Finding Balance 36

Astrid couldn't sleep. Even wrapped in Hiccup's arms, a place she had missed and dreamed about for months, she couldn't find any rest. She knew it was temporary. She knew he was leaving them for Viggo. It was like a knife to the heart and she couldn't shake the feeling. She felt angry and weak because she knew she couldn't change his mind. Hiccup was one of the most stubborn people she knew. Even if she hog tied him and dragged him back to Berk he would just go back to Viggo the first chance he got.

She needed fresh air, she decided, untangling herself from Hiccup's arms. Fishlegs was on the other side of her but he instinctively shuffled over as she got up. Pressing a quick kiss to Hiccup's lips, she prayed he'd change his mind then hurriedly got dressed and left the room before a sob could escape her. She was a warrior, she would not cry. At least not in front of anyone. If she had her own room she might have but not here, not now.

Heading out to the stables, she headed straight for Stormfly's. Her mind barely registered the missing Rumblehorn across the hall. Ryker must have taken it out for whatever reason. He wasn't a dragon rider, as far as she was concerned. She still hated him. Hated all the Hunters for what they had done, but she hated the Grimborns most for taking Hiccup from her. She paused as she grabbed her saddle off the rack on the far wall to look at Toothless sound asleep in the back of his pen. She was going to miss him, too. She already did. Her gut tore with the thought of not having him and Hiccup home again.

Squaring she shoulders she focused on getting the saddle strapped onto Stormfly's back then led her out into the courtyard. A few guards stared at them in surprise but she paid them no mind as she climbed into the saddle. A moment later they were airborne.

. . .

"Astrid?" Hiccup murmured.

He blinked his eyes open but found himself pressed against Fishlegs instead of Astrid. Snotlout was behind him and while he was warm and snug there was no doubt Astrid was missing from the mix.

"She went for her morning flight with Stormfly," Fishlegs mumbled, snuggling closer to Hiccup.

Hiccup frowned. It was normal for Astrid to be up first but it was far too early, even for her. He moved to get up but was pulled back down by Snotlout.

"No...morning sex first," Snotlout whined, trying to rut against Hiccup in his sleep.

Hiccup chuckled softly as he untangled himself from his two friends. "Later, I promise," he assured, although he doubted Snotlout heard him. The moment he managed to get out of the pile Snotlout had shifted toward Fishlegs which caused the twins to shift with him in order to keep contact. Hiccup shook his head in bemusement. They looked like a bunch of hatching all piled together like that. A chill ran up his spine now that he was no longer heated by their bodies. He was tempted to climb back in and go back to sleep. Maybe later. He had things to think about and he should go after Astrid and find out what was wrong.

He pulled on his clothing and headed for the door, pausing only for a moment to look at the garments Viggo had brought them the night before. They really were magnificent and colors seemed to match each rider. His fingers wandered over the blue and gold gown. Astrid would look like a queen dressed in her. He really hoped she changed her mind and wore it for the ball. He bet the ones here were much different than the celebrations on Berk.

He was about to go to the stables when his gut seemed to drop and that same strange feeling hit him as it had while he wad having sex with his friends, as if something he couldn't put his finger on was missing. It was a need but it wasn't like the ones he had before when he would turn to his friends in order to full fill it. It felt deeper. Almost the same as when he was young how his body would be over sensitive for days after Dagur would rape him and he found himself touching himself. Except this didn't disgust him or make him wqnt to cry and hide. Most likely because it wasn't due to rape but an unfulfilled need that hadn't been met.

While sex with his friends had been great - taking care four at once was a mind blower - and he had cum pretty hard, it just didn't feel as good as it should have. He needed something more. For a moment he wondered if he found Astrid if they could fix it. She knew his body inside and out. But oddly enough that idea wasn't as appealing as it should have been.

He found himself heading away from the stables and his friends' chambers and back toward his own. He knew what he wanted, although he was embarrassed to voice it and with Toothless spending the night with the other dragons he felt bold enough to go after it.

Slipping into his chamber, he stripped down once more then went to the side door that led to Viggo's chamber. Viggo normally locked his outer chamber door but the one that lead to his room was always unlocked. He took a deep breath then quickly turned the knob and pulled the door open.

. . .

