Welcome to my first multi-chapter HTTYD fic! I knew this day would come sooner or later.

Installments are of varying lengths (mostly drabbles) and are posted in no particular chronological order, though the first two just happen to be sequential. Enjoy, and please review if you do! :3

Length (this chapter): 300 words

Characters (this chapter): Stoick, Gobber

Summary (this chapter): "[Hiccup] came early into this world..."


It was just before dawn when Stoick finally arrived at the forge. His face was white and he stopped in the doorway, swaying. Gobber set down his work at once and shoved a stool in Stoick's direction. Stoick half-collapsed onto it.

"Is she—"Gobber began, swallowing hard.

Stoick stared at him for a second like he did not understand. Then he blinked and shook his head. "Valka's—no, she's fine. Resting."

"Then, the baby?"

"A boy. Gothi says he's healthy. But he's so tiny..."

Gobber almost collapsed, himself, in relief. He found himself another stool. "That's to be expected, this early. He's a Haddock, after all. Probably was just ready to be out in the world, making his mark alongside his dad."

"Aye," Stoick agreed, color returning to his face. "Aye, you're right."

"Besides, look at Valka. Never waited for anything in her life. This child is going to be a hellion, with you two for parents."

Stoick started to reply, but then stopped short with a look of awe. "Parents," he repeated. "I'm a parent, Gobber."

"Aye. You are."

"I've got a son."

"That you do. An impatient little hiccup of a son." He offered him his good hand. "Congratulations."

Stoick stared for a second, an enormous grin breaking out across his face. He grabbed Gobber's hand and used it to pull both of them to their feet and into a rough hug. If his laugh sounded a bit thick, Gobber generously chose not to notice—though he did snicker when Stoick tripped over the stool on his way out.

Beaming, Gobber watched him go. Gods knew an early birth had its dangers, and there would be complications ahead. But with a father like that, he had no doubt at all that the boy would be just fine