New readers: If you didn't read "the sixteenth year of Hiccup Haddock" this will not make any sense.

Current readers: Sorry, the epilogue became its own story but...See? We're back!

Chapter: Packing with the Haddocks

Hiccup woke up early that morning. He took Toothless for a short walk. As painful as it felt, Hiccup knew he had no choice but to keep at it. Toothless trotted slowly beside him, occasionally attacking any leaf that dared to fall onto their path.

School had been exhausting as he had predicted. He was usually late for class, no matter what he did. The hallways were longer than he remembered, and the stairs looked like lethal machines. Merida, Jack, and Jim were there to help him though. Although, studying with Jack was hard, since Jack never actually wanted to study. Any time spent alone with him was used for more...amusing activities.

Hiccup returned to the Haddock house cold and hungry. Valka was already working on breakfast, which scared Hiccup. She was burning a pot of oatmeal. "Morning Mom. Let me help you with that."

"Oh, thank you Hiccup. Jack's game is today, isn't it?"

"Yeah, at noon. I'm meeting Jim and the gang there."

"I thought Jack would pick you up early."

She watched as Hiccup did his best to salvage breakfast.

"Nah, I told him to just focus on his game."

"Do you want a ride to school? Yer father won't be leaving before noon anyhow."

"I guess..."

Hiccup sighed. He wondered if he would ever be able to walk all the way to school again.

A harsh wind was blowing through Burgess that day. The sky was shrouded in heavy clouds. Jack gave it another look as he headed into the school.

"Morning, Overland."

He turned to see Merida walking towards him. "I see you got a new scarf. Looks nice."

Merida was referring to the blue wool decorated with stars that was wrapped around Jack's neck. He tugged at it, proud. "Thank you. It's a Hiccup Haddock original, you know." They walked inside. "I see you're wearing Jim's coat. It suits you."

Merida turned red. "I just borrowed last night...After dinner! His mother insisted."

Jack shook his head. "Save your excuses, Red. It's none of my business, really."

She gave him an irritated look before heading into the girl's locker room.

Dinner at the Hawkins residence was fun. His mother was a great cook, and the small home had a cozy atmosphere. She had been spending more time with Jim as of late. Their relationship was teetering between friends and something more. Merida wasn't sure what direction she wanted to take it in. Back home, boys fought for her attention. But that was due to her family fortune. Jim didn't seem to enamored with her family's wealth, on the contrary he appeared a little put off by it.

She supposed that meant he liked her for her. What a weird concept for this day and time, liking a girl for her thoughts. Their daily activities weren't all that normal either. They would jog in the park, or workout at the gym. Jim taught her a few tricks on his skateboard. They were going to a archery range this weekend. It was a very 'active' relationship. Merida shook her head. Now wasn't the time to brood about Jim. She changed into her uniform and headed towards the field.

"We're gonna be late!"

"It'll be fine, Anna."

"..."

Anna, Elsa, and Rapunzel were on their way to Burgess high once again. Rapunzel had not seen her friends in a while, so she was eager to see Jack and Merida play. The winter holiday was upon them. It seemed like everyone was going away for the break. Rapunzel and her family would be up in a lodge. The DunBrochs were going to the tropics. The Haddocks were headed back to Berk.

Well, the Haddocks, and one Jackson Overland.

When Rapunzel and her cousins arrived at Burgess High, Jim and Hiccup were waiting in the stands. The game had just begun. Rapunzel took a seat next to Hiccup and rubbed her gloved hands together. "Another cold day in Burgess,"

"Yeah." Hiccup pulled a thermos from his backpack. 'You want hot chocolate?"

"Yes!"

"Me too!" Anna said. "I'm freezing."

Jim sipped his slowly. "It's good. Not too hot or too sweet."

Hiccup produced more cups from his backpack. "Do you want some Elsa? It'll help you warm up a little."

"No thanks." Elsa replied. "The cold doesn't bother me anyway."