Viggo was a light sleeper. Any little sound usually woke him up and the sound of his door opening rung through his ears even though it was barely a whisper. He lay on his stomach, one hand under his pillow. The finger curled around the knife he kept hidden there. There had been numerous assassination attempts on him over the years. Rarely were they ever from within the castle but he had beyond protecting himself at a young age. Over the years he had killed two or three would be assassins at various camps and one or two on his ship. He knew not to move and alert the person to the fact he was conscious and to wait until they were near enough to strike, when they would become over confident and think they had won before even being close enough to land the killing blow. He waited now, keeping his body relaxed while his listened for just the right moment.

The tap of metal on stone made him let go of the knife and relax further. It was just Hiccup. He kept the knife close nonetheless and feigned sleep. He highly doubted the boy was there to kill him but one could never be too careful. Besides, Hiccup had never entered his room at night without alerting him of his presence. This time the boy was utterly quiet and obviously trying to tip toe despite his metal foot.

Viggo was further surprised when the youth pulled back the heavy fur covers and not only climbed into bed with him but slid onto his back and stretched right out over him, as if he was a dragon on a heating stone. Thankfully Hiccup wasn't very heavy or Viggo wouldn't have taken it so lightly.

"Dare I ask what this is about?" he said, turning his head right to see the youth. He hummed softly when he felt Hiccup's erection press into the small of his back.

"I thought turn about would be fair play," Hiccup answered, pressing a kiss to his temple.

Viggo hummed. "I don't normally allow just anyone to fuck me," he mused. In fact he didn't let anyone period, but he was willing to make an exception this one time.

Hiccup chuckled softly in his ear. "I'm not just anyone."

A smile lit Viggo's face. "No, you most certainly are not." He folded his arms under his head and relaxed further. "Then by all means, enjoy yourself. I will."

Hiccup inhaled sharply in surprise. He hadn't expected Viggo to actually agree to it. It sent a rush through him and his length became unbearable hard. He had dreamed of dominating Viggo but never thought it would happen. He fumbled as he reached for the night table and the jar of scented oil Viggo always kept on hand. His hands were shaking with such excitement that he accidently spilled some. Thankfully it landed on Viggo's ass so it wasn't a waste. He rubbed it into Viggo's rear, massaging slowly but eagerly. He never really had a chance to explore another man. His friends seemed more interested in exploring him than vice versa with Astrid being the exception. Now he had a chance to explore and he did so with gusto, allowing his hands to trail over the curve of Viggo's well tone ass - horseback riding definitely had similar effects to dragon riding. He slid his oiled fingers between the cheeks and felt for the ring of muscle to Viggo's opening. His bravado increased as Viggo hummed in encouragement and he wiggled one finger into the tight ring. He hesitated a moment, waiting to see if this was right, then continued by slowly feeling his way around before gently sliding in and out. Viggo's humming turned into appreciative groans of pleasure.

"My dear, use your mouth as well," Viggo advised, pushing back ever so slightly.

Hiccup bit his lower lip. He had sucked cock many times before but he ever placed his mouth on someone's ass. But he pushed the nervousness away and let him be bold enough to try. He pulled out his finger then carefully pulled Viggo's ass cheeks open, hesitated a heartbeat, then lowered his face and ran his tongue over the spincter. The ring of muscle twitch under him and he slowly licked at it. It had a strong taste that mixed with the oil. Not altogether bad but not overly pleasant either. Nonetheless Hiccup took his time, licking and poking it until he found the courage to push his tongue inside. Viggo groaned under him, and whispered words of encouragement that fed Hiccup's bravado. He began to lick and finger Viggo's ass all the more, his need to fuck the older man becoming all consuming. He managed to get three fingers in but rather than thrust them in and out he search for Viggo's prostate. A surge of joy hit him when Viggo suddenly cried out, signaling Hiccup had found it. He twisted and curled his fingers, stroking and teasing Viggo while he continued to lick at his rim.

"My dear," Viggo moaned beneath him. "If we don't move forward this instant I may not be able to control my actions in a moment."

Hiccup laughed at that but decided Viggo may be right. As much as he wanted Viggo to lose control he wanted that to happen while he was fully sheathed inside the man.

