This is definitely a more laid back chapter compared to the past few. Some more comedy-based character developement, maybe what you consider fanservice (?)—cause you guys won't stop asking about hiccstrid, I swear—wrapped in some nice emotional moments to tie it all together.

And, you're going to be noticing more and more in this chapter on how, while elements from the movie's plot are still going to be used now and again, it's going to be deviating pretty heavily from it slowly but surely….

Part One: We are Challenging Fate

Chapter Nine: Honored and Entertained

It was just as Astrid expected when it came down to Hiccup's post-duel treatment.

He was a star.

In his defense, it was an amazing turnout. He only had one person in the crowd thinking he could win and somehow he pulled off a show of strength and etiquette over his cousin—the thought of king-to-be. Astrid couldn't help but smirk at the prince's success. Everything was actually working out for the moment. And though she didn't want to think to ill of the more peaceful plan in motion…if things really did go well, she wondered if the rules against women could be lifted by Hiccup if he was sitting on the throne.

Surely, she'd more than proved herself, and while Hiccup was on the subject of changing society…why not throw in women's rights?

Of course that would involve breaking the news to him…

She gulped as she walked down the hall to fetch Hiccup's breakfast. He was in the bathhouse, but insisted on eating while he bathed. Astrid really just wanted an excuse to get out of there. She had managed to steer clear of that place and stay fully clothed while there, but any time could be the jib.

She happened to keep an ear open as she went down the halls, hearing an entirely new chatter of whispers and gossip over the past week after Hiccup's duel.

"Look, there's warrior Alastair…"

"I heard he trained the prince so he could defeat the warrior duke."

"He really is Atlas's kin, no other rookie could be that skilled in training while just being here a few months."

The tune had certainly sharpened around the palace. Astrid went from a subject of disappointment and sighing 'oh how far the mighty Hofferson kin have fallen' to being praised just by the birth name yet again. People's shifting opinions turned her stomach, and she got Hiccup's breakfast from the kitchen, putting some extra food on and arranging so to look a little fancy. She didn't know why exactly she felt compelled to be such a pecking servant, but at least he had earned a little waiting on.

Humming a quirky little song on the way back, Astrid bumped into Lindir, Snotlout's maid. She had only been acquainted with her a few times, mostly seeing her exchanging gossip with Arte, but she was doing the same as she was, bringing a tray of food, most likely to the fallen warrior duke.

Snotlout stayed inside his room most the week, it was a shameful way to accept defeat, but Astrid could already tell humiliation wasn't something Snotlout knew how to carry respectfully. His duty to be in the King's place while he was away was a job from bed, at the moment. Things were still quiet, so there wasn't much to do, but the mood had changed from Snotlout's lavish 'I'm in charge' parties to a simple warrior duke playing king from his bed.

She peaked in Snotlout's room, seeing him in bed, simply giving a weak smile and a light kiss to Lindir before she trotted out, bumping into Astrid who stood, shamelessly, in the doorway.

"Oh, excuse me warrior Alastair," Lindir gave a little bow before leaving, by the looks of the basket she was carrying, she was on her way to the bath as well. Astrid peaked in a bit further, finding Snotlouts looking at her, challenging her with shadowy eyes, as if they drew her in she stepped inside, shutting the door behind her and putting Hiccup's plate on a desk beside her.

She surveyed the room around her, it had windows, but the large curtain surrounding them blanketed it in darkness and stunk of Snotlout's pity. She spotted the bandage on Snotlout's shoulder. Hiccup had punctured with his dagger pretty well, and it would take a good while for the wound to close up. Astrid saw a light red stain on the bandages, and wondered how much aggression Hiccup had really placed behind that blow. The thought of stabbing still made him sick, even after such a great win, but she knew even the prince could get caught up in vengeful energy.

Still, the room seemed much fuller with life than Hiccup's room, where even in the day the stone walls were only lit by the flicker of candle light.

"Do you intend to sit in here and stew in your pity forever?" Astrid pried a bit. She couldn't say she didn't get a sense of enjoyment, rubbing it in. She usually wasn't one for it, but, oh, had he deserved it.

"Do you intend to leave here with your life?" The same demons in his eyes still cast shadows under his lids, but she stood her ground. Jealousy looked scary but hardly had a bite behind the bark. "Just tell me one thing…Alastair."

"What?"

"What's the real story with you two…?" Snotlout smirked a bit when Astrid hitched her breath. She didn't even want to begin to know what he meant by that…yet still she asked.

"W-What do you mean?" Darn, she stuttered. That was a giveaway.

"You two are always sneaking out and being out all day, and you're nowhere to be found around the markets or the other recreational areas on Berk." He talked on and on, pausing to take a bite out of his breakfast. Astrid's fist curled, her nails biting into her palms. The fact that she didn't know where this was going bothered her most.

"What do you want Snotlout?" Astrid snuffed.

"You came in here to rub it in my face that I lost…I might as well make you uncomfortable too." He smirked at her. "I'm going to find out what you two are hiding. Mark my words."

Astrid had a million and one ways to insult him or give him a good comeback in her mind but she hushed them all. All of which, while snappy, would've just confirmed that they had something to hide, and she'd hardly be the downfall of Prince Hiccup's plans. Instead she let out a heavy sigh and a pout, shaking her head before picking up the plate of food and making her way out of the door, listening to Snotlout's breathy laughs as she closed the door behind her and rolled her eyes.

