Hi guys! Long time no see. Sorry about that! It's been an extremely long few months, that's why we haven't updated. I started a new job at the end of October. It's going well but the training and learning-by-doing has been rigorous. Thank you for your patience!
Fun chapter ahead! Can't wait to read your thoughts! Also I wanted to let you guys know, for those of you who read stories on my account, Testing the Vows has seen an update for the first time in three years and a summary update! The last summary was crap, let's be honest. I hope you'll check it out if you haven't before (read Confessions of a Lovesick Viking first if you wish!) or if you wish to see what happens next!
Hoping to get the next chapter out very soon but we'll see what happens. Lots of very exciting things happening soon. Love you guys!
~Em
Chapter 29: The Edge
Hiccup lifted the lid on a huge wooden bin, hearing his son and future son-in-law do the same on the other side of the cluttered storage room. They were currently in the forge, rummaging for floor plans of the hatchery.
"What do you need these for again?" Finn asked, half his body buried in another wooden box. The scraping sounds of parchment could be heard from within.
Hiccup heaved a heavy box onto the desk and began pilfering the contents at a rapid pace. "Marvin has been asking me to help with the reorganization for weeks, and I haven't had the time with the harvest and preparing for winter. He came to me again last night upset that I hadn't helped him yet."
"Why can't he take care of it?"
Annoyance flared in his chest, but not at his son. "Because he's old."
Erick and Finn both guffawed, shocked that he'd said such a thing out loud. Hiccup usually never spoke a rude word about another person, deeming it unbecoming of a Chieftain and immature to boot. But sometimes…
"Why don't you delegate it?" Erick asked when their laughter subsided.
"Because I drew the hatchery plans myself, and he's always worked directly with the Chief," Hiccup muttered, shoving the useless box away. "He insisted on asking my father to help with things as well."
"You have every right to say no and delegate it." Finn said, re-emerging from the box with dust coating his red hair.
Hiccup straightened with a huff. "I know, I just feel compelled to help everyone."
Finn groaned. "Dad, you're one man! You can't do everything!"
"He's got a point," Erick intoned from inside another box. Groaning, he lifted a metal box, the contents inside clattering. "Besides, with the wedding and all… People should be more considerate or understanding. More than ever you should be able to hand it off to someone else."
"Exactly!" Finn exclaimed, inspecting some old snowshoes. Throwing them back into the box, he added: "It's not like we can have the wedding anywhere else. They'll just have to deal."
The words struck a chord in Hiccup's mind. He stopped dragging his hand through his hair, staring at nothing while the boys continued to lecture him on chiefly duties as if they were experts on the topic. He considered the thought, wondering if it was possible…
"Uh oh. I know that look."
"Great, he's got an idea." Finn sighed, hopping up to sit on a crate.
"Or he's taken our advice to heart," Erick grinned. "Wouldn't it be cool if the Chief started taking notes from us?"
Hiccup turned on his heel and marched to the farthest corner of the room he could reach. He vaguely heard the boys' sputtered confusions, probably because he didn't reply to Erick's sarcasm in kind. He threw open the doors of an old cabinet, which squeaked in protest. Waving the billowing dust away, Hiccup coughed and began looking through the old maps.
"What in tarnation are you looking for?"
"Dude, you spend too much time with Cliff."
"Just wait until he moves in with you, then you'll start saying things like fantabulous and fruitylicious and-"
"Aha!" Hiccup exclaimed, pulling out the map he'd been looking for. Dumping the others back in the cabinet, he spread it out on a crate. The boys peered over his shoulder, each blinking in surprise.
Hiccup tapped an island to the east. "We'll need to scope it out, see what kind of shape it's in."
Finn's brow was furrowed. "Uh… what?"
The Chief looked up in surprise. "Oh, right, I haven't told you about it before. The Edge."
Both boys blinked. "What's the Edge?" Erick asked, intrigued.
"It's a hideout the original six riders made. Somewhere we could go to find and train dragons and keep an eye on our enemies. Lots of crazy adventures on the Edge."
Finn looked deeply insulted. "You mean to tell me you and mom have had a secret hideout all this time and you never mentioned it?"
"I forgot about many an unimportant thing after you and Addie were born," Hiccup remarked defensively.
"Unimportant?"
Erick interrupted before Finn could continue. "What's that have to do with your intense workload and the villagers' constant occupying of your time?"
Hiccup chewed his lip. "Well," He swallowed, still thinking. "What if we did the wedding there?"
The boys were silent. "Please to excuse?" Finn asked.
Erick snorted, smiling amusedly at Finn. "I second that."
"Like I said, we'd have to look it over, see if it's still stable-"
"If you think after all these years that any campsites are still in working order, much less for a wedding..." Finn chortled.
"Campsite?" Hiccup straightened indignantly. "Excuse me, but we built full-blown buildings and an armory and a forge on that island, even a dragon pen!"
Finn's look of insult strengthened. "Are you freaking kidding me?"
Erick patted his shoulder. "And why would we do the wedding there instead of Berk?"
"Because it would give the family some space, peace and quiet, new scenery," Hiccup counted on his fingers as he spoke. He was more excited with the idea the more he spoke. "Honestly though, we won't be able to make any decisions until we take a look. Chances are after almost twenty years those buildings are unstable. I won't get my hopes up."
"Well I'm going to get a look at that armory," Finn said, turning and walking towards the door.
"What, right now?" Hiccup called with a laugh. "You don't even know how to get there!"
"So take me on a field trip, old man!" Finn called back. "Gods know we could use a vacation, however small."
He disappeared outside and Hiccup pursed his lips. Erick smirked at him with crossed arms, "Well, you can't argue with that logic."
"How do you feel about it, Erick?" Hiccup asked seriously. "We can still look for kicks, but you're the groom."
"I'm interested enough," Erick said, leading the way toward the front. "We should talk to Annie first, and probably Mama Astrid."
"Mama Astrid." Hiccup snickered at the nickname. "I'm sure she'd love to come just to see the place." He stopped when they emerged in the sunlight and he spotted Snotlout talking to Ruffnut and Tuffnut. "Actually I'm sure the whole gang would love to go."
"Except both Ingermans have little kids still." Erick reminded him.
"Oh yeah..." Hiccup mused. "Well I'll invite them anyway. They can figure out something for their small army."
"Now that, Chief," Erick grinned. "Is an excellent plan."
"Annaaaaaaa…"
"Cliffyyyyyyy…"
"You were supposed to entertain me."
"Was I?"
Cliff glanced sideways at his friend, who was smirking at him through narrowed eyes . Adrianna crossed her arms defiantly.
"I just came by because I was tired of reading." Adrianna said, tapping her fingers on her arm. "I'm not much of an entertainer."
"Tell me a story." Cliff demanded, turning back to the beading he was doing.
"You tell me a story." Adrianna shot back.
"You're going to be a mother! How can you possibly be a mother if you scar your child for life by not telling her a story whenever she asks for one?"
"Since when are you my child?" Adrianna asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Since when do you pass up an opportunity to make up a story?" Cliff glanced at her again. "You feeling okay?"
"Fine. Well, bored. But fine." Adrianna leaned forward slightly. "You're doing really well with that pattern."
"Don't change the subject!" Cliff pushed aside his beading.
"I'll change it for you."
The pair looked up to see Finn lounging in the doorway. Honestly, Adrianna wondered if he wasn't trying to get girls' attention.
"Oh come on," Cliff threw down his half-finished beading. "Anna-bear was just about to-"
"I've got something more interesting you'll want to hear about," Finn leaned inside with a conspiratorial smirk. "Two somethings actually."
Adrianna sniggered when Cliff leaned over so far he nearly fell out of his chair. "Oh do tell, Fearless Finn, what secrets do you behold?"
