First off, thank you to the guest who reviewed the last chapter! I couldn't reply to you but I wanted to still say thank you.
This chapter took a little longer than expected as I felt like I couldn't get it just right (I'm still not convinced). Here's number three!
The next morning Hiccup packed up Toothless' saddlebags with a few supplies for the quick trip home. Hiccup had learned early on, when you're a one-legged Viking with a one tailfin-ed dragon you always fly prepared. "Ready, Bud?" he asked while he gave his dragon an endearing scratch. "Hopefully you're recovered from training." Toothless warbled back with a returned question. "Better, but today certainly won't be the most comfortable day I'll live." As Hiccup climbed onto his best friend, Toothless' earflaps perked in excitement. "What is it, Bud"
"Ready to go? I know I am."
Hiccup turned to see a determined Astrid walking toward him with her Deadly Nadder close behind. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about me flying to Berk."
"Okay, but why?"
"Do I need a reason?" Astrid quipped as she climbed onto Stormfly.
"Uh, no, but-"
"Okay then, are you ready or not?" Thought it was meant as a challenged her couldn't help but smile. The beginning of a journey always evoked the best feelings.
"It's just, with you and me off the Edge things could—"
She cut him off again with a wave of her hand, "We've left them plenty of times; it'll be fine for a day or two. Fishlegs can keep them in line."
Hiccup, seeing that there was so winning against Astrid, nodded his head at her before patting Toothless "Let's fly, Bud!"
Both dragons and riders launched into the air. Instantly a flood of joy came over the two dragon riders as the land disappeared underneath them. The two loved flying more than anyone else but for two different reasons. Astrid loved the control and strength she felt over herself and her dragon, making her feel like she could conquer the world. While Hiccup loved nothing more than the feeling of freedom. In the sky there was just him and Toothless while the world faded away. That was part of the reason their friendship worked so well. Astrid brought Hiccup to reality while Hiccup taught Astrid to let go. After a few hours of off and on silence Astrid flew Stromfly closer to Toothless.
"So, what do you think your dad needs you for?"
"I don't know. It's my dad, it could be anything. It's probably some chief stuff." Hiccup rolled his eyes with his final statement.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Why do you not want to be chief?"
The question without a doubt surprised Hiccup. "I-I never, uh, who said I didn't want to be?"
"You didn't have to say anything, the expression on your face every time it comes up says enough."
"Is it that noticeable?"
"It is to me, I doubt if anyone else notices though. Lucky for you your sarcasm hides a lot."
He smirked in return before answering her question. "It's not that I don't want to be chief it's just… all the things that come with it."
"Like what? I mean, I'm sure it's a lot to handle but how bad could it really be." That part of her that was so Stoick coming through once again.
He sighed deeply, "I've grown up in a home where my dad is exhausted every night and keeps ice on hand because of the headaches everyone causes him." Hiccup was staring out past the sea as he spoke, "Sure, I've been the leader on the Edge for some years now but that's only 6 people and that exhausts me. As chief I'd be required to do all sorts of stuff I've no idea how to do like solve everyone's problems. And then there's all the arguments. And the overseeing of, well everything, from fishing and hunting to how not to be killed by other tribes and wild dragons. I have to determine whose house gets fixed first and what treaty to sign and give speeches for all of it, then to top it all off I have to get married, even to a stranger if it's seen fit by a council, and produce an heir within a reasonable amount of time, because, of course, I have control over that!" Once he finished Toothless let out a compassionate croon as he could sense his rider's anxiety. Hiccup looked over at Astrid for her reaction and he saw her wide-eyed surprise at his outburst. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, uh, go off like that."
"No, it's okay. I guess I never really thought about all the chief does or the pressure behind it, it comes so second nature to you and your father. I can understand your hesitation little more now. Sorry I asked."
"Don't be. I'm glad to have someone to talk to and that that someone is you."
"You haven't talked with your father about all this?"
"Have you met my father? Plus, there's not much to talk about. I'm his only heir, the end." She only nodded her head in understanding. "Well not if you count the Jorgen-"
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, don't you dare finish that sentence! I've changed my mind! I don't understand you anymore!" Her arms crossed in front. "Suck it up, you're the next chief whether you like it or not! And you better produce an heir too, multiple if need be! Anything but that unthinkable thing you were about to say!"