Going in there was a bad idea.

0o0

She finally made it to the bath house, sighing at the humidity of it and glad that she had at least put on a lighter tunic, but due to the thinner nature of it she put on her cape just in case. But it was better than the thicker warrior's garments she usually wore.

She looked around to see that of the large number of people in the bath that day, a lot seemed to be congregating around a certain part of the bath. The part of the bath she was walking towards.

Oh Gods no…

Astrid saw Hiccup's private corner of the bath being overrun by a group of…girls. They looked like Snotlout's little puppets, all mooning behind Hiccup now simply because he was the front-liner for the throne and not the warrior duke. She sucked her teeth. What little gold diggers.

"So how long had you been wielding a dagger? It's such a rare skill." One of them cooed.

"Well…um…I've been carving models for flying machines for a while." Hiccup answered tentatively, biting his lip, probably in an attempt to not tell them all to back off or he'd use that dagger on them. His back was pushed to the farthest end of the bath, blushing from the heat and the close proximity of all the women.

What kind of girl pushed up on a prince in a bath? Astrid rolled her eyes, they were all so desperate, and most of them older than Hiccup by at least ten years.

Astrid leaned down on her feet near the edge of the bath, slamming down his plate of food to create a bigger noise to call attention all the interviewing. All the girl's eyes sparkled towards her as well, but Astrid didn't even have time to go there.

"It's so nice how you and Alastair are always together. You're like brothers." One of the girls said and Astrid rolled her eyes just as Hiccup did as she took off her boots and let her feet hang in the water. She splashed a little forward, making some of the girls back off.

"Yeah, that's me and Alastair…good ol' brothers." Hiccup almost laughed.

"Alright, ladies, Prince Hiccup has to bathe now, so, why don't you all let him be?"

"I'll scrub your back for you Prince Hiccup," one of the girls offered, and Astrid realized it was Lindir. By then Astrid had had just about enough of them. She gave all the girls a scarily pleasant look.

"That would be my job," Astrid said drolly and all the girls either grinned, laughed, or blushed. But it made them leave.

"Well done, sir." Hiccup sighed, sinking into the water until it came to his chin. "I don't think I've ever had that much positive attention in my life." Astrid noted the small smile, though. She knew despite being annoyed by the girls, he was proud of himself.

"Get used to it. With Snotlout sulking in his room and these ladies smelling blood in the water for a new heir to suck up to, its fair game for you."

"Well, I could care less about these heartless she-witches." Hiccup lifted a wet arm out of the water and took a piece of fruit from his breakfast plate. "That duel was the first step….to secure my right to throne as the King of Berk."

He seemed extra perked up about it as he ate, determined hums in his chewing, and Astrid simply splashed her feet and not caring that her cape was getting a bit damp. She was glad Hiccup wasn't asking her to come in with him. After her turning him down every time they went there she was glad he finally caught on that she wasn't one for public bathing.

"But…my father's coming home today…" Hiccup said after a good while of silence. He had finished eating and finally took to scrubbing himself, his eyes were serious and downcast, and Astrid stopped her splashing.

They had gotten word a few days ago at a reporters meeting that the King's boat was set to dock soon.

"How do you think that's going to turn out…?" Astrid asked tentatively.

"I'm not sure. I've got nothing to worry about…I won the duel, my father will probably be really proud that I defended myself, challenged Snotlout, and actually won…"

"Yeah…but, you're still worried?" Astrid could tell he was, he didn't get that look unless he was deep in thought. When he got like that it was always the hardest to look him in the eye, it was almost like she could see straight into his turbulent mind when she did. It seemed too intimate, especially since he was technically naked then. That was simply something else Astrid had grown numb to.

"Well, I'm not going to let him push me around anymore…" Hiccup got a bit redder in the face. "That might cause more problems…and what is he going to say when I finally get around to proposing my plan to end the war?"

"Which…what is that plan exactly?" Astrid felt it right to ask. "Gaining Toothless's trust is out of the way, which was a major hurdle on its own, but what about actually ending it? You're both coming from stubborn political ends."

"Don't remind me…" Hiccup sighed. He floated over to the edge, looking up at Astrid with those eyes. But he was looking straight at her so she couldn't look away. His elbows and arms red from being in the steamy water too long. "Me and Toothless need to perfect our flight a bit more, we'll be more intimidating that way…" Astrid laughed quietly at that statement, knowing that flying on Toothless wasn't completely necessary for the plan to work. But pegging that in the plan was a classic Hiccup way to stall...and he was in love with the sky, after all.

"Then after that," He continued. "I don't know if we should go to my dad first…or maybe this 'mother' all the other dragons talk about so much."

"And what are you going to do with the mother dragon, have some tea with her…?" Astrid laughed a little, but Hiccup didn't breathe a chuckle.

"I…don't know yet."

Astrid sighed. He was still making it up as he went along. She loved it when he took things seriously and planned ahead, but it always made her want to smack him when he was in his 'I'll just see what happens' mood.

"I know you hate it when I don't plan ahead…just trust me, okay?" Hiccup tried to convince her.

"I'm still here aren't I?" Astrid said before getting up from the water and grabbing a towel, throwing an extra one at Hiccup to dry off. "Come on Prince Hiccup, your father is probably going to be pulling in soon."