"I'd tell you if I wanted an axe in my face," Finn withdrew and beckoned them forward. "My parents want you both. My dad waived your last hour, Cliff."
Cliff blinked, glancing at Horst. "He can do that?"
"He's the Chief, Cliff. He can do whatever he wants." Finn gave a blissful sigh. "Oh how I long for the day-"
"Dream on, Finnegan, that day is a long, long, long way from today." Adrianna strode out the doorway past her brother, careful to not bump her belly against the door jam on the way out.
"What, have you no faith in my leadership skills?"
"What leadership skills?" Adrianna asked.
Finn ignored her, leading the way to the stables. "Someday Anna, I will make a fine Chief."
Cliff caught up with them a moment later. "Sorry, had to clean up. Horst didn't mind me leaving early, he's a good boss that way. Do spill your secrets now!"
"We're just going in here," Finn marched through the stable doorway. "My parents and Erick are waiting."
A mixture of hay and fish and manure hit them like a wall and Adrianna paused, resting a hand on her stomach. "Ugh."
Finn and Cliff screeched to a halt. "Oh… I can tell dad to meet outs-"
"No, I'm okay," Adrianna gulped. Cliff offered her a handkerchief from his pocket (notifying her on his grandmother's grave [gods rest her soul] that it was clean) and she gratefully pressed it to her nose. When Finn was finally convinced that she wasn't about to spill her guts in the doorway, they pressed on. Her brother's mothering would never stop being both annoying and endearing.
Finn led them down a series of stone stairs and caverns. Luckily the scent of fish and manure lessened, as did the temperature. It was nearly November now and with the season change came sleet and hail; however, they'd yet to have their first big snowfall. It was only a matter of days and Adrianna hoped that it wouldn't happen until after the wedding.
Adrianna paused when she found both boys holding a hand up to her. She looked down and realized the last step was steeper and taller than the others. She gratefully accepted their hands and touched down without a hard impact.
"Well at least I know if anything ever happened to me, there's somebody to take care of you."
Adrianna looked up to see her fiance already walking toward her from what looked to be a large office area. She gave Erick a swat on the arm when he ushered her inside. "Don't say that."
He kissed her temple and wrapping an arm around her waist, leading her to a portion of the room where desks and cabinets filled the space. Her parents were there looking at a couple maps; her dad gave her a smile when he noticed her arrival.
"Addie!" He kissed her forehead chastely before brandishing an arm around them. "Welcome to my office."
"This is where you disappear to sometimes?" Adrianna looked around, surprised at the massive room.
"Sometimes," Hiccup said, leaning back over the maps. Astrid was chewing her lip as if deep in thought.
"Wouldn't be the first hideout, eh dad?" Finn asked from his position at another wall where he was looking up at a large hand-drawn map posted on the wall. Adrianna glanced around the various tables and found countless books and measuring instruments, leather bags and satchels surrounded by vials of liquids that she could only guess at the contents.
"This almost looks like an experiment room," Adrianna commented. "Also, what's the first hideout?"
"Yeah, what's the first hideout?" Cliff asked. Adrianna blinked; he'd been so quiet, she'd almost forgotten he was there.
"We'll get to that in a minute," Hiccup said and Astrid blinked out of her reverie. They straightened and looked at Cliff. "So we've gone through some scenarios trying to think of where Erick and Addie are going to live after they get married. We could do some rearranging at our house but the last thing we want to do is kick Finn out of his space."
"Not cool."
"Not cool," Astrid agreed, smiling at her son. He returned it with a cheeky grin. "So we had another thought."
Cliff shuffled his feet. "Oooookay?"
"We thought it would be a good option," Erick began slowly. "If me and Addie live in our place."
Cliff blinked. "Oooookay?"
"But we're not going to make you move back in with your parents…" Erick tapered off.
"Again, not cool."
"Yes, thank you, Finn."
"Don't mention it."
"Point being," Hiccup said. "It's just a thought for now; you paid for half the expense of that place, so if you honestly want to keep living there, Cliff, that's completely fine. Just say the word and we'll think of another plan."
"But," Astrid said, Cliff's grey eyes darting to her. "We thought that if you didn't mind the thought… maybe you'd want to move into our house. Adrianna and Erick can have their first home in privacy, you won't have to move back home and you can have your own space. Honestly we're not home very much."
"So… what do you think?" Adrianna asked.
Shock was written all over Cliff's face. Adrianna wasn't sure what to think of his stillness, quietness, or dumbfounded expression.
Her dad seemed to pick up on this. "Like I said, you can say no-"
"You want me to move into your house?" Cliff asked slowly.
Hiccup blinked. "If you want to."
Those steel grey eyes darted to Finn next and the corner of his mouth tilted upward. "And he agreed to this?"
"I fought it tooth and nail but they finally bribed me with a mountain of salty snacks."
Adrianna sighed. "Finn, you are being unbelievably sassy today."
"I'm preparing for the hard times to come."
"Oh, if my moving in is going to cause Finn grief, then I'm totally in." Cliff said, eyes twinkling.
"Yeah?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, I mean who can turn down the opportunity to cause Finn hard times, right?" Cliff grinned.
"I'm sure I'll survive. Nothing a little sass can't fix."
Erick leaned down to murmur into Adrianna's ear: "He won't last two days."
"I'll bet you a plate of mint chocolate chip cookies that he'll last four before he loses patience." Adrianna countered.
"Deal."
"I can still hear you."
"Get over it, sassafrass!"
Cliff gave a mighty cheer and lunged forward to hug both Haddock parents. "I always wanted a set of third parents!"
"What?" Hiccup asked meekly as Cliff continued to pound him on the back.
"Well I gots my parents obviously and then I've got Taryn's parents who are super duper scary until you get to know them but once you do they're totally chill, it's like they just want you to think they're scary. Clyde can dance a boogie like none you've ever seen. Crap, that was a family secret." Cliff clapped his hands together in Hiccup's face. The Chief jumped back in shock. "Forget you ever heard that or he'll kill me. So anyway I decided recently that it would be absolutely cool if I had a third set of parents-"
Finn sighed and Erick grinned. "Does this mean I win? Crap, I should've said thirty seconds."
Cliff was still talking in the background as Finn stuck his tongue out at them. Adrianna watched in amusement at her parents' smiles gradually going stiffer and stiffer. They were probably wondering when he was going to take a breath.
Erick's nose brushed the shell of her ear and she twitched at the ticklish sensation. "I did warn them."
"Yes, you did," Adrianna murmured, looking up at him with a smirk. "Mr. Larson."
"Mom, dad, Ericanna's being gross again."
Cliff whipped around with another loud gasp. "FINN! THIS MEANS WE CAN BE REAL BRUHS!"
"Oh gods."
"WHOOHOOOOOOOOOO!" Cliff wrapped his arms around Finn's waist and hoisted upward as hard as he could. Finn just stared down at him in displeasure as the curly-haired boy tried once, twice, three times to lift Finn off the ground. Cliff stopped at last, panting. "Dude, you're really friggin heavy."
With an effortless shove, Finn sent Cliff into the pavement. "Pft. Noodle."
Adrianna cackled, covering her mouth with a hand to lower the volume. The sight of Cliff trying to lift her brother off the ground and the ease with which he shoved Cliff to the floor was hilarious. Erick found her a chair and she laughed until tears were streaming. Hiccup was shaking his head, probably wondering what in the world he'd gotten himself into by sort of adopting Cliff Smedley. Astrid was merely smiling and enjoying the fun.
Wiping her face with Cliff's hankie, she eventually calmed down enough to look up at Erick. He was giving her one of those doofy smiles, as she liked to call them. She could only wonder at what he was thinking right now.