He kissed his way up Viggo's back, paying special attention to the scars and burns Viggo had become so self-confident about. He knew how that felt. He still felt that way about his stump even after all these years. He ran his tongue over them, nipped at the ones that were healed, loving the way Viggo would gasp and shift under him. Taking his hard length in his left hand, he slathered oil over it then rubbed the head along the crack of Viggo's ass.

He was about to make a joke about Viggo being tight as he pushed in but it died on his tongue as he sunk into the man. Viggo didn't gasp or cry out, he simply groaned in bliss and Hiccup couldn't help but agree with him. He was hot but not over tight. He hugged Hiccup just right and it felt great. He could feel Viggo all around him. It was so different from anything Hiccup experienced before. He was content to stay like this forever. But he couldn't, he knew that. He began thrusting, slow at first, nervous yet determined, remembering the first time he and Astrid had sex, then picking up speed as he found his pace.

"That's it, darling," Viggo drawled, letting Hiccup do all the work. "Roll your hips. Don't be afraid to alternate between hard and slow. Hmm...that right...right there."

Through it all Viggo's voice was calm and even. He didn't cry out or yell, he simply moaned out Hiccup's name and groaned with pleasure and kept encouraging Hiccup, giving direction every now and then.

Hiccup didn't last long. The heat and rippling muscles milked at his cock until he found himself on the edge of orgasm, about to fall over. "I'm going to cum," he whined, not wanting it to be over yet. The heat was amazing. The way Viggo's sucked him in was unbelievable. He never felt anything like it before.

"Then cum, my boy. Fill me with your essence," Viggo purred.

Hiccup struggled not to. A part of him still felt it was wrong to fill or be filled by anyone other than his riders. But Viggo was different. He wasn't his enemy. Hiccup had long stopped being undercover. There was no hiding between them anymore. He felt something for Viggo and it wasn't just lust anymore.

He cried out as Viggo tightened around him, clamping down and holding Hiccup deep inside. He came hard, his seed spilling from him in turrents. It was as if he couldn't stop. He clung to Viggo, his face buried in the back of the man's neck, feeling faint as his cock twitched and pulsed inside the Hunter until finally, finally it stoped. His length slipped from Viggo, spilling his spunk along with it.

"Sorry," he murmured, embarrassed by the size of his load. After having sex with the gang he really didn't think there would be that much left inside him. Once he was entirely spent he flopped down next to Viggo.

Viggo chuckled and rolled onto his side. "Don't be. If I allow someone in me then I expect only the best from them, and that, my love, was the best."

Hiccup blinked in surprise. "Love?" he asked. Viggo had called him many things but the one word that had never passed between them was "love".

Viggo looked surprised for a moment as well, as if he had not meant to say that. The he smiled sweetly at Hiccup. "I wasn't planning on saying that. Not just yet." He stroked Hiccup's cheek.

The youth searched his gaze. "Do you love me?" he asked, his heart beating fast in a mix of excitement and fear. If Viggo did then it changed everything.

"I do. The moment I heard about how you kept out smarting Ryker and his men...the moment I laid eyes on you I knew I finally found my match. I didn't summon Ryker simply to join his battle against your riders but because I had to meet you. I didn't expect to fall in love with you. I never meant to but here we are."

Hiccup couldn't the tears that stung his eyes. He blinked them away. "I'm staying," he announced, surprising Viggo further. "I'm extended my stay as liaison for another six months."

Viggo's eyes widened and for once he was speechless. All he could do was stare at Hiccup in awe. Then he smiled gently. "What about your friends? They will miss you dearly."

"You said it yourself, they have each other. And it's only six months." He squealed in laughter when Viggo suddenly wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him under him then attacked his throat with his lips, his goatee tickling sensitive flesh.

"Say it again," Viggo demanded, his voice husky with need. His hard length easily slipped into Hiccup's already stretched and moist opening.

Hiccup couldn't stop laughing. "I'm staying!"

"Say it again."

"I'M STAYING!"

. . .

"Sir," one of the Hunters called to Ryker as the Ice Breaker set sail.

Ryker was at the bow, watching as the nearly sharpened blades were lowered onto the thick ice. They didn't cut in immediately. Grabbing the crank behind him, he twisted it tighter until the ice began to crack. The cracks began to spread and the ice groan.

"Depth set," he called out to ensign steering the ship. "Let's clear out the bay."

"Aye, sir."