0o0

Hiccup put on his best clothes. Black tunic, custom belt with the Berk crest, gloves, palace boots, Viking helmet, and his cape. He felt heavy and stuffed compared to the clothes he had been wearing normally while his father had been away. It was nice to be able to go out with Alastair to go see Toothless whenever he wanted, but it would be back to when it all first started.

Alastair had on his best clothes as well, his one medal still trumping his medal-less cape. They walked in silence to the second level of the palace where the throne room was. Stoick had gotten in just a little while ago. Hiccup could hear his own breathing in his ears, his footsteps echoed and his heart pounded just as it had when he battling Snotlout. Meeting his own father put his body under the same stress as a sword duel…

He felt Alastair's hand on his shoulder, and he calmed down a bit.

"Relax, my prince," Alastair said lightly, not letting go of his shoulder while they walked, and Hiccup couldn't say that he didn't need the comfort. He had joked about it earlier that morning, but maybe Alastair really was like his brother in a way. He certainly favored Atlas in that respect.

Two guards opened the grand doors to the throne room where Stoick sat on his throne, the sea breeze was still fresh on his scent, but a particularly prideful glow radiated from him. Hiccup had seen that glow before from his father…but never had it been for him.

Hiccup walked in silence to his father's feet, a cold shiver coming over him when he felt Alastair remove his hand from his shoulder, still behind him, the two got down on their knees, bowing to the king.

"He-hello father…" Hiccup gulped. He'd never been so nervous before his dad, he even called him—so formally—'father'. Every ounce of snark seemed to flee from him and it left his hands cold and numb against the stone floor.

"I heard you and your cousin got into a scrap while I was away." Stoick started off with, leaning forward with interested eyes.

"He insulted my birthright…so we had a duel." Hiccup explained, still looking at the floor as opposed to Stoick.

"And you won!" Hiccup could hear the smile in Stoick's guff of an excited announcement. He stood from the throne and walked over to his son, leaning down and patting his back, allowing Hiccup to finally meet his father's eyes. They beamed with pride, and Hiccup knew that even if it was just for winning some duel, it was something he had always wanted. Hiccup smiled, weakly at first but the corners of his mouth kept twitching upwards more and more.

"Pulled the old dagger trick, huh?" Stoick laughed a bit. "Oldest trick in the book."

"He's particularly skilled with the dagger," Alastair suddenly added, the boy blushed a bit in embarrassment at his forthright exclaim and looked away. "..Sir…" he added for good measure.

"And I hear you helped train Hiccup to get him ready?" Stoick turned to Alastair. The boy looked over, nodding quickly, back erect. "Well done, noble teachers of the warcraft are appreciated here in the palace."

Hiccup could see Alastair practically bursting at the seams with happiness as well. It was a good day for them both, especially since the last time they were before Stoick in the throne room, it was to be reprimanded for being out recklessly all night.

"I'm glad you've been keeping my boy in productive matters while I've been away." Stoick thanked before turning back to Hiccup. "And you, that Haddock spirit is finally shining through—" he slapped Hiccup's back affectionately "—well done, son."

Stoick got up and walked back to his seat. "There's a play tonight as a celebratory entertainment after my safe return, and I'd like for you to come with me."

Hiccup winced a bit. He never went to those plays…they always did something of entertainment value for the King after he had been on a long journey, but it was always such a social event. Hiccup felt like ornament there rather than a person anyone wanted to engage with. But…his father actually wanted him there this time.

"Alright…I'll go," Hiccup agreed, looking over at Alastair. "As long as Alastair can come with us."

Stoick smiled. "Of course. But first…." A guard came over with a chest, Stoick opened it and pulled out a medal, walking over to Alastair and placing it at his cape. It was a Medal of Nobility, a rare medal for a warrior to get, but a very well respected one. Hiccup recalled Atlas having many medals of nobility…and looking at Alastair receive one seemed almost like flashback.

Stoick went back to the chest and pulled out another medal, a Medal of Skill. Two medals in one day? Hiccup smiled, feeling happier for Alastair than he thought he would, but Alastair turned and smiled at him instead, when Stoick didn't go over and attach it to Alastair's cape…but to his.

His…first medal….

"I'm proud of you son, you really showed a lot of promise by winning that duel." Stoick said as he fastened it, and both Alastair and Hiccup stood, beaming.

"I announce these two warriors with medals of nobility and skill to exemplify their efforts." Stoick said aloud. Alastair had already gone through this…the very first night he arrived on Berk and saved Hiccup. He hadn't been there for Alastair's first medal, but Hiccup had always been a lonely bystander when warriors were given medals. And now..he had one.

His plan…was really working.

0o0

Astrid never had to dress in 'evening wear' before. Not while being a boy, at least. Mostly when she and Ruffnut would go on a night on the town they'd wear dresses, maybe do something interesting with their hair, but being a man and going to a play as a personal guest of the Viking prince and king…what was she supposed to wear?

"Geez, you take longer than a girl to get ready, Alastair." Hiccup called out from behind the door. Astrid threw on an extra shirt before slipping outside, catching him putting on his pants, which—just like in the bath—seeing the prince in such little attire was hardly that mind altering anymore. She couldn't afford getting flustered over it so she simply suppressed it as something normal.

"I…well, I don't exactly have something to wear." She admitted, in a tiny voice. Hiccup choked back a laugh and she punched his arm lightly. "Don't make fun, I'm serious. I guess I'm just going to have to wear the clothes I wear the meetings." It was a hopelessly gaudy outfit, but she'd manage.

