Jack sat on his bed and tuned his guitar. He'd cleaned it up and decided to start getting ready for his audition tomorrow. He was wearing his blue hoodie over his brown pajama pants. He was still pretty upset from yesterday fighting with his mom so his hood was up as he played. He finally sighed and rested his head against the headboard. He smiled when he closed his eyes and remembered last night in the woods. His chest felt light as he thought about it.

He suddenly heard a knock on his door and looked up. He saw his mom watching him.

He removed his hood quickly and sat up, "Did you need something Mom?" he asked her rigidly.

She walked in, glancing at him curiously, "I thought you'd stopped playing long ago?" she said as she sat on his bed by his feet, "It's nice to hear you play again."

He looked at his guitar and shrugged, "Hiccup introduced me to a friend who has a band and he wants me to audition tomorrow after school."

"Jack that's wonderful!" she smiled.

He smiled weakly up at her.

She could tell he was still sore from yesterday and she knew it was because of her decision. She took a breath and finally looked at him, "Jack, I'm sorry about how I acted yesterday. I shouldn't have just…sprung that on you."

He listened as she spoke.

"I saw the packets come in the mail and I just…I panicked."

"Mom…you always supported Dad and North, why won't you just let me go and try?"

"Jack…I'm your mother and I love you very much. And my first thought will always be your safety. What happened to your father was an accident, I know that. But I just can't bear the thought of losing you."

"Mom, you won't lose me."

She looked at him sadly, "I wish I knew that for a fact."

"So…you're basically saying in a nicer way today that I'm still not allowed to sign up for it?" Jack muttered.

She sighed, "Jack, I know you want to go to be like your father, but you don't have to do this to be like him. You're playing your guitar again just like he did. I just want you to find something you love and go with it. I don't want you to lose that fun-loving side of you."

"Dad never lost his." Jack said.

"I know, but…I just feel you're meant for so much more."

He sighed, "Mom…if you really don't think I should sign up, then I won't."

She smiled and nodded, "Jack, sweetie, I'm proud of you no matter what you do. And I know you'll get into college and have a wonderful time. I just want you to experience that more than anything. Make friends and have fun."

He smiled a little.

"Just don't grow up so fast, sweetie." She smiled and leaned in to kiss his forehead.

He smiled weakly, "I won't Mom." He promised.

She got up and turned in the doorway to smile at him again and he found himself smiling back at her.

"I meant to ask how your night went with your friend Hiccup." She said, leaning on the doorframe.

He smiled brighter this time, "He's awesome, Mom. He took me to a concert with some friends and…and then we all went out for pizza." He said quickly.

She smiled, "I'm so glad you're making friends Jack, and I know your father is very proud of you."

She finally turned and left and he smiled to himself, but then looked over at a picture of him and his dad. He wondered if his dad was really proud of him or if he was still disappointed.

He suddenly needed to hear North's voice more than anything now. He needed to know he'd just made the right choice. North would know what to say. He just knew it.

He quickly pulled out his phone and set his guitar down as he dialed his Uncle's number.

On the third ring, he heard his uncle's booming Russian voice, "Hello?"

"Hi, Uncle North? It's Jack."

"Jack! My boy, how are things? It's been so long!"

"I know." Jack chuckled, "Um…"

"You don't sound like yourself. Tell me what's on your mind." North suddenly said.

Jack smiled. His uncle always knew when he was in trouble or upset. He just had that way about him.

Jack took a breath and finally told North about his mother and his promise to her about military.

North listened and the only reason Jack knew he was still on the phone was his grunts off and on to show he was indeed paying attention.

"I just don't know what to do, North? I mean…I told her I wouldn't do it but I feel like I'm making a huge mistake. But at the same time…I don't want to hurt anyone."

North was silent for a moment, "Jack, why did you want to join military?"

"Because you and Dad did it." Jack said quickly.

"Not good answer. No. Why did YOU want to join?"

Jack thought for a moment, "I…I wanted to be close to dad I guess…I mean…I wanted to prove to him that I'm not a failure and that I'm responsible."

"Why would you need to prove that Jack?"

