Old Wrinkly is my homeboy. No lie.


Hiccup was woken up early for Thanksgiving by Val, claiming there was too much to do to sleep in. He groaned, barely opening his eyes as he dragged himself to the bathroom and showered. By the time he was dressed and half awake, she was already pulling the sheets off his bed. It was like she had drunk twenty energy drinks before she even drank her morning coffee.

"You know they aren't coming till one, right?" He picked up some loose sketches and supplies he had thrown on the floor.

Val just looked at him over her shoulder, wrestling his pillow out of its case. "I want everything to be clean before then. So please work on your room and then help Toothless with his. After that I also need you to vacuum the living room." After getting everything off the bed she marched out of the room, blowing at the hair that was falling into her face.

Looking around his room, Hiccup sighed. It wasn't a complete mess, but there was half finished drawings and all sorts of pencils and other supplies thrown around. Truthfully, he hadn't organized any of his things in a while and knew it would probably be helpful for future drawings. As he started picking things up, his phone vibrated on his dresser.

He picked up without even looking; too busy putting his colored pencils back in their case in rainbow order. "Hello?" The yellow was missing and now it was going to bother him if he couldn't find it.

"Hey," Jack's voice was rough and soft. Hiccup was at full attention by then, realizing Jack must have just woken up. "Happy Thanksgiving," he said.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Hiccup repeated. "Did you just wake up or did you catch a cold?" He pressed himself to the floor to try and see under his bed, only finding some used up tubes of paint and an old sketch book he never even filled.

Jack's laugh was practically breathtaking. "I just woke up about a minute ago," he admitted. "I just wanted to talk to you before I go in for battle." There was a rustling noise and he cleared his throat. "So how's everything in the Haddock household?"

"My mom is on a cleaning rampage and I'm stuck in the middle of it." Hiccup tried to reach under his dresser to see if maybe the pencil had rolled underneath. Unfortunately he only grabbed a handful of dust, pencil shavings, and a water bottle cap. "How about the Overland fortress?"

"I can hear my mom yelling at Emma and my dad to get dressed and ready. She's slowly making her way down to my room, I can feel her presence." They both laughed. "So will you at least tell your family that my family says 'Happy Thanksgiving'?"

He now began to riffle through a box where he kept all his old sketches and sketch books. But that wasn't the only thing in there. It was filled with blank sheets of paper, small canvases, and random supplies that he must have put in there by accident. "Of course and same goes for your family." He was going to have a tougher time cleaning his room than he initially thought.

There was more rustling noise. "I'm sure they'll be glad to hear that. So, uhm, I'm probably going to be hunted down if I don't get upstairs soon, so I'll talk to you later and see you Friday."

"Yes Jack, I know, Friday." Hiccup rolled his eyes but he was smiling anyways.

"I'm just making sure because some people can be forgetful and I don't want to be sitting outside your house like an idiot while you're in your boxers watching TV." He sounded serious for a moment and Hiccup sighed lightly.

"I could never forget and you just brought up the boxers for the mental image, didn't you?" He stopped riffling through his stuff and sat down, taking a miniature break.

"You caught me, I confess the idea of you in boxers is just too tempting to resist." Hiccup blushed at his words, running a hand through his hair. "So if I asked what color you're wearing, would that be completely inappropriate?"

Hiccup raised an eyebrow. "Would it be inappropriate if I said I wasn't wearing anything?"

"Okay now you're lying, you tease."

He laughed. "I'm wearing blue. Happy?"

Jack sounded like he was smiling. "Very. Now I need to go before my mom comes down stairs with a meat cleaver." He paused slightly before talking quietly. "I like you."

"I uhm, I thought we already discussed that," Hiccup said.

"No, like, you know how people say they love you at the end of phone calls and stuff?"

He shifted so his legs were out in front of him. "Yeah… What are you getting at?"

Jack coughed. "Well, I know this all kind of new for the both of us so instead of something as strong as love, you know, we could just say 'I like you'. Or maybe even 'I appreciate your existence'. Whatever works for you?" He coughed again, though Hiccup doubted it was a cold. "I shouldn't talk anymore, should I?"

"Well I have to get back to cleaning and you should get upstairs." He tried not to notice the burning of his cheeks as he gathered his voice, though it came out strangled. "But, uhm, I like you too."

"I appreciate your existence."

"I appreciate your existence too."

"Bye."