Hiccup found his smile again as Astrid finished her comically passionate tirade. A brief glance at each other is all it took for laughter ensue. "It's good to know I'll have more than just Fishlegs and my father supporting me," looked at her again, "even if it's just to keep the family of Snotlout away from the Berk throne." The lightheartedness eased from her face and she opened her mouth to speak but closed it with an undecided expression. "What?" Asked Hiccup
"I didn't say anything."
"You looked like you were about to."
Astrid tucked her hair behind her ear in a nervous fashion. "It's just, in all honesty… I. Look, I'm not saying being chief is going to be easy, it won't. I mean, you're going to be in charge of an Island of stubborn Vikings, there's nothing easy about that but… I know that no matter your faults, self-doubt, or comparisons to your father, you're going to be a great chief someday."
Hiccup swallowed harder than usual, "How do you know?"
Astrid shrugged, "You've proven yourself time and again. Can you not see that? That's why I'll support you, it's not about avoiding Snotlout, though it's a big selling point for you being chief. Well, that and Toothless." She then winked at Hiccup in a teasing way causing him to noticeably blush. After all these years, she still sent butterflies to his stomach.
They continued their flight in internal thought. Hiccup was contemplating all Astrid had said. He wasn't looking forward to the day his father past the torch to him, not by a long shot, but her belief in his ability as future chief took away some of the sting and meant more to him than he could ever find the words for.
Astrid on the other hand was caught on something Hiccup had said that never occurred to her before. Could Hiccup really be forced to marry a stranger? Though Berk hadn't done this in generations, it was not uncommon for tribes to make alliances through marriage for trade and treaties so why had she thought Hiccup was somehow immune? She wasn't even immune. She was past the age most female Vikings married and her reputation as the Shield Maiden who fought alongside The Pride of Berk was growing, certainly offers would come. Then what? What if Berk needed her to serve in such a capacity? Would she say no or stand on duty to her tribe. What would Hiccup do? These thoughts caused her insides to oddly twist. As her unease rose she sought to regain control, she looked around for something to pull her from her unwanted thoughts. Looking ahead her eyes caught Berk on the horizon. "Hey Hiccup, I bet you I can make it home before you!"
"You're on!" Toothless and Hiccup gave each other a knowing look before they shot toward Berk at an unmatchable speed.
Stoick was going about his daily chief duties when he caught sight of the black dragon with its trademark red tailfin. Hiccup was barely noticeable atop of Toothless as he practically molded himself to the dragon, sitting upright just in time for landing. "Great flying, Bud!"
"Son! Good to see you!" He hastily picked Hiccup up off Toothless as if he were a small child and hugged him tightly.
"Daaaad, *gasp, Aiiiirrr!"
"Oh sorry, son." Putting him down as gently as he could, which was more of a clunk.
Hiccup deeply exhaled, "Uh, Hi, Dad."
"I'm glad you…" just then Stoick was interrupted by the familiar squawk of Astrid's Nadder. "You 'two' came so quickly," he finished as she landed.
"Alight, you won this time but just you wait till next race!"
"Whenever and wherever." Hiccup reached his hands out to her to assist her off Stormfly.
Astrid rolled her eyes at both the comment and his Gentle-Viking actions that he persisted on offering to her and even Ruffnut on occasion. She was about to whack his hand away as she usually did but decided to take his offer for once. She slid off Stormfly and soon found Hiccups hands around her waist as he set her softly on the ground. He was certainly stronger than he appeared. As they stood there facing each other his hands still on her waist and her hands resting on his shoulders Astrid began to question whether her feet actually touched the ground- that is until she heard Stoick clear his throat. They instantly separated tensely and felt their faces grow hot as they wondered how long had they been standing there with Stoick watching.
"Uh, hello, Chief. How are you today?"
"Very well Miss Hofferson. You?"
Astrid looked over to Hiccup as if he would have the answer but he only stood there rubbing the back of his neck with uncertainty. "I… I'm fine."
The three Vikings stood in a brief awkwardness until Gobber came to greet them. "Hiccup! Lass! Good to see you two!"
"Hi, Gobber." Hiccup would add this interruption to his list of things he owed Gobber.