"So, just borrow something of mine…" Hiccup shrugged instead and laughed a bit more, going over to his drawers. He pulled out a red and gold tunic and a white undershirt. "Here, red never suited me, and I got this as a birthday gift from Trader Johann last year, so it's fairly new."

Astrid looked at the perfect stitching of the garment, the thick fabric, the golden lining. Running her thumb over it she felt it would certainly be a nice alternative to her normal warrior's uniform. The mail of her loin piece and otherwise having to double up on undershirts was getting unbearable, but how was she going to pull off such a tight garment?

"What, you've never seen a tunic before?" Hiccup still chuckled a bit. "Get dressed."

"R-right," Astrid held the clothes to her chest and went back into her room, shutting the door loudly. Hiccup had mentioned a few times how odd she was when it came to dressing and bathing, and not for the first time, but it was always a dodge and burn to avoid answering it directly.

She wrapped herself a bit more tightly, it would be a bit awkward and stiff for her chest but she had to try and pull off not wearing baggy clothes all the time.

Almost fifteen minutes—of re-adjusting, re-wrapping, and a few dramatic groans of discomfort—later Astrid resurfaced, Hiccup already fully dressed and tapping his boots impatiently on the bed frame. He had his prince's helmet on, matching crème colored long-sleeved tunic and pants, his palace boots still on, and he had on a cape Astrid hadn't seen before. His right arm was covered, while his left arm wasn't covered by the cape at all. Most Viking men who wore such a cape had so that their right arms were free, but the prince was a 'special' individual. And his Medal of Skill hung perfectly on his cape.

She couldn't help but smile a bit fondly at his appearance. When she thought of a prince, this was what she thought of. Regal, confident, and well dressed, she had never seen Hiccup as the total package of Viking Prince, attitude and clothes to match, but now that she got a good look at him…it was nice. She was firm in her thoughts that Hiccup was probably better off without the political system, but it sure looked good when he tried.

"You take forever getting ready and then when you finally come out you just stare at me?" Hiccup sucked his teeth playfully, getting up and going in a little circle around her, acting like he was inspecting her clothing. "Not bad for someone from Merkskof."

"I'll have you know people from Merkskof are some of the more civilized of the Viking islands." Astrid crossed her arms, though she knew she could've tried a bit harder to look better. The dingy brown of her pants didn't particularly favor the bright red of the tunic, her boots were muddy no matter how much she tried to clean them, and she was overdue for cutting the ends of her hair, the clean cut of her quick axe cuts always growing out eventually. She couldn't have such long hair or the length would begin to favor her femininity.

He stood back from her, and Astrid got another closer look at him. Yeah, he looked good…she wasn't going to deny that.

"And you…um..." she continued, but stopped herself. Hiccup was already interested, though.

"I what?" Hiccup raised a brow.

She clearly wasn't thinking. "You…look…so nice." She said slowly and awkwardly, probably the only saving grace for the fact that she—Alastair—just told the prince he looked 'nice'. Hiccup blinked a few times.

"Um…yeah, thanks."

They stood around awkwardly for a few moments, chewing their cheeks and rocking back on their heels. It felt like some kind of blind date, Astrid hated to admit, though she knew Hiccup asked her clearly because he didn't want to be bored, her staring at him and then complimenting his outfit in such a…girly way, kind of killed the friendly mood.

Hiccup scrunched his lip a bit, but then it evened out and turned for the door with a good natured wry to his smile. "Come on let's go, or did you want me to kiss your hand before we leave?"

Astrid jumped on playing along like her life depended on it and punched his shoulder, a little harder, for good measure. "Gross. Keep your slobber to yourself."

0o0

It was odd walking around the village, Astrid had seen so little of it since she was there.

The lantern and torch lights illuminating the rows of stands and peasant shops outside, people were selling things, fixing things, trying on things, others just standing around and talking.

Hiccup and the King had a certain air about then, everyone cleared as they walked past, some bowed, some welcomed Stoick back from his trip, and Astrid was absolutely sick of hearing girls giggling and mooning at "oh, it's Prince Hiccup" like little lovestruck farm girls. They barely knew anything about him…about his struggles, his motivations, his fears, his secrets. He was just someone else to dive after because they might be that 'one in a million' who gets to marry the king-to-be. None of them knew Hiccup…not like…she…did….?

Astrid's eyes widened a bit and she tugged at the bottom of her tunic, chewing her lip. Even those thoughts were embarrassing. She cut her gaze over to Hiccup and Stoick, they both looked so much higher than her…she felt oddly out of place walking beside them, but there she was. If she had been in a dress…she would be certain the gossip would be different, but instead they were all thinking they had a chance with him when a girl had been walking beside the prince for weeks.

The theater house was a large area in a dugout a few feet deep. A large, flat stage and even larger seating area, but there was a row of seats, in the center a bit back with nothing in front or behind it, that was reserved for special members of the palace. The King and the prince getting a perfect view. The King's seat was comfortable for one, though Hiccup's seat could probably sit three people with how tiny he was. Astrid was sure he had fun lazing around in the chair the few times he did go a play but instead he lead her to his seat and told her to just sit in the same seat with him.