Gods, she was so beautiful. It didn't matter the time of day or what she was wearing, if she was skipping through the streets happily or puking her guts up. He didn't care. Hearing her laugh, seeing her smile… nothing made him happier.
She drove him crazy and in a few short weeks they'd be married. The thought still boggled the mind, like it was a dream that would never be reality. But the ring on her finger and the dazzling look in her green eyes couldn't be imagined in any of his wildest dreams.
He probably would have kissed her right then and there if Hiccup hadn't cleared his throat in that exact moment. Erick blinked and looked away, feeling the back of his neck burn. He hoped his thoughts weren't easily read by his expression, but then he remembered there was another reason they'd all gathered down here.
"So Addie, me and the boys came up with an idea earlier today," Hiccup began. "We wanted to run it by you and hear your thoughts."
Erick kept his eyes on her as Hiccup explained about the Edge, how they wanted check it out and see if it was still in living conditions.
"I think it would be a nice touch to your wedding if we did it in a private area away from the crowds and people who aren't interested in coming," Hiccup said. "It's only a couple hours' journey from here by ship. If it checks out, we could investigate it further. What do you think?"
"Mom, what do you think?" Adrianna asked.
"I'm reserving my opinion for when I see it."
Adrianna shrugged. "I concur. Let's see what kind of shape it's in. I trust you'll take copious notes."
"We can make Finn the scribe." Erick joked.
"As tempting as that sounds," Hiccup snickered. "We'll need him to scope out the territory for wild dragons."
"Bringing out the big muscles, I like it." Finn grinned.
"Hey, I have big muscles too," Cliff countered. "I'm just more accustomed to lifting bowls of snackage."
"Well snacks are important; you're good for something after all, Cliffie!"
"Finn, do you need to go on a run? Dinner?" Cliff asked. "Do you need to pee?"
This time Erick couldn't hold back his laughter from the questions and Finn's unrestrained disgust.
Cliff continued: "You're being super salty, and ya need to tone it down."
Hiccup sighed long and hard as Erick's laughter finally subsided. "If you sassy children can't tone it down, you're all staying home."
"Sass is officially toned down as of now." Finn brandished a thumbs up before bounding to the doorway. "I'm going to pack my saddle!"
"Hey, wait a minute!" Astrid called. "It's dinner time; we're not going in the dark."
"Yeah," Finn drawled. "So unlike the rest of you lazy bums, I plan to pack tonight so we can get an early start!" With a final shrug of his eyebrows, he disappeared.
"What has gotten into him today?" Hiccup murmured.
"He's gotta pee, I can promise you." Cliff said. "When I gotta pee, the sassiness just comes out because when it starts to get urgent-"
"Hey Cliff? Maybe a little less detail." Astrid whispered, glancing at Hiccup. "My husband has a weak constitution."
"Hey!"
"Oh so it's hereditary then. That's why Finn's so sassy today, he really does have to pee."
"Well regardless," Erick took Adrianna's hand and ushered her toward the doorway. "He's all but signed the document. You're an official Haddock now, Cliff."
"Whoohooo!"
Erick and Adrianna left her parents alone with Cliff without looking back. As they trekked through the stables they laughed about the boys and their goofy conversation. While Erick enjoyed the conversation as he always did, really he just wanted a quiet spot with his girl without interruptions for a few minutes.
He shook his head, doing his best to dispel any tempting thoughts. In the few weeks of their engagement she'd nearly kissed him senseless on a couple occasions to the point where he didn't know his own name. It was starting to become something he thought about every day, though he honestly tried not to. They weren't married yet and there was a limit. She was pregnant after all.
It occurred to him suddenly that he didn't know exactly where that limit was. Most people on their wedding night consummated their marriage; he'd heard of some couples waiting because the wedding day itself was exhausting enough. But this was an extraneous circumstance… Adrianna was pregnant, and she'd been raped…
He didn't have any expectations. He wasn't about to be that guy. He was in this for her, to be her husband and support in the most intimate relationship possible. They'd already been best friends forever. Only marriage could bring them closer. But part of that union of marriage was procreation.
He could wait until after the baby was born, right? Well he'd have to, she was pregnant. But it would drive him bloody insane if she kept kissing him the way she did…
"Hey, are you okay?"
Erick blinked hard, looking the other direction. The back of his neck burned. "Y-yeah, I'm fine." Gods, did his voice have to crack too?
Adrianna halted, pulling him to a stop. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Her green eyes narrowed fiercely and suddenly she looked like Astrid. "Erick Larson, don't lie to me. I can see it in your eyes, just tell me!"
Erick's mind scattered. How could he possibly tell her about the things he's just been thinking about without sounding like a total pervert? He didn't mean it that way but that's totally weird, right? The last thing she probably wanted to even think about was that. He shook his head, shoving the thoughts away.
"It's not important."
She sensed the shift in his attitude, he knew it. He could tell by the crease that formed between her brows. He couldn't hide it if he wanted to because she knew him so well. He really couldn't leave it like that though. Not when she was giving him that suspicious look.
"Really, it's fine." Erick tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll figure it out."
"We always figure things out together." Adrianna said.
"Yeah but… well…" Erick floundered for a second. "Maybe another… day."
Now she looked concerned. "Erick, what's going on?"
"Nothing!" Erick stressed, feeling the flush creep up to his ears. "I just… I don't want to talk about it right now."
Adrianna opened her mouth to argue but paused, reconsidering. Curse him for being so easily embarrassed and looking like a blushing, prepubescent teen.
He sighed again. "Honestly, Annie, it's not a big deal." Not right now anyway. "I… um…" He shook his head, shoving the topic away. "Nevermind, let's go to dinner."
Adrianna was quiet throughout the meal. They were halfway through their chicken pot pie when he realized he wasn't talking either. He felt like any happiness they'd felt in her dad's office had been sucked away because he had to go and make things awkward, and now she wasn't talking to him.
Finally she broke the silence. "Did I do something wrong?" She asked innocently.
Erick's heart lurched. "No," He reached across the table for her hand. "Annie, listen to me." How was he supposed to word this? "You didn't do anything. I was just thinking about… some things and… I don't know…"
"Well…" Adrianna said timidly. "You could tell me…"
He swallowed. "I think I need some advice first."
"Advice?" She asked in confusion. "You've never needed advice before. Usually we just talk things through."
"Well I've never been married before." Erick felt another blush creep up his neck and he swallowed an uncomfortable laugh. "Annie… really, it's honestly, completely fine. You have every reason to be weirded out by this but it's not you, I'm just thinking about… long term… stuff."
"Oh." Adrianna blinked. "Oh. You mean… Ohhh." This time her cheeks turned pink.
"Yeah…"
Next she snorted. "Well why didn't you say so? If you need husband advice from a someone, you have my blessing." She winked and stood. Clearly she was doing her best to dispel any embarrassment between them. "I'm going to get brownies. Do you want some?"
Erick breathed a laugh. "No, I'm good. Thanks, babe." He watched her walk away and sighed when she was out of earshot. They could discuss the topic on another day when he wasn't a blushing pre-teen every five seconds. He was almost nineteen for Valhalla's sake, he needed to get a grip.
"Troubles with the woman?" A voice asked before his brother Gustav slid into the seat beside him.
Erick perked with relief. "Gustav! You are seriously right on time."
His big brother's crooning smile broadened. "And why's that?"
"Uh…" Erick's eyes darted to his fiance, who was returning to their table. "I need advice on a few… things."
Gustav chortled and nudged him in the ribs. "I've been waiting a long time for this conversation, baby brother. I daresay I've looked forward to it."
"If we're both thinking of the same thing, I daresay that's entirely creepy and inappropriate."
