I said there might be another update by the end of the month, and I was right!

So yeah, the last chapter was a bit of a mess, I know, but these next few chapters are where things really take off! I hope you guys enjoy them!

Anyways, in the last chapter, things happened. And now, here's more things:

Chapter 26

If one to walk into the Workshop and see Hiccup for the first time since he first came to the North Pole, they wouldn't have even the slightest hint that things were once chaotic and once filled with stress and anger. Hiccup went along his way as if nothing had ever happened to him. Not Pitch, not Jack, none of it. Everything in the Workshop seemed to be running smoothly again. All it took was a little more resting and a good 'night's' sleep before Hiccup was back on his feet and going about his business. The only thing that was different was that North had made it a rule that Toothless and Hiccup were not allowed outside the Shop. Even if Pitch now had his own copy of the Night Fury, there was still a chance he would strike again.

Of course Hiccup didn't mind this new rule; it was Toothless the Viking was worried about. Toothless always got antsy when he didn't get his flying in. Usually, and thankfully, his upset at the rule was kept to a small whine and a pout.

But regardless, he lived, and Hiccup went about his business teaching the Guardians all that he knew. Of course by now, most of his sit down sessions were done, so now he was resorted to smaller lessons that the Guardians would ask for unless Hiccup decided to bring everyone together to go over flight patterns or distinguishing blasts one more time. Right now, actually, he and Sandy were having their own one on one time, going over the number of blasts a dragon had at its full potential.

While they conversed, Jack sat at the window, one leg on the sill while the other was limped over the edge. His hood was down and his staff was leaned up against the wall next to him. He smiled as he watched Hiccup quiz the small Guardian, Sandy's excitement over getting another question right amusing him more and more each time he saw it. The way he would clap his hands and jump in the air as he wiggled his tiny and point feet was enough to make anyone smile. During all of this, Toothless sat close to Hiccup, not really doing anything except watch Hiccup and the tiny, golden man have their fun.

Just as Hiccup asked Sandy another question, this one over whether or not a Zippleback had a shot limit since it was codependent on the other head, two elves walked over to the Viking carrying a tray that seemed large compared to their tiny hands, but seemed just fine in Hiccup's. On this golden tray was a spoon and bowl with a lid, and when removed, Hiccup saw a warm and still steaming serving of red soup inside, complete with beans and meat that North was sure Hiccup would enjoy coming from his Viking background. Hiccup thanked the two elves who then walked back the way they came. "You don't mind if we take a break, do you?" Hiccup asked the Guardian, who didn't mind in the least and let Hiccup have his lunch. "So, a dream giver, huh? That must be exciting," Hiccup said, trying to make some kind of conversation so there'd be no awkward silence between he and the Immortal.

As they talked, Toothless stood up, stretched his back out, and walked over to the window where Jack sat, looking out the window with a small purr. It soon turned into a little bit of a whine once he looked towards the sky.

"Aww," Jack said, sticking out his bottom lip and giving it a little quiver at the sight of the puppy-eyed Night Fury. "Do you miss your flying?"

Toothless looked at Jack with a glare, almost as if asking him, 'What do you think?' He even gave him a little huff before shaking his head like that of a dog, his ears flapping for a moment before he looked back out the window.

Jack smiled again, looking out to the sky that he knew without a doubt that the dragon, as well as his rider, missed. "Yeah, I can't blame ya. Being grounded is never a good thing." He shrugged though, knowing that it wasn't exactly the end of the world to be restricted from flying as long as it depended on the circumstances. "But, look on the bright side. At least Hiccup seems to be fine with it."

Toothless huffed again as if agreeing with Jack.

"I'm sure you've got some perks too. Besides, you're safer in here than you are out there."

Again, Toothless huffed but this time actually giving Jack a small nod.

As Jack looked out the window, his eyes glanced over the spot where he first saw Toothless and Hiccup wounded by Pitch's hand. Again, part of his guilt began to return. But now he wasn't sorry for Hiccup, he was sorry for the dragon. After all, he was hurt too during that attack. None of them knew the pain that he felt when he was scanned, but judging by what they saw back on Berk, it wasn't exactly pleasant. And now he, a dragon that was made for extreme feats while soaring through the air, was now kept inside this workshop. It must feel like a cage compared to what it was like being free to fly and roam wherever he and Hiccup pleased.

He looked down to the Night Fury, reaching out to give him a gentle poke before speaking, "Hey," and getting his attention. "I never really apologized to you about what happened out there. You know, with Pitch and all. The last thing I wanted when you guys came here was for either of you to get hurt. So, if it means anything now, I'm sorry."

The dragon, with his bright and large green eyes, smiled at Jack before gently nudging his nose against Jack's hand and sliding it over his head, telling him in his own way that all was forgiven.

Jack took the opportunity to gently pet the dragon, smiling back as he looked back out the window as the last bit of regret and guilt left him. Things were finally starting to look up, little by little. Though there was no big victory they could have, especially with Pitch's army continuously growing, he still saw hope on the horizon. A laugh from his Viking friend made him look away from the window's view, looking over to see the brunt and the small Guardian sharing a small laugh.

"Okay so wait, he was just sitting there and staring right at you?" Hiccup asked.

Sandy nodded, a picture of a small child sitting up in his bead and staring right at Hiccup.

"So what did you do? Knock him out?"

Again, the Guardian nodded, the picture fading away in a 'poof' as he smacked his fist against his hand. Though when Hiccup gave him a funny look, he quickly smiled and moved his shoulders as if he were laughing before making a small golden ball appear in his hand, tossing it playfully.

"Whew," Hiccup sighed. "Okay, that makes more sense."