Astrid was smacking herself for still feeling like the fact that she was even there was some sort of date. She fidgeted awkwardly in the seat while Hiccup stayed mostly in his own thoughts. He was looking at the stage, but his eyes seemed like they were looking into his own mind more than the drama. Though he had a lot to think about, even Astrid could admit that things were going good for him at the moment. He defeated his cousin, got his father to be proud, got a medal, flew successfully on Toothless and was starting to form a strong friendship with the most feared and mysterious dragon in the Viking society….he was actually incredibly…lucky. He took dumb luck to a new level, that was for sure. But then, the fact that she had gotten the punishment to babysit him working to her advantage was pretty lucky as well.

Still deep in thought, Astrid turned her attention away from Hiccup and to the play. Vikings weren't known for their brilliant playwriting, or even their brilliant actors, but it was something to do in spare time for entertainment. The play featured a woman who was sold off to marry the soon-to-be rival chief even though she's in love with the chief of her home island, and how the entangling love triangle fuels the worst part of a war.

Blood, fighting, and a sulky, manipulative girl seducing men. Astrid sighed. There weren't any plays on Merkskof, but if this is what they were like…she was glad she was missing them. Leaning on the arm rest, she heard a small snore from Hiccup and realized he had dozed off. His eyes were only closed lightly, and to anyone walking by they wouldn't assume he was sleeping, but Astrid chuckled a bit. The play was a snore fest…and the manipulative woman in the play probably rubbed Hiccup the wrong way, if he was paying even a speck of attention to it.

The torch lights were bright, the actors were loud, but her thoughts were deep and kept pulling her deeper into the same doze Hiccup was in…as if it were contagious…

0o0

Astrid was comfortable, her left cheek was against something soft, and her nose was filled with…Hiccup's scent. She didn't open her eyes yet, only scooting further into whatever she was leaning against and the comfort returned. She heard a light snort but still didn't open her eyes. She remembered a similar feeling back when she was little…she'd lean against Atlas in such a way when she'd have a nightmare. Gently he'd take his younger sister into her arms and rock her back to sleep, maybe telling her a story or two about the great and mighty foreign warrior Alastair….

"Atlas…" she mumbled, scooting closer still, turning her nose into the softness.

"Um…okay Alastair, you're being weird tonight."

That made her open her eyes. She was staring right up into Hiccup's eyes, he looked confused no doubt. She had fallen asleep, and must've leaned against Hiccup because—of course—leaning the opposite way to sleep on the armrest would've been too much of the normal thing to happen.

"Oh Gods….oh Gods…oh…Gods!" Astrid jumped up from her chair and bounced a bit on her feet, springing back and forward a few times before jittering down. "I'm sorry…I was just…." She swallowed, how to explain that so that it didn't seem weird.

"You mentioned Atlas…" Hiccup's tone softened, and stood as well, dusting off his shoulder for some reason.

"Um…yeah, when-when I was little," she cleared her throat, making sure her voice wasn't too light. "—And I got scared, Atlas would come in and stay with me until I went back to sleep…." That story could still work if she was a boy, right? Astrid wondered, but Hiccup gave a soft smile so it looked like it had gotten over.

"You two were really close, huh?"

"Yeah…two peas in a pod. But, I had Ruff—um Rune…to keep me company too."

"Rune…hmm, you never mentioned him." Hiccup sat on the armrest. "What's he like?"

"We both became warriors, though he's probably off at sea…he's looking for his brother too."

"Oh, he was part of the group that went missing…?" Hiccup asked, and Astrid nodded.

"Well, if Rune's anything like you, he'll be fine." Hiccup smiled and hopped off the armrest when he heard his father call over to him. The play had long since finished and afterwards, the audience would use the space to mingle and eat. Hiccup and Astrid mostly stood beside Stoick while he laughed with people, occasionally he'd brag about Hiccup's duel—even though pretty much the entire village had been there—and a few times he'd mention "Alastair's help". The whole thing was a privilege…yet ultimately just as boring as the play.

Hiccup nudged her arm and gestured for them to walk off, they talked behind a table, as away from the mingling as they could be.

"Let's get out of here." Hiccup suggested quickly.

"But…" Astrid looked over her shoulder at Stoick. "Your dad…"

"He'll be fine, besides, he's bragged enough and these parties aren't really my thing." Hiccup smiled. "We'll catch up on things tomorrow." He grabbed her arm and tugged at her to follow him and they both snuck out of the party….

0o0

"So do I need to ask where we're going in the middle of the evening?" Alastair asked as they walked through the market. Despite the play, there were plenty of civilians still in the market, more gossiping and chatting going on than buying at that hour, though.

He heard the faint remarks of the recent peace among the island, knowing very well they were referring to the lack of dragon raids. For an island always at the wits in wait for a dragon attack, going weeks without one seemed oddly misplaced, as if they missed the adrenaline of their lives being in danger. It was something that would've ogled Hiccup's mind more if he wasn't aware of the reason. He only swallowed in fear of what kind of massive attack the dragons were planning.

Maybe Toothless would know? Granted, he had already been shot down when the dragons came to him in the cove that night, announcing their plan that they were looking for him, but maybe this was a predetermined idea that was only manifesting itself now? Hiccup still tried to not connect the dots that the island was going to be attacked because they wanted him…or at least, so he figured. His power was fading more in more into a normal state but he dreaded having to tell anyone else but Alastair…especially his father. He knew the kind of reaction he'd get, especially since he was finally starting to get on his father's good side. What would the King say to his son suddenly claiming he could read a dragon's mind?

