But then Hamish pulled a triplet, a quick back and forth of the bow. Hiccup returned it. Hamish did it back. Then Hiccup began his sprinting note, and Hamish was right there, meeting it in speed. They grew louder and louder, changing pitch, changing tempos, hitting notes at a dizzying speed of variation. Each one had to be perfect.

Hiccup’s eyes widened as a grin began to tug at his lips. This was the final sprint, this was it!

They played that final climb, hitting a high note and jumping off the ladder into silence.

They both stared at each other, panting, before breaking out into laughter.

“Did I actually do it!?” Hiccup laughed breathlessly.

“Aye lad! Every single note! You’ve been practicing, don’t lie!”

“Of course I have! Ever since I fumbled when I was a kid, it haunted me. I didn’t think I had it down yet though!”

“Oh, you’ve done an old viking proud, you know. I’m thinking of taking on more students now that I’m retired from chiefing. It’ll give me something good to do! I might call on you to show ‘em how to do it right.”

“Oh, I don’t know if I can do it like that again.”

“Sure you can! And next time, it’ll be even better.”

“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, Hamish.”

For the third time that evening, Hiccup was picked up in a hug and lifted off the floor. “The boy has passed! I can teach him no more!”

The assembled cheered, not all comprehending what exactly had happened, but happy for Hiccup all the same.

Hamish set him back on his feet. “Alright lad, your old man said you got one more song for me. About a girl?”

Hiccup’s face went bright red and he put his free hand to his cheek. “Oh gods…he sure promised you that, huh?”

“Darn tootin’! I’ve enjoyed the rest! I’m sure this will be great!” Then he put an arm around him and spoke to him so softly no one else could hear. Hiccup responded just as quiet, before Hamish burst out laughing. He gave the boy a punch to the shoulder, and exclaimed, “go get her, boy-o~!”

Hiccup gulped, and straightened his clothes nervously.

“We’re doing the last one now, lad?” Gobber asked, grinning.

“Uh oh! Is this the one?!” Stoick barked, standing from his seat.

“Sit down, dad!” Hiccup shouted back, face as red as can be. “Gods preserve me.” He looked back at the band, making sure they were all ready to go. Then he spoke up to the room. “This is my last song for you this evening. I hope you all have enjoyed this little…uh, concert? It was certainly not expected. But your warm reception is appreciated!”

“Whooo! Go Hiccup!” Tuffnut screamed.

He released an awkward laugh. “Yeah, thanks…um.” He brought the fiddle up to rest on his shoulder. “This song…I wrote a really long time ago. Before I met Toothless even. It’s uh…it’s still true though…” he trailed off. He nodded to the band, getting a beat.

Instead of instruments, they all clapped in time, before Hiccup started singing, his face still a bright red.

“This feeling lasted,

I love you, Astrid!

You're so much stronger than me,

But I don't mind!”

Astrid’s jaw dropped, her own face going as red as his. Hiccup began playing a jaunty tune, making Toothless pop to his feet and start dancing again.

“Never mind what the others say, deep inside I'm quite okay.

I may have messed up once or twice, but I really need you!”

He dared to look at her.

“And it's not like I'm the only guy. Oh, I know how you make them cry.

So let's start by being friends and let this friendship never end.

I knew you years ago. What I want, I don't know. But let’s just say it's love!”

Playing the fiddle and having Toothless prancing around gave Hiccup a lot of confidence. That, or just getting those first words out was the hardest part. But now, he was smiling, and hop-skipping around while he played.

“This feeling lasted, I love you, Astrid!

You're so much stronger than me, but I don't mind!

Don't say maybe, just be my lady!

No need to hesitate 'cause you'll be fine!”

Hiccup could, on occasion, be extremely corny. Even now, when he was just playing, he had this faux bashful smile on his face, like he had no clue what he was doing to her. The blush seemed genuine enough.

“So tell me what I want to hear,

No wait, let's just leave it there.

You know I'm not good for you!

Gods, I don't know what to do!”

Stoick had said he sang this song with passion, and he was right! Hiccup belted out the words, like he was making a grand proclamation.

“I liked you from the start!

You melt my icy heart!

And now it's burning hot!”

In retrospect, she always knew he was a performer. He’d always had a streak of the dramatic. Like when he tried to tame the Nightmare during his final exam. Or whenever he revealed one of his inventions. If he was going to do something, it was going to be a grand spectacle. Why was this any different?

“This feeling lasted, I love you, Astrid!

You're so much stronger than me, but I don't mind!

Don't say maybe, just be my lady

No need to hesitate 'Cause you'll be fine!”

He got down on one knee in front of her, looking up at her with big glistening eyes that would put Toothless to shame.

“Don't go away, you're what's left of me!

I once believed you would save my soul.

But if you saw me now crying secretly,

Would you hold my hand and never let it go?”

He flipped the fiddle to his side and strummed it like a guitar. His voice became softer, tender. Now just singing to her, and no one else.

“This feeling lasted, I love you, Astrid!

You're so much stronger than me, but I don't mind!

Don't say maybe, just be my lady!

No need to hesitate 'Cause you'll be fine!”

He popped back up onto his feet, and threw his head back, making his grand declaration into the room.

“Do you hear me, Astrid?

I still love you, Astrid!