Jack took deep breath. They were up against the Ogres again. He wasn't looking forward to the shoving. He looked at Meirda, who nodded at him before looking away. He followed her gaze to the crowd. Hiccup was sitting between Jim and Rapunzel, sipping something from a Styrofoam cup. He gave Jack a short wave. Jack waved back, beaming.

Merida gave him a shove. "Focus, loverboy."

It was a match full of grunts, shouts, and pain. Merida knew her mother would have a fit when she saw the bruises. Elinor was a little more accepting of Merida's lacrosse playing as of late. However, that didn't stop her from trying to get Merida to take up activities that were more "ladylike".

A hard shove sent her face first into the dirt.

"Get up, DunBroch! "

"Walk it off DunBroch! "

Merida shook her head and sat up.

Jack stood above her. "You okay, Red?"

"Ah'll be fine."

"Good. Oh..."

"What?"

"Your chin's really red."

Rapunzel crossed her arms in irritation. "They always pick on Merida. It's not fair."

Hiccup sighed. "Yeah. They're probably just jealous though. Merida is still one of the best players in the area and she's a girl. You know that gets under their skin, losing to us all the time."

Rapunzel reached across Hiccup's lap to give Jim's hand a squeeze. "Oh, don't worry Jim. Merida always gets them back in the end."

Jim nodded. "Yeah, I guess."

"So..." Rapunzel decided to change the subject. "Have you told her how you feel? How you reaaally feel? "

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "You don't have to answer that, Jim."

Jim sighed. "I dunno, I mean. She knows how I feel about her. It's like we're stuck in this..."

"Friendzone?" Anna asked.

"Yup." Jim nodded.

Hiccup sipped his tea. "Ah, the friendzone. I used to live there. I think I was mayor at one point."

Jim and Rapunzel laughed.

"Same here." Rapunzel said. Hiccup glanced at her. "No hard feelings, Hiccup. Don't give me that face."

"Okay..." Hiccup turned his attention back to the game. "If you say so..."

"So, are you ready to go back to Berk? " Rapunzel asked.

"Am I ready to go from chilly weather to freezing? Why yes, Rapunzel, I am." Hiccup sighed. "I'm just a little worried about Jack...And his lack of coats."

Jack was a fan of cold weather, but not layers. Winter in Berk was a thing to be feared, so Hiccup made Jack promise to wear more clothes. Aside from the chill he was concerned about the living situation. Berk was not at the forefront when it came to technology, and Jack was used to modern comforts. Then there were his parents...and his other relatives...and the locals...

It was a glorious victory for the Burgess high Heffalumps. With adrenaline pumping through his veins and sweat pouring down his back, Jack made a quick retreat to the showers. They were brand new and a big improvement over the rusty old ones Jack his shower Jack changed quickly. When Jack had first made his relationship with Hiccup public, a lot of his teammates and friends treated him differently. It was irritating and awkward, but at least they gave him space in the locker room.

He went inside and met his friends in the art club room.

"Hey, adorable." He held his arms open wide.

Hiccup rolled his eyes and offered Jack a cup of hot chocolate as he approached.

"Hey yourself. Good game."

Merida had arrived before him. The left sleeve had been rolled up, revealing a nasty mark. "They got me again." She said.

Jack sat on a desk and sipped his drink. "Yeah, they gave me a nice one on my leg."

Hiccup was concerned. "Are you okay?"

Jack sighed. "No...I'm not."

Now Hiccup was worried. "Why? Does it hurt?"

"No..." Jack shook his head. "It's just..."

"Just?"

"It's just...I really wish you made gingerbread cookies, Hic. I really wanted some."

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Oh man...I really thought you were being serious."

Jack frowned. "I am. Hic, it's the Yuletide season. You already told me Christmas will be different in Berk. I need to soak in as many normal Christmas traditions in Burgess as possible."

"Of course. How foolish of me." Hiccup took a plastic container out of his bag. "I made ginger snaps this morning."

"Now we're talking!" Jack said, grinning.

"I'm starving!" Anna declared. "Oh, let's go eat at Tiana's!"

Merida shook her head. "I don't wanna eat that stuff today."

"I didn't come out of the house with any cash." Hiccup admitted.