Either he'd think he was crazy…or think he was just crazy enough to be a weapon.

Both outcomes had little appeal.

He felt an elbow nudge his side and he snapped back into the reality of things, his heavy thought making the lanterns blur momentarily.

"Erm…where else?" Hiccup recalled Alastair's last question and regained conversation.

"Toothless?" Alastair whispered, but Hiccup saw the twinge of an excited smile in his lips, like he was enjoying the secret. Hiccup gave a nod, and Alastair stared blankly forward as they slipped to the far left of the palace and made their way to Raven's Point.

By the time they got there the sun had already set, but Alastair didn't complain, he seemed lost in his own thoughts for most of the walk, never quite recouping from after the play.

Hiccup had to admit that Alastair had been acting strange that night, he didn't exactly know what to pinpoint it on, though, until he mentioned his brother. Hiccup constantly kept forgetting how awkward the plan must've been for Alastair…not only was he a warrior but his brother was killed in a dragon raid. It hadn't been long since Atlas was killed…the wound was probably still fresh. It was especially at times like that when Hiccup wished he could hear human thoughts as well.

Still, the silence lingered as they walked, and Toothless gave a small grumble as the noise of them approaching woke him from his nap. Still, there was a certain radiance that came out of Toothless when Hiccup arrived, he hadn't been around as much as he would've liked to after the battle and his recent spur of popularity and be watched so much more heavily. And the weight of not being able to fly as often—now that they could—weighed on the night fury.

::You are here at such a late hour?:: Toothless recalled, walking up and nudging his nose in the palm of Hiccup's hand.

::My father's back home.:: Hiccup sighed and sat next to Toothless. The dragon curled behind him and Hiccup leaned again his skin, it was warm, and the heartbeat beneath the leathery scales mixed with the calm of the moon peacefully.

::But you don't sound pleased.:: Toothless said. ::Did he not understand something again?:: Hiccup almost forgot how much he had ranted to Toothless about his problems with his father, probably more so to Toothless than Alastair. And Toothless remembered it all…he could tell as the snatches of conversations bubbled forth in the night fury's mind, recalling everything for reference in conversation. Was that how dragon's thought, Hiccup wondered? Or just how Toothless thought?

::No, everything's fine.:: Hiccup almost laughed, pulling out his cape from behind him and showing Toothless the one medal that now clinked at his backside. ::I finally got a warrior's medal…a medal of skill for the battle I won against Snotlout.::

::Human ways of praise are strange.:: Toothless shook his head and placed it back in the nook of his folded arms, still listening to Hiccup even as his eyes lulled closed.

::It's just…a really big honor, I had finally given up on ever getting a medal and just when I'm about to try and change everything…I'm finally fitting in.::

Toothless's eyes opened at that one.

Hiccup could feel the uneasy fear spiking in the dragon's blood. He turned and was met with the moon-washed glow of night fury eyes.

::Are you going back on your word?:: Toothless asked, it was a firm and serious question, a perfect balance of a disheartenment over betrayal and almost a threat. Hiccup gulped.

::No, Toothless, it's not like that…:: Hiccup bit his lip. So what was it like…? ::The irony is just odd, is all. I'd never take your flight away just because I'm popular for a little while.:: Hiccup knew that was what was bothering Toothless. The mechanics of their deal weren't so fragile that Hiccup would abandon Toothless in the cove and take away his fin, and Hiccup could feel that Toothless knew that…but the fear still lingered, less on the deal and more on a fear of losing the bond they had began to grow. They both had a romance with the sky, with learning more about the other, and with changing the way their societies worked. Hiccup wasn't about to let it go any more than Toothless was.

His turbulence of thoughts seemed to register with Toothless as the dragon curled back down, but still kept his eyes open. There was a period of silence as they simply listened to each other's breathing, the light wind against the leaves of the trees, the gurgle of the water with a flip of fish.

Toothless looked over at Alastair as he leaned against a boulder, Hiccup followed his gaze and the boy did look particularly deep in thought, as he had been all night. Hiccup barely understood the bond of siblings, having none, and never being particularly close with his older cousin, but…he could tell it was Atlas that Alastair was thinking of.

::The sun-haired one is troubled.:: Toothless observed, Alastair didn't even seem to notice that the dragon was looking at him, his eyes were simply blank as he stared to the side.

::Yeah, I think Alastair's thinking about his brother…:: Hiccup sighed.

::The one who perished?::

::Yeah…:: Hiccup gulped again, Toothless was always so nonchalant about death. But perhaps it was viewed differently to dragons than humans?

::Your friend doesn't speak much?:: Toothless said. ::Hasn't spoken all but a few words since being here.::

::I told you, Alastair's just not comfortable about you yet. But he will be.:: Hiccup had hope for Alastair and Toothless one day being able to be in good company just as he was, they obviously couldn't speak to each other on the same plane, but acknowledging each other was a start. ::I want you two to be closer…for my two friends to be friends as well.:: Hiccup spoke a bit wistfully, thinking to himself more so to Toothless, but the night fury shuffled at the words, taking them to heart it seemed.

Toothless turned a gaze over to Alastair again, and simply stared, but Hiccup could feel the gears turning in his brain.

::Then I shall try to be more open to the sun-haired warrior.:: Toothless said before curling back in his arms. Hiccup knew it was a gesture purely to show that the dragon did care about something Hiccup wanted, and it made his heart swell. He gave the side of Toothless's neck a scratch, and his wing twitched a bit in pleasure.

