Chapter 10

*just to let everyone know I am now putting thoughts in 'apostrophes' it's easier for me to write and edit later than italics.*

His knuckles had long ago turned white due to his grip on the steering wheel. To say the silence in his Jeep was uncomfortable was an understatement; it was damn near painful. The only words spoken between the two occupants was a mumbled address of the first building location and a quick sound of acknowledgement from Hiccup.

Heather sat there playing with her long raven braid in a nervous fashion and Hiccup stared out the window focused on every passing tree and rock just not to look over at her. Completely silent on the outside but mentally berating himself for how stupid he acted at the real estate agency.

'Look for a house for us? What a stupid thing to say. God doesn't matter how long I've been away Hiccup the screw up comes right out when I'm home…'

Heather's voice finally brought Hiccup out of him mental torture, "I'm surprised you still have the Jeep…it-uh looks good." She shyly glanced over at him clearly feeling the oppressive awkwardness between them as well; but unlike Hiccup she was trying to do something about it.

"O-oh uh yeah it was great to have in California, since the weather was always so nice. Not as impractical as everyone said it was here."

"Impractical?" She laughed, "do you remember the time you forgot to put the top back on and we had a freak snowstorm that night?" Her laughing only increased when she saw how much he cringed at her question.

A memory flashed before his eyes of the moment in question and how much a pain in the ass it was to deal with afterward. Also the verbal ripping his Dad had given him for weeks after.

"Ha ha yeah I can happily say that, that was the only time I have had to shovel snow out of my car instead of off of my car." Laughing a bit at the memory as well they both eased back into silence but this time it was not as painful but more peaceful.

A thought had been plaguing Hiccup's mind since that morning and since the silence was now broken he felt he could finally bring it up. "So my Mom told me that-uh-that you're um, Mom passed away…I-I just wanted to say I'm sorry." He stole a quick glance over at Heather to see what her reaction to what he said was. Truthfully even though Heather had been the one to break his heart over four years ago he stilled cared for her on a friend level and he didn't want to see her upset. Also dealing with upset women was not his strong suit, at all.

A subtle swipe at her eyes was the only indication she gave him of how his words affected her. "Thanks Hiccup, I-I miss her…"

"You know if you ever needed someone to talk to about losing a parent, I'm sure Astrid would be more than-."

"Oh look we're here and there's the guys." She motioned in the direction of their two childhood friends leaning against a beat up work truck. Quickly changing the subject of her loss and his wife helping her.

Choosing to ignore her obvious change in conversation, Hiccup parked the car beside the other truck and they both got out.

"Well if this isn't just a blast from the past; you two showing up together in the ol' Jeep. It's like High school all over again." Snotlout's snarky voice rang out, "should I be worried about you two riding together? No messing around now."

Hiccup's eyebrows furrowed in a glare, genuinely angry at what Snotlout was implying. "Watch yourself Snotlout, I'm a married man."

Holding his hands up in a defenseless way, " hey I'm just looking out for Astrid but if something were to happen I would be 100% available to comfort her." Snotlout's shit eating grin saying it all about his intentions toward his wife.

"Enough, Snotlout." Pushing the anger aside to focus on getting his job done.

"Seriously Snotlout, stop." Heather said a slight blush dusting her face from Snotlout's early statement about her and Hiccup's relationship.

"Hey chilllll you two I was just messing around. Let's go look at this place." He motioned for Tuffnut to follow behind him, a tool box in his hands.

With a quick shake of his head Hiccup looked over to Heather and gestured with his hands, "ladies first."

Heather locked eyes with him the and gave him a small smile before heading into the building as well.

'This is going to be a long day.' Was the only thing running through his head as he entered the building last.

Tuffnut's head dropped out of the attic panel that he had moved to climb into the ceiling, "roof is old, probably shot. Lots of time and money to fix it, H."

Hiccup stared up at the man contemplating the words he just heard. The first building they had visited just didn't have the space that was need so after a quick sweep it was deemed a no. The second was a good size and didn't need a ton of work but it's location was not right at all. Also It didn't have enough parking, which was not something he could change. Now they were at the third location that Heather had found and it seemed that the place had a lot of underlying issues that would need more time and money then he was sure Jeff would want to give him.

Sighing in frustration Hiccup ran a hand through his hair and tugged at his hair trying to will away the bad news.

Obviously seeing that he was not happy with the results so far Heather chimed in, "Hiccup let me look on my phone real quick and see if there are any other listing we could go to today. I'm sure we can find something." She gave him a nervous smile and turned away with her phone in hand.

Feeling defeated Hiccup sat down on a nearby step trying to sort through all the thoughts going through his head. 'This is my first big job for Jeff, I can't screw this up.' So lost in his thoughts Hiccup didn't notice Snotlout take a seat beside him or Tuffnut leaning against the wall opposite him.

"Hey H, don't worry so much. We'll find you something."

Lifting his gaze to the male twin, "thanks Tuff. I just don't want to let my boss down. He's been really great to me, so yeah, this is really important."