Now it was Jack who chuckled, though his was more soft and unnoticeable. That is, unnoticeable by everyone except the dragon that sat right next to him. The Night Fury looked at the Guardian of Fun with a small smirk, looking as if he was raising a brow.

"What?" Jack asked.

Toothless looked over Jack, as if he were saying, 'You know what'.

Jack shook his head, looking back out the window as he said, "Whatever." But Toothless only poked his arm with his nose, giving him a little purr. "What?" Jack asked again. Toothless looked back to his rider, staring at him for just a second before looking back at Jack. "I already apologized to Hiccup!" Jack answered. "What else do you want me to do to him?"

Toothless had several answers for that question, but right now he just needed Jack to understand the one. Once again, he looked at Hiccup and then back to Jack, though this time his looks were a little more direct, practically using his nose to point at the two of them as he waited for Jack to finally understand what he was trying to say.

It took Jack a moment, but he soon understood. Surprisingly, Toothless was able to read him better than he thought. He looked down to the dragon, who soon perked his head up high, eye level with Jack, once he saw that his point had finally come across to the Immortal. But if Toothless meant what Jack thought he meant, then he knew Toothless was only hoping for something that would never happen. "Sorry, buddy. Not gonna happen."

Toothless whined, giving Jack his own puppy eyes.

"I can't," Jack insisted. "That's not how these things work." Jack looked up at Hiccup, speaking low the rest of the time since he much rather preferred Hiccup didn't hear their conversation. "He's mortal. I'm not. I literally travel all over the world, when would I see him? Plus, I'm a Guardian. I've got maybe the biggest responsibility in the world! When would I have time for him?"

Toothless saw these all as good points, but he still didn't see why Jack simply wouldn't give the idea a chance. He gave a small nod to Hiccup again, knowing how it would make Hiccup extremely happy to know that Jack felt the same way about him.

"Look," Jack went on, "I don't know how you know about me and…how I feel," Toothless' eyes fell for a moment, as if sarcastically asking the Immortal, 'Really?', "but I'm doing what's best for him. It sucks for me too, you know! But I've, no, we've got bigger things going on! Even if I did tell him, what makes you think we could even do anything about it? We've got to focus on Pitch, not figuring out whether or not we can have some kind of pointless relationship." Though his mouth said 'pointless', his gut and dare he say his heart said 'worthwhile'.

Again, Toothless cooed at him, wanting him to go on but trying to insist that it was worth a try.

Jack sighed, knowing that he wouldn't be able to convince Toothless otherwise. "It's not like I don't want to try. Believe me, I do. Hiccup's a great guy! He's smart and funny and cute and creative and wonderful, but…" he looked at Hiccup again, his toothy smile complimented only by his bright emerald eyes that gave Jack goosebumps, "I-I can't." He looked back at the dragon. "As much as I hate it, Hiccup is just a good friend. And that's all he can ever be. Okay?"

Before Toothless could answer, a bright circle appeared in the middle of the room, North stepping through it in a matter of seconds. Everyone in the room immediately looked to the large man, wondering what it was he had to report. For a moment, North said nothing, the portal closing behind him as he rubbed the top of his bald head.

"North?" asked Jack.

"The island," answered North, Hiccup instantly standing up and taking a step closer to the Guardian.

"Island? You mean Berk?" the Viking asked.

North shook his head. "No. The other one."

Hiccup was growing worried. North didn't look too happy with whatever it was he had just seen. "What about it?"

Jack and Toothless moved away from the window, both of them wanting to hear what North had to say, but also to be close to Hiccup should North deliver any bad news.

"Nothing," North went on. "There's nothing. No Pitch, no army, everything is fine." North seemed defeated when he spoke, despite the fact that this was otherwise good news. In fact, he really did seem to be slightly angered by this, as if he had expected to find destruction when he arrived.

Sandy looked to Hiccup, smiling as he heard the good news. But Hiccup only seemed confused noticing North's lack of happiness and content towards what Hiccup thought would have been a relieving find.

"Soooo…that's good, right?" asked Jack.

North nodded. "In a way. But they've seen nothing. Nothing at all!"

Jack looked to Hiccup, hoping that he wasn't having the same reaction as North. However, he seemed to be just as confused as North. "Well, I mean it's strange, but this is still a good thing!" Jack stated optimistically. "At least no one's been hurt! This is good!"

"Yeah, but it still worries me," Hiccup responded. "They've seen nothing?" Hiccup asked North.

The Guardian shook his head. "Nothing. Even your father did not see anything strange."

"I thought there would have been something by now," said Hiccup.

"Well, we could always go check on Pitch," Jack suggested. "If he hasn't done anything by now then maybe something's up. How do we even know he's still on Berk? Maybe he's moved!"

"If he has moved then he still would have done something by now," answered North.

"Not really! Maybe he's waiting."

"Waiting for what though?" Hiccup asked. "If he wanted us then he would have stormed the Workshop. It's not like he doesn't know where we are."

"So then he's waiting for us," Jack responded. He pointed to the brunet, "That would make sense. He's had time to look over Berk and every island around it. It's his playing field. If we don't come to him, then he's not going to do anything."

North shook his head again. "He won't be so patient."

"Well we can't just sit around and wait can we?" asked Jack.

"If we do there's no telling what Pitch will do. He won't wait forever and neither can we," Hiccup stated.

North looked around, realizing he had far too much on his plate right now to be wondering how patient Pitch might be. "All I know is this. We will go to Berk soon, but until then, all we can do is hope Pitch does not attack first."

"So what are we supposed to do if he does?" asked Jack.

Hiccup was quick to answer. "I think you guys know enough by now. You guys might be able to take him on."