"Can we go to your place?" Rapunzel asked him. "I mean, we probably won't see each other for a while."

Jim glanced at his phone. "..." She was right. Jim wouldn't be seeing much of Merida over the break.

"Sounds good." Hiccup nodded.

They walked to Hiccup's place.

They took their time, stopping occasionally. Hiccup had not walked that far yet, and Jack could barely fit everyone and their stuff in his car. Hiccup ignored the throbbing pain in his leg until they arrived at his house. He headed for the couch immediately. Jack plopped down with him, wrapping his arm around Hiccup. Jack was the type who enjoyed public displays of affection much to Hiccup's horror. He didn't mind if they were among friends, but if Jack touched him in public he'd freeze up and turn red.

He was too tired to resist Jack now. He leaned his head on Jack's shoulder.

Jack took Hiccup's hand in his, running his thumb across the back of Hiccup's hand.

"You okay, Baby squirrel?"

Hiccup gave Jack a irritated look. "I thought I told you to never call me that."

"I'll stop saying it when it stops being true."

Hiccup puffed his cheeks out in irritation and Jack laughed. "See? You're totally a Baby squirrel."

Merida flipped through channels while Jim grabbed a snack from the kitchen. "Sorry, but I'm starving."

Hiccup shrugged. "Help yourself. What do you guys want to eat?"

Merida settled on a marathon. "Eh...Something hot."

Rapunzel looked towards the kitchen. "Maybe we should make something."

"What's here to make?" Anna asked.

Rapunzel and Anna headed to the kitchen.

Elsa excused herself from the room to make a phone call.

It was quiet in the living room for a moment. Jim was pretending to be absorbed in the show, as was Merida. Hiccup was minutes from falling asleep. Jack addressed Merida first. "Hey, Red. Question for you: how long are you going to keep this up? I feel like I'm watching Boy meets world or something." He looked at Jim. "Jim. Merida. Please. Do something. This little dance is tiring."

"Yer tiring." Merida retorted. "Which is why yer boyfriend is asleep."

"I'm not asleep. "Hiccup said, eyes closed. "Jack, leave them alone."

"Wise words." Jim said.

Merida nodded. "Aye, you should listen."

Jack rolled his eyes. "Oh please. Hic is hopped up on painkillers. He doesn't know what he's saying."

"I resent that." Hiccup muttered. "Ten points from Slytherin."

Jack sighed. "See? He thinks I'm a wizard."

Hiccup pinched him.

"Ow!"

Hiccup yawned and pushed Jack away.

Jack rubbed his arm as Hiccup rose from the couch. He steadied himself by using Jack's head for support. "I've had enough your lip, Overland. I don't have to take this." He began to wobble away.

"Wait!" Jack reached for him. "Where are you going? Come back!"

Hiccup continued towards the kitchen.

Jack did not move from the couch. He simply reached for Hiccup with one hand, dramatically crying out; "Wait! I didn't mean it shnookums! Come back."

Hiccup continued walking. "We both knew this day was coming for a long time, Jack. It's over."

"You don't mean that!" Jack cried. "Think of everything we've been through!"

Jim clapped. "Wow. And the Academy award goes to..."

Hiccup finally entered the kitchen.

"What're you working on?"

Rapunzel waved a spoon at him. "Soup and garlic bread. We need something else too..."

Hiccup crossed his arms. "Hm.." Something grabbed him from behind, causing him to wobble once more. "Ah!" There was the familiar scent of mint and pine. "Jack…"

Jack leaned his chin on Hiccup's head. "Never grow taller Hiccup. In fact, never drink milk again."

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Right. I'll make note of that." He patted Jack's arm. "We're having soup and garlic bread."

"You didn't start cooking yet, did you?" Jack asked.

"No." Anna replied.

"Good, because I'm thinking lasagna."

After another hour for deliberation, and a half hour of preparation, the finally settled on pizza. Jack glanced at the time. It would be getting dark soon. "We should be going soon."

Merida swallowed another bite of pizza. "Ach, yer right."

They cleaned up the living room and said their goodbyes.