Tuffnut gave a small shrug, "which is why we'll find you something. Heather's the best and," gesturing at himself and Snotlout, "we're the best also. So you're in good hands man."

Hiccup started to feel slightly more relaxed, "so you two really do like your job huh? It really is a surprisingly good fit."

Snotlout laughed, "hey you're not the only one who gets to have secret job aspirations, cuz." Hiccup winced.

"Yeah, well, I couldn't exactly make it common knowledge what I really wanted to do…"

A silence settled between them until a single question broke through the tension.

"Why?"

"Why what, Snot?" Hiccup asked genuinely confused.

"Why couldn't you tell us? You know, tell us about not wanting to be a lawyer, or the college or Hell, that you were leaving? Were we not worthy to know what was happening in your life?" Snotlout's angry gaze pinning him in his place on the step his voice escalating with every word.

Hiccup didn't know where to began with what Snotlout had just asked him. Clearly these questions were pent up for a long time and were not something that Hiccup could just dismiss and move on with a conversation about the weather and possible buildings. No, these were the questions that he knew were going to be coming he just didn't expect it to be from Snotlout or for him to be so passionate about them.

"Um-uh I just kind of figured no one would care, to answer all your questions. I'm Hiccup, if I had told you what I was doing you all would have just said I would be back in a few weeks after I screwed the whole thing up." He quietly said the last part and looked up at Snotlout to gage his reaction. What Hiccup saw surprised him, Snotlout looked had a look of pure hurt and concern on his face. Not quiet sure why he looked like that, Hiccup went to open his mouth to address it when Snotlout's face changed back into his usual scowl and he turned away. Shutting Hiccup up before he could even talk.

"Whatever cuz," he stood up and walked away from the two men.

Hiccup watched his retreating form not really knowing how to feel about the conversation. Was Snotlout really that hurt by his actions or was he surprised how little Hiccup thought of himself back then? It was just all to damn confusing.

Turning back to Tuffnut who looked slightly uncomfortable, "so your sisters getting married. Are you excited?" Hiccup was desperate to change the conversation so he didn't have to deal with any more confrontation.

"Oh yeah, Fishlegs is great. He balances out all her crazy so it works out." They both chuckled, "let me ask you something H, how is it being married? Like did you and Astrid just fall off the map after you got married? I-I'm just kind of worried about how it will change us, well the whole group, I guess, I dunno." Tuffnut rubbed his arm as he nervously spoke.

'Did we fall off the map right after we got married, no. That didn't happen until-no-not the same situation, don't go there Hiccup'.

He looked at his friend, stood up and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry to much Tuff, there will be an adjustment period but I'm sure everything will work out fine. Being married isn't always sunshine and rainbows Astrid and I have had some tough days and you know what got us through it?" Tuffnut shrugged, "the people closest to us." Hiccup smiled at him and patted his shoulder and walked out the front door to get some fresh air and to let the man think over his words.

Hiccup stood on the sidewalk and took deep breaths trying to clear his mind of the stress and all the thoughts swirling around. Finally calming down a bit Hiccup opened his eyes and gazed down the idealistic street of his hometown. Flower planters filled to the brim with perfectly manicured flowers lined the street and unique shop signs hung above the many doors. A barbershop, a women's boutique, a restaurant and a doctor's office to name a few. People everywhere, some holding each other's hands, others drinking coffee at bistro tables and a few walking their dogs. It was all just so…

Perfect.

He had missed this so much and he wanted nothing more than to see his business somewhere on this street a little sign hanging above the door. Clients coming to him, some still in shock from being new amputees others desperate for a new limb because their quality of life was so poor due to the one they had. But all leaving smiling and optimistic for the future…because of him.

He wanted it so badly it hurt.

Turning to look down the opposite direction of the street, Hiccup's eyes were immediately drawn to a good sized building across the street that had a small for rent sign in the window.

'For rent hmm? Might as well take a look'

Taking a quick look down the street checking for cars, Hiccup crossed the road his prosthetic clicking as he walked. When he reached the building he was instantly drawn to its charm. It wasn't just some plain box like most new office building, no it was an old two story brick building with large windows in the front framed in white wood. The front door had no steps to it, 'good for wheel chair access', he thought. Cupping his hands to block out the light he pressed his face to the glass and looked inside. If the outside impressed him the inside blew him away; dark wood lined the floors of the large open concept building, the walls were a soft cream with chunky floor and ceiling molding. He could already see where they would have the waiting area, place to fit clients all of it and he was sure the upstairs would work well for individual offices.

It was perfect.

Hiccup quickly pulled out his phone and looked at the for rent sign to call the number listed. Just as he was about to press send the sound of clicking heels could be heard behind him.

"Hiccup! Wait, you don't want that building…" Heather panted after her sprint across the street.

"Um why not? It's perfect, Heather! Why didn't you add it to the list to show me?"

Heather straightened out her skirt looking around apprehensively, "well for one it's for rent and you said your boss was looking to buy."

"Yes he wants to buy but we're open to renting if the owner agrees to the right terms. You knew this." Hiccup countered.