I’m getting stronger now, hope you don’t mind!

Don't say maybe, just be my lady

Your parents are bugging me, knowing you'll be fine!”

I love you, Astrid! How long had she waited to hear those words from him? Too long, it seemed. But this seemed worth the wait.

All there was left to do was wait for him to move that damn fiddle out of the way.

He finished his song, flushed but smiling as he gave her a little shrug.

Astrid bolted from her seat, flung her arms around his neck, and kissed him hotly on the lips. In a way she had been wanting to for years, but hadn’t quite had the nerve to do like when she was younger.

She was still able to hear him squeak despite the cacophony that filled the large room.

Shouts of “finally!” And “you owe me ten gold” were totally drowned out in the absolute satisfaction she felt, finally kissing Hiccup.

Someone must have taken his fiddle for him as she felt his arms wrap around her and pull her tight.

Finally, she pulled away, a little winded. His face was priceless. He was dazed, but had this awed and lovestruck smile on his lips.

She played with his hair, then declared, “I don’t know much about music, but…

“Ooh Hiccup, I love you Hiccup!

You’re such a dork, you see?

But I don’t mind!

Won’t say maybe, I’ll be your lady!

I know you’ll take care of me, and I’ll be fine!”

He smiled broadly and pulled her in for another kiss.

“What a way to end a concert!” Hamish yelled from his table. “Way to go, lad!”

“I owe you a thank you, Hamish. I never would have done this if you hadn’t requested it.”

“Anytime, my boy! Always happy to help!”

—

The Shivering Shores stayed for three days, and in that time, Hiccup spent some time with Hamish, teaching him his songs. He played with the band during dinners, and over all, didn’t seem as secretive as he had been the last week. Everyone knew now, and he accepted that he was good. He was no longer hesitant, but actually allowed himself to show off.

When it was time to return to the Edge, Astrid spied the wooden case among his baggage.

“You’re taking it with you?”

“Might as well, might help me think while I’m planning on how to deal with the hunters. It’s helped in the past.”

“Are you going to give us something to listen to on the way back?” Asked Snotlout. “Gods forbid I have to listen to the Twins bicker for another 8 hours!”

“You want me to fly and play at the same time?”

“Oh like Toothless isn’t doing most of the work!”

Hiccup couldn’t argue with that.

Once they were up in the air and on their way, Hiccup made a great show out of taking out the fiddle and tuning it. Agonizing over each note.

“We know it’s tuned! You’ve been playing it all weekend! It’s tuned!” Snotlout shouted.

Hiccup snorted. “Alright alright, let’s see…” He drew a long note out and sang.

“Ohhhh I got my ax and I got my mace and I love my wife with the ugly face, I’m a viking through and through!!”

And he was promptly relieved of entertainment duties.

—-

A week later, things were back to normal. The twins had done a number on the Edge, and repairs and restocks were needed.

Hiccup and Astrid were up to their necks with duties, busy with work and barely could find a moment to relax, let alone have some time together.

It was late one night when Astrid laid in bed, exhausted but unable to sleep. She kept going over her lists in her mind, making sure she hadn’t missed anything.

The silence of the night was interrupted by the soft trill of a fiddle. No particular song, just notes floating around. Fast, slow, but mostly quiet.

Hiccup was also awake and thinking.

She got up and wandered over to his hut. His door was open, and he paced back and forth, with the fiddle on his shoulder. He was obviously talking to himself, but it was quiet and muffled by the music.

“Babe?” She asked, just loud enough.

He jolted. “Astrid! Oh! I didn’t wake you, did I? I’m sorry, I knew I shouldn’t have—“ he went to put the instrument away, but Astrid reached out and stopped him. “No, you didn’t wake me. I was already up. And it was so quiet I probably wouldn't have heard it if I was asleep.”

He sighed in relief.

“Then what’s up?”

“Well, I could tell you were awake, and…I wanted to see you.”

His face colored. “Yeah?”

“Hmmhmm. You don’t have to stop what you’re doing. I kinda like the idea of my own private performance.”

He shyly smiled, then put the fiddle back on his shoulder.

—

Fishlegs had night patrol. He opted to take Meatlug out for a relaxing flight around the island. He saw Astrid sneak over to Hiccup’s hut, but didn’t say anything. It wasn’t his business. He heard Hiccup playing the fiddle, a lovely little melody.

Then he heard a sharp, off key note, followed by silence.

He may be on patrol, but he had a feeling they didn’t want him to investigate.

------

One time in Highschool, we had a talent show. Know that I went to a very tiny private school, and everyone knew everyone (20 people in my grade). There was this guy in my class, Kevin, who was pretty stoic and quiet. For the talent show, he rode a unicycle while juggling and telling jokes. No one knew he could do that. Even the kids that knew him from Kindergarten.

Songs: Seasoned Oak - King Arthur and the Legend of the Sword

Fairytale - Alexander Rybak

Into a Fantasy - Alexander Rybak

Return (For Toothless) - Alexander Rybak

Shades- Árstídir

OAH- Alexander Rybak (heavily rewritten, and I actually prefer the strings of the Russian version ‘Strela Amura’ better.)

#fanfiction #httyd #how to train your dragon #hiccup #hiccstrid #hiccup haddock #astrid hofferson #toothless #fiddler hiccup

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