North nodded, pointing to the young man. "It's possible. It is very possible. Until then, I will keep checking on the yetis." North gave everyone a quick nod before he turned to go. There really wasn't much else he could do. If Pitch hadn't done anything then there was nothing to do but wait until it was time to make their next move.

"Hey, North?" Hiccup spoke up, taking a few steps closer to North as he walked away. "Everyone was still okay though, right? My dad wasn't too worried or anything?"

The Guardian smiled, "Of course. Everyone was fine. I told him you were alright and you would be home shortly," he answered reassuringly.

Hiccup sighed before thanking North and letting him go on his way. He looked back to his friends, shrugging and not knowing what else he could do now except finish his meal. "Well, that's a good thing I suppose."

"Totally!" Jack agreed.

"Sandy!" North called out. "I could use your help for a moment!"

The gold man waved to everyone before floating off towards North, leaving just the two boys and the dragon to themselves once again.

"Well, this has been an eventful few days, hasn't it?" Jack asked his friend, poking him with his elbow as he gave a little chuckle.

Hiccup smiled, chuckling back as he grabbed his bowl and moved over to the window that Jack was once sitting at. "Yeah, I guess. And I thought training the dragons was going to be the highlight of my life."

"Hey, you're still young," Jack said as he followed his friend. "You don't know what could happen."

"Yeah. Who knows? Maybe I'll die young and become a Guardian and stay young forever too!"

"Sorry pal, the position's been filled."

Hiccup laughed as he sat on the windowsill, the seat still a little cold from where Jack had been sitting previously. HE continued to eat as he looked out the window and admired the view. Of course, just like Toothless, he missed flying. He didn't miss it nearly as much as the dragon, but he knew it was the right decision. He couldn't risk letting Pitch get either he or Toothless again.

"I bet you miss flying too, huh?" Jack asked, sitting on the other side and pulling his feet up on the sill. "I can't imagine how antsy Toothless must be."

"He hides it well," Hiccup commented, the dragon sitting next to the window and looking out to admire the view, though he paid no attention to the remark that Hiccup had made. "He was once grounded for about a week. By the end of it he was a mess. I've seen newborns calmer than him." Still, Toothless did nothing. "Then again, the little baby probably was just making a scene so he could get what he wanted. Drama queen." Now Toothless finally looked at Hiccup, glaring at him right as the Viking stuck his tongue out at him.

Jack laughed at their little exchange, happy to see that Toothless and Hiccup weren't completely upset by their lack of flying privileges. Plus, Hiccup didn't seem too caught up on Pitch at the moment. He seemed content, possibly for the first time in a long time. It had been a while he saw the brunet simply sit and relax. He was almost always stressed about something, but to see him like this was a nice refresher.

"At least my dad's not too worried about me, ya know?" Hiccup went on.

"What do you think he's doing right now? You think he's worried about you at all?"

"Of course he is," Hiccup clarified. "He's probably thinking about me nonstop actually."

"I thought you said he wasn't too worried?" Jack asked with a smirk.

Hiccup chuckled a little, still looking out the window as he pulled his leg close. "Sometimes I think he's always thinking about me. He's always worried I'll hurt myself somehow. But I mean he's probably not as worried about me as he normally would be. I think he trusts North."

"Of course he does. With that treaty and everything he promised him, what choice did he have?"

"Honestly, if you knew my dad like I did. You would have seen that turning out ten different ways. A few of them included North walking away with a black eye."

Jack hissed at the thought. "Ouch. Tough guy."

"You should see him on his god days. Not much changes, really." Hiccup took another few spoonfuls of his soup before shrugging. "Now, Pitch on the other hand, I'm sure he's really worried about him."

"Why wouldn't he be?" Jack asked. "He probably thinks the same thing we are. He's waiting this long for a reason. He's probably worried Pitch will try something again." Jack flinched a little at his own words. They weren't exactly the best thing to be saying to Hiccup right now, especially since he just saw the guy beginning to calm down and be restful for once in a while. "You're dad's not dumb enough to go take Pitch on his own, is he?"

To Jack's relief, Hiccup gave him another small chuckle as he rolled his eyes, picturing the thought of Stoick running towards Pitch with his loud war cry and axe raised above his head. "No but it wouldn't surprise me if he thought of that idea. He's smart though so hopefully he'll realize how stupid it would be to go after Pitch by himself, or even with the rest of that island for that matter."

"Let's just hope it doesn't come down to that," Hiccup said before finishing the last bit of his soup. "I think I'm gonna go back to my room for a bit. Bunny said he wanted a one-on-one session with me so I gotta make sure I have everything ready for him."

"You sound just like a teacher."

"I technically am."

"Yeah but teacher's are boring. They teach boring stuff, Hiccup."

"Well excuse me, but I think this boring stuff I saving your life!" Hiccup slid off of the windowsill, bowl in hand, as he called over his shoulder, "Remember that the next time your sarcastic butt is in danger!" Toothless followed after Hiccup, watching him as a nearby elf saw Hiccup making his way for the kitchen. The little guy quickly ran over to Hiccup and held out his hands, offering to take the bowl and spoon back for him. "Oh, uh, thanks," Hiccup said as he gave the bowl to the elf, finding amusement in watching the little guy's bell jingle with every hobbled step he took towards the kitchen. He looked back to his friend and ran his hand over his head. "Come on bud, I just gotta grab a few things. He'll be here in an hour."

Jack let his legs slide out, his leg on the outside of the sill falling to the floor while the other stretched out as far as it could now that Hiccup had moved. He watched Hiccup until he walked past the corner and out of his sight. It wasn't until a few moments afterwards did he too get up, moving his free hand inside his pocket, and began to walk around.

