TITLE: Bonding Time
SUMMARY: Toothless and Stormfly leave Astrid and Hiccup behind when they go out on business, much to their displeasure. So, Astrid decides to arrange a fun night on Stormfly's dime.
CORRESPONDING CHAPTERS FROM MAIN STORY: N/A
It was a sliver of light sneaking through the crack in the curtains that roused Hiccup from his slumber on Friday morning. He rolled around slightly in the sheets, but when his arm reached over to where he expected his boyfriend to be, he found that half of the bed empty. Confused, he opened his eyes and looked around, wondering if perhaps Toothless was in the bathroom or something.
Hiccup lifted himself out of bed and wandered over to the bathroom, discovering it was vacant. He next walked down to the kitchen, also finding it empty. He scratched his head and let a yawn, then did a double take when he caught sight of the time on the stove. The numbers 10:27 glowed in neon green across the small screen, prompting Hiccup to run up the stairs.
When he returned to the bedroom he checked out the clock on the bedside table, just to find that it too read 10:27. Glancing the device over he discovered that the alarm he had set for 8:30 had been turned off. He set the device down, wondering if perhaps he had turned it off in his sleep, and discovered a folded piece of paper.
'Hiccup, had to run out. See you later.'
This only served to confuse Hiccup more, so he reached for his phone and opened a new message conversation with Toothless.
'Morning. Where are you?' Before Hiccup could even put his phone away, Toothless had texted his response.
'Morning. Had to go out.'
'I know; I saw your note. Where are you?'
'I had some business to take care of.' That made Hiccup upset.
'Toothless you know I don't like you going out alone.'
'I'm not alone; I'm with Stormfly.' That did little to calm Hiccup.
'But why didn't you tell me?'
'I wanted to let you sleep in and have a day off.'
Hiccup didn't even bother to respond. Regardless of if he was with Stormfly or not, he was not happy that Toothless had gone out on his own. They had been working together for well over three months now, so it made Hiccup sad that Toothless thought there was something he couldn't handle. While Hiccup was still ranting in his mind, he heard the main phone line start to ring.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's Astrid." Hiccup hadn't been expecting her and wondered why she was here, but let her up regardless. Without a word he pressed the '9' on the dial pad and listened to the buzz indicating that the door had been unlocked.
Hiccup got changed out of his pajamas and brushed his teeth in the few minutes he had before Astrid made it to the condo door. He unlocked the door just as the elevator dinged, letting Astrid off. Hiccup could tell right away she wasn't pleased with something, but he didn't know how to interpret that.
She walked right past him and into the condo, flopping down onto the couch with an angry grunt. Hiccup watched her for just a second before gently closing the door and walking over to the couch. He walked around the back side and leaned over the top, looking down at her face.
"So, what's up?"
"Ugh, Stormfly."
Hiccup understood instantly, having felt the same feeling just moments ago. He didn't think that Astrid would be as troubled as Hiccup was, considering Camicazi also helped out, but clearly she wasn't impressed that Stormfly had left her behind.
"You too hm?" Astrid simply nodded in response. "Camicazi too?" Another nod.
They were silent for another moment before Astrid finally spoke, asking, "Did Toothless tell you that they might not even be back until tomorrow?"
"Nope," Hiccup said, not surprised by this point that Toothless had left out details. Hiccup was surprised he didn't say that especially since Hiccup would have started to worry later into the evening.
"Well if they're out having fun, I think we should too," Astrid said, cracking a smile.
"I don't follow," Hiccup commented, confused as to what plan Astrid was cooking up in her head.
"Don't worry," Astrid smiled, finally lifting herself off of the couch. "Just meet me at the address I'll text you at 8 tonight." Then, as quickly as Astrid came, she was gone, before Hiccup even had the chance to ask a question.
Hiccup arrived at the address downtown at exactly 8pm, and discovered that it was a bar. Fortunately he had brought his fake ID, and he got in no problem. He found Astrid and Camicazi sitting at a large booth, along with Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Snotlout.
"Hey guys," he greeted as he took a seat at one end of the circular booth. "Where's Fishlegs?"
