I checked the clock on my phone for what seemed like the thousandth time. 4:30 a.m. Of course I can't sleep any longer, I have a complete stranger sleeping in the room next to me! 'Why should I stay in bed any longer? He should be okay for a little bit while I go to the grocery store, it's not like I can sleep anymore anyways.'

I sighed as I lifted the covers and slid out of bed, the familiar pain hitting when I heard it.

Clunk

'Crap! I forgot to take of my prosthetic last night!' I carefully took off the offending piece of metal and rubbed the tender flesh. It wasn't a new thing to me, only having 1 1/2 legs I mean. I lost my leg over six years ago, and am pretty used to it by now, but I am not now, nor will I ever be, used to the never-ending pain the stump inflicts. It aches when I walk, it aches more when I stand for too long, it aches even more during winter, but most of all; it just aches. And when it's not aching, there's the infamous "phantom pain".

I sighed again, then hopped out of my room and across the hall the bathroom. I snatched a small towel from the cupboard by the shower and hopped back to my room, collapsing onto my bed once more. I carefully wrapped the towel around the stump, applying as little pressure as possible before putting the prosthetic back on. I groaned softly as I stood up, willing away the pain.

Step, clunk. Step clunk.

I walked into the kitchen and made a list of everything I needed before grabbing my wallet and coat and slipping out the door, making sure to relock it. My shopping spree took about 45 minutes, but to me, it felt like hours. I was so sure that my leg was gonna fall off at any moment.

Returning to the apartment I carefully put everything in the cupboards, trying to be as quiet as I could, conscious of the other person in the house.

With a start I realized how hungry I was. I grabbed the new bag of pancake mix and started making some. Even though I'm clumsy, I learned to take care of myself because of Dad's lack of participation in the caretaking department. I may not be a world class chef, but I do know my way around the kitchen.

I let myself hum as I worked, cracking a few eggs over the stove as well, and pausing every once in a while to flip the pancakes. Because I was so engrossed in what I was doing, it took me a little bit to realize that someone was watching me.

Looking over my shoulder I jumped slightly, surprised. "G-good morning," I mumbled, putting the eggs and pancakes onto the table. "I hope you like pancakes, because that's really all I have for now. I just moved in here and am still settling in."

He grunted in response. "It's fine. Thanks for the food."

"Y-you're welcome, the forks are over here," I told him, grabbing the bag of plastic forks from one of the grocery bags.

We ate in silence. I was trying to think of something to say when his deep voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"You said you just moved here, but you don't look over 17," he didn't say it, but I could tell what he was getting at.

"I'm 19 actually..." I looked down, and he must've seen the look on my face as he nodded in understanding. I could tell he wasn't really one to pry.

"You didn't have to save me back there, I could've handled it."

I laughed. "Are you kidding me? They beat your ass!"

"Ooh, that doesn't hurt my pride at all," I could hear the sarcasm, and it made me grin.

"Well, it's true. Besides, you were hurt so badly I would've been shocked if you had been able to throw a punch. Plus, you looked like you hadn't slept in days. Speaking of your condition, how are you feeling? You look more rested, but I do want to have another look at your wounds." I said, getting up and throwing my paper plate in the garbage.

"'M fine," he said, finishing his food.

"Okay," I said. "Then bring me your plate."

He got up to comply, standing and wincing, before groaning in pain.

"That's what I thought," I told him, sitting him down and taking his plate to the trash myself. I retrieved the first-aid kit from the counter where I had left it the night before and seated myself next to him so I could check on his wounds. He was reluctant to take his shirt off, but when I told him I had already seen his chest and would manually take it off if I had to, he slowly complied

He had lots of bruising, and scars that looked like they were from knives, but I still couldn't help but admire how toned his body was. I was amazed and fascinated by his sculpted muscles and couldn't help but feel jealous. His dark green eyes held secrets that I couldn't help but want to uncover. He had messy black hair that I wanted to run my fingers through, and it looked so soft! His face was very defined, and I get the feeling that, born in another place at another time, he could have been a model. I tried to moved quickly and carefully, trying not to linger over his strong muscles, but it was hard.

"You're okay, but that's gotta hurt like hell and I don't want you to do yourself harm by moving around too much," he nodded mutely, not meeting my eyes. I suddenly realized that I had forgotten something important.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I totally forgot, what is your name?" He looked up at me, taken aback. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, like a fish, before finally speaking.

"T-Toothless. Call me Toothless." Weird name, but I'm in the same boat...

"My name is Hiccup, nice to meet you." I put my arm out to shake his hand, and the bastard actually started laughing!

"Hiccup, huh?" I flushed, embarrassed.

"W-well you're in no place to judge!" He stopped laughing, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I guess not." I guess I hit a sore spot. I didn't know what to say to make it less awkward, so I got up and returned the first aid kit to its spot in the bathroom.

Up until now, I hadn't even thought about my prosthetic, but walking back towards the kitchen became a painful reminder. Stepping from the carpet in the living room to the tile in the kitchen I almost tripped, making the prosthetic rub against the tender flesh of my stump.