"Bye." He hung up just as he heard a door slam open on the other end. Pulling his phone away to look at it, he could have sworn he heard Jack scream before the call ended. He laughed and tucked his phone into his pocket, going back to his, now monstrous, job of cleaning his room. While going through his box of sketches, he managed to dig out the yellow colored pencil he had been searching for. With a proud smile he put it in with the others. "One thing done," he looked around, "a million more to go."


Hiccup was passed out on the couch, practically exhausted from all the cleaning Val had been making him do. Turned out vacuuming wasn't the only thing that needed to be done. Apparently there were also fifty other things that needed to be clean. Now he was finally done (or he at least hoped so) and he was laying face down on the couch, arms straight at his side.

Toothless came in shortly and laid down on top of him, curling up like a dog. "I'm tired," he stated.

"You're crushing me," Hiccup gasped. He shifted but his brother didn't move an inch. "Go lay on the floor or something."

"No," Toothless whined, "you're comfy." He buried his face in Hiccup's back. "Mom made me clean so much I'm going to smell like cleaning products for a week." His hair was tied back and falling against Hiccup's neck so it tickled. "How come we have to do all this cleaning just for one big dinner? Uncle Spitelout never cleans for us when we come over for dinner!"

Hiccup moved his face so he could breathe easier. "That's because Uncle Spitelout doesn't care."

"Well Mom shouldn't either."

"Don't you want to live in a clean house?" He was finally getting used to the boy's weight on his back. "You need a clean house to live healthy."

"Don't care," Toothless muttered.

Val came into the room, hair a wild mess as she looked at them. "Boys, your grandfather just pulled in the driveway. Come and greet him. Hiccup can you take his bags to the guest room once you're done?" She disappeared without another word, leaving the boys to pull themselves off the couch.

Toothless moaned. "I don't want to get up."

Hiccup managed to roll so the smaller boy fell to the floor in a heap. He was actually excited to see Old Wrinkly, he didn't mind his company. "Come on Toothless, you heard Mom."

"I don't want to though," he cried, spreading out on the carpet.

"Mom! Toothless won't get up!" Hiccup shouted.

"Furvus Fulmen Haddock!" Val screeched and Toothless was up in an instant. He sprinted to the front door and Hiccup trailed behind trying not to laugh at his brother. "Now I want you two on your best behavior, so that means no fighting or trying to pick on each other." She warned as they were all gathered by the door.

Toothless looked around. "Where's Dad?" He asked and Val just frowned, sighing. "But its Thanksgiving," he said quietly.

She bent down and brushed his hair from his face. "I know Sweetie," she whispered. It was such a contrast between the two of them, Val's pale and freckled skin compared to Toothless's dark coffee coloring. "I'll talk to him and see what I can do." The doorbell rang and she stood up straight, opening the door with a large smile. "Dad, you made it!"

"To the doorway all by myself!" A crackly voice laughed. Val moved out of his way and allowed him entrance. "Now where are my favorite grandchildren?" Hiccup smiled when he saw Old Wrinkly, a familiar, yet saddening sight.

He was old and wrinkly. Hence the nickname Old Wrinkly. But he was practically paper thin, his skin hugging his bones with every movement he made. You could see his veins if you got close enough, but other than that he was the picture of health. His clear blue eyes were as young as ever and his curly red beard only had a few gray hairs. Now if he still had his hair on the top of his head, Hiccup was sure it would be the same color. And the freckles, it seemed you weren't a real Haddock (excluding Toothless of course) if you didn't have those trademark freckles. Though his Uncle Spitelout seemed to skip out on this trait.

"Ah," Old Wrinkly squinted, "there they are!" He went over to Toothless first, ruffling his hair so it stuck up in some places. "And how's the little trouble maker been? Making trouble I should assume." He gave a wheezy laugh and dug something out from his pocket. "Here, for being such a good boy for your mother." He handed Toothless a bag of candy, winking. "Eat it in moderation."

"Thank you Old Wrinkly!" Toothless hugged him and Val gave him a warning look about the candy.

Turning to Hiccup, he clapped a hand on his shoulder. Hiccup could feel his bony fingers, cold seeping through his shirt. "Hey Old Wrinkly," he said with a smile. They hugged and could smell tobacco and winter air on him. "I've missed you."