"You always did have dad's wit." Gustav stood as Adrianna took her seat. "Come to my barn later and we'll talk. I'll be in there working on some stuff."
"Okay! Thanks!" Erick called gratefully over his shoulder. Honestly he already felt better. Gustav might be a tease and a bit cocky, but he'd never steered his youngest brother wrong before. As long as he didn't go into any serious details…
"I can't tell if you feel better or worse." Adrianna commented before stuffing a brownie into her mouth.
"Mostly better," Erick said. "I'm going to talk to him later."
"Okiedokie," Adrianna shoved the plate across the table. "Here, I brought you one anyway because I'm already fat, I don't need six."
Erick snorted. "Come on, the baby likes brownies."
"The little chunker can calm down, between jabbing my ribs and sitting on my bladder, I could use a vacation."
"And perhaps we'll get one for the wedding." Erick replied quietly, unsure if Hiccup wanted anyone to know about the Edge.
"Do you think it's in good shape?"
"Honestly I have no idea. I can't imagine it's in pristine condition. Then again, your dad built most of it. I'm sure some of it's still longstanding."
"As long as nobody else has commandeered the island in the meantime."
"True, but if someone has then we can boot them off for infiltrating Haddock property with dragons blazing and they'd have it all nice and cozy for us." Erick said.
"Well hey, I guess we'll find out tomorrow when you guys go." Adrianna sighed, picking up another brownie. "I wish I could go."
"Maybe in a couple weeks you can."
"Yeah, but I miss flying. Poor Lily."
"It's at least a little worth it when she burns Finn's butt though, right?"
Adrianna hunched over in giggles, nearly choking on the brownie. Erick patted her shoulder as she carefully chewed, laughing alongside her at the mental image of Finn diving off Lily's back and cursing colorfully. Hiccup hadn't been too pleased with the language but when his son literally couldn't sit for two days and Mara had had to give him ointment…
"Nothing like a tube of butt cream." Erick dissolved into snickers. "He's lucky that wasn't worse."
"Or that it didn't scar."
He gaped. "How would you know?"
"She doesn't, she's just trying to irritate me." Erick jumped, sighing in annoyance. He hated it when people crept up on him from behind. Finn's arms were already crossed. "I truly love your concerns about my hiney, it's truly pristine, but if we're going tomorrow then we should go to bed early. I'm waking you all up at four."
"What- four?" Erick whipped around as the heir walked away.
"Fine, five."
"Make it six and I'll bring bacon!"
Finn huffed. "Fine! Lazy butt."
Erick blew a raspberry at his back. "The island's not going anywhere."
"Well you should get to Gustav's. I can manage-" Adrianna stood but Erick was already up.
"Don't be ridiculous, I'm walking you home like I do every day."
"That's just because you want kisses."
Erick breathed a laugh. "Well, your porch kisses are to die for."
"I believe you started that tradition."
"Yes, but one of these times your dad is going to kick my butt."
"Probably."
"Then maybe this time I'll restrain myself."
They strolled hand in hand out of the Great Hall, down the stairs, through the village and all the way to the Haddocks house. It was amazing that Adrianna could walk that much during the day, but she claimed she was taking advantage of her mobility while she could still see her toes. Erick thought her baby bump was positively adorable. As her body had started changing for the baby, he wasn't oblivious to those changes. With the rapidly dropping temperature she'd been wearing thicker sweatshirts and coats, but when he'd come to the Haddock house a few mornings ago to find her in nothing but pajama pants and a tank top, he'd forced himself to look away. The tight material across her chest had done a number on his brain.
Erick gulped, forcing the thoughts away again.
Adrianna went up a couple steps, still holding his hand. He was about to say good night when she spun around and hooked a finger in his collar. "What were you saying about restraining yourself?"
His heart instantly started pounding at the look she was giving him. Gods help him, he couldn't say no.
Cupping her chin he drew her in closer, moving up a step to close the distance. Adrianna's hand on his chest strayed to his shoulder as she kissed him. The kiss was firm and lingering before she began to lean away. Heart pounding, like a sailor caught in a siren's spell, he followed, kissing her more passionately than before. If he hadn't seen the victorious smirk in her eyes he would have thought it was an innocent action. Now he vaguely wondered if she was trying to drive him insane. Soon all he could think about was her mouth and hands trailing over his shoulders and neck. He'd lost count of how many kisses they'd shared. With every kiss it only seemed to get better. Usually they were chaste but tonight was different. He wondered if she wanted him as much as he wanted her. If she didn't want it to stop just as much as him. She threaded her fingers through the hair at his nape and pulled, drawing a moan from him that he couldn't stop. Her lips slid to his throat and he wanted more, more, more-
Erick recoiled, catching Adrianna's shoulders. "Stop. Stop."
Adrianna stared up at him in surprise, but she was panting as hard as him. She reached up and smoothed out his hair. "I'm sorry-"
"No, don't be sorry." Erick sighed, rubbing his face and taking a deep breath to calm his wildly beating heart. She placed a hand on his arm when he kept his face in his hands. Her brow was probably pinched with concern, probably wondering if she'd messed up and overdone it. He didn't want her to feel guilty; he just needed to calm down.
Erick forced himself to take a few deep breaths of cold air. They were quiet for nearly a minute while his heart rate slowed and he gathered his thoughts. Finally when felt he could speak clearly, he dropped his hands. "I think we need to… slow down."
"Yeah?" Adrianna asked meekly.
Erick took another deep breath. "This is partially what I need to get advice about if I'm honest."
Adrianna only seemed to withdraw further. "Oh. Okay."
He chewed his lip. He wasn't sure what to say that would make her feel better.
"So… should we save kissing for the wedding day?"
Erick blinked. "I didn't say that."
"Well, what do you want?" Adrianna asked. "Because I thought you liked it…"
"Annie, I don't like it, I love it! It's all I can think about sometimes." Erick said, probably a little too enthusiastically if her surprised expression said anything. He cleared his throat. "I don't mean this in a bad way but… you drive me crazy sometimes."
"Oh…"
"I mean… what I'm trying to say is we're not married yet, and when I get all riled up, it's really difficult to be innocent about it. All I want is… more."
Green eyes widening in realization, Adrianna looked down, her cheeks going pink. "Oh."
"Yeah…" Erick rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. He wondered how much more he could say without making the situation worse. He certainly felt like crawling under the porch and dying, and the chilly November air was making the space between them feel even farther.
Adrianna looked up at him through her bangs and snorted softly before poking him in the arm. Erick cracked a smile and she giggled. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad."
"No, it's okay," He laughed. "It's just really hard to control myself sometimes."
"I understand." Adrianna said. There was a mischievous glint in her eye but she resisted teasing him further. Instead she stood on tiptoes and kissed him once chastely. "Go talk to your brother. Come see me before you guys leave tomorrow."
Erick kissed her again, perhaps a bit more firmly this time. Maybe because he didn't want her to have any doubts that he wanted to do so. He pulled away and gave her a warm smile. "See you tomorrow, Annie."
"Bye."
He waited until she'd gone inside the house before skipping down the steps and- SMACK!
"Ow! Ow." Erick winced, grinding his teeth at the pain in his knee. He glared down at his prosthetic, which had slipped on the icy ground. The door flew back open and Adrianna reappeared on the porch.
"Oh my gods, are you okay?"
"Yeah, just a little ice." He'd already picked himself up out of the dirt and waved to her. "Bye!"
"Don't break the other leg on the way home, klutz," Adrianna laughed.
"I'll be standing in our wedding, or so help me!" Erick joked before continuing his journey. He heard the front door snap to a close and he hurried his steps. The temperature was dropping and Gustav had to leave for work early in the mornings.