Astrid was still tense, only feeling a slight release with Gobber's arrival and quickly looked for an out. "Good to see you too, Gobber. - Well, I guess I should go check on my parents." She didn't wait for a reply. She turned around on her heals and headed off in the direction of her house all the while quietly muttering undiscernibly to herself. "What is wrong with me? Not being able to control my thoughts is one thing but not controlling actions, especially in front of the chief! Ugh, this is getting out of hand!"
The three men watched Astrid walk away until she was out of ear shot. "It is just me or was that a little weird?" asked Gobber.
"No, it's not just you, Gobber. Son?" Stoick looked to Hiccup.
"Hmm?" Hiccup was hesitant to say anything knowing this had the potential of turning into a trap.
Gobber raised his brows in anticipation. "Ah, what'd I miss?"
"Nothing, Gobber. Absolutely nothing… That I want to talk about." The second half Hiccup said in a rush and under his breath. In the hopes of avoiding further questioning he pushed forward. "How's the forge? Working on anything new."
The two older men wanted to press further but knew better once Hiccup deflected. Hiccup, whether he was aware of it or not, took mostly after his mother (and not just in physical appearance) but when pressed about something he didn't want to talk about or do he became mostly his father. As challenging as it was for Stoick to face himself within his own son he couldn't help the pride that swelled within him when Hiccup would dig his heels in and become unmovable as the island of Berk itself.
"Eh, it's good. Working on some odds and ends for dragons and the riders but nothing compared to any of your fancy flowery do das." Gobber resigned.
Hiccup had to smile, that was the closest Gobber got to saying he was impressed with his inventions. "While I'm home I'd like to see what you're working on."
"Why don't you head over now?" Spoke up Stoick.
Hiccup look at his dad with mixed emotion. "Well, I thought you'd want to talk to me, considering it was you that brought me home."
"We'll certainly talk but it can wait. Gobber could use the help and the company." His hand almost shooing him toward the forge.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. I've got some duties to finish up then I'll meet the in the hall for dinner."
"Sure, dad", Hiccup gave his dad a curt nod and started walking beside his former mentor with Toothless close behind.
Once in the Forge Gobber's excitement came out, showing everything he was working on from dragon repair teeth to new saddles he was designing. "This is my latest one, though I can't seem to get it right." Gobber pushed a piece of paper toward Hiccup with a sketch of a saddle for a Monstrous Nightmare.
"It looks good to me."
"Well—you see, the rider is, uh, a monstrous size themselves."
"Hmmm." He pulled the paper over and intently studied the sketch before commenting. "What if you added an additional brace right here, that would allow you to expand the whole thing as well as help the dragon with redistributing the weight. You could even," he grabbed a charcoal from the counter and began his own sketch on the paper, "attach a sort of chair on top for added comfort."
"Well I'll be; why didn't I think of that? Once everyone sees this they'll be a line for new saddles. You should come home more often."
"Speaking of being home," Hiccup taking advantage of Gobber's comment. "Do you know why my dad asked me to come home?"
"Ya know he doesn't tell me everything."
"He tells you almost everything."
"He didn't tell me this one. Why?"
"I don't know; it just seems like he's avoiding me or at least the reason he brought me home for."
"You've barely been back for a few hours. What makes you say that?"
"In the note he sent he pretty much said nothing other than 'come home'."
"Sounds like Stoick to me. And you know, I don't know why you're complaining about this. When he finally gets to talking to you, you'll be wishing the whole time to be anywhere else, regardless of what he's talking about. Mark my words, it's what you two do."
"I know" Hiccup let that settle for a moment. He knew Gobber was right, but he also had learned to trust his gut. "But sending me to the forge as soon as I'm home? He's not the most open father around but he's usually not so cryptic or evading, at least at the same time. I don't know how else to say it, I just have a feeling."
"Your feelings usually lead you to trouble."
Hiccup smirked at the comment before continuing. "There's just something. It's almost in what he's not saying rather than what he's actually saying. If that even makes sense."
"Hmm" Gobber scratched his prickly chin considering the young man's words. "You know; I was beginning to wonder myself about somethings before I thought better of it. For the past few days he's—Astrid."
Hiccup turned to the direction of Gobber's attention and saw Astrid standing in the doorway axe in hand.
"Am I interrupting?" she asked.
"No, no. What can we do for you, lass?" Although Hiccup had a part of himself that wanted to say 'yes' he knew the reality was he couldn't deny her anything if he tried so he shook his head along with Gobber's reply.