"And same for you Hiccup." Old Wrinkly looked around for his bags and began to dig through one, pulling out a book but Hiccup couldn't see the cover. "Your mother has been telling me that you've been into dragons lately, is that correct?" He gave a nod slowly, eyes glancing over to his mom. "Well, I saw this and thought you might like it."

Hiccup took the book as he handed it over. Book of Dragons. He flipped through a few pages and began to smile. It was about all different dragons and even had facts about them. Laughing he hugged Old Wrinkly tightly, breathing in his scent. "Thanks Old Wrinkly, this means a lot."

"You're perfectly welcome Hiccup, I think you deserve it." He clapped his hands together and looked around at the three of them. "Now where's that sneaky little husband of yours hiding? I need to say hello to everyone, this is a holiday for goodness sakes!" He raised a shaking fist in the air and Val laughed.

She grabbed his arm gently and began to lead him to Stoick. "Right this way Dad," she said.

He shook out of her grip and threw his arms up. "Vahallarama! I am not as old as I seem! I don't need you leading me around like I'm some senile man!"

"Alright Dad, just calm down," she laughed.

Old Wrinkly blinked at her, scratching his beard. "Who are you again?"

Val gave a humorless look. "Very funny Dad, now come on." They began to walk away and she looked over to Hiccup before they left. "Put his bags in his room please."

Hiccup nodded and went over to his stuff; there wasn't much so it wouldn't be hard. He started to lug everything to the guest room, book tucked under his arm. I can't wait to show Jack, he thought. He was halfway up the stairs when he stopped, cheeks warming. Wow, this is really weird. Everything is so… Smiling he continued to move. Different. But I guess that's not a bad thing.


Jack was currently sitting with Emma and his cousin Nightlight who had came earlier. He was relatively quiet and tended to stay out of most conversations. His aunt and uncle went to another family dinner, but apparently Nightlight wanted to go to this dinner. He was alright in Jack's opinion, though he would have thought the boy would have a better fashion sense. Nightlight seemed to be wearing dark clothes every time Jack saw him, his practically white hair hanging in his face unless he pushed it back.

"So how's school been?" Jack asked, moving so he was comfortable on the couch. They were in Bunnymund's living room while the adults chatted it up in the kitchen and dining room. Nightlight was seventeen and was going to graduate high school in the Spring.

Nightlight looked at him, shrugging slightly. Well, at least we know he won't be trying to major in speech when he goes off to college, Jack thought.

He stood, nodding to his sister and cousin. "I'm going to go check on dinner. You two can discuss things here." Emma pouted knowing there wouldn't be much of a conversation since she was too shy to say much. It usually took a while before she opened up and started talking with the family. "Be right back." He slipped into the dining room, finding Grandpa Manny with a wine glass already in hand.

Tooth was sitting across laughing at something with Bunnymund. North was helping Sandy wash some dishes to reuse for later, since there was going to be more food to make. The two chefs took Thanksgiving dinner very seriously since they were both owners of a bakery. The family truly didn't care as long as the food was eatable, but Bunnymund and Sandy would have none of that.

Manny waved Jack over, putting his glass down. He was a short, round man with only a ring of hair around his head; it was turning into a golden white color with age. No matter what he always seemed to be happy and Jack liked that about him. It was always great to see him during holidays. He sat down next to him and leaned his elbows on the table. "Hey Manny, how's the wine?"

"Good enough to where I probably won't be able to walk tonight," he laughed. Jack joined him and they both looked at each other. Manny folded his hands in front of him, giving a little smile that Jack knew was trouble. It was one of those smiles where you could tell the person knew something. "So I heard from your mother you guys aren't staying the night, is that true?"

Jack swallowed, picking at the dark red table cloth spread out in front of them. "Yeah, busy day tomorrow as well."

Manny nodded, seeming to take the answer. He took a sip of wine and leaned back in his chair, raising both eyebrows. "So when do I get to meet this boy?" He asked suddenly. Jack sputtered and his eyes widened, unsure what to say. "No need to hide it boy, your mother has told me, and everyone else, about Hiccup." Scratching his jaw he smiled. "Nice name."

"Mom!" Jack screamed, turning to Tooth who looked shocked. "I thought we agreed you wouldn't tell people!"

Tooth gave a nervous laugh and looked away. "I needed to tell somebody Jack, you don't know how excited I am for you."

"But Mom!" He groaned, dropped his head so it smacked into the table.