One by one they filed out of the Haddock house, until Jack and Hiccup were the only ones left standing on the doorstep.

"Bye guys!" Jack said, waving.

Hiccup gave him a amused look. "Shouldn't you be leaving too?"

Jack looked down at him. "Nope."

Hiccup crossed his arms. "Did you tell them to leave just to increase your chances of making out on the couch?"

"Did it work?" Jack asked.

Hiccup shrugged. "Maybe."

He walked back into the house and returned to the living room.
Jack followed after him. Before he could sit down, Toothless plopped into Jack's spot.

Valka returned home just then, further disrupting Jack's plans.

"Hello, Jack, HIccup. How was the game?"

"Marvelous, Mrs. Haddock."

"Are y'ready to go to Berk?"

"More than ready." Jack replied. "Tomorrow can't come any faster."

Stoick entered the foyer. "Yes... you make dinner?"

HIccup shook his head. "We had pizza. There's another box left…"

Stoick seemed disappointed. Valka seemed to read this on his face.

"Do you want me to whip something up, Stoick?" She asked.

Stoick stroked his beard. "Yes,dear."

Jack didn't feel like having a stomachache. "Well, now that you guys are home, I should get going." He picked up his duffel bag. "It's getting dark anyway."

"Don't let us keep you." Stoick said.

Valka nudged her husband,. "Are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer? Stoick can drive you home."

Jack shook his head. "Nah. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Toothless sprawled himself out on the couch. He yawned.

Hiccup shrugged. "Well, I guess I'll show you to the door."

Jack nodded. "Bye Mr. Haddock, Mrs. Haddock."

By the time Hiccup was in bed, Jack was double -checking his suitcase. It had not been an easy task convincing North to let him spend Christmas somewhere else. Jack gave a long speech about how we was all grown up, and he and North would spend many, many Christmases together. North made him open one present early, just to see the look of delight on his face. Like last year, the Haddocks promised to be back in time for North's New Year's didn't spend much time outside Burgess, let alone with Hiccup.

The next day, they would be heading out. From what Hiccup told him it was going to be a long drive cross-country with hardly any rest stops. Jack wondered what a road trip with the Haddocks would be like .Doing anything with Hiccup would be great. Doing anything with Stoick was tricky.

It was morning before Jack knew it. North had already left to go to the office, so he made a stop at St. North's to say his goodbyes before heading to the Haddock residence. Jim wasn't working that day so he didn't bother dropping by the Hooligan gym. He had managed to pack all his clothes and supplies into his duffel bag. At Hiccup's request, he had bought a new coat. As he walked, he found himself bombarded with a round of texts.

I hope you survive the trip, Overland. -Merida

Have fun in Berk! Take Pictures!-Rapunzel

HAVE FUN IN BERK! :) ;) XD-Anna

Enjoy your trip to Berk, Jack- Elsa

Take this for good luck-Rapunzel

Rapunzel's text message was accompanied by a picture of Jack sleeping next to Hiccup. From the looks of things they were on a bus, headed for Myrtle beach.

'Myrtle beach...'

Jack would remember that summer for the rest of his life. The fall that followed it wasn't all that wonderful either. That trip had permanently changed Jack. He remembered an earlier time, when his only worries were about himself. There was Jack the jock...Jack the class clown…Jack the future store manager...He hated all of them. But his accident, Gothel, Hiccup's ordeal...they put things into perspective.

It was time to grow up. Jack very little time left to be a class clown. And in the future he would have even less time to be a jock. Sooner or later the St. North's department store would be his responsibility. And in truth, it wasn't just about him anymore. He had Hiccup to think about now. Strong, yet scrawny Hiccup who still needed help walking around school. His parents wouldn't be there to take care of him. That would be Jack's job now.

Jack reached the front door. He rang the doorbell, taking a deep breath.

After a moment, Stoick came and opened the door.

"Hi, Mr. Haddock." Jack said, smiling. "Ready to-"

Stoick slammed the door in his face.

Jack sighed.

The door opened again and it was Hiccup this time.

"Hi, Jack."
"Hey, adorable."