With the cold air and his quickened speed, he made it to the barn in only a few minutes. Gustav was tinkering at a work table when Erick stepped inside and slid the large door closed. The candles guttered for a short moment before sparking back to life once more. Erick rubbed his hands and blew on his fingers to warm the digits. Gustav gave him a conspiratorial smirk.
"So, baby brother, what did you want to talk about?"
Erick stepped forward, his stomach tying in knots once again. "Well I-" A sharp pain laced up his right leg and he gasped, grabbing the table.
Gustav's head snapped up. His hazel eyes shot down to the offending leg. "What?"
With a groan, Erick hopped onto the table and pulled up his pant leg to reveal a bruise blossoming on the side of his knee. "Oh well that's just great."
"Gods, what happened?"
"Slipped on a patch of ice outside the Haddocks." Erick muttered, shoving the material back down in irritation. "I swear, the smallest bump makes it bruise. It's going to hurt for the next week."
"Sorry," Gustav winced. "Maybe Mara will have something-"
"It doesn't help." Erick huffed. "My leg's too sensitive."
Mara had explained it time and time again. The wood chipper that had taken his leg had shredded bone, muscle and nerves. The bones had been uneven and jagged and she'd had to work tirelessly for hours to make it even. The fact that he could walk was a miracle. However, it was likely that he'd have a heightened sensitivity for the rest of his life. He wished he had Hiccup's pain tolerance and stamina. The man had been an amputee for nearly thirty years and he was still going strong… Erick wished he could be so lucky.
Shaking off his frustration, Erick turned back to Gustav. "Anyway, I wanted to talk about… uh… husband stuff."
"You came to the right place, boyo," Gustav grinned once again. Gesturing to himself with a screwdriver, he added: "For I am the husband of all husbands. The king of all charisma. The smartest, most helpful-"
"Gustav, I specifically want to talk about Adrianna." Erick interrupted. His brother would never shut up about himself if he got going. "Specifically about her being pregnant and how the heck I'm supposed to…" His thoughts halted. Gustav's grin only widened and Erick's heart lurched. "No, not that, Gustav! Stop laughing, this isn't-" Erick rubbed his face, trying not to laugh even as his brother cackled. "This isn't funny."
Gustav hopped up on the table next to him and shoved him in the shoulder, still laughing. "Oh gods, you're hilarious when you're awkward. Sometimes I forget you're only seventeen."
"Eighteen!" Erick cried indignantly, nearly shoving him off the table. "Almost nineteen!"
"Eighteen, eighteen!" Gustav said, hands in the air. "I know what you're saying, I just couldn't resist the tease."
"Yeah? What am I saying then?"
"You're worried that because she's pregnant, you'll still be a virgin until she pops, right?"
Erick groaned. "Do you have to be so flippant?"
"That's it though, isn't it?"
"I mean, yeah, but no, I'm not trying to make it an issue like it's the only important thing. That's not what I'm in it for."
"I know that, bro, but let's be realistic about this." Gustav reasoned with an unusual air of seriousness. "You're a guy, she's a girl, you love each other, these things are perfectly normal, and that's what happens when you get married. There's nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not worried about that," Erick said. "The issue is that she's pregnant and I don't know what I'm going to do if she's got her hands all over me and kisses me senseless all the time. These are the things that lead one thing to another and at a certain point, we can't exactly… do anything."
Gustav blinked. "What do you mean, you can't? Yes you can."
Erick blinked back. "What?"
He'd managed to keep the rogue smirk away for almost a minute, but it was coming back quickly. "My dearest baby brother-"
"I'm not a baby, Gustav, stop calling me that."
"Well I assumed you'd know this already-"
Erick made a face. "What makes you assume that I would know anything about intimacy? Annie's the only girl I've ever had a serious relationship with and yes, I am still a virgin, thank you. How am I supposed to know anything about this topic?"
Gustav grimaced. "Good point. Okay, well here's a little gold nugget of wisdom for you. You ready?" He threw an arm over Erick's shoulders and pulled him close. "When your woman is pregnant, you can, in fact, still be intimate."
Erick blinked in surprise. "Really?"
"Really."
"Oh."
"Yeah, makes things easier, huh?"
Erick waved his hands around. "Let's not talk about easier. Isn't that kinda weird? She's pregnant with-"
"Don't mention him." Gustav said in a sudden firm voice. "He's nothing but a stain on her good name and you'd do well to forget about him. You don't need to worry about that because you're the one that's marrying her and she wants to marry you. You're going to be that baby's father. Brandyn doesn't carry an ounce of weight as far as this is concerned. Alright?"
Erick nodded.
"As far as the intimacy stuff goes, man, honestly you just figure it out like everyone else does."
"Well I figured that much." Erick mused, thinking about what he'd been told so far. "So honestly, you can… do that if she's pregnant?"
"Well, I mean… use common sense," Gustav shrugged. "Be careful and all."
"Ah." Erick pursed his lips. This had to be the weirdest conversation he'd ever had.
Gustav watched him steadily. "You're going to be a good husband, man. Don't stress about the details."
"I know, I just… honestly I just started thinking about this stuff today."
"As is normal when you have a few weeks left of being single. You nervous?"
Erick laughed, his stomach twisting in knots at the thought. "A bit. I don't know why. It's Annie."
"You two have been attached at the hip since you were toddlers," Gustav rolled his eyes. "We've basically been honorary Haddocks ever since, which gives us an advantage over the rest of the tribe!"
"Right, because it's advantageous for you, my oldest brother, for me to marry the Chief's daughter. That makes sense."
"No, it's because I've been in on all the secret adventures! Fighting dragon hunters and going rogue with Dagur for a bit-"
"What?" Erick exclaimed.
"Oh, and not to mention the Edge. Ahh the Edge, now those were some good times-"
"Wait a second, you mean to tell me that you've been to the Edge?" Erick demanded.
"Yes! I was on Astrid's Team back then, one of the lead riders!" Gustav grinned. "I was just a lil guy back then. Learning the ropes from Hiccup and Snotlout and the gang." He frowned suddenly. "Come to think of it, I don't think they enjoyed having me around very much."
"Well I couldn't tell why. Perhaps because you're accident prone and a touch annoying?" Erick asked.
"Oh like you're such a pleasure to be around, squirt."
"People love me!"
The door groaned as it opened and someone entered. Erick's laughter came to a halt when his other brother Nikolas stepped inside. He looked away as Gustav slipped off the table.
"What's up, Nick?"
"Mel wanted me to bring this over for the kids. She picked them up at the market today. Also we're going to need your help at mother's tomorrow afternoon. She has some things she needs moved around. Both of you."
Erick met his eyes with a barely restrained glare. "I have plans tomorrow."
"You don't get to decide," Nikolas hissed.
"With the Chief and it concerns my wedding." Erick snapped back. "If you've got a problem with that, take it up with him."
"Guys-" Gustav warned.
Nikolas sniffed derisively and marched back to the door. He left without another word, slamming the door closed so hard that it bounced back open. Gustav closed it again and glared at Erick. "You both need to get over it."
"I've got nothing to say to him." Erick remarked flatly.
"Erick, I'm not going to tell you what to do," Gustav said. "But dad and Aud are gone, and mom's all we have. Mags and I think that you two need to figure it out, whether with fists or words, we don't care. But you need to get past this."
"He told a large portion of the village that I got Adrianna pregnant," Erick bit out, his temper rising at the thought. "That she ran away out of shame because she couldn't face the fact that I'd taken advantage of her and she didn't know how to deal with it. I have nothing to say to him."
Gustav sighed. "I know, Erick. I get it."
"Then just do us a favor and stay out of it." Erick muttered. He gently slid down to the ground and winced when his prosthetic touched the floor. The bruise had grown in the ten minutes he'd been sitting.