"And also because-." A foreign sounding male voice spoke up behind her.

"-Of who owns it. I'm the owner, Eret Eretson, pleasure to meet you." The extremely muscled dark haired man, Eret, said as he extended his hand to shake Hiccups. During which Heather glared angrily at the exchange clearly not happy about what was currently happening.

"So you like my building, mate?" Eret gestured to the brick two story in front of them.

Nodding his head excitedly, "oh yeah just from a quick look through the window it looks great. I work for a prosthetic's company and we're looking to open a new location on the East coast and your building looks perfect. Can you tell me a bit about it?"

Eret made a quick glance to Hiccups false metal foot before looking over the rest of him. "Well I inherited it almost 4 years ago from my Uncle. It's in great condition, fully updated, you may just need to do a few things to accommodate your needs but nothing major. It was an accounting office up until now but they moved to a larger space down town so now here it sits."

The possibilities began to swim around Hiccups mind that he almost missed the strained looks that were being passed between Heather and Eret. Almost.

"Oh geez where are my manners I never introduced myself, Henry Haddock, it's nice to meet you Eret." He extended his hand again but to his surprise Eret didn't take it he just stared at Hiccup as if he had seen a ghost.

"Henry Haddock…as in Hiccup Haddock?" Eret's shock slowly turning into a look of pure interest. Hiccup stole a glance at Heather who now had her head down, pinching the bridge of her nose while muttering under breath. Turning back to Eret who now had broken into a smug grin. He grasped Hiccup's hand strongly and gave him a firm handshake.

"The infamous Hiccup Haddock, its good to finally meet you mate! I've heard loads about you, all good I assure you."

Feeling slightly nervous Hiccup brought his left hand up to nervously rub at the back of his neck and that's when Eret caught the glint of the sun off of Hiccups metallic wedding band.

Eret eyes immediately flew to the offending ring finger and widened slightly. "Hiccup, are you by any chance married?"

'Well that's an odd question.'

"Um y-yeah I am. My wife's name is Astrid. We've been married for about 2 and a half years now." He smiled thinking about his and Astrid's wedding day. The beautiful long white dress that she wore while they exchanged vows on the beach at sunset. The small gathering of people in attendance, 25, at the most and the small reception they had in Jeff's backyard following it.

Eret's laughter rang out after after his answer breaking him from his happy thoughts. 'Odd.'

"H-Heather did you hear that Hiccup is married! An-and has been for over 2 years! MARRIED, Heather, can you believe it!" He was laughing so hard now that he was holding his sides while Heather looked like she was trying to glare holes into the sidewalk.

Giving an awkward chuckle, "uh I don't uh understand what's so funny about me being married? Am I that undesirable looking?" He didn't want to insult the future building owner of his work but he was staring to feel like there was something going on and he was being left out of it purposely; pissing him off frankly.

"No no no, Hiccup, nothing funny about you being married and I assure you plenty of people find you very desirable. Right Heather, plenty of people." He sent another smug grin now in her direction.

"Eret can I please talk to you over here? We can discuss terms." She said through gritted teeth as she grabbed his large arm dragging him a few feet away.

'What the Hell was that?!' He stared at the now arguing duo, arms flailing between the two of them as they discussed "terms".

"Oh snap, H, this will be goooood." Chimed in Tuffnut from behind him. Hiccup looked over his shoulder and for the first time realized that Snotlout and Tuffnut were both standing behind him. Wicked grins stretching across their faces. Hiccup took a few steps back to stand next to the men and turned to them.

"Anyone want to explain what the Hell is going on?"

"Oh yeah, they have the most epic flights. Seriously pay per view quality." Snotlout said his eyes never leaving the two in front of them.

"What? Why do they hate each other so much?" Hiccups eyebrows furrowed still not seeing the connections.

"H, well you wouldn't know but Heather and Mr. Eretson used to be lovers. Of course until Heather broke up with him a year ago. Now they fight like cats and dogs anytime they're in the presence of each other. It's AWESOME, they're way better this way than when they were dating."

Still throughly confused Hiccup turned to Snotlout, "ok I get that part now but why would Eret be laughing so much about me being married? What do I have to do with any-."

He didn't finish because the realization of what was currently happening before him hit him like all the bricks on the two story building behind him.

"She broke up with him because…and he was laughing about me being married…" Hiccup turned his wide eyes to the two men beside him and their wide grins.

"Oh yeah cuz, Heather definitely broke up with Eret because she still had feelings for you. So obviously Eret would find it hilarious that you're back and well, married." The three men turned back to the still fighting pair, two with wide grins while the other started to look pale and his eye got wider by the second. Only one thought running through the last mans mind.

'What have I gotten myself into…'

First off, 100 reviews! Y'all! Thank you! Seriously, I'm so glad that everyone likes this random idea I had one day as much as I do. It's a blast to write.

So lots happened this chapter, Hiccup found his building, Snotlout, Hiccup and Tuffnut had a little heart to heart, we met Eret and FINALLY Hiccup realized that old feelings die hard for certain people. Yay!

Until next time!