The ship began moving slowly forward, the blades cutting through the ice and breaking it into small chucks with ease. The ships haul was coated in Gronkle Iron, protecting it from sharp chunks and helping breaking the ice more.

"Sir," the first Hunter called again. "Ryker!"

Ryker looked up with a frown that quickly turned to surprise when he saw a familiar Nadder perched on the roof of the cabin, her rider silently sitting on the roof itself, her legs swinging back and forth as she stared out over the sea. The Hunters avoided them, steering clear of the cabin all together as they went about their work.

Ryker contemplated the young shield maiden for a few moments. With a sigh he left his station. The Ice Breaker was running just fine. The ensign knew their course. He could take a few minutes break.

He strolled toward the back of the ship and climbed the stairs up to the second then third deck which served as the roof to his cabin. The Nadder squawked in distress but Ryker only raised a hand to show he meant no harm as he strolled toward the blonde hair girl. His heavy fur cape whipped in the wind and he frowned at the realization that the young woman was not dress appropriately for the weather. No doubt she was used to the cold temperature of Berk. Nonetheless one could catch their death by cold and so he removed his cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders, starting her out of her thoughts.

"Shouldn't you be with your friends?" he asked, sitting next to her.

She looked at the fur in surprise and then him. "Uh...yeah, I guess." She gestured to the fur. "Thanks."

He nodded. "Don't need Hiccup panicking because you got sick. He's done enough worrying about people lately."

Surprise filled her face but she looked away quickly. "He worries about a lot of things. He has for a long time."

"It's what chiefs do."

She sighed softly and hugged the fur around her. "He shouldn't have to. He's not chief yet. That's why Stoick let us explore outside the Archipelago."

She stopped, unsure how much she could tell Ryker. She didn't trust him but at the same time she needed someone outside the gang to talk to and she didn't feel like flying back to the castle to find Heather just yet. Besides, it wasn't as if what she was about to say was a big secret. Ryker already knew Hiccup was Stoick's heir and next in line to be chief.

"To let Hiccup have this one last hurray before taking the mantel. It's why he's here now, to learn diplomacy. If Stoick knew about what he was really doing with Viggo..."

"He would not approve," Ryker finished. He hummed softly. "He'd also be proud...is proud. Hiccup did something no one else ever could have. He made Viggo more human. He showed dragons really were more than simple animals." He nodded toward the Rumblehorn sleeping on the deck. "I never would have considered taking a dragon for a partner. My sons will grow up in a much better world."

She flashed him a smile. "Yeah, he has a way of doing that. Don't ask me how. It did it to me, too."

He gave a booming laugh. "How does that not surprise me? That boy managed to tame not only dragons but a wild cat like you, Outcasts, Berserkers and even my own brother and people. He truly has a gift."

A small laugh filled her. "Who says I'm tamed?"

He shook his head in response and got back to his feet. "Stay as long as you wish. We may need your dragon's fire power the further out we get."

"You're not mad we're here?" she asked, as if just now realizing that her presence may have caused problems.

"As long as you're not planning on freeing my dragons we're fine."

"Wait, there's more than the Rumblehorn on board?"

He paused on the steps. "Two," he answered. He gestured toward the large smoke stack at the stern where big of smoke puffed out. "But they're working so kindly wait until we get back to shore." As if as an after thought, he assured her. "They're not chained or tortured. And they're well feed. We use them to power the Ice Breaker when the winds are not strong enough to push through the ice."

She frowned but said nothing in return. With any luck she would leave them alone until the ice was broken and cleared away.

The morning passed quietly and by noon the port was cleared, leaving a small bay untouched for the children to skate on. The ship moved out further, heading toward the east where the vast majority of their trade came from. Through it all Astrid simply watched in silence. She was so quiet Ryker forgot she was even there. Everything was progressing nicely as evening moved over the horizon and they were greeted with their first ship in the distance.

Ryker smiled at the site of the ship but his happiness was short lived as he held a spy glass to his eye.

"No..." he muttered. Of all the ships to head toward their shores. "Turn the ship around!" he yelled. "Hard to port. Get us back to shore now!"

Astrid hurried down the stairs to him. "What is it? What's wrong?"

The look in Ryker's dark brown eyes was one of genuine fear as he looked down at her.

"Drago Bludvist."