"He's not coming," Snotlout supplied almost instantly. "He claims he had to help out Meatlug tonight but we all know he's just embarrassed because he's a lightweight." He and Tuffnut laughed, and Ruffnut smacked them both, earning two pained moans.
Before they could speak up once more the waitress arrived, and Hiccup's attention moved to the conversation she was having with Astrid. The waitress was a perky blonde in a skirt that was just a little too short and in heels that were just a little too high to be comfortable. He had a hard time hearing Astrid over the volume of the music since she was on the opposite side of the table, but he thought he heard something about shots. He would have attempted to ask her, but Tuffnut got to him first.
"You know, the last time I saw you was when I had to kidnap you. I don't even think I know anything about you."
"Huh, I guess you're right Tuffnut," Hiccup replied. "Is Tuffnut even your real name?"
"Yup," Tuffnut smiled. "Our parents have what you could call a flair for the unique," he said, pointing to his sister.
"That's an understatement," Ruffnut joked, and the two started laughing. When they were done, Tuffnut asked the next question.
"So, Hiccup, how is Toothless in the sack?"
Hiccup was caught off guard by that, but just then the waitress returned with their shots. Hiccup was impressed with how quickly she returned, and after she walked away Hiccup stood up and walked a little closer to Astrid. It was partially to be able to talk to her, and partially to get away from Tuffnut's question.
"That was fast," Hiccup commented as everyone started to grab a shot glass.
"Of course," Astrid smiled. "That's what happens when you pay for VIP service. We're the only table she's got tonight! And it's all on Stormfly." Astrid reached into her pocket and pulled out a black American Express card. Hiccup had to admit, he was a bit awestruck. He had never seen one before, and a part of him thought that it actually didn't exist. But there it was, in the plastic, with Stormfly's name on it. Then he started to wonder if Stormfly would get upset when she saw the charge for tonight, but he brushed that thought aside when he was handed a shot glass.
Hiccup glanced at the liquid in the glass as he clinked glasses with everyone else. It was a light green, with a brown powder on top. As he brought the glass closer to his mouth he could smell very clearly that it was cinnamon, which piqued his interest. When everyone else tipped their glasses and drained them, Hiccup followed suit and was pleasantly surprised.
The drink was very sweet, and tasted very similar to apple pie. It was actually quite delicious, and Hiccup partially hoped that they would have another one of those before the night was through. He knew he would have to be careful though, since sugary drinks gave the worst hangovers.
When Hiccup returned to his seat Tuffnut had forgotten about his previous question, which Hiccup had no problem with. He, Ruffnut and Snotlout were engaged in a conversation while Astrid stood up to let Camicazi out of the booth. Hiccup caught Astrid's gaze and have a quizzical look, to which she just rolled her eyes and held up a finger telling him to wait and see.
Hiccup's eyes followed Camicazi, and within thirty seconds she had swiped one guy's watch and the wallet of the person next to him. At least she was kind enough to slip his ID and a twenty back into his pocket. He noticed Astrid shaking her head, and so Hiccup moved back over to the seat beside her.
"She really needs to control herself," Astrid said without prompt. "Her kleptomania has hit a whole new level."
"It almost seems like a game to her," Hiccup commented.
"It is, and that's the problem! She gets way too much enjoyment out of it. It makes her lose focus when she has a job to do, seeing as she gets distracted by the chance to steal something. She could compromise everything! I mean even now, if she gets caught we're all screwed."
"At least you guys have some freedom," Hiccup retorted. "Toothless thinks I'm a child or something! He doesn't realize that I can fend for myself. He gives me no freedom and keeps me excluded from everything. Had I not heard it from you, I wouldn't even have known to not expect him back today. Did he not think I would worry if he didn't come home tonight? Sometimes I think his overprotective instinct clouds his judgement."
"Troubles with the boyfriend?" Tuffnut winked. Somehow in the past couple minutes he and Ruffnut had changed places, leaving only Astrid and Snotlout between them. Hiccup simply shook his head and turned his attention to the waitress who had just returned.
As the night moved on, the number of shots taken by the table increased. Camicazi returned just in time for the second round, which was a medium red colour and also very sweet.