"Do you want to stay here tonight?" Gustav asked. "We have the spare bedroom."
"No that's okay," Erick sighed. "Home's not that far."
"Alright," Gustav said, pulling the door open once again. "If you have more questions or whatever, let me know. I'm here for you, man."
"Yeah, thanks, Gustav. I don't feel quite so stupid now." Erick chortled.
"You're not stupid, Erick, you're eighteen. You'll both figure things out as you go, don't worry."
"Alright. I'll catch you later."
"See you, Erick."
Erick made the trek home, shivering and watching his breath cloud before him as he walked. His leg hurt like crazy and he was sure his limp was more pronounced than usual. He'd have to put some salve on it and make sure he slept on his left side tonight.
When he entered the humble abode, he found Cliff hefting two bags onto the table.
"Ah you're back! Perfect timing. I packed you snacks and extra clothes in case you end up falling into the ocean or something. You never know when you'll need an extra pair of underwear."
Erick sighed, hanging up his coat. "Cliff-"
"Bro, I'm kidding, a man never raids another man's undie drawer, that's weird."
"You're weird." Erick winced when he removed his boot, putting all his weight on his stump.
Of course, Cliff noticed and paused his fiddling. "You alright?"
Erick settled into the nearest chair. "Yeah, just slipped on some ice earlier. The cold isn't helping."
"Do you want some hot cloths? I can boil some water and get the lavender from Aunt Mara." Cliff bustled into the kitchen.
Erick merely hummed his response. He knew whether he said yes or no, Cliff would get him the items. He decided to endure the mothering for a few minutes before he retired to bed. He wasn't sure what time the group was actually planning to leave in the morning, but knowing Finn he would be knocking on their door at the crack of dawn. As long as he could make it through the trip without much pain, he'd survive.
"Bro, you look exhausted," Cliff commented when he emerged from the kitchen. "You should go to bed."
"I will in a minute," Erick said, taking the wraps and vial of lavender and tea tree oil. "Thanks." He sighed, preparing himself for the final trek to his bedroom.
"You want me to-"
Erick stood, gritting his teeth against the pain. It was a simple bruise, nothing more. He didn't need help walking down a short hallway. Still, he patted Cliff on the shoulder as he limped past and soon closed the door behind him.
Finn knocked on the door for the third time, huffing in impatience. His mom was preparing the dragons while his dad tied up some loose ends for the council. A small portion of them would be joining them, leaving Horst and Fishlegs in charge. Ruffnut had nearly jumped at the chance to get away. Fishlegs had nearly begged Hiccup to take copious documentation on his apparent beloved rock garden. Finn had scoffed at the exchange, unsure if the man was actually serious.
He lifted his fist to knock again when the door swung open. He barely stopped himself from knocking Cliff in the face.
"Whattimeisit?" Cliff muttered, rubbing his eyes. His ruddy brown curls were sticking up in all directions.
"Time to go, bruh," Finn smiled in what he hoped was an adventurous grin. He thought Cliff would have been up at the crack of dawn same as him. "Are you guys ready?"
"Uh…" Cliff said blearily. "No."
Indignation flared in his chest. "Come on, you guys aren't excited?"
Cliff sighed. "Well… he was up half the night in pain, so…"
Finn blinked. "His leg?"
"Slipped on some ice last night."
"Oh." He chewed his lip in thought. "Is he coming?"
Leaning against the door frame, Cliff sighed again. "I don't know. He's pretending like it's not a big deal, but you know how he gets."
Finn looked down the street, feeling that old guilt rise up. Every time Erick's leg injury flared up, he couldn't help but feel responsible. If he'd just stayed in that stupid cell like he was supposed to…
"Finn, stop beating yourself up. We can't change it."
"It's my fault he has to deal with this," Finn murmured. "His sensitivity is so high, it never healed as well as my dad's leg did. How long can we expect him to have mobility?"
Cliff huffed. "Stop overthinking it. It's not your burden to bear and he doesn't like people worrying about it. He'll deal with it just like he has been. Besides it's only the cold weather that's making it worse."
With an annoyed huff, Finn stepped off the front step. "Well, go find out if he's coming or not. We won't hold it against him if he can't."
"Right." The door closed without further adieu.
Finn turned away, feeling agitated. He walked down the street to Ben the Baker's to pick up a few pastries before returning to the Hatchery. That's where his parents had decided to meet with the rest of the group before taking off. Adrianna was there as well, bundled up in warm clothes. Normally she'd never be seen before nine in the morning but she'd insisted on being woken before everyone left. Now he wasn't sure if she'd even needed to get up so early; not if Erick stayed home.
Frustrated with his younger self and all the stupid choices he'd made, Finn turned sharply at the next corner and nearly plowed into someone. He and the girl skidded to a halt, and it took him a moment to realize it was Inga.
Her face brightened. "Do you always march around like you own the place, or do you only look where you're going half the time?" Inga asked.
"Ah… sorry, I was a bit distracted."
"A bit? I'd say you have your mind on more than just sweet rolls." She said, glancing at the paper bag in his hand.
"Yeah…" Finn tapered off. Glancing over her head toward the Hatchery doors just a few yards away, he sidestepped. "Sorry, I have to be somewhere."
"Meeting with everyone who's going to this mystery place?" Inga asked cheerily, following him down the street. "My dad's going too. Insisted on going under threat of mutiny, I heard. Said something about his big red 'S'. Whatever that means."
"So you're seeing him off?" Finn asked tersely. He kept his eyes forward as he walked, even though she didn't break stride with him.
"Well yes, him too, I guess."
Finn ground to a halt and exhaled through his nose, trying to put a leash on his temper. He'd been avoiding this conversation for so long and it was starting to get ridiculous. As he'd been warned, it was only getting worse. He should have addressed this a long time ago.
Inga seemed to sense his inner struggle, though she remained tactless as usual. "Too much?"
Praying to the gods for patience and kindness, Finn turned to her. "Inga, do you like me?"
Her blue eyes widened and darted to the side. "What? I-"
"Inga. One of the reasons I value you as a friend is that you're the most nonsensical girl I know. So just tell me honestly: Do you like me?"
She swallowed and nervously met his eyes. "Yes. I've liked you for a long time."
Finn chewed the inside of his cheek. He realized he was gripping his arms so tightly against this chest that his fingertips were turning white and the paper bag was crinkling in offense. He forced himself to relax, took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay."
"Okay what?" Inga asked. "Is that a good okay or a bad okay?"
His heart twisted guiltily. As gently as he could manage, he replied, "I can't change your feelings. But I also can't reciprocate them."
The hope in her face fell almost instantly, as did his heart. He suddenly felt like the most horrible person in the world…
He looked down at his boots. "I don't want to hurt you but… the way you flirt with me and try so hard to do everything with me… it makes me a little uncomfortable. I really enjoy being your friend." Gods, what was he even saying? Tears were brewing in her eyes now and her face was turning a splotchy red. "I'm sorry, Inga. But I don't like you that way."
Though her tears didn't fall, he could tell she was struggling. He knew avoiding this conversation for so long would only make it harder on her. He should have nipped it in the bud months ago, but instead he'd had to sit on the fence and think on it. Thinking had only fueled her hope that she'd have a chance. That maybe he'd actually given her real consideration. She was intuitive and smart; she had to know that he had thought about it. But he couldn't get over the fact that he was an adult and she wasn't. It didn't feel right.
Maybe someday she would have that chance; he didn't know the future. But right now, he just wished he was more eloquent than he was. That he could say something to take that heartbroken look off her face.
