Arrival

The group of Dragon Riders had reached their destination, Outcast Island. They had been forced to camp the night on the island that they had landed on the night before, to wait out the storm. They had set off late morning after breakfast, the only event being the discovery of an abandoned Outcast sailing boat, bearing half a dozen hefty sacks of silver and gold coins. There was no sign of the sailor, despite a thorough search. Being the good ally he was, Stoick thought it was best to return the boat and wealth back to its rightful owners, despite some objections from Gobber and Snotlout. Using rope lashed around the bow head, the Vast had Gobber, Fishlegs, Grump and Meatlug tow the boat back to Outcast Island, the rest acting as escorts.

'Everyone, lets move out,' bellowed the Chief.

'Come on Stormfly girl, we're almost there,' Astrid said, trembling with anticipation.

They would reach their destination soon.

Outcast Island

Hiccup was sitting at one of the many tables in the Great Hall of Outcast Island. He had just finished lunch. Now he was sharing ale with Ruffnut and Tuffnut. After the fourteen year outcast from the tribe and the first year of awkward friendship together, the three had become quite the friends and drinking buddies. Today was their day off, tonight being the Farewell Banquet, so the three Vikings were relaxing in general, drinking whilst they shared their opinions on what had happened in the last few days. The Viking tasks taking their toll on the trio, sapping their energy and generally wearing them out, or causing them harm. This also brought them to Dragon related issues, a subject the three Berkians happened to be an authority on, sometimes on the receiving end of it too. The two men had been injured by Changewings, one of them still recovering from his injuries, a kid had almost been torn to ribbons by the Speed Stingers, and the Treasury had been broken into, money was missing and so was Sinned. No coincidence there everyone aware had thought. It had been decided to keep this situation away from the attention of the visitors. Outcast Island only had to remain free of obvious problems and scandals and then that would be all over. Back to normal life.

'Just one more night and morning, then it's back to normal.'

Hiccup and Ruffnut looked to the person who said this, and they could not agreed with him any better. He had one arm over his chair and a tender leg on the table. Tuffnut was right, they all had had enough. The last three days had tested all of their patience. All of the running around, ceremonial chores, diplomatic duties and irritating injuries had taken their toll, being Vikings, even Hiccup's patience was at breaking point.

'You got that right Tuff,' Hiccup agreed, clinking his tankard against the male Twin's, Ruff following suit. 'All of this work is doing my head in, not to mention Attina and Freya refusing to leave me alone.'

'And Enya?' questioned Ruffnut.

'No, actually, she sat down and chatted with me yesterday, she thanked for saving Lars the day before, we talked about our hobbies and pasts. She noticed my bracelet too.'

Both Thorstons looked to the trinket on Hiccup's right wrist. It was made of red thread that ran around blue Dragon scales, scales of a Deadly Nadder nonetheless. It was part of a pair, a symbol of friendship and love between two Vikings and it's twin was of blue thread and its scales were black, that of a Night Fury's. It could be found on the left wrist of Astrid Hofferson.

'So what did she say after she noticed?' Ruffnut asked, suddenly becoming alert.

Hiccup smiled. He knew Ruffnut was being the good friend and looking out for him and Astrid, she was a good friend. She deserved the honest answer.

'She asked if it was from one of my female admirers in a joking way and then asked if I was single or already engaged to someone else. I said I was not engaged, but I was pretty much attached to a special someone.'

'And what she'd say to that?' piped up Tuff, giving a toothy grin.

'She said she was sorry to hear that and that special someone must have been an amazing girl and to be lucky to have a loyal boyfriend like me. She asked me more about Astrid and said she would not try anything now she knew I was not single, but warned me to be cautious with Attina and Freya. I joked back at her saying it would wise to listen to the advice of a huntress, she laughed back and shook my hand firmly. I thanked her for being understanding, we chatted a bit more and then parted ways.'

Hiccup finished his little speech and looked to his companions. Both were facing him. Ruffnut had relaxed once again and sported a genuine smile of happiness and relief. Tuffnut had remained the way he had been the entire time, an arm around the back of his chair and his injured leg on the table, he had lost his toothy grin and was now swirling his mug in deep thought.