After the third round, clear and mildly citrusy, Hiccup noticed that Tuffnut had moved yet another seat over, leaving only Astrid between them. He also noticed that while there were a couple conversations going at the table at any given time, Tuffnut always seemed to be stealing glances at Hiccup.
The fourth shot came, a light gold that burned on the way down, and Astrid excused herself to go to the bathroom. Tuffnut took this opportunity to move that last seat closer to Hiccup, and he couldn't help but wonder just what the blond was up to.
"So Hiccup," Tuffnut started, slurring his words. Clearly he'd had a few drinks drinks before Hiccup had arrived if he was already that drunk. "You never answered my question from earlier."
"Sorry, I forgot what it was," he lied, hoping to drop the subject.
There was a pause before Tuffnut said, "Oh, so did I." Hiccup breathed an internal sigh of relief at that, glad he avoided the topic once more. "But tell me, what's Toothless like in bed?" Nevermind.
Tuffnut slung his arm around Hiccup's shoulders as he asked the question, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Just then Astrid returned from the bathroom, and Hiccup used the momentary distraction to head to the bathroom himself.
The bathroom was much quieter than the bar area, the long hallway and door blocking out most of the music. Hiccup ran the water and splashed some on his face, trying to think of how to get away from a drunken Tuffnut. As he lifted his head and looked in the mirror, he was startled to see Tuffnut standing behind him in the mirror.
"Whoa, Tuffnut, you startled me," Hiccup said, a hand on his chest.
"Oh, sorry," Tuffnut apologized, but Hiccup wasn't sure if he meant it. "So, how're things with Toothless?"
"Fine," Hiccup responded, but in reality it sounded much more like a question than a response.
"I don't believe that."
"Oh, and why not?"
"Because," Tuffnut started as he slowly walked towards Hiccup, "I heard you're whole rant to Astrid. I think you've hit a bump in the road with your man candy. I'm here to offer you a break. A vacation from him if you will."
Hiccup could tell Tuffnut was insanely drunk by this point, probably taking another shot on his way to the bathroom. He just needed to get back to the table where hopefully the others could help control him.
"I'm going to go back to the table now," Hiccup started as he ducked around Tuffnut and out the bathroom door. He pushed the door open and walked three steps down the hallway back to the main area before he was suddenly pushed from behind and into a wall. When he was spun around it was not Tuffnut, but Snotlout.
"Hey Hiccup," Snotlout slurred as well, clearly just as drunk as Tuffnut.
"Uh, hey?" Hiccup responded, uncomfortable with how close Snotlout's face was to his own.
"You know, I heard you complaining about Toothless earlier. I just wanted you to know that if you ever need a break, I'm available."
Hiccup couldn't believe his luck. What was it with these two? He really needed to get back to the table.
"Thanks, I'll let you know," Hiccup said, ducking under Snotlout's arm and heading back towards the main area. He heard the door to the bathroom open and assumed it was Snotlout going in, but when he was halfway down the hallway he was pushed against the wall once more, this time by Tuffnut.
"You know, you never told me if you were interested in that vacation," Tuffnut winked.
"Um, no thanks," Hiccup responded, trying to duck under Tuffnut's arm like he had with Snotlout. Unfortunately he was not so lucky and Tuffnut managed to stop him.
"Oh come on," Tuffnut pushed, "Let me convince you."
Suddenly Tuffnut's lips were pressed against Hiccup's, and Hiccup was frozen from shock. But then as quickly as he had started, Tuffnut stopped. When Hiccup looked around he saw a very angry Toothless lifting up Tuffnut by the back of his shirt.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Toothless yelled at Tuffnut, and Hiccup started to freak out. Would he blame Hiccup? Would he be mad at him? But for now, what would happen to Tuffnut?
"Whoa, calm down," Tuffnut attempted to soothe, but to no avail.
"Don't tell me to calm down when I walk in on you all over my boyfriend!" Toothless screamed once more. "Consider yourself lucky I don't put a bullet in you!" He put Tuffnut down, and both Hiccup and Tuffnut thought Toothless was done, but they were proven wrong when Toothless wound up and punched Tuffnut so hard that by the time he hit the ground his eye was already black.