Bunnymund patted his sister's shoulder, smirking. "Don't worry so much Jack. What gets said within in the family, stays within the family. None of us will breathe a word of this to others." Jack just gave an incoherent response; face still smashed into the table. "So Hiccup, huh? I never took you as someone who went for the skinnier kids."

Now he sat up. "Leave him alone," he said automatically.

The gray haired man just chuckled. "Don't worry, I like the kid."

North came in with Sandy, drying their hands as they sat down. "Are we talking about Hiccup?" He asked, voice loud. Jack put his head back down and tried to pretend he was invisible. "No need to be ashamed boy," North scoffed, "we're all happy for you two!"

"I'm not ashamed," he muttered, "I'm afraid you're going to embarrass me when I bring him over again. I'll have to see him in secret because you guys can't behave yourselves!"

Tooth frowned. "Like you act any better," she teased.

As Jack lifted his head slowly, North was beaming. "So when do you plan on bringing him over again?"

"Not for a while," he said dryly. Possibly never if things keep up the way they are with you guys.

"Aw come on, We aren't that bad," Bunnymund pried. Sandy nodded, still not able to talk due to his throat. "Hiccup isn't afraid of us, is he?"

Jack shook his head. "Not as far as I know." He will be after he sees you guys acting like this.

"Then why not bring him over again and I can make something special. He likes our baking, doesn't he?" Bunnymund grabbed the beer he had been drinking and took a swig, wiping his mouth. "I could make a cake if you want."

Now Jack shifted, running his fingers through his hair and tugging at the roots. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something," he said quietly. Bunnymund looked at him and waited, hand still wrapped around the glass bottle. "Tomorrow I'm taking him out and I have the first part figured out, but for dinner, I was hoping you could possibly keep The Warren Island open late so we could eat there."

It seemed to get really quiet, so quiet Jack swore he could hear Emma's breathing in the next room. Bunnymund looked to Sandy and they both seemed to be having a discussion without even moving their mouths or hands. Finally, he turned to Jack, his green eyes sharp. "What sort of dinner we're talking about?"

Jack shrugged. "I don't know something with food."

"Very funny boy. I meant is there anything specific you want?" He tapped his knuckles against the table, rings clinking together. "I'd say pasta is the best way to go, with a small dessert after. Keep it simple and neat. What do you think Sandy?" The small man nodded, rubbing his chin as if what they were discussing was very intriguing. "Alright then, you come Friday and we'll have everything set up and waiting." He stopped and looked serious. "But if you're late I'm not going to wait up for you. I'll leave your plates on the sidewalk and you can eat outside."

"Ester," Tooth sighed. He shrugged innocently. "Well, thank you for helping Jack; I've never seen him like this before with any other guy." She lowered her voice as if she was in high school and sharing gossip about a classmate. "I think he's really serious about Hiccup." It was as if she had forgotten Jack was sitting across the table from her.

The white haired teen frowned. "I am serious about Hiccup," he said with the utmost confidence.

Manny smiled and ran his fingers along the stem of his wine glass. "And I think this deserves a toast during dinner," he said. "Anyone who puts this much effort into the first date must be serious." Jack flushed a little at his grandfather's words. "So then we all agree?"

There was a chorus of 'Yes!' and Jack just tried to hide his smile, leaning back in his seat.


Hiccup sat next to Snoutlout with the most rigid posture ever. They had arrived a little later than expected and had just talked with Val and Stoick before going to sit around the table for dinner. Hiccup was forced to sit between his cousin and brother, his usual family dinner seat. Even Toothless seemed uncomfortable, never really taking a liking to Snoutlout.

"So Snoutlout, you're going to be a Senior next year, right?" Val smiled gently, trying to make conversation. The boy just grunted something, seeming to be enthralled by the table's surface. "Well maybe you can help Hiccup transfer into Junior year. I know it's hard with all this college stuff. Did you choose a college to go to yet?"

Hiccup wasn't paying enough attention to catch what school he was going to. All he knew is it was some big upstate one, one where he wouldn't have to see Hiccup for a good four years. And that was fine. He sighed and looked over to his uncle and dad, both discussing their work. At least he's out of his office for once.

Uncle Spitelout looked nothing like his brother. He was slimmer (he was still huge though) and his hair was dark, just like the rest of his features. Even though he was the younger of the two, he was already graying faster than Stoick. With a son like Snoutlout, Hiccup could understand.