'That's nice to hear,' Ruff finally said. 'Well it's nice to know she means no harm then. Cuts your personal problem by third.'

She added this with smirk, glad she had learnt to count past ten, two years back, courtesy of Hiccup's kind patience. Hiccup smiled back in return.

'So what else did you talk about before you left?' followed up the male Twin as he took a generous swig of his drink.

'Well, just that she asked for a ride on a Dragon before she left Outcast Island,' stated the Pride of Berk, he then smirked. 'Then Enya asked if you were single.'

That got Tuffnut's attention. He spat out half of his ale, choked on the rest and toppled out of his chair in a coughing fit. Hiccup and Ruffnut could only laugh hysterically as the Thorston eventually recovered and pulled himself up, returning to his chair. He finally caught his breath.

'SHE SAID THAT?' he shouted in disbelief.

Hiccup nodded in return.

'Yeah, she said she thought you were interesting and had heard crazy things about you and wanted to meet you to see if they were true. So what you say?'

Tuffnut had not expected this. He was used to seeing Hiccup and Astrid making out and romancing, or Fishlegs and Snotlout constantly flirting with his sister. He was the loner in the affection area. He didn't like or hate it, he just did not have an opinion on the matter, up until now that is. A woman had asked if he was single. A beautiful one. The male Thorston HAD noticed the daughter of the Bog Burglar's Chief, but he had never expected a girl to notice him in return. He felt warm inside but the same time uncomfortable.

'Say Hiccup, do you think you could introduce me? he said finally said.

'No need to,' replied the Haddock. 'Here she comes now.'

'With Attina and Freya right behind her,' sighed Ruffnut.

Enya had not intended to lead the Meathead and Lava Lout daughters to Hiccup and his friends. She, herself, had wanted to meet his friends, especially the cute, crazy male, in person. But the pair must have thought she was still trying to make a move on the Pride of Berk and seduce him. She had no intention of the sort, maybe before she had discovered that Hiccup had a girlfriend, but not now. She had her eyes on another prize. But nothing would deter the two woman from what they sought. Enya could not deny that the Pride of Berk was still a catch, whether they knew he was taken or not. Being a hunter, she could already sense the tension coming from the table the trio were approaching. The Bog Burglar was glad that she sensed no hostility towards herself. Hiccup must have told them what we had said last night she thought with relief as she made her way to the table.

'Hey Hiccup, mind if I join you guys?' she asked politely.

'Sure Enya make yourself comfortable,' returned the Berkian with a friendly smile.

With that said, Attina and Freya, both thinking they had been included in the invitation, quickly took a place on either side of Hiccup, earning them a look of discomfort from the Haddock and an intense stare from the Thorstons. Noticing this, Hiccup shook his head quickly, the Twins catching his signal. They had to remain diplomatic for the sake of Berk and Outcast Island, even if they didn't want their personal company.

'Mind if I sit near you Tuffnut?' Enya asked.

Now it was Tuffnut's turn to be uncomfortable. He gave a small nod, took his leg off the table and shuffled to one side, giving the Bog Burglar space to sit.

'Sure. . . .here you miss. . . .Enya. . . . .milady,' he stuttered with embarrassment.

Hiccup and Ruffnut snickered at this new display of emotion.

'Thank you Tuff,' replied Enya, giving him a sweet smile.

Tuffnut could only blush red in return as Enya sat down and shuffled into the Thorston's side. The next half hour at the table was if anything awkward. Hiccup trying to be nice as Attina and Freya competed in flirting outrageously with him. Ruffnut kept a close eye on the pair, daring them to try anything physical. Hiccup, himself, tried to steer the conversation away from himself, asking and talking about a number of things from the other four Vikings. Enya had been spending most of the time talking with Tuffnut, the Thorston himself getting bolder in chatting to the woman by his side. Despite the half hour awkwardness from the others, awkwardness went from between the pair chatting and sharing ale to the Bog Burglar nuzzling into the Berkian's side and him welcoming her, his arm around her side.