He was happy that Hiccup seemed to be fine, even after everything that had happened. He didn't seem to be overly worried about anything actually. Not Pitch, not the army, not his dad, none of it. It was good, yet surprising. He moved towards the globe and leaned against the railing, watching the giant metal sphere slowly turn on its axis. The lights shimmered and twinkled, glowing as they filled Jack with hope, yet a slight twinge of nervousness of his own. These believers, these kids, they didn't know what was coming if they couldn't stop Pitch. And after he took care of them, what then? Would he just feed on their fear for as long as he could, or would he regain his control and go after Manny, or perhaps back to wherever it was he came from?

Whatever he planned to do, Jack knew it wouldn't be good. But he also knew they couldn't wait much longer. Jack didn't see Pitch as a guy who liked to be kept waiting, especially with an army that he knew the Nightmare King was more than anxious to show off. But he knew that more than anyone else, Stoick was the one who was the most nervous and stressed. His people were depending on him for everything. And to think that this title, this responsibility, was to be one day handed down to Hiccup. He knew as well as Hiccup that the day would come sooner or later, though Hiccup would of course prefer the latter. If Stoick didn't think rationally however, that day might come sooner than he would hope.

Jack began to walk down the hall, his hand staying on the railing as he continued to get lost in his own thoughts. He knew they would have to make their move against Pitch soon, but then again, that was exactly what Pitch wanted them to do. He was waiting for them to attack him on his own turf. Unless there was a way they could possibly get him off of the island and somewhere where he couldn't have the aid of his dragon army, they had no other choice but to storm the island and hope they had some kind of upper hand. It was either that or find a way to sneak onto the island and catch Pitch off guard.

"Well what is second option?" he heard North ask from the floor below. Jack looked over the railing to try and get a glimpse of the large man, but saw nothing. "They both sound fine to me," North spoke.

Jack thought the sound was coming from directly beneath him and shuffled his staff in his hand before floating up and, keeping his feet secured on the railing, leaned over and tried to get a good look at the Guardian. Though everything was upside down, held up only by the wind and his anchored feet, he could still see a little bit of North and Sandy, both of them standing in front of a yeti that seemed to be holding some kind of plastic sci-fi toy gun. Two sound effects were then heard coming from the table, both of them sounding appropriate to the gun.

"What do you think, Sandy?" North asked, only getting a shrug from the smaller man. "They both sound fine to me. Just do what you think is best and I'm sure you will be fine!" North said before he gave the yeti a pat on his shoulder and went on his way, saying something to Sandy about Pitch and his patience.

But before Jack could hear anything else, he felt a light tickle on the bottom of his feet. He shouted before moving away from the railing, flipping himself upright before turning around to see a familiar yeti, hands held behind his back as he 'innocently' looked around and gave a little whistle. "Not cool, Phil. Not. Cool." The yeti only laughed before he went on his way.

Jack landed on the railing, balancing himself with his staff on his shoulders as he walked along the rail, making sure he wasn't in the way of any other yeti's that passed by. Yet all he could hear, despite the mumbling and garbled mess of whatever kind of language it was the yetis spoke, North's words started to echo in his ears. 'Just do what you think is best'. He had told Jack that same thing just yesterday. And still he had this feeling, this tiny one that felt like it was still lingering, that he hadn't quite made the right call. At least, not the right one when it came to Hiccup. It seemed that Hiccup had moved on, so why couldn't he? Or another option was Hiccup was still just as thoughtful about this as Jack was and was only putting up a ruse in order to throw Jack off and try to make him not worry about him as much. Jack sighed before jumping off the railing, landing with both feet before going on his way.

He still couldn't get rid of it. He thought that perhaps, if he was lucky enough to have this be the same as other 'infatuations' he had in the past, that it would heal with time. But then again, those little 'infatuations' he had weren't like the one he had with Hiccup, primarily because Hiccup could actually see him and be with him. True it made things different, but it didn't change what was what. Jack had made his decision, and he needed to stick with it. He couldn't come out and tell Hiccup he actually did like him after all of this, could he? It would throw the Viking off. As much as Hiccup didn't like it, Jack worried about him. A lot.

Something about this still just didn't seem right. Even if he had made his decision, he couldn't help but wonder what might have happened had he said yes and kissed Hiccup back.

Laughter was heard coming from the door on his left. Without realizing it, he was walking right past Hiccup's room, the door slightly ajar and the sound of quick footsteps, almost like running, being heard from inside.

Jack naturally had to see what was up and moved to the door, opening it slightly and just enough so that he could take a quick peek inside. Toothless had one of Hiccup's pillows in his mouth and was teasing Hiccup with it, running around the room as Hiccup ran after him, smiling and laughing as he tried to catch up with the Night Fury. The dragon was gracious enough to stop and turn to look at Hiccup, waving the pillow in his mouth as he froze and anticipated Hiccup's next move as neither of them moved an inch and merely looked at the other.

"So you wanna play games, huh?" Hiccup asked, wishing there was something shiny he could use in here to try and get Toothless' attention, or even better some dragon nip to knock the Night Fury right out. "You couldn't just let me have this one moment, could ya?" The dragon shook his head before taking off again, the two of them running around the room and obviously having a good time.

Jack saw no harm with opening the door all of the way and letting himself in, leaning against the door frame and crossing his ankles together as he watched the two. "So much for getting ready for Bunny, huh?"

"Yeah, well, I had a small change of plans," Hiccup answered, giving Jack only a quick glance as his focus was primarily on getting his pillow back. Toothless insisted in taunting and teasing Hiccup with the pillow dangling from his mouth, making the Viking that much more anxious to get his pillow back. However, with one quick swipe of his hand, Hiccup managed to grab the corner of his pillow and tried to pull it out of the dragon's maw. "Hey! Come on! This is a good pillow, don't rip it!" Hiccup said as their little game of tug-of-war grew more violent.