Spitelout said something and Stoick chuckled, taking a large drink of his beer. His brother did the same and they both wiped their mouths at the same time. Uncle Spitelout was given a nickname by Stoick ever since they were younger. It was Beerbelly since no matter how much the guy worked out, he always seemed to have a beer belly (these family names were getting creative). Stoick usually called him that in a brotherly manner, but that only occurred during holiday dinners. Other than that, Hiccup wasn't sure if they kept in touch throughout the rest of the year.

Old Wrinkly was at the end of the table, watching them all. Hiccup wanted desperately to just talk to the old man alone. He wanted to hear the stories he would tell about his younger years. About how he once stole his father's car to woo a girl (now his deceased grandmother) or how he managed to beat a man twice his size with just a book. He could have been making them all up, but Hiccup loved to believe they were true. There was something almost magical and timeless about his stories.

Val checked the time and stood, smiling. "Almost time for the food to be served!" Stoick and Spitelout stood without a word, going to help her in the kitchen. Now it was only the four of them together.

Hiccup was hoping dinner would go without a hitch and then everyone would leave. There would be no drama. No questions being asked. It would just be a simple dinner and a nice night. It was all he could really pray for as the food began to be brought in. Val made a beautiful turkey and so many sides Hiccup didn't know what they were going to do with all the leftovers. Toothless gurgled next to him and he rolled his eyes, remembering his brother was the bottomless pit.

Once everything was out on the table and everyone was back in their seats, Val clapped her hands excitedly. "Alright everyone! Happy Thanksgiving!" There was a cheer of agreement and soon there were spoons clinking against bowels, the smell of freshly cut turkey. Hiccup filled his plate, knowing he would probably only eat half of it in total. He wouldn't be able to eat anymore, not with his stomach in knots. Toothless practically had a mountain on his plate, food towering compared to Hiccup's.

They began to eat, creating a silence. That is until Stoick wiped his mouth with his napkin for a moment, looking to Snoutlout. "So I heard you got into a fight at school?" Hiccup nearly choked on the piece of turkey he was eating. This is it. This is where I am going to die in front of my family. Not to mention he was already closer to vomiting than he had ever been. "Your father was just telling me about it."

Hiccup was ready to beg Snoutlout to stay quiet. He would have gotten on his knees and bowed if it meant that this discussion would end without any confrontation. Snoutlout just put down his turkey leg, looking angry that he had to stop eating to answer. "Yeah. I got suspended for a week," was all he said.

Stoick nodded and Hiccup felt like the skies were clearing, until he opened his mouth again. "So what was the fight even about?" Now he was ready to crawl under the table and die. I hope Jack will understand when I don't show up tomorrow, he thought, wondering if he really could just hide under the table. I'll surely die before then. It seemed Hiccup wasn't the only one uncomfortable with the topic; Val seemed to make a face at what they were talking about.

Spitelout spoke this time. "It was just some kid saying stuff. Luckily my son stood up for himself." He grinned at Snoutlout who just continued to eat, head down. "They got into such a fight that he was covered with bruises and cuts all over his face by the time he was home." He almost sounded proud of the fact that his son was suspended for fighting in school.

Snoutlout must have kept the details out of the picture because it seemed his dad had the entire story twisted around into something of a fable. He was talking about how they had gotten into a fight over a name calling (not the real names Snoutlout had used) and that it was amazing. It was sort of sickening how he was glorifying the violence. Hiccup could only hope that there wouldn't be any other fights in the near future. As long as this subject doesn't go any deeper I might be safe.

Stoick nodded his head, too deep into the conversation to notice his own son fidgeting and pushing his food around his plate. Val was just trying to make sure Toothless didn't choke on his food, seeing as he wouldn't swallow before shoveling more food into his mouth. Old Wrinkly was watching Hiccup, old, wise eyes catching his jerky movements and nervous fork clattering.

The dinner continued with mild conversation about safer topics, like work and weather. Hiccup relaxed enough to finish half of his plate and push it away, giving a sigh. Toothless had slowed down towards the end, but that didn't stop him from cleaning his plate. After clearing the table and getting everything settled, Val brought out the pies. Homemade and still warm.