'Oh Hiccup, you're so brave, the way you handled the Changewings and Speed Stingers,' groaned Attina, rubbing her hand on his chest. 'I need a brave warrior to keep me safe and warm at night.'

Hiccup hissed in pain and discomfort, and had had just about enough.

'Thank you very much, Attina, but I've someone already.'

'Oh do you now?' asked Freya. 'She can't be as beautiful or fierce as me.'

'Actually Freya, yes she is,' the Haddock chuckled. 'She's very beautiful and fierce. And I will remain loyal to her.'

Both women sat there, staring at him, shocked at his confession. Then Freya grinned evilly and pushed her chest into the man's side.

'Well I'm sure I can persuade you that I'm much better then her in MANY way's.'

With that said, she began moving her hand down to the Haddock's thighs. Not wanting to be outdone, Attina, on the other side, did the same, starting to massage the other thigh. Before both could reach their destination, and before Ruffnut could reach over and lamp both of the cheeky bitches, Hiccup seized both of their hands and forced them away from him. He then stood and stepped away from the table, facing the group. He looked at them in a stoic gaze.

'Despite your 'generous' offer ladies, I will have to politely decline. As I said before, I already have someone to call my own and I have no intention of betraying her trust.' He looked to the Bog Burglar leaning comfortably against Tuffnut.

'Enya here asked if I was single, and I said I was not, instead of trying to flirt and maul me, she respected my decision and relationship, so I don't see why you can't do the same. Good day.'

With that Hiccup left the Great Hall, Toothless following him close behind.

Hiccup wandered around aimlessly, trying to calm himself own and purge the nasty thoughts from his head. He eventually came to the cliff that overlooked the Harbour.

'Hey Hiccup.'

The Pride of Berk looked behind himself. Ruffnut had caught up to him.

'Hey Ruffnut, you alright?

'Better then you, it'd seem.'

'You got that right,' the Haddock grumbled.

The two Vikings stood at the cliff, staring at the horizon. Eventually Hiccup sighed loudly.

'I just wish Astrid was here.'

'Yeah,' Ruff chuckled with a crazy grin. 'She'd be crashing and smashing, and smashing and crashing. Those yakarses wouldn't stand a chance against her axe and Stormfly.' Hiccup could only chuckle at this.

'So where's Tuff?'

'Oh he sneaked off with Enya after you and Toothless left. I think he took her to try and ride on Barf and Belch.'

'you mind?'

'What her riding Barf? No, if anything we should be thanking her for not trying anything on anyone.'

'On me, you mean.' Hiccup gave the woman a toothy grin. Ruff returned it with her own.

'Tuff's a single, grown man, and he's a Dragon Rider. He can take care himself.'

'Ruff, he's with a girl.'

They stood there for a silent moment, and suddenly burst into hysterical laughter. The two remained there for five minutes, just laughing their heads off until they cried and their ribs started to hurt. As they recovered from their laughing fits, the two Vikings caught a glimpse of something in the distance. They remained fixated on the horizon.

'It looks like we've got visitors, Ruff.'

'I'll get Alvin.'

'Right, I'll go to the lookouts, see what they have to report.'

Hiccup jumped on Toothless and the two Vikings parted ways.

Alvin had been expecting Dragon Mail today, but not a personal visit from Stoick, not that he minded seeing his old friend, what he minded was he had left out a certain incident concerning a certain young Viking and a Changewing attack. He just hoped the Vast will understand that there had been a need for discretion, not to mention the Treacherous pushing his lad too hard whilst injured. Well too late for last minute regrets now he thought to himself. He rouse Rocktooth out of her slumber and Chief and Dragon set off to meet their Berkian counterparts.