"Shit," I groaned, leaning against the counter. Toothless jumped up to help me, wincing at his own pain. Nevertheless he was immediately at my side, helping me back to the table to sit down.

"You didn't have to do that, I know that you are already hurting." I said when I was seated.

"I know, but I did. Anyways, what's the matter with your left leg?" Way to dodge the bullet buddy.

"I-it's nothing, it-"

"I'm not stupid, it's obviously not 'nothing'."

"I-" I sighed, defeated. I lifted my pant leg, trying not to cry out. I carefully undid the straps of the prosthetic while he watched with wide eyes. Pulling it off, I showed him my stump, blushing when he continually stared at it for a few minutes.

"How did it happen?" He whispered, his eyes still glued to the irritated skin.

I blushed, not meeting his eyes. "A car accident when I was young, I got hit by a car and well..." I shrugged, not really wanting to finish.

To my relief, he nodded in understanding. "I'm so sorry."

I looked away. "You don't have to apologize, it obviously wasn't your fault.

He nodded, still staring at my leg. Feeling uncomfortable, I started to put my prosthetic back on.

"Wait," he said, grabbing my arm.

"What?"

"I'm no doctor, but I don't think that you should put that back on..."

"What else am I going to do? I can't walk without it!"

"Well, I still think that you should at least wait a little bit before putting it back on..."

I rolled my eyes. "And what are you going to do to help me walk, carry me?"

"That can be arranged."

"No, I was being sarcastic, I didn't really, I mean, you're still hurt, and," I knew I was babbling, but I was so nervous...

He chuckled at my bumbling, "it's ok, I'm not a weakling, I can handle a little pain."

"Whatever," I shrugged and we lapsed into silence.

"Oh!" I remembered, voicing a thought that had been on my mind for a while. "I forgot to tell you, um, well... you know..."

"Yeah?" He asked, succeeding in making me even more nervous.

"You, um, you can stay here as long as you need!" I blurted, then blushed a deep red. "Well, I mean, 'cause you're recovering and all…"

He smiled gratefully. "Thanks for the offer, I uh, I appreciate it."

"I-it's nothing..." I was trying to think of something else to say to him, but I wasn't coming up with anything.

After a while, and some reluctant bandaging, I was able to put my prosthetic back on with less pain. I couldn't help thinking about Toothless though, he's hot! Though that's not really an excuse... 'face it Hiccup, you have a stranger that you just met in your house.' I sighed. I guess I need to get to know the guy better; especially before Astrid gets here.

Before I could say anything though, he spoke. "So... um, what do you like to do? You know.. in your free time..?" He looked awkward, but I could tell he was trying to get to know me. Really just saving me from having to start the conversation.

"Well, I don't get the chance to do a whole lot... between college full-time and my job, I'm busy," I offered a crooked smile, to which he returned with a hint of a smile.

"Ah, where do you work?"

"An old family friend hired me at his carpenter's shop. Been working there for a few years now. Believe it or not, I was a weak scrawny kid, so Dad thought it would toughen me up," I half mimicked my dad's burly attributes, surprising myself at how comfortable I was around him. "Anyways, whenever I get a moment I usually just draw. What do you do in your spare time?"

He looked at me sadly "Not a whole lot, as I don't get much free time either." It didn't look like he wanted to add to that, but I needed to know some things, even though I hate prying.

"Look, I mean, I understand I'm a stranger and all, but you're kinda staying in my house and I'm literally gonna go to hell for you when Astrid gets here... so I'd appreciate anything you could tell me..." He nodded in understanding, though still appeared reluctant. "Okay how about this," I tried. "You tell me something about you, and I'll tell you something about me. Okay?"

He nodded, relaxing a bit. "Alright, uh, well; oh I know! When I was four, we moved here from Canada."

I smirked, not being able to hold back "Canada, eh?" I giggled, and he rolled his eyes. "It's alright, my parents actually met in Russia, and my dad moved here to be with my mom." He nodded, seeming interested.

We continued, sharing light details about our lives, before I heard a knock at the door. "Shit," I muttered, standing a little to fast and groaning in pain. Toothless quickly got up, wincing at his own pain, but looked more concerned about me.

"'M fine," I muttered, shuffling to the door, with him close behind. I paused in the hallway and turned back to him. "I'm sorry, I forgot that my best friend Astrid is coming to go shopping with me for a few things, she's always worrying about me and insisted that she come help me." I explained. "Would you mind coming with us? I mean, I trust you, but not enough to leave you here alone for a few hours." I rubbed the back of my neck in discomfort.

"Alright, that's understandable. I mean, you only met me yesterday." He spoke softly, and I suddenly realized how close he was, his face in close proximity to mine. My breath hitched as I got lost in his green eyes, mesmerized. I jumped when Astrid knocked on the door again, louder and more insistent this time, and I avoided his gaze as I rushed to open the door.