"I just need a sharpening."
"I can take care of that." Hiccup said instinctively.
"Have fun with that, I'll be in the backroom working on this here fancy design of yours. Ah, the things we could accomplish if you could just get your head out of the clouds. Literally!" Gobber retorted as he hobbled to the curtained doorway.
Hiccup shook his head with a crooked grin as he walked over to the whet stone and began spinning it letting the years of muscle memory take over. He took the dull axe and started smoothing out its impurities "Destroying forests again I see" giving Astrid a side glance.
"Let's just say dad and I had some fun." Hiccup only smiled in reply trying to keep his focus on the blade. While he worked, Astrid walked around the forge admiring the array of weapons, occasionally testing the feel and weight of them until Hiccup was nearly done. "I didn't expect to find you in the forge."
"Me either, but I won't argue about it."
"Have you talked with your dad yet?"
"No. Though I'm sure I will thoroughly enjoy it when I do." Hiccup feigned his enthusiasm.
"Yup, I can just hear your excitement." Mimicking his false enthusiasm.
"I really think I am a bad influence on you. Rebellion. A lazy day. Regular bouts of sarcasm. What's next?"
"I don't think there's much left? You've ruined me."
"I don't hear you complaining."
"Then I guess we found the next thing you're going to teach me."
"Ouch! Maybe I won't sharpen your axe for you next time." Hiccup removed the blade from the stone and twirled it around to hand it Astrid. "What do you think?"
"Let me see." Astrid felt the weight of it then threw it at one of the beams of the forge. It stuck with a solid thunk. "Perfect. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"That better not have been an axe hitting my forge!" called Gobber from the backroom.
The two younger Vikings looked at each other with a grimace.
"Hiccup? Astrid?" the muffled voice continued.
"Uhh, want to go to the great hall for dinner?" Hiccup asked hurriedly.
"Sounds great!" With that the two rushed from the forge pulling the axe from the beam on the way out before Gobber could even emerge from the backroom.
Hiccup and Astrid upon entering the great hall split each to their families. From Hiccup's vantage point at the chief's table he could clearly see Astrid's parents Faas and Inga but more specifically Astrid, who was facing his direction. At first the young adults were content with occasionally sending small smiles to each other but as the evening progressed and the mead levels dropped and the noise level rose they began having conversations from across the room. This turned into a series of exaggerated hand gestures to figured out what the other was saying. Astrid was trying to tell Hiccup that she forgot to pay him for sharpening her axe when she noticed her parents starring at her wide eyed.
"What are you doing, Astrid?" Inga asked.
"I was, um, talking."
"With whom?" Faas was genuinely perplexed.
"Hiccup." Pointing to where he sat.
"From across the hall?"
"Between all the dragon training and missions we've been through together; you'd be amazed at how well we can communicate from long distances."
"Uh huh, I see. So, what were you talking about just now."
"I was trying to tell him that I forgot to pay him at the forge for sharpening my axe, but he's being a yack brain and can't figure it out." She cast an exasperated look in Hiccup's direction.
"He was working in the forge today?" Inga asked with surprise that she hid too late.
"Yeeeaah." It was spoken as more of a question than reply.
"I just thought he would've spent the day with Stoick, just coming home and all."
"Well you know Hiccup, he will avoid talking to his dad as much as possible when there actually is something important to talk about. And Stoick is no better, sometimes worse."
"Do they have something important to talk about?" This coming from her dad.
"I assume so since Stoick brought him home but- why all the sudden notice in Hiccup?"
Faas simply shrugged. "Just curious I guess. He is our future chief after all and someone who spends a great deal of time with our daughter."
Before Astrid could reply her eyes caught on the subject of conversation who was smiling at her, causing her to momentarily forget her parents. Hiccup pointed to her and himself then straight up. That's all it took for her to know a night flight was being plotted for after everyone retired from the great hall. She nodded her head in eager agreement. Her parents noted, having watched the whole exchange unnoticed to either Hiccup or Astrid, that a soft smile appeared on their daughter's face that they had never seen before and was most likely not going anywhere soon.
Just then a fellow Viking walked up to Faas distracting him just enough for Inga to have a few moments alone with her daughter.
"You seem quite happy this evening?" she simply couldn't resist.
