Yes, I like flashbacks.

Yes, I like playground scenes.

~Inter Dramatic Flashback music~

A lone man dressed in all black sat under the shade of a tree while he watched children play on a playground. He looked nothing like the parents who stood by the sides, talking and looking over their children. He was dressed in a sleeveless black turtleneck and black jeans. He had a hat and shades on as well. In anyone's eyes, he was just too sketchy.

As he was watching these children, he noticed one of them had stopped playing and was now staring at him. He looked to the child, waiting for him to do something. However, he did nothing, just stood there and watched.

Finally, the boy walked up to him. The man looked up to him and took in his appearance. He'd seen better looking people, but this boy seemed beautiful. His hair was a brown that shone perfectly in the sunlight. His eyes were a deep green that he'd never ever seen before. And his skin was fair and smooth with a few hints of freckles. He was somewhat plain, yet seemed extraordinary at the same time.

"Hello," the boy said.

"Hi," the man greeted.

"My name's Hiccup," he told him. When the man gave him a strange look, Hiccup glared at him. "I know, I know. You can't say anything I haven't heard before. It's a stupid name."

"I'm called Zosak," the man said.

"Your name's even stranger than mine," Hiccup giggled. It was Zosak's turn to give him a look. He saw nothing wrong with it, so what right did a child have to critize it?

"What do you want?" Zosak asked.

Hiccup bit his lip as he remembered the reason. "Why are you sitting all alone?"

"I prefer being alone," was the reply.

"But you look kind of scary," Hiccup told him. He glanced onto the playground to some other kids who were watching cautiously, ready to bolt at the first sign of something going wrong.

"Did they tell you to come over here?" Zosak asked, following Hiccup's gaze.

"Sorta," Hiccup answered honestly. "Are you a murderer?"

Zosak changed the subject. "Why'd you listen to them?"

"They're my friends."

"Would real friends make you do something like this?"

Hiccup bit his lip again and then kneeled down in front of Zosak. The man seemed to shrink back against the tree, but Hiccup took no notice of it. His eyes were set in a worried determination.

"Would you like to be my friend, then?" Hiccup asked.

"Um... I don't think-"

"But first," he interrupted, "you have to look more... friendly."

Zosak was about to ask what he meant when Hiccup leaned forward and took off his hat. The hair that had been pinned in a bun fell around his shoulders. Next, Hiccup took off the glasses. Zosak blinked at the sudden brightness but was rewarded with Hiccup's smile.

"You've got cool eyes," Hiccup told him.

"Thanks," Zosak growled, annoyed that this kid had suddenly decided to get involved with him. He didn't like getting involved with humans. It always left for bad endings.

"Can I braid your hair?" Hiccup asked.

"What?" Zosak questioned. "No."

The boy quickly got big eyed and pouty faced as he leaned in towards Zosak, batting his eyelashes. "Please? Just once."

Zosak blinked in surprise at this and nodded without realizing what he was doing. It just seemed like some sort of crime to say no to a face like that. He'd felt as if the boy's world would suddenly crumble.

Hiccup smiled and moved so that he was behind Zosak. Once he started braiding, Zosak was slightly disturbed at how much he was at ease around this kid. He was supposed to be on guard at all times, but this human child had forced him to completely forget about any and every thing. It's as if the world didn't exist.

Zosak had never been comfortable with anyone other than Astrid. And that's only because she forced herself into his everyday life and has refused to move from that spot. No one in his world had ever made him so calm.

This is what it must feel like to be human, Zosak thought. No worries or paranoia that someone is going to come after your life.

"How do you know how to braid?" Zosak asked. "Aren't boys supposed to like monster trucks and sports?"

"I wanted to learn to braid my mom's hair," was his answer.

"Oh?" Zosak questioned. Must boys weren't that close to their mothers. "Which one is she?"

"She's not over there," Hiccup muttered quietly.

"Where is she, then?"

But instead of answering, Hiccup pulled gently on Zosak's hair. "There! All done."

"Er... Thanks, I guess," Zosak coughed awkwardly.

Hiccup stood up and walked back around to face him. "No problem."

"Well, it's getting dark," Zosak pointed out, not wanting to become more involved than he'd already gotten. "Maybe you should..."

Hiccup looked back to his friends who were still playing. Their mom's started calling for their attention, so they knew they'd have to leave soon. Even so, they kept playing all they could until they heard their mother's scream.

"It was nice meeting you, Zosak," Hiccup said when he turned back. However, the man was nowhere to be seen. He'd gone completely, no trace left behind.

Hiccup stared at the spot where Zosak had been for a moment. Then, he quietly turned and went to join his friends on their walk home, never knowing what he'd just set in motion.