Toothless apparently still had enough room to eat two pieces of pie (apple and pumpkin) and sat back in his seat, finally satisfied. Everyone else ate at a normal pace and soon they were all finished up within the hour. Val was about to take everyone's plates to go clean but Hiccup was faster, grabbing them all before she could. "I got it Mom, you just sit and relax." She gave him a grateful smile and patted his arm. He took everything into the kitchen and started washing slowly, knowing it would distract him from the tension filling his chest.


Bunnymund and Sandy's cooking couldn't have been better and there probably wasn't enough for a leftover lunch the next day. Now they all sat around the table, stomachs full and laughter in the air. Jack was laughing at something Manny had said, tears in his eyes. The old man raised his glass (now his third? Jack couldn't keep count) and cleared his throat so the room quieted. "Everyone, I would like to make a toast."

Now there were other glasses raised in the air, and of course soda cans, as Manny stood. Emma just seemed confused, looking to Jack who was trying to hold back a blush. "Earlier we found out Jack is going on a date tomorrow." Now she really looked at him, brown eyes narrowing. "And this time he is really serious about it." This got a chuckle and a proud look from Tooth.

Nightlight was just silently listening, cup raised in the air. He nodded along with what his grandfather was saying. Manny was smiling at Jack. "So let's give him and his date a toast tonight and wish them good luck for tomorrow!" He winked, raising his glass higher so the red liquid inside sloshed slightly. "To Jack and Hiccup!"

"To Jack and Hiccup!"

Emma paused, eyes widening and her mouth hanging open slightly. When they finished off the toast and the adults began to discuss other subjects, the three moved back into the living room, fitting on the couch and turning on the TV. The put on some Thanksgiving special show and just lazed around in a food-filled haze. After a while, Emma pursed her lips and glared at Jack. He noticed her gaze and shrugged. "What's wrong?"

"What were they talking about after dinner?" She asked, voice tight.

"I don't know, income taxes or something," he said with confusion. "Why?" Nightlight just listened, propping his chin on his hand. Jack almost forgot he was even there.

Now she pouted. "No before that, with the toast. They said something about a date tomorrow." Pushing her hair from her face, she tried to pretend she was more interested with the show.

"Oh," Jack laughed, "yeah I have a date tomorrow."

"But they also said something about Hiccup. Are you two going on a double date or something?" She peeked at him from the corner of her eye.

He frowned now. "I hope not because that would ruin everything."

Emma tilted her head, trying to make sense of what he was saying. "But," she stopped, "what?"

Nightlight sat up straight, not even looking at them. "He's going on a date with… Hiccup tomorrow. They are going on it together which means they must be dating," he explained in a low voice. He was trying to be gentle with his words but it seemed no matter which way he put it, it was going to bother Emma.

Jack became flustered. "I-I wouldn't say we're dating, I mean, I hope we can, it's just testing the waters tomorrow." I really would like to date him though. "But yeah, you're kind of spot on there Nightlight." He looked to Emma and she was upset, her mouth tilting down and her eyes watery. "What's the matter?" Did I say something wrong?

"Nothing," she said. But there was obviously something wrong because she seemed to push herself deeper in the couch, curling her knees to her chest. Jack waited until she was settled and put an arm around her, pulling her close.

"Tell me what's wrong," he ordered gently. "Is it because you like Hiccup?"

Bingo, he internally sighed as she turned her face away. "Emma, listen, I'm sorry that I'm taking him away but…" He didn't know what to say. How do you tell your twelve year old sister you're dating her crush and you really, really like him? I'm sorry I like him more than you? I'm sorry he's gay? He looked to Nightlight for help and the boy just leaned forward, green eyes on Emma.

"Emma," he called. She glanced at him, still frowning. "He isn't your soul mate," he stated.

Both of the Overland children were thrown for a loop and waited for him to finish. He cleared his throat; it did little to make his voice louder. "Hiccup isn't your soul mate, he might be Jack's and we have to let them take a chance and see if he is. One day you'll find your soul mate." He seemed to flush a little and let his pale hair fall into his face. "Does that make sense?"

Jack smiled at his cousin. Nightlight didn't talk often, but when he did he seemed to say the right things. "So how about it Squirt? Do you forgive me for stealing your crush?" He nudged her gently, getting a tiny smile.

"Only if you'll play video games with me tonight," she demanded. "And you have to actually try," she added quickly. "No giving up just because you lose." He nodded and now she smirked, leaning into him and pulling his arm tighter around her shoulders.