Without another word, Inga covered her face and strode past him. Finn's heart twisted in his chest. He wanted to turn around and call her back, apologize for making her cry. He truly felt sorry. However, at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a small amount of relief. It was done. Maybe they could both move on, rebuild their friendship after she had some time. Maybe if he was still single in a few years…
With a long sigh, Finn continued the walk to the Hatchery. Hopefully the Edge would be much less complicated than his relationship problems.
Hiccup surveyed their group as he shoved a few extra pieces of parchment into his saddlebag. Toothless wiggled impatiently, roaring up at Stormfly and Zap. The bag was already stuffed to the top, so why he expected anything else to fit was a bit silly. Still he shoved it inside next to the notebooks and blueprints. He winced when he heard the crisp tearing of paper.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut were already sitting on Barf and Belch near the gates. Clearly they hadn't taken a flight together for quite some time and were itching to get back in the skies. Snotlout was chatting with Astrid, whining about the early hour. Finn stood leaning against a large oak desk, glaring at the stone floor. When he'd entered the passage a few minutes ago, his face had been red as if in embarrassment. He'd have to ask his son why when there were less ears.
Adrianna hummed impatiently in her seat nearby. "Are they coming or what?"
"They'll be a bit late." Finn responded in a distracted tone.
Hiccup frowned. Something was definitely bothering him. Instead of voicing his thoughts, he asked, "Running behind?"
"They were up late," was the only reply.
Hiccup met Adrianna's eyes; they both seemed to read through Finn's vague responses. Something was up.
Their answer limped in a few minutes later. Erick's face was pale but he held his head high as he entered the room. Cliff entered a few steps behind him, his brow creased. He seemed to be watching Erick closely. The young man in question walked to Adrianna and bent to kiss her forehead, but Hiccup's eyes were on his leg. He hadn't limped that badly in quite some time…
Erick straightened and glared in Hiccup's direction, daring him to say a word.
Hiccup turned instead to the group. "We're all here. Saddle up."
Toothless warbled happily when he mounted and gestured toward the guards to open the gates. As the wheels turned, Hiccup noticed the hushed argument coming from the young couple. He knew he should ignore it, but he couldn't help listing his head to the side just a little.
"-shouldn't be going."
"I'm fine, it's just a bruise."
"A fall like that isn't-"
"It's not a big deal!" Erick growled, loud enough for most of the group to hear. Finn stiffened in his saddle.
Snotlout muttered from his place on Hookfang, "You going to let him talk to your daughter like that?"
"They'll work it out." Hiccup muttered back.
"If a boy talked to my girl like that, I'd-"
"Shut up, Snotlout." Hiccup wasn't trying to be rude, but he was trying to listen
"-I shouldn't take it out on you."
"Babe, if you're in that much pain then-"
"Annie, this is my life. I can't sit around and do nothing everytime it hurts. It hurts all the time. I have to just deal with it." A tired sigh. "Honestly, I packed tonics. I'll be fine."
A brief moment of hesitation. "Okay. Be careful."
Snotlout was drumming his fingers on Hookfang's horns. "If we have to wait for them to snog for ten minutes-"
"Shut up, Snotlout." Astrid reprimanded.
Hiccup watched Erick mount Charger from the corner of his eye. His movements were a little stiff, but he still didn't comment. He met the boy's eyes a moment later in silent question. Erick nodded wordlessly.
"Alright people, let's go." Together as a group, they flew out of the Hatchery toward the sea.
By the time they left Berk, Finn had long forgotten about Inga. Coupled with the cold air and the sea spray hitting his face, he found himself relaxing and forgetting all his woes as every flight seemed to do. The usual tension in his parents evaporated within minutes of leaving Berk and they were soon bantering and flying around each other like a couple of kids. Some of Erick's color had returned with the cold air. His easygoing smile was back as he chatted with Cliff, who was leaning so far in his saddle Finn thought he might fall. Thankfully Bill, also known as Edna Louise Sacramento the Third, seemed to have a good handle on her rider's clumsy tendencies.
It didn't take nearly as long to fly to the island as he'd expected. When they saw the speck of land on the horizon and the dragons began to pump their wings in renewed excitement, Finn urged Zap forward. The Shockjaw obliged. She seemed just as excited to see this new island as he was.
When they arrived, he couldn't hide his surprise. If he'd been paying attention, he'd have seen the same expressions on Erick and Cliff's faces.
Built above the harbor into the craggy outcropping and into the forestry was a fort. Multiple buildings in various styles and faded colors stood out in various spots. The foliage seemed to press closely to the buildings, attesting to the fact that the area had been uninhabited for quite some time. But Finn could clearly see the layout for a well-designed base.
"Home sweet home," Hiccup said, grinning. Toothless roared his excitement and dove without warning, nearly yanking the Chief out of the saddle. If Hiccup hadn't been riding for most of his life, he might have fallen.
The rest of the group followed at a quick pace. Toothless and the other dragons hovered over the wooden boards, the dragons sniffing.
"What are they doing?" Cliff asked.
"Making sure the wood isn't rotted," Hiccup stated.
"Oh, good! Wouldn't do to lose a leg!" Cliff laughed, then slapped a hand over his mouth. Finn didn't have to look to know Erick was restraining a glare.
Toothless and Stormfly touched down, seemingly deeming it safe. The others joined them and dismounted. Finn turned in a circle, surveying the large brown building they'd stopped in front of and the blue one nearby. Stormfly was already tromping toward the blue one. Astrid punched her husband on the arm before running after her dragon. Snotlout and Hookfang sauntered off, the former talking about his "humble abode fit for kings".
"So question," Erick asked, gingerly dismounting. "Were all the tail flaps necessary on the roof or were you trying to make that fly too?"
"Ha ha," Hiccup asked, ignoring Ruffnut and Tuffnut's loud "oooooooooooooh!" in the background. He looked up at the roof and winced. Only a few of them were intact. "I guess I was a little overzealous with the design. But what can I say, I was seventeen."
"Well it could be worse," Erick said, walking toward the doorway and casting Finn a dimpled smirk. "You could always have the personality of a doorknob."
"OOOOHHHHH!" Ruffnut and Tuffnut roared, falling out of their saddles in laughter. Finn glared back but couldn't fight the amused grin fighting its way onto his face. He knew what Erick was doing-he was making up for this morning's frustration with jokes. Regrettably at Finn's expense. Well, two could play at that game.
"Careful, blondie," Finn said, helping to push the door open. "Insults do not a friendship make. Besides, I'd rather not kick your butt."
"We'll save it for later then."
When they finally managed to get the rusted door open they stepped into the dark, dusty room. Toothless instantly began sniffing around while Hiccup turned in a circle, clearly reminiscing. Finn and Erick and Cliff walked around the room, looking through all the tools and trinkets and old yellowed papers strewn about the room.
"Just as messy as your desk now." Finn murmured.
"Old habits die hard."
Cliff lifted up a large ceramic jar and peered inside. "Is it weird to you that you were our age when you built this place," He pulled out the cork with a loud thoonk. "And here you are showing us this place after all this time?"
"A bit, yeah." Hiccup said, eyes narrowing at the jar. "What's-"
"Hey, what's this green stuff?"
Hiccup suddenly lurched forward. "Don't touch it!"
Cliff flung his hand toward the ceiling, grey eyes wide. "What is it?"
Taking the jar, Hiccup looked inside and withheld a sigh. "Changewing poison."
"Why the heck do you have a jar of Changewing poison?" Cliff demanded. "Don't you realize somebody could've touched that?"
Hiccup raised an eyebrow.
Cliff grinned. "Sorry."
"Yes," Hiccup said, swirling the poison around. "I do believe Ruff and Tuff volunteered to see how much poison the other could endure."
"Wow," Finn winced. "How come they aren't scarred?"
"Or, ya know, are they just in hard to reach places, if you know what I mean?"
"Oh Cliff." Erick sighed.