"Oh let him have it, Hiccup," Jack said as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. "North's got plenty of those things."

"It's the principle, Jack!"

"Do I look like the kind of guy that cares about principles?"

"I'd answer that honestly but I'm a little busy at the moment!" Hiccup said right before Toothless let up and let the Viking have his pillow back, the brunet stumbling back just a little but holding up his worn and now slightly damp pillow in victory. "And that's how it's done."

"Congratulations, you now have a wet pillow to sleep on," Jack commented.

But Hiccup only shrugged and tossed it onto the bed. "I'm sure the spare will be just fine for tonight."

"You have a spare for the spare?" Jack asked as he floated the rest of the way, landing by the Night Fury and scratching him behind the ears and granting a small purr out of the dragon.

"Not yet," Hiccup said, sitting down on the bed. "You think I should get one?"

"Couldn't hurt," Jack answered, moving away from Toothless and floating horizontally and face-up above the bed. He soon fell, plopping himself down on the bed and making the Viking that sat on its edge bounce a little. They both shared a small laugh as Jack crossed his arms under his head, setting his staff down beside him as he stared at the ceiling. "So you think you'll be going home soon?"

Taken back by the sudden question, Hiccup wasn't sure how to respond. He didn't really want to leave as badly as he once did, especially now that things seemed to have calmed down, but he knew he wouldn't do much good here and that he had no other choice. "Yeah. Probably," he answered. He'd definitely see Jack once all of this was done, and who knows? Maybe he'd run into the rest of the Guardians every now and then. "I mean, there's not much else I can really teach you guys. Unless Pitch goes out and finds more dragons of his own then I'm not sure what else there is you guys need to know."

"Yeah, well you're not going to get rid of me that easily you know," Jack teased, smiling as he looked over to the brunet whose back was still facing the Guardian.

"Unfortunately," Hiccup replied with a smirk, finally looking over his shoulder. "But I gotta see my friends and family and some point."

"Ah, who needs 'em?" Jack asked, rolling over onto his stomach. "Run away. Live your life! Be free!"

Hiccup laughed again, rolling his eyes as he turned to face Jack and crossed his legs. "Yeah, sure, make my dad even more miserable."

Jack didn't know if he would ever get over that smile, that laugh, that honest sincerity in his voice. He'd see Hiccup when all of this was done of course, but he'd definitely see less of the Viking. He had a job to do and Hiccup, well, he had a life. He couldn't make as much time for Jack as he used to. Son he'd have to revert back to their original plan, seeing each other maybe once a week or so. Soon he may even turn into the new Jamie, only getting a chance to see him a couple times a month. Jack already didn't like how much he and Jamie had grown apart, but it still made him smile seeing how happy and excited Jamie was to see him whenever he found the time to fly back to Burgess and see how his first believer was doing. Maybe Hiccup would be the same way.

Of course, there was no time to enjoy like the present. Jack rolled back over onto his back and grabbed his staff, pointing it towards the ceiling and shooting a quick and bright blast of frost. As it made contact with the wood, the blast seemed to explode in a tiny 'poof', bright sparkles of frost and ice slowly raining down in a small flurry. Hiccup of course rolled his eyes at the display, but really found the act to be quite amusing. "Was that really necessary?" Hiccup asked as he moved to lean back against the headboard of the bed.

"When is it ever?"

"Fair enough." The snowflakes soon came close enough that Hiccup could stick his tongue out and try to catch a few, only catching the first two before he gave a small chuckle and pushed his bangs out of the way. "I can do better," he assured, straightening himself up and trying his best to catch even more, yet still only able to catch one flake successfully. Jack giggled at the sight. "What? You think you can do better?"

The Guardian of Fun shuffled his staff in his hand before he gave the Viking a small nod. "Watch me," he said before he levitated off of the bed and stuck his tongue out, flying around the room and catching multiple snowflakes within seconds. He soon even resorted to simply opening and closing his mouth in a rhythmic pattern.

Hiccup although wasn't too impressed by the small show, seeing Jack's ability as a bit of a cop out and an unfair advantage. "Show off," he spat as he folded his arms. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Toothless having his own fun, sticking his forked tongue out and trying his best to catch some snowflakes of his own. Of course, with his tongue being much larger than the two boys, he had more success at catching the snowflakes, only having to wait a few seconds before he had quite a few spare snowflakes already melting on his tongue. Hiccup chuckled and gave his friend a small clap, congratulating him on his own small victory. "Impressive," he commented. "I think Toothless has you beat, Jack."

"No fair!" Jack said as he landed at the foot of the bed. "He's got an advantage!"

"Says the guy who was just flying all around the room and clearly trying to make a spectacle of himself," Hiccup pointed out.

"But you clearly favor him over me!"

"Your point?"

Jack had nothing to say in response. All he did was shake his head and hold up his open hand, taking a small step away from the bed as he gave up. "Fine. I see how it is. I'll never come close to the dragon then."

"Don't get too down," Hiccup said, unfolding his arms as the last of the snowflakes fell. "You're still in the top five of my least hated people." He looked down at his bed, scattered wet spots from the fallen snow giving his sheets a bit of a polka-dot look. "But only if you promise to not make my bed any wetter."

"Oh, so you don't want me to stick your hand in a warm bowl of water?"

"A warm bowl…what does that have to do with making my bed wet?"

Jack paused for a moment, wondering if it was worth his time to try and explain the joke. He shook his head, waving off the idea. "Nevermind."