While she was busy getting comfortable, Jack sent a grateful smile to Nightlight who just shrugged it off. If what he said was true, I really wonder if Hiccup is my soul mate. He rested his head back, looking up to the ceiling. Of course, I wouldn't be complaining if he was. Smiling he closed his eyes and pictured that crooked smile and all those freckles. Yeah, no complaints here.


It was getting close to midnight and Spitelout and Snoutlout took their leave. Hiccup went through a stiff handshake from each and even got a small glare from Snoutlout. He finally collapsed on the couch, sighing into the cushions. Val came in and nudged him lightly. "Hiccup, can you go find your grandfather, I think he wandered off somewhere." Old Wrinkly did have a tendency to run off and worry everyone; usually it was only Hiccup who could find him. It was like a giant game of hide and seek.

He rolled off the couch and stood, shaking out his hair. "Yeah, on it." He didn't need to look far; Old Wrinkly had a favorite spot when he came to visit their house. Going to the back sliding door, he stepped out onto the small patio they had, looking over to the swing. Old Wrinkly was sitting on it, lazily smoking his pipe and staring at the stars. "Hey Old Wrinkly," he said, sitting next to him.

"Hello Hiccup," he replied easily. "Lovely night out isn't it?" Hiccup was shivering though, only in his sweater and jeans he had on. He didn't even have socks on so he curled his legs up, trying to keep them off the freezing ground. "I love when the skies are clear and you can see the stars so brightly." He spoke around his pipe, blowing out smoke between his lips every-so-often.

"Yeah," Hiccup sighed. They swung in silence, eyes casted up to the sky. He was perfectly content just sitting there with his grandfather, rocking gently as a cool breeze blew by. There was nothing in the world he found more relaxing. Well, he gave a small smile, there is Jack…

Old Wrinkly looked at him closely. "So who's the lucky date you got?"

Hiccup jumped, his heart leaping into his throat. He didn't know what to say or what to do so he decided to play dumb. "What are you talking about?" Laughing, he hoped the man would take the act. But Old Wrinkly knew him better than that.

"I can see it," he said confidently. "I noticed when I first came here you were different." Hiccup pursed his lips. "At first I just thought maybe you got a new haircut," he joked. "But then I looked into your eyes," he shook a finger in the air, "and let me tell you. I haven't seen that look since I looked in the mirror after I met your grandmother."

"I think you're just making assumptions," Hiccup sputtered.

Old Wrinkly shook his head. "Hiccup, it's so obvious there's someone. You can't fool these old eyes. I've seen what true love is like, hell, I've even lived it!" He stomped a foot on the ground, pulling his pipe from his mouth. "Now Hamish, you may deny it all you want but I know the look of true love, no doubt in my senile mind. No sir."

Now there was silence and Hiccup lowered his voice, checking to make sure no one was coming out. "They're amazing Old Wrinkly," he admitted. "They're absolutely perfect and I just can't get them out of my head." He could feel a blush creeping up his neck. "I really like them. A lot."

The old man nodded, biting down on his pipe once more. "I knew it! There was the stench of love sickness from someone and I could tell it was you." He looked at his grandson head on, taking a serious tone. "I am certainly happy for you, no doubt in my mind this is what a good boy like you deserves. Someone who loves you is the greatest gift you can get. Sure, you're slightly forced to love your family, but having someone love you on their own freewill, well, that my boy is what makes life worth living."

Hiccup smiled, nodding. "Thanks Old wrinkly." I'm glad I could talk to you.

"And they better take good care of you!" He suddenly shouted, leaning back so the swing jerked. "They should know how lucky they are to have someone as special as you! You are one of a kind Hiccup! One of a kind!"

Hiccup laughed, trying to stay balanced as the swing continued to move erratically. "Alright, alright," he said, calming down. "Let's get you inside; Mom was worried where you wandered off to."

They stood and Old Wrinkly winked at him. "I suppose we should go tell her I'm not dead yet." Hiccup helped lead him into the house and this time he didn't argue about it. Before separating, he grabbed Hiccup's hand, his worn out fingers and paper skin warm. "They're really special to you as well, so cherish them Hamish, cherish them until death and even then, cherish after. I do the same with your grandmother and I swear I can still feel her." He took his free hand to place it over his heart. "Right here."

"I know Old Wrinkly," Hiccup murmured, "I know."


So yeah that took forever... but now date~ *cries*

Kisses and unicorns

~Shi