The moon rose higher in the sky still, and the night chill came in a bit harder that night, Hiccup began to shiver only lightly even with the warmth of Toothless behind him, but the night fury was more awake now, having snapped from the lull of his nap. Hiccup felt the energy, and knew that they should probably get in a good fly before they headed back to the palace.

Toothless sensed the thought and immediately perked up, standing. The flight gear had been left in the cove that time around and Hiccup went over to Alastair after he assembled it.

"Hold my cape while I take Toothless for a fly." Hiccup said, though it was still a little on the demanding side. He winced a bit. Technically Alastair was still his body guard, he had to do what he said, but Hiccup was trying to build their friendship on more than mere duty. They were friends…even if he was a prince nonetheless. "If…you want to." He added, thought gave word to an additional thought. "Unless, you want to come with us."

Alastair had simply listened in a dazed look before that suggestion and he looked up, a strange look in his eyes, as he looked at Hiccup, the Toothless, then back at Hiccup.

"I don't think that's a good idea." He answered dryly and Hiccup twitched at the tone of his voice.

"Alastair, you have to warm up to Toothless eventually." Hiccup baited.

"I just don't want to fly, okay. That's your thing." Alastair said, but his voice was small, and he pulled his knees to his chest. Hiccup felt a bit stupid for asking…dragons killed Atlas, after all…but Toothless was different, and he hoped that eventually he'd realize that to every extent. Alastair seemed to make some kind of progress the day of his duel, when he found him and Toothless on the island with the terrible terrors…but since then he seemed clam up and the fact. The limbo was making Hiccup weary, but he knew that it was just Alastair fighting his natural instincts.

"Okay," Hiccup let it go for the moment. "We'll be back in about 15 minutes." He told him, and mounted Toothless, before taking off into the sky.

The chill in the wind and the less turbulent night air was perfect to clear Hiccup's head. There was so much he had to do now that his father was home…his plan wasn't just about flying, it was so much grander, scarier. But Hiccup had chosen this path, he couldn't back down now just because he won a battle…

::Do you know anything about the raid, Toothless?:: Hiccup asked while gliding gently over the topside of the clouds, they were thin that night, but Toothless needed a slight rest after getting the more complicated exercising maneuvers out of the way. His wing muscles were taunt, but at least the winds were calm.

::Not as much as you need me to know.:: Toothless said. ::But it can't be anything good.::

::And they're here for me…:: Hiccup sighed. ::I just…don't get why I'm so dangerous.::

::Such powers within a human frighten them, it's a difficult time for our kind, you cannot understand.::

::Maybe I would if you'd explain it to me.:: Hiccup whined a bit.

::If the situation needs it, then I will.:: Toothless closed the subject. ::Right now it would only burden you further.::

In a strange way Toothless was thinking of Hiccup's wellbeing, but Hiccup's mind burned with the need to know. Would they dragons come and take him away? Or just burn everything along with him? Could he even stay there knowing that his presence left everyone in such danger?

::See, it's already making your mind a windstorm.:: Toothless said. ::Take a deep breath, human…::

Hiccup did so, and smiled.

::Thanks Toothless…::

::It's no heed…::

0o0

It was a silent walk back while Alastair was still lost in his own thoughts, and Hiccup was at that point as well. Once they got back to the palace everyone was getting ready for their nightly posts or simply heading to bed, a few girls tried to swarm around Hiccup but thankfully Alastair got them to back off.

"You're father's looking for you," Arte told Hiccup as she passed them in the hallway. Hiccup simply raised a hand to indicate that he had heard her, but he figured he'd deal with his father in the morning, assuming they'd actually have breakfast together for once.

Hiccup went straight for his sleeping pants as soon as he entered the room.

"Well, you're turning in early." Alastair commented on.

"It's been a long day…" He took off his cape, folding it and placing it on his nightstand, letting the medal reflect the dull candle light, he smiled, but tried not to feel so happy about it. He couldn't get too attached to it, to this lifestyle. It was all about the change and until he knew how he couldn't hold onto too much.

"It has…well, goodnight…"

"Oh, wait, Alastair." Hiccup called out. The boy turned. "I'm sorry…about Atlas. I know that's why you've been acting weird all day, this all must be really hard for you."

Alastair was silent for a few moments, his eyes stormy even in the low light, glossed over in exhaustion and thoughts. But in the thick of it all he gave Hiccup a smile. "Thank you, Prince Hiccup. It hits me kind of hard sometimes, that's all…"

"I know but I do really hope that what happened with Atlas doesn't stop you from one day being friends with Toothle—"

He was stopped mid-sentence, as a knock rapped at the door.

"Not now Arte, I'm about to go to sleep." Hiccup growled.

"I'll get it," Alastair sighed, and when he opened the door, it was the king. Unannounced and out of his formal wear. Hiccup saw the stun straighten Alastair's spine, and he backed off, going to straight to Hiccup's side before wistfully announcing: "You're father's here."

"Dad? Um…" Hiccup was just as stunned, it was so rare Stoick would make a trip to his room in the wee of the night, unannounced and in casual wear. It clearly wasn't a diplomatic matter that he didn't just have someone fetch him.

"I'll…leave you two alone," Alastair fidgeted awkwardly but gave Hiccup's shoulder a light pat, smiling as he closed his private door behind him.