Whilst they were by no means partners in crime, Attina and Freya had the same selfish motive. To snare the Pride of Berk. Working separately, they both intended to speak with the Chief of Berk, to persuade him that they themselves would be better candidates to be the future wife of the Pride of Berk, not some hussy called Astrid. Unaware of each other's plans, they both intended to talk to the Chief after he had finished formalities with Alvin. Both took their places near their own Chiefs and giving each other dirty looks as the entire population of Outcast Island and their visitors assembled to greet the newest guests. Both the Lava Lout and Meathead noticed their Bog Burglar opposite at her father's side, she kept waving at that crazy male Berkian they had met before. They also happened to notice the other male Berkian and his Dragon had taken their place. Both sets of eyes strayed down to glimpse at his butt, just asking to squeezed. Whether he was single or not, the Pride of Berk was a prize worth fighting for. The looks, the brains, the Dragon, the power, the pros list went on. The thoughts of the two women were disturbed when Alvin bellowed for silence to greet their guests.

The group from Berk finally landed on the cliff that towered over the Harbour, having docked the boat they had discovered, the Chief had kept a stern gaze on Gobber and Snotlout to make sure no coinage went 'missing'. Stoick leapt off Skullcrusher and walked over to his Outcast counterpart. The two old friends embraced and exchanged pleasantries.

'Hello there Stoick, nice to see ya as always, and what brings yer to Outcast Island.'

'Thought we'd pay a friendly visit, plus a little extra security for tonight.'

'Well you're always welcome, but Hiccup and I have been managing fine.'

'Apart from a missing boat filled with gold and silver?' chuckled the Vast.

'Yeah, well apart from that little mishap we've been managing. All of the guests have been kept safe, thanks to Hiccup and all of his measures of course.'

'Glad to hear,' nodded Stoick, before turning to his Heir. 'Alright Hiccup, how have you been?'

'Hey Dad,' responded Hiccup. 'Apart from being harassed by women and Sinned going missing, things have been going smoothly.'

'Uh huh, so what have the bandages got to do with 'going smoothly'.'

Stoick had noticed Hiccup's injuries, this was followed a moment of awkward silence.

'Its nothing now, I'll get better soon,' Hiccup reassured his Dad with a lopsided grin.

'Alright if you say so, Son.'

'Excuse me Stoick of Berk.'

Alvin, Rocktooth, Stoick, Skullcrusher, Hiccup, Toothless and about everyone else turned to the direction of that new voice. It was Basher the Eater.

'Now that you've finished formalities with our good and generous host, I'd like to introduce you to my lovely daughter, Attina.'

On cue, the daughter of the Meathead Chieftain made her way to the clearing and to her Chieftain's side. Her green eyes leering at the Pride of Berk.

'She's a nice lass, pretty, intelligent and good at bargaining a hard deal. An ideal lady for your own lad, if I may say so.' Granite stepped in after this statement, determined not be outdone.

'I think that you'd find that my Freya would be a better choice as a wife for your Pride of Berk, a strong bride for a strong future Chief.'

Stoick and Hiccup looked at one another in annoyance. It always happens to us the pair thought in sync.

'Well, its nice to meet you ladies,' the Berkian Chief said. 'But my Heir is already betrothed to young lady of our tribe, the Hairy Hooligans already.'

Hiccup did not look at his Sire, instead he walked past him, ignoring Alvin, the visiting Chieftains, their daughters, everyone until he reached the person of his desire. Making sure he was in full view of Attina and Freya, Hiccup wrapped his arm around the waist of a fuming Astrid Hofferson and pulled her towards him, the pair meeting in a sweet lingering kiss. Right in front of the two women and all to see. Attina, Freya and their Chieftains stared on in disbelief as the Shield Maiden's angry face turned to surprised, then she closed her eyes as she relaxed into the kiss. Her axe dropped to the ground as she wrapped her arms around the Haddock. They remained for another minute before came up for air.

'Hello Milady.'

'Hello Babe.'

Astrid turned to her 'rivals', giving them a smirk and a look that said 'MINE'.

'Ladies, honoured Chiefs,' Hiccup announced in a clear voice. 'This is my girlfriend, Astrid Hofferson.'

New chapter guys. I always thought Ruffnut and Tuffnut were smarter then people let on, everyone dismissing them as being stupid. They both had sparks of intelligence in the series, so I've decided that they got smarter as they got older, still having that crazy streak we all love. Tuff never had any love interest in HHTYD 2, so thought I'd treat him. I'll update as soon as I can. Enjoy.