Jack took a sharp intake of breath and let it out after a few moments, "Pippa." He whispered, trying not to tear up.

North sighed, "Jack, what happened to your sister was not your fault."

"Yes it was!" Jack suddenly cried out, "It was all my fault and I just know Dad hates me for it!"

"Jack, you listen to me now!" North said sternly, "Your father was a good man and loved you for who you are. He would never, EVER, think what had happened to little Pippa was your fault."

Jack took a breath and swallowed, "What do I do?"

"Jack, you are choosing a path that you are not ready for. Military is not about proving anything to anyone, dead or no."

"But…all my life I wanted to be just like my dad and prove myself."

"Then prove yourself, Jack. Be who you are meant to be. But that can only come from you. Your father can only get you part of the way."

"So…what you're saying is…I should find something that I love to do and go with it…be who I am…but then what?"

"Well, if you still want to do military when you've found yourself, then you join because you want to prove to yourself that you can do it. Not to be your father…but to be who you were meant to be."

"You're basically saying I'm not ready for military." Jack summed up.

"Exactly Jack. And I'm not saying military is wrong path, because it could be the right one later on. But right now, you need to become stronger and learn who you are and become the man you want to become. Not your father…but you."

Jack closed his eyes and smiled for the first time, feeling a weight lifting, "I guess I just really miss him."

"We all do, Jack. We all do. But he is not gone. He is with us. He lives in you in small ways. I sometimes see him in you and Punzie and even in myself."

Jack smiled again, wiping his eyes, "Thanks North."

"That is why I am here." North said fondly, "Jack…have fun. I always love that about you."

Jack chuckled, "Even if I accidentally break things?"

"Even if." North said, "Now, catch me up, how are other things?"

Jack sighed and decided to tell North about Hiccup and Merida and auditioning for a band. He was finally lightening up again and feeling a weight lifted.

"Jack, this is wonderful to hear. I am already seeing and hearing the you we all love and know. Go with that, son."

Jack nodded and agreed, "I will."

"I am always here if you need me." North said.

"I know…thanks Uncle North." Jack said happily.

"I should tag along with Aster and Toothie when they come to visit with their kids." North said.

"When are they coming up?" Jack wondered.

North thought a minute, "I believe they planned it for next weekend, but better check to be sure."

Jack smiled, "I can't wait."

"I will see you soon. Chin up, son!"

"Bye." Jack said.

They hung up and Jack finally sat back, feeling better about things. He looked over at his father's picture and smiled. He looked down at his guitar and suddenly thought back to when his dad taught him how to play. They'd laughed and messed up the notes purposely to be goofy together. His dad had made him confident in his playing by just having fun and letting the music flow. It was a good memory he cherished.

"Well…" he said to himself, "Guess it's time to start playing again." He smiled.

….

Hiccup was playing Chutes and Ladders with Merida at the table. He had finished his homework and was actually pretty bored. When Merida came bugging him, he was more than happy to just get his mind off of things. He couldn't stop smiling about the night before with Jack. He had a feeling the week was going to be a long one again. He was excited to see Jack audition on Monday. He'd promised to meet him at Clyde's and support him. He was letting Merida win so much she was actually getting quite an ego.

"Boy Hiccup you stink today!" she giggled.

He smiled, "Yeah, guess it's just not my day." He sighed.

"Are you in love?" she suddenly asked.

He stared at her in shock, "What?"

"I watched a movie on TV and the princess made that face when she was in love." Merida said.

Hiccup narrowed his eyes, "You need to lay off the TV before you get ideas goofball." He said ruffling her hair.

Though in truth…she was right. Hiccup was…well, he didn't want to say it was love yet but it was something new and exciting that made his heart skip a beat.

His phone buzzed and he checked the number. His face lit up when he saw it was a text from Jack. He read it and grew puzzled.

Can you talk for a bit? Something I gotta tell you.

He frowned but texted back; I'll call you in a sec.

"Okay, Mer." He smiled, "Games over, I gotta make some calls."

"Aww!" she pouted.

He laughed and ruffled her hair as he got up, "Don't worry; we'll play later when I'm done, okay?"