"I hadn't really thought about it but I guess I am. It is nice to be home."
"Is that the only reason?"
"It was an all-around good day. Nice long flight, an axe competition with dad, eating something not fish."
"Could there be anything else to add to that list?"
"Mom, you're not very good at being ambiguous. What are you getting at?" Astrid raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Well I couldn't help but notice that every time you look at" She was then cut off by her husband who had finished his conversation much to her dismay.
"What are you ladies talking about?"
"Oh nothing. Are you two finished?" Inga shrugged and disregarded the confused look that Astrid gave her. Astrid and Faas handed their plates to her. As she walked away to take the dishes to be cleaned she glanced back at her daughter. Could she really not see? How could she not know her face lit up at the mere sight or even mention of the young Haddock; maybe she did and was avoiding it the way she did many other things. Years ago, she would have questioned her daughter's choice of attachment, but he had not only grown up to be quite a handsome young Viking, more handsome than most, but was wise and strong in ways that most didn't give much attention to but was vital for leadership. All in all, she was quite impressed with the man he had become.
When Inga returned Faas and Astrid were talking with non-other than Hiccup himself. She stood away from them just for a moment to simply watch their interaction. She tried to view the entire group but her eyes were drawn to her daughter. As she stared all she could think of was how beautiful Astrid looked when she looked at Hiccup. Something about him brought the best of Astrid out.
Faas saw her out of the corner of his eye and called her over. "Hiccup was just telling me about the things they've been doing at The Edge, including the training Astrid has been working on. Very impressive." He gave Astrid a gentle but proud shake to one of her shoulders.
"Very nice to hear." Inga smiled at the two young Vikings.
"How are you, Mrs. Hofferson?" Hiccup asked her shyly.
"Please, call me Inga. I'm good. Astrid mentioned you are home for some business with your father. Thank you for letting her tag along. It's nice having her home every now and then."
He rubbed the back of his neck feeling awkward with the comfortable and easy tone her parents were using, like this happened every day. "Uh, I don't feel like I can take credit for that. What can I say; you can't argue with Astrid."
Astrid's arms instantly crossed as she gave him a stern look. "You're one to talk."
At Astrid's snippy reply Hiccup's eyes brightened playfully. "True, but if it were a competition you'd win." Before he could see it coming Astrid swung her fist into his shoulder.
"Umf, really?" grabbing his shoulder, "It been awhile, it must be Berk that brings it out."
Astrid chortled back, "At least I didn't use my axe."
"Yeah, real thankful for that." He sarcastically quipped.
Faas and Inga genuinely enjoyed watching the playful banter between the two, it was a different side to each of them. They knew their daughter was a force to be reckoned with and Hiccup was stubborn enough to keep asking for more. "Next time you might want to think twice about sharpening her axe for her." Faas joined the teasing.
"Trust me, I've already questioned myself multiple times on the subject."
"Speaking of her axe, Astrid, did you say you forgot to pay him?"
"You don't have to, really." His shoulders shrugging.
"You should get paid for your job." Interjected Faas.
"Technically, it's not my job anymore. Also, if I didn't do it here I would end up doing it on The Edge anyway."
"That's true." Said Astrid "I didn't really think about it. I guess I'm just used to paying you at Gobber's."
"Living so far away and leading the Dragon Riders would make it difficult to be Gobber's apprentice?" Ingrid was more thinking out loud realizing that she actually missed the sight of Hiccup behind the counter at the forge. It was really as if something was missing.
"Yeah, it definitely does, though he still teaches me when he can, especially at the forge on The Edge. When I'm home my dad takes up most my time, or at least tries to.
"That's quite an apprenticeship, too." Catching the meaning.
"Yeah."
"Blacksmithing to chiefdom. That's a change." Faas observed.
"You'd be surprised. A blacksmith serves the people with what he provides, being chief is pretty much the same thing, you're just providing—well yourself."
Inga and Faas gave each other a knowing look that wasn't missed by Hiccup, though he wasn't sure what it meant, Astrid completely missed it being slightly taken aback by the confident man that stood before her. Once again 'chief' was mentioned and there was no stuttering, rambling, or odd look on his face like earlier, only a poised Hiccup who looked ready to lead the whole archipelago not just Berk. She listened to her parents finish the conversation with Hiccup but didn't join. She waved at them absentmindedly as they walked away.