Hiccup gasped and immediately ran to help Tuffnut up. He knew he would regret it later, but he couldn't just leave him on the floor. As soon as Tuffnut was on two legs again though Toothless grabbed Hiccup's arm and dragged him out of the bar. They passed the table on the way out of the bar, and Hiccup could see that Astrid was confused as to why Toothless was dragging him out of the bar. Hiccup made a motion with his fingers to indicate he would text her later.
It was a silent, two minute walk back to the condo, and Toothless never let go of Hiccup's arm. He thought for sure there would be a bruise when he looked at it later. When they finally entered the nineteenth floor suite Toothless let go and forced Hiccup to face him.
"What the hell was that Hiccup?" Toothless wasn't quite yelling, but he wasn't speaking at a normal volume either.
"Toothless I can explain this is all one big misunderstanding."
"Yeah you'd better start to explain," Toothless demanded as he crossed his arms.
"They were drunk ok? And I tried…" Hiccup started before Toothless interrupted.
"They? Who the hell is they?" By this point, Toothless was yelling as he paced the room, and Hiccup knew he had messed up.
"Snotlout and Tuffnut. But they were drunk and I tried to tell them off…"
"Didn't look like you were telling Tuffnut off."
"I was trying to, but he just went for it before I could react. I was upset he did that too."
"You didn't seem to be upset when you helped him up off the floor."
"You hit him pretty hard ok?" Hiccup replied, his voice elevating by this point as well. "I couldn't just leave him there! Yes he messed up but he is still a friend!"
Toothless' voice went deathly quiet as he said, "I'll kill the both of them."
"Toothless, calm down…"
"Do not tell me to calm down!" Toothless screamed once more.
"Toothless," Hiccup tried again, taking a couple steps towards his still pacing boyfriend. "I'm sorry ok? I didn't want this to happen. I didn't ask for this. When I was helping Tuffnut I was just trying to be nice. Please, understand that I never wanted to hurt you. I love you and no one else is going to change that." As these words passed his lips a tear formed and started to fall down Hiccup's cheek.
Toothless finally stopped pacing and looked at Hiccup. He walked the few steps to close the distance between them, and when he stopped he lifted his hand. Hiccup closed his eyes and braced himself, but the strike he was waiting for never came. Instead Toothless gently caressed his cheek, wiping away the tear before it could reach his jawline.
Hiccup reopened his eyes and looked at Toothless for only a moment before Toothless closed the distance between their lips. The kiss was gentle at first, but deepened quickly. Hiccup's heartbeat elevated, and he found himself becoming short on breath. Hiccup was confused when Toothless suddenly pulled away, but he never let go of him.
"Hiccup, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have freaked out. I know I can trust you, it's just…" When Toothless paused, Hiccup jumped in.
"You were mad, I get it." Hiccup smiled, and so did Toothless.
"Forgive me?"
"Of course."
As soon as Hiccup said that, Toothless glanced down, and suddenly zeroed in on Hiccup's neck. His teeth bit down on the soft flesh, and Hiccup couldn't stop the moan that escaped his mouth. Hiccup could only describe the sensation of Toothless biting and sucking on his neck interesting, because it was slightly painful but in a good way. It sent shivers through his body and he had to grasp onto Toothless for support until he stopped a moment later.
"What was that for?" Hiccup asked, confused by Toothless' actions.
"The entire gang is coming over tomorrow, and I want to make sure Snotlout and Tuffnut know who you belong to."
Hiccup walked over to the mirror, and there, on his neck, was a hickey that not even a shirt collar would be able to hide. He blushed at the sight, then harder when he realized that everyone would be able to see it tomorrow.
"Now come on," Toothless continued, "It's late. Let's get to bed."
Hiccup hadn't realized just how tired he was until Toothless said that, and he happily followed him up the stairs towards their bedroom. He would let Astrid know what had happened tomorrow.
ThatCreepyGothDragoon gave me the opportunity to throw Tuffcup into the WWC universe and I REGRET NOTHING!
Remember, in this AU, Snotlout and Hiccup aren't cousins.