Toothless let his head fall against the bed, looking between the two boys and wondering just how longer this obvious charade of theirs was going to last. Clearly there was still some kind of unsolved tension between them, and Toothless knew exactly whom to blame and point his paw at. Jack was just sitting there, acting as if nothing was wrong with how things were with Hiccup. The Night Fury could practically see the words that Jack wanted to say right on the tip of his tongue, or even just in the way he looked at his Viking. It was obvious there was more there that Jack wasn't willing to say.

The Guardian however didn't notice the dragon judging his actions and instead looked towards the closed door, knowing Hiccup still needed to get ready. But maybe just a few more minutes alone with the Viking wouldn't hurt, right? He noticed the bedside table in his peripheral, Hiccup's notebook and pencil lying there near the table's edge. He nodded towards the book. "You do any more drawings lately?"

"Hm?" Hiccup asked, following Jack's gaze towards his book. "Oh! Uh, yeah, kinda," he answered as he moved to the other side of the bed and grabbed the book. "Just a few sketches really. Nothing too big, I don't really have the supplies here for any of that."

"Can I see?" Jack asked as he moved to sit beside Hiccup, setting his staff down on the bed beside him.

Slightly surprised by the question, but really not thinking too much of it since Jack had already seen some of his previous work, Hiccup opened the book from the back and flipped through all the blank pages until he came to the last page he had worked on, several small sketches of Sandy scattered throughout the two pages. "I've just done a few sketches of the Guardians, really. Nothing too big and nothing you haven't seen before."

Of course Jack didn't care. He always loved seeing Hiccup's art. Even if the style hadn't changed in the slightest since he last saw it, the way he poured his heart and soul into his work made Jack smile. He didn't know precisely what it was, but something about the way he drew the little golden man seemed to capture everything about him. Maybe it was the way he drew his smile, or the way he drew his poofy and gravity-defying hair. "These look great!" Jack complimented, going to turn over to the next page, but pausing just in case Hiccup had anything to say. But when he heard or saw no form of protest from the freckled teen, Jack went on and turned the next page to see the next two pages covered with several pictures of Tooth. 'Wow', he mouthed as he focused all of his attention on the notebook. The details this guy was able to put in just her wings alone! Her feathers weren't exactly one hundred percent perfect, but he was no art critic.

"Is there a reason Viking's don't exactly have art as a career choice?" Jack asked as he looked between the sketches.

"I honestly don't know if you're serious or not," Hiccup answered as he ran his hand through his hair, happy to see Jack take such an interest in his drawings even after all this time.

"We haven't been friends long enough apparently," Jack said as he turned over to the next page, finding Bunny to be the next study that Hiccup had done. Each drawing seemed just as if not more amazingly detailed than the last. After Bunny came North, though Hiccup only did a couple sketches of him, choosing to make him take up the full page so he could show off his voluptuousness.

Hiccup knew what came next though, and he wasn't too sure if he wanted Jack to go on. He hadn't stopped him yet, so why would he stop now? His hand instinctively reached for the notebook, ready to stop Jack from continuing through his notebook, but he paused when he put just a little more thought in it. Jack already knew about his feelings for him, so he shouldn't find it too surprising what he found on the next page. His hand retracted, waiting in his lap as Hiccup looked away when Jack started to move to the next page.

But Jack was no fool. He knew what to expect on the next two pages. All the other Guardians had had their time to shine. It only seemed to make sense that Jack would be next. And sure enough, there he was. Plastered all over the next two pages in various poses. Standing upright, sitting with his legs held close and staff held in hand, and even one of him it mid air, his legs stretched out behind him with pointed feet. Those were of course the poses, but there was one more in the bottom right corner of the second page that really stood out to Jack. It wasn't a pose, or just a quick doodle. Instead, it was his head. More specifically, him looking towards the viewer with his head slightly turned, his hair in its usual swoop, and a soft and toothless smile being his only greeting. Even his eyes seemed to have a small glisten to them, as if Hiccup was able to make them seem as deep and vibrant as they were in real life. And to think Hiccup had done all of this with a pencil whereas Jack could hardly draw a straight line.

"Hiccup," he said softly as he held the book closer to his face, bringing his feet up onto the bed and crossing his legs. "This…this is amazing," he continued to speak softly.

Hiccup looked back at his friend, smiling and, embarrassingly, blushing a little at the compliment. "Y-you think so?" he asked.

"I know so. Hiccup, these are…wow, I-I honestly don't know what to say except they're amazing!" Jack smiled, showing off his pearly whites as he took a quick look at the brunet. Could he be making this decision any harder?

"I try," Hiccup said, blushing even more at the impending praises. "There's more on the next page if you wanted to see."

More? Dear Manny, there was more? Jack was hesitant at first, but turned the page regardless. Sure enough, there was Jack again. Only this time, there was only one drawing that took up both pages, making Jack turned the book over and look at it from the side. The pose was simple; Jack was standing there, one hand at his side while the other held his staff upright and showing off its crook. There was a small shadow under his feet and what looked like the beginnings of grass that were abandoned once Hiccup felt that the piece had been completed. His face seemed more focused, yet he was still smiling, his cheeks even having a small gray smudge as if to symbolize his rosy cheeks.

Jack had to let the book rest on his lap. He was too lost in awe at the details Hiccup had drawn and how much time and energy he clearly had to have put into this 'sketch'. "Hiccup…" He was at a loss for words. He looked back at his friend and smiled again, hoping that just his look alone would be enough to convey how he truly felt. This was getting harder and harder to ignore how he felt. Damn near impossible to be specific.

"You like it?" Hiccup asked, his heart beating against his chest.

"I mean, I think you could have given me a six pack, but I'm not complaining," Jack answered.

Hiccup scoffed at the idea, laughing just a little. "A six pack? Really? I'm going for realistic, not abstract."

"It's realistic!" Jack assured.

