Hiccup knew it was a distraction even if no one came out and said it. He was standing in the middle of the academy with all the riders around him, some mindlessly chattering while their dragons mingled with the new ones Drago had held prisoner. Everyone kept touching him when they spoke, and while Hiccup appreciated It, it was starting to creep him out. There was just too many people around him, too many dragons – although the dragons were the calming factor – and far too much noise. Berk was an endless source of noise and it was beginning to drive Hiccup a little crazy, even this far from the village. It was meant to keep him from the peace treaty signing. He had overheard his father and Gobber talking about it that morning and how they wanted him as far from the Grimborns as possible. It wasn't fair. Stoick didn't even know Viggo and Ryker. Stoick barely knew him anymore. He wasn't a child in need of protection. So what if he was blind. Instinctively, Toothless bumped against him and Hiccup reached to pet him. At least he had Toothless again. The others seemed a little distant. Well except Dagur who was checking on him every other minute and constantly touching him. That was getting a little old but still reassuring. The others touched him but seemed scared to s their touches were extremely brief while Dagur lingered. The other thing that bothered him was the mindless questions or half started ones that trailed off, as if everyone was afraid they might offend him or that he might break at any moment. This had to be real because none of this delusions were ever this annoying.

"I'm heading home," he finally announced, rudely cutting off Fishlegs's endless banter rudely and no caring.

Fishlegs let out a gasp. "Oh no! Are you alright? Do you feel weak?"

Hiccup fought to keep his expression neutral. "No…just tired. I see you…talk to you later." He moved his staff in front of him and turned toward the exit, his staff tapping the stone floor.

"Ah…that Barf and Beach's pen," Ruffnut called while her brother rushed to help turn Hiccup in the right direction.

"I knew that," Hiccup grumbled as Tuffnut guided him toward the exit. "You need to clean it better."

"We will," Tuffnut promised, not offended in the least. "Do you want me to walk you home?"

"We can all walk you home," Astrid offered.

"I've got