Hiccup bit his lip, and looked up as Stoick took a seat at his bedside.

"Yes, dad?" Hiccup asked again, but Stoick seemed just as out of sorts as Hiccup felt. They were both a little out of their element.

"Let's…take a trip together." Stoick asked in one mighty breath, and Hiccup had to double take to make sure he'd heard him correctly.

"A trip…?" Hiccup smiled a bit. He remembered when they used to take family fishing trips, he never particularly liked fishing, but it was the difference of being with his father without the hecklings and expectations of the village and titles that he enjoyed.

"To your mother's memorial." Stoick said. Hiccup hadn't been there in a while. It was a grave of sorts, but since no body of his mother's was ever found, they could never have a proper burial. All that was left was her dagger, her armor, helmet…everything she used to fight with.

Hiccup clicked his tongue before responding, not entirely knowing how to even though it was a very simple request.

"Sure…sure I mean…just you and me?"

Stoick smiled. "Yes, son, just you and me."

"O-Okay." Hiccup couldn't help it, he beamed.

"I'll have Arte call on you tomorrow morning as to when to get ready. So rest up." He slapped his shoulder and stood, brushing off his own shirt as he walked to the door. "Good night, son."

"Night Dad…" Hiccup waved a bit childishly as the king left the room, and he fell back on his pillows, flipping over on his stomach and screaming into his pillow. Whether it was of excitement or frustration wasn't clear, but he screamed into that pillow for another five minutes.

8,000 words yet again (and I thought this chapter was gonna be shorter, pfft).

So some father/son bonding next chapter, and some interesting Toothless/Astrid bonding as well. Lots of good stuff next time.

And for anyone who might've caught the little Hiccup's mother plothole…I did change it from the original way/reason she died so…don't freak out.

Review Responses:

Midnight Dragon Conqueror: I'm sorry but no…that would be major spoilers and to be honest I don't know what chapter. I know when it happens in the story but not what chapter cause I haven't done chapter planned that far in advance yet. Sorry…enjoy the rest of the story until then though.

Ferdoos: Well you kinda got some in this chapter. But seriously, this isn't a love story…so…yeah…not that there can't be romance in it, but that's not the entire point of the story.

92fireDemon: Thank you! Being on a schedule helps keep my butt in check XD

StorSpeaker: Well I feel like I can't technically answer that without spoiling stuff so…just wait and see. It's pretty obvious Astrid is developing certain feelings, but there's one very big road block holding her back, of course.

2400shadow: Yeah the dragon attack is coming, but Hiccup's going to try and get his own military's support instead of fighting it off himself with Toothless…we'll see how well that works out.

Rose: Why hello there fellow rose! And yeah, had to make that movie parallel of him excelling somewhere. And Hiccup's got a lot on his plate, he's not entirely able to really scrutinize Alastair with everything else on his mind. And I'm sure "hmmm…I wonder if Alastair is really a girl" is the last thing on his mind XD

PrayerGirl: Yeah, they're getting there. Astrid is slowly but surely getting used to everything, but she still doesn't want to fly just yet, that's a little too daunting for her. And glad you like long chapters cause all of these chapters are just all seriously long…I don't think I'm capable of writing something under 5,000 anymore XD

Guest (9/1): Yeah, Arte's annoying, but yup he's pretty young. Most of the younger royals of the palace get younger maids cause it's exciting for them to have someone young and hot wait on them…but Hiccup's not particularly amused with his maid, as you can see. And yeah, I love all the relationship progressions so far, as well as Toothless knowing Astrid is a girl. It's kind of hard to hide your gender to animals, even when in disguise. And the whole jealousy thing kinda happens in this chapter, it won't really be as "in your face" as it would be if Astrid didn't have to keep everything low key due to her being dressed as a boy. Astrid and Hiccup are pretty much joined at the hip at this point, they go and do everything together.

Hannah: Haha, I can't believe I still get messages about FWR, it's amazing how well liked that story was (I cringe at it cause I wrote it so long ago and my writing's gotten sooooo much better since then but still) I go through my withdrawal stuff for avatar all the time, I wish I had more motivation to write avatar stories more often but it's hard when barely anything new is coming out from the original series anymore. But glad you're like this story as well…at least people who liked httyd and liked my avatar stories still have something to read from me.

Guest (9/5): Glad I could be of service with the ages, and glad you like the story!

AliceCullen3: Thank you!

PrinceAleksander: Oh yes, I know I'm blatantly using a leviathan plotline for this story, but I think I mentioned that somewhere in the comments a while back. But yeah, some Leviathan qualities will definitely show up in this story as they already have, mainly in the Hiccup/Astrid stuff.

RoyalToons: Wow more people who read this story and Fire War Renaissance! Glad you like both stories!

Teen Nightfury: Yeah last chapter was one of those "turning point" chapters. It could only get better or worse from this point, but it won't be like the movie, I can assure you that. And I can answer the Ruffnut in which, she's a looooong ways away. She'll definitely be back but not for a while. The Stoick's reaction was already covered, and it's not really a spoiler that, yes, Hiccup will find out Astrid's true gender (that's just lame if he never finds out) but the how/why/when is the big reveal that I cannot say. It'll be worth the wait though.

Thanks for all the reviews guys and girls! And I got to 100 reviews! Extra thanks!

See you on October 1st :)

Next Chapter: Remembered and Visited