"Oh really?" Hiccup asked, scooting back and nodding towards Jack's abdomen. "Then show me this so-called six pack."

Tauntingly and boastfully, Jack grabbed the bottom of his hoodie, but paused before it was even lifted an inch. He knew full well that he had no six pack to show off, and seeing his bare abdomen probably wasn't the best thing for Hiccup…or himself actually. "Fine, you got me," Jack said defeated as he released his hoodie.

"Uh-huh. That's what I thought."

"But…really, these are wonderful. They're fantastic and…and-"

"Amazing?"

Jack chuckled before he nodded and looked back at the full body drawing. "Exactly."

"Honestly I wish they were all as detailed as this one. It's not like I had as much time to draw them all out perfectly like when we were in the Cove with those frost dragon things," Hiccup explained, feeling as if the full body drawing was the only one he did that really captured Jack's essence and, well, being.

"I still love it regardless," Jack said as he closed the book. "One of these days I might just pay you for something I can carry around. Maybe I'll even give you a good pose." Jack quickly stood up and gave Hiccup a 'strong' pose, flexing his arms and standing tall as he showed off whatever muscles he thought were hiding underneath those baggy sleeves.

"Uh-huh, and how exactly do you plan on paying for this said drawing?" Hiccup asked.

"I'll get back to you on that," Jack answered, staying in his pose.

Hiccup laughed, shaking his head as he took his book back and placed it back on the table. "I'll do it for free, Jack."

"Good because I'd rather not steal someone else's money."

"Why do I get the feeling it wouldn't be the first?"

"Shut up."

They laughed together, just as they always had, but this one felt different to Jack. It felt good, but also painful. As if he had missed another opportunity, another chance to tell Hiccup how he truly felt. If there was ever a time to leave and not give in to something he knew would only end badly, it was either now or very soon. He looked back at the door, deciding that it was better to leave now as opposed to later. "I think I should leave you be," he said, shuffling his staff in hand. "Let you, you know, get ready for the kangaroo and all.

"Oh, uh, o-okay," Hiccup said as he watched Jack stand up and start to move away.

Neither of them saw Toothless bury his face in his paws. Odin this was getting to be unbearable.

Jack began walking for the door, looking over his shoulder to Hiccup and smiling as he gave him a small wave with his free hand. "I'll see ya around, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah sure!" Hiccup said as he waved back. Gods, this was harder than he had anticipated. All he wanted during that moment was one, just one quick touch. Anything to calm and settle his nerves for the time being. Even if it was just on his hand, or a shoulder, or his back, all he wanted was something to make him feel at ease and to calm him down. But he knew there was work to be done. Far more important things required his attention at the moment.

Jack walked to the door, keeping his head down low as he grabbed the doorknob. North's words were echoing, no, screaming in his head. What he thought was right…right…did he even know anymore? Something that had seemed right was wrong, and what was wrong was seeming right. Everything that he believed to be a rule that should never be broken was seeming more like a guideline rather than an official rule. He opened the door, feeling something pulling his spine as if telling him to turn around and go after Hiccup. To just see him for one quick moment. He ran through the list in his head one more time, looking at the pros and cons of this situation. But yet, even as he saw the almost equal pile, only one option, something he never thought would be his only option, was making itself known.

He didn't care anymore. About the 'rules', about what everyone would say. None of it mattered. All that mattered was Hiccup. He shut the door and turned around, looking directly at the Viking as he stood up and ran his hand through his hair.

Hiccup noticed Jack's look and grew curious. "What's up?" he asked.

Jack said nothing as he walked over to Hiccup, looking determined as his hand held his staff even tighter. This was bad. This was a bad idea. Yet each step he took closer to Hiccup seemed to be like a step in the right direction.

"Jack?" Hiccup asked, worried about his friend. "What's wrong?"

Still, Jack said nothing as he let his staff fall and land against the small table that Hiccup's notebook sat upon. He stood in front of Hiccup, eyes gazing directly into Hiccup's. His eyes never seemed brighter or greener, his hair never softer. He didn't know how to do this. Make it quick? Make it slow and drawn out so he could enjoy every single damn second?

But then again, after all this time and all this waiting, did it even matter?

He sighed before carefully and gently placing a hand behind Hiccup's head, running his fingers through Hiccup's hair. Oh no, it was softer than he imagined. He gave his lip the smallest of bites, collecting himself before he spoke, "I'm so tired of this."

"Tired?" Hiccup repeated, frozen in both terror and shock. There was no way what was happening was what he thought was happening. This was a joke. It was the only possible explanation.

"Just," Jack quickly interrupted, "just screw the rules, Hiccup," he said with a small chuckle, though he didn't even smile. With that Jack knew how he would go about this. He wasn't quick, nor was he slow. He simply leaned in, closed his eyes, and gently let his lips meet Hiccup's in a warm, enticing, and overall heart-stopping kiss.

Well, it was warm for Jack, but for Hiccup it was ice cold, sending chills down his spine. But he didn't care. He couldn't give a single solitary damn about how cold Jack Frost's lips were. This was perfect, and he wouldn't change a thing. His eyes closed shortly after their kiss began, his trembling hands reaching out to wrap around Jack and slide across his back. Everything else grew quiet, as if there was no life around them. It was just the two of them in the room, sharing what Hiccup had been dying to share for what seemed like eternity.

Everything seemed to fall into place. It was done. Feelings had been shared, a kiss had been exchanged, and tensions were now at ease. Everything was as it should be.

Their lips eventually parted, only sharing the one kiss. Neither of them immediately opened their eyes, though if they did they would have noticed the Night Fury smiling and looking at them with a stern look that one would have read as 'Finally!'