"Don't be too late." Faas called back, lookingd more to Hiccup than his daughter.
Hiccup nodded his head in assurance before he turned his full attention to Astrid. "Ready to fly?"
"Ready when you are." It was more of an auto reply than a genuine answer.
Once out of the hall and out of everyone's earshot Hiccup observed, "That was… strange. That had to be the longest conversation I've ever had with your parents."
"Yeah, I think you're right but," She stopped and looked at him pointedly "It wasn't the only strange thing."
"What I'd do?"
"Nothing, specifically, I've known it was the ways things have been, it just didn't really phase me till today."
"What?" He knew she wasn't really upset, it was that whatever it was didn't sit right with her.
"It's just—it's like you have two different Hiccups." Astrid brows pinched together in thought, "It's like I'm the only one who gets to see you, the real you, while everyone else gets what they put on you, even your dad. I mean, I like being the person you can talk to but it kind of feels like lying doesn't it? With me you were nearly losing it just thinking about being chief but in there, with everyone else, you're all confidence? I almost don't know how to take it."
Hiccup knew exactly where she was coming from, though he couldn't completely agree with her. She was a defender of her people and a defender to him; how could she not feel like he was deceiving them and they, in return, were not see him for who he really was. He sighed and looked down, "One of the first things my dad told me about leading is to choose carefully who you share your true thoughts with. A friend will try to understand. A foe will use them against you. Your parents aren't foes but others may be. If I show my doubt it could be used against me or my father. And if the day comes when I am named chief, I don't want my people to know… to know how much I didn't want to do it." Hiccup breathed out the last sentence with a sense of shame.
Any frustrations Astrid had toward his façade waned. For the second time that day she had misunderstood the burden he carried; but she was also even more convinced he was made to carry that burden and carry it well. She put a hand of his shoulder and leaned forward on her toes until her lips gently touched his cheek. "Like I said, you're going to be a great chief one day."
Hiccup stood unmoving. Astrid had kissed him before, multiple times in fact, some even made it to his lips but this kiss was different than any other. Whereas the other were hasty spontaneous pecks this kiss was slow and gentle. Astrid was fierce for sure, but he never would have guessed she could be so soft in her affections. Hiccup felt his stomach flutter like never before and the air grew thin around him. He would have continued to stand there dazed if Toothless hadn't come bounding toward them in eagerness ready for their nightly flight with Stormfly trailing behind in a similar state.
"Toothless! Settle down." He pet his head to calm him.
"We better get going or Toothless just might go wild."
"I think you're right. I have no idea how he still has so much energy? Must have been that nap in the forge. Alright, Toothless, let's get going before the licks starts."
With that they mounted their dragons and ascended into the darkened sky. The flight was enjoyable as any other flight but both riders were beginning to feel the wear of the day which included the hours already spent on their dragons. Hiccup also remembered he essentially promised to have Astrid home sooner than later. After only one circle of the small island they convinced their dragons to land. They landed in front of Stormfly's stable next to the Hofferson house. The house was completely quiet. "My parents must have gone to bed already."
"Seems like it."
"I'm glad you got to actually got to talk with them." She removed the saddle off her dragon and hung it in the stable.
"Yeah, it was surprisingly nice."
"They seem to like you which is no small feat for my family."
"It's hard not to like all this raw Viking-ness." He flexed his arms (which didn't have much) and scrunched his face in a mocking manner that reminded Astrid of Snotlout.
Astrid scoffed trying to hide her smile, "Yeah, well, I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Viking."
"See you." Hiccup watched Astrid climb the stairs to her front door. She had her hand on the door latch when something came over him, "Astrid." She turned to face him, neither saying anything for several breaths. The words he wanted to say refused to form, it was like his thoughts wanted nothing more than to remain inside. He knew he had to say something. "Uh, thanks for coming with me, to Berk I mean."
A soft smile reached her eyes sensing a deeper the meaning that he couldn't convey. "Good night, Hiccup."
"Good night, Astrid." As the Hofferson door closed he looked at Toothless who was staring at him in question. "What are you looking at?" Toothless looked to the closed door then back to him. "Oh, be quiet." The dragon gave him dragon babble in return. "Just for that you're walking home." Toothless huffed but then nudged him in a playful way toward home. "Yeah, let's go home, bud."