"Cuz anyone would just volunteer to have their buns singed off." Finn chuckled.
"They would!" Cliff laughed.
"To answer the question," Hiccup plucked the cork out of the teen's hand and put it back in the jar. "Because I wouldn't allow it. Don't get any ideas, Cliff."
"Hey, I'm curious, but I'm not stupid." Cliff held up his hands. "Green and sticky? No touchie."
A roar of rage and despair echoed across the island. Cliff perked and poked his head outside.
Hiccup sighed. "Some things never change. Let's go see which part of Snotlout's king-house was raided."
A short walk later and they found Snotlout shaking Tuffnut by the collar. "WHERE IS IT? WHERE?"
"I-I-I-IIIIII DON'T KN-N-NOOO-OOO-OOOWWWWW!" Tuffnut wailed, though by his wild grin he seemed to be enjoying it.
Hiccup slapped Snotlout's hands away. Tuffnut dropped like a stone. "Cut it out, Snotlout, this place has been empty for almost twenty years. What makes you think Tuffnut came all the way out here to steal… whatever it is you think he stole?"
"It was only a matter of time." Snotlout hissed. "I'd always see him snickering and plotting, just watching and waiting for the day I'd turn my back! Now it's gone and it had to be him!"
"What's gone?" Hiccup sighed.
"Oh, of course, oh wise Chiefly one, you're sharp but not that sharp," Snotlout growled. "Or else you would've noticed already!"
Hiccup and the boys turned their gaze up toward the large red hut. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, at least to Finn. Except he saw the slight change in his dad's posture. The shift that said, "Are you kidding me?"
"Is something supposed to be in the middle?" Erick asked.
"Thank you!" Snotlout shouted, scaring a few birds out of the nearby trees. "See, the blondie gets it! You'll need him around when you go into your retirement. He can tell you where the roads are and where the sky is-"
"Why-" Erick glanced at Finn, unsure. "Why would I tell him any of those things?"
"Because they're plainly obvious and you'd have to spell it out for his Chiefliness," Snotlout said in a fake sweet voice. "Because obviously you're the only one who's noticed that my wonderfully glorious 'S' is missing from the doorway!"
Finn looked up at the building again. "There's supposed to be an 'S' in the doorway?"
"Ohhhh, Berk is hopeless." Snotlout muttered. "Yes, your princeliness, there's supposed to be a giant 'S' in the doorway that's almost as tall as you!"
Finn snickered. "Oh I seriously doubt that. Or does it just seem like that in your very old age that the thing you remember so fondly is as tall as your life-long competitor's son, who's actually a lot taller than you?"
Hiccup coughed. Erick was clearly trying not to smile, but Cliff was snorting and chuckling into his hands. Snotlout's face slowly turned puce as he stood there glaring. "How'd you like to hang from the doorway, Fearless Finn?"
"Don't lay a finger on my precious son, Snotlout, or I'll break your arm." Astrid sauntered in from around the corner.
Cliff snorted louder as Snotlout gasped. "Whaaaat, did you hear what he just said to me? Ohhh you Haddocks are a bunch of-"
"Ya know, Snotlout, maybe you should spend less time attacking people and find your 'S'. It's got to be around here somewhere." Hiccup said, gesturing to the surrounding woods.
After a moment of indecision, Snotlout stomped to the stairs, muttering under his breath along the way. Hookfang chortled as he followed.
When his tail disappeared, Hiccup cast a longsuffering look at his wife. "Honestly, it's like we never left."
"You're telling me. There's tons of stuff in my hut I never came back for. Guess I just got… forgot."
Finn rolled his eyes. "Come on, you got distracted by me and Anna. It's okay to say."
"Well it was more than that." Astrid shrugged. "We grew up. We moved on."
Erick shoved his hands deep into his coat pockets. The wind seemed to be coming in harder from the ocean. "So where would we have the actual ceremony and party?"
"This way!" Astrid turned and led the way.
For the next hour the boys got a tour of the Edge with Hiccup and Astrid. They discussed wedding plan ideas while Erick took notes for Adrianna, and the boys listened to the couple's banter and stories with equally rapt attention. When it was well past noon and Finn realized he was starving, he whistled for Zap at the edge of the platform outside the clubhouse.
As the group ate, they continued discussing options for the fast approaching wedding. Finn noted that should they decide to do it here, they needed to get started on clearing some of the trees and brush. Hiccup agreed and promised to rally a team of people to start work effective immediately. Even if Adrianna didn't want to do the wedding here, there's no reason they couldn't clean it up a bit and put the fort to use once more.
"Do you think she'll like it?" Erick asked. "It's not like she can come here until the actual day."
Hiccup looked around the clubhouse. "I think she will, once we get it cleaned up and decorated. It's a new location she's never been before. She doesn't have any bad memories that took place here and the guests will be limited. She won't have to worry about party-crashers. It's beautiful, and surprisingly held together very well. We can set up which hut can be for the men and the ladies to get ready, and have the ceremony in here. Ben and the cooks can bring out the food after that." He shrugged, looking to Astrid. "It feels good to me. What do you think, mom?"
"I agree. We can decorate it to look exactly how she'd want it." Astrid waved a hand to the pillars looming overhead. "She'll be surprised and like you said, I think she'll enjoy and appreciate a nice day or two away from Berk. She certainly deserves it."
Erick looked around once more before nodding. "Okay. I like it too."
"Hooray!" Cliff cheered. "So now we go home and tell Anna-bear the whole story!"
"Yes, let's do that." Hiccup said, standing and preparing to douse the fires.
In that moment, Snotlout shuffled in. Leaves and twigs were sticking from his shirt and hair, his face set in a sullen scowl.
"No luck?" Astrid asked cheerily.
"Awww wittle Snotty Potty wost his S, awwwwww!" Ruffnut sniffed, blue eyes wide and lips pooching.
In order to keep his laughter to himself, Finn stepped outside. He double-checked his saddlebags with Zap and grabbed his water skin to refill. As he made his way to the nearest, thankfully still good well, he observed the geography of the island. How his parents and their friends had managed to construct buildings on top of rock formations, and how they were still standing after all this time… He doubted he could do that. He could build it if he had plans and help, but he knew he didn't have quite the brains to make that kind of blueprint.
As he filled his water skin, he found that he liked the Edge and hoped his sister agreed to their thoughts and plans. A wedding away from Berk would be fun. His sister deserved to have no problems on the best day of her life, and he was determined to give it to her. Nobody would mar her wedding day and from here on out, he resolved that her life would only get better.
My goodness, a chapter I actually helped write, even just a little? What is this insanity?
The reason I was so unable to help much is that, in addition to the other projects I'm talking about below, I was in college. I got very good grades this semester, despite thinking I'd do terribly, so I guess that's good.
Don't have much to say other than it might be a good idea to take a look at the jacksepticeye youtube channel in the next few months. Cliff Smedley will be making an appearance on it! Believe it or not, he said in a livestream in front of 40,000+ people that he would be playing The BOSS for the channel as early as the start of next year! Cliff is going to reach millions! Thank you for being the first to meet him! Jack intends to livestream the game so, if you can and weren't able to play the game, you should take a look at it.
One more thing: I'm running Combustible Pasta Studios on youtube and we're making a musical of Undertale next year! I'll be playing Alphys so be sure to subscribe and watch it! Musical opens January 28th but we did release a preview song called Magic to Do. We will also soon be casting for a musical of Doki Doki Literature Club. If you don't know what that is, it's a free dating simulator. If you can handle disturbing content and some really creative scary visuals, I recommend it. If not, stay far away. It's intense and terrifying.
I'll be helping more with the Ericanna wedding NEXT CHAPTER! Who's ready?
Don't forget to review!
~Katie Marie