Jack opened his eyes first, but Hiccup opened his just a second afterwards.

"Did…did you just…" Hiccup tried to say, speaking softly.

Jack nodded. "I did," he answered just as softly.

"Why?"

"Because…well, I couldn't stand not knowing, you know?"

"Join the club," Hiccup said, smiling just a little as he looked into Jack's bright eyes.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked.

Hiccup nodded in response. "Yes. But…I-I...did that really just happen?"

Jack smiled, chuckling just a little as he answered, "Yes."

"'Kay. Just checking."

Neither of them realized they still had their arms wrapped around each other, but then again neither of them really cared. They were still lost in the moment, unsure of what to say or even do next.

"How long?" Hiccup asked.

"Sorry?"

"How long?" Hiccup repeated. "How long have you…well, thought of me like that?"

"A while," Jack answered, moving his hand up and down Hiccup's back. "A long while actually."

"Well it took you long enough," Hiccup said, moving away from Jack's embrace and trying his absolute best to keep his cool. He touched his lips, the feeling of Jack's ice cold skin still leaving a lingering impression on his skin.

Jack rolled his eyes, his arms falling to his side as he looked over the Viking. "You're one to talk. Do you know how badly I wanted to ki-" Jack couldn't even say the word out loud, as if saying it was still a taboo thing to do. "How badly I wanted to kiss you back?" he went on. "I was a mess!"

Hiccup rolled his eyes, finding Jack's small rant to be completely unbelievable. "And how exactly do you think I felt, Jack?"

"Not well, I would imagine," Jack answered quickly, stepping just a little bit closer to Hiccup.

"But what about the Guardians?" Hiccup asked. "I mean, if this means what I think it means, then won't they have something to say about this?"

"First off, let me ask you something," Jack asked, still smiling at the cute brunet. "What do you think it means?"

Hiccup wasn't sure how to word it. There were several possibilities here that could very well be the reason for Jack's sudden and abrupt kiss. "I…well, I think this means that…you, I guess, you kind of think I'm not too bad to hang around."

Jack chuckled reaching out to grab Hiccup's hand despite how nervous and shaken he was. "You're not too bad."

"Good. I was getting worried for a moment," Hiccup teased. "But…does this mean that you really do kind of…you know, like me?"

Jack sighed, looking away from Hiccup for a brief moment. "Hiccup, honestly, I've got no clue. I don't know what I'm doing here. I'm no charmer. I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing here. I just knew I liked you and that I couldn't stand not knowing what it would be like to kiss you. Plain and simple."

"Well at least you're honest."

"Clearly you wanted to too."

"Well my kiss was on the cheek, remember?"

"Yeah I remember you chickening out."

"How exactly was I chickening out? I was the one who, you know what, nevermind. Forget it. This is just," he looked at the closed door, "What are we going to do if any of them find out what just happened?"

"Well I would like to think that I would look at them and just tell them to mind their own business."

"I'm serious, Jack!" Hiccup responded, realizing the seriousness of what had just happened. "What are we gonna tell them if they find out what we just did?"

Jack stepped closer, running his thumb over Hiccup's warm hand as he spoke. "Hiccup, does it really matter? I mean, this is what you wanted, right?"

"Well, yeah."

"Then why are you so worried?"

"Because I don't know what this means!" Hiccup tried to explain, not wanting to raise his voice any more.

"Okay, well, what do you want it to mean? Hm?" Jack asked sincerely. "What do you want to do, right now?"

Hiccup paused for a moment glancing at the door only once before he inhaled and tried to make sense of everything that had just happened. "Honestly…I'd like to kiss you again."

Jack nodded slightly. "I think that would be nice too."

"But, I just want to make one thing clear, if you don't mind."

Jack shook his head. "I don't. Go ahead." Of course they needed to clear the air between them. They had to make absolutely sure that this was what they both wanted. After this, there would be no going back.

"I like you," Hiccup started. "And I'm guessing you like me." Jack nodded. "So, does what just happened here, does any of that mean that you and I are going to try this and see where it goes from here?"

Jack nodded again. "I think so. I mean, if that's what you want. I'll understand you know if you want some time to think this over and-" Now it was Hiccup's turn to surprise Jack, leaning in and stealing another quick kiss from the Guardian's ice cold lips. It was just as magical as before, if not more. Although it was a little quicker, but Hiccup made his point very clear.

When they parted, Hiccup smiled and let out another small laugh. "It's exactly what I want, genius."

That was it. All doubt had been erased from Jack in that one moment. He was sold. This was the right decision; this was what he should have done from the very beginning. "Me too," he replied.

There was a short pause between them, neither of them speaking but instead simply sharing looks and fond touched, their hands moving slowly up and down the other's back and arms.

"You wanna try that kiss again?" Jack asked.

"I think I could give it one more shot," Hiccup teased before both of them leaned in to kiss the other once more. Fingers weaved through hair, short and quick breaths were taken so that their kisses could last as long as possible, and looks full of judgment and rolling of the eyes were made by the Night Fury that sat just a few feet away from the two boys.

They both knew that there would be obstacles they would have to overcome if they continued this. Of course it was to be expected, and to be fair they couldn't exactly say they were 'together' just yet, but that didn't mean they weren't willing to try. As their kiss lingered, one thought remained constant in Jack's mind: he had made the right choice. After all this waiting, he was content, as was the Viking.

For now, there were no regrets. Only the overwhelming sensation of gratitude and excitement for the moment that had finally arrived. What was done was done, and neither of them would have changed a thing.

...am I supposed to give a little nudge-nudge here or should I just let this chapter speak for itself? Moving on, all reviews/comments are more than welcome and greatly appreciated!

(P.S.: Finally! Am I right?)