"Okay." She smiled as she got up as well.

He ran up to his room and closed the door as he dialed Jack's number.

"Hiccup?" Jack answered.

"Yeah. You okay?" Hiccup asked, sounding concerned.

"Yeah!" Jack said, sounding happy.

Hiccup was relieved, "What's up?"

"Well…I was just…remembering how amazing last night was and decided to call you." Jack said.

Hiccup smiled, "It was amazing."

"And…I have news."

"What?"

"I decided I'm not joining the military after high school."

Hiccup was shocked and happy. But he had to wonder, "Is it because of your mom or…?"

"No, actually…I decided to after a nice chat with my uncle. I just realized myself that I'm not ready for it yet."

"Yet?" Hiccup said, his face falling a little.

"Yeah, I mean, maybe in the future I'll do it, but right now I'm gonna go to school to do what I wanna do." Jack smiled, "And I just really wanna have fun my senior year and in college."

Hiccup smiled, "So…what do you wanna do?"

"Well, I think I'll apply to a few art schools and maybe learn how to design video games. I've always wanted to do that."

"That's wonderful Jack!" Hiccup smiled.

"I just wanted to tell you my decision first because I knew you'd be real happy for me." Jack said.

"I am happy for you." Hiccup said, "You sound excited."

"Well, that's probably mostly because I'm talking to you." Jack chuckled.

"Don't tell me my voice is that funny." Hiccup joked.

"What are you talking about? I love your voice." Jack laughed.

"And I love yours." Hiccup smirked.

"Why thank you!" Jack smiled.

"So, you excited for tomorrow?" Hiccup asked.

"You bet, I'm tuning Old Blue."

"Old Blue?" Hiccup snorted.

"Yeah, that's my guitar's name. All the great legends give their guitars names."

Hiccup rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. He actually thought it was adorable.

"You gonna cheer me on then?" Jack smiled.

"You know I will. But don't expect me to start a mosh pit." Hiccup joked.

"No mosh pits for my guy, thank you!" Jack laughed, "Can't have your pretty face getting busted anymore!"

"I'll have you know my pretty face is healing quite nicely, thank you." Hiccup rolled his eyes.

"That's good. And if that Snotty asswipe tries anything again I'll have to come by and break a few legs…or laws." Jack said.

"Oh please, he'd probably kill you. He's huge!" Hiccup sighed.

"The bigger they are the harder they fall." Jack said determinedly.

Hiccup decided to let it go, "So are you gonna take your sister to ballet this week?" he asked again, "Cause I'd love to see you on Thursday too."

"Actually, yeah! I told my mom I could."

Hiccup nearly cheered.

"Oh yeah, I meant to ask…" Jack suddenly said, "Are you dressing up for Halloween?"

Hiccup thought a moment, "Not sure yet."

"Yeah, we should both go as something awesome!" Jack said, "Like Mario and Luigi or something."

"We'll think of something." Hiccup smiled.

"I can't wait till tomorrow." Jack suddenly said.

"Me neither." Hiccup agreed, "And you're gonna be awesome."

"You haven't even heard me play!" Jack laughed.

"Doesn't matter, I believe in you." Hiccup said.

"You are amazing." Jack smiled.

"I know I am." Hiccup snorted, "Oh yeah and you're not so bad yourself."

Jack laughed, "If I was over there, I'd be throwing a pillow at your face!"

"Bring it on, Frosty." Hiccup challenged.

"Don't tempt me Hic." Jack smirked.

"Don't I already?"

Jack grinned and couldn't deny that fact.

Hiccup suddenly heard his sister yelling behind his door at him that dinner was ready.

"Jeez, how aren't you deaf?" Jack laughed.

"I have no idea, but at least you have a friend who knows sign language just in case."

Jack laughed as Hiccup answered Merida.

"See you tomorrow?" Jack smiled.

"You bet." Hiccup answered.

They hung up and Hiccup smiled as he walked downstairs, Merida glancing at him off and on.

Even through dinner his family would give him odd looks, but he didn't care. He was happier than he had been in a long time. And it was all thanks to a certain white haired fella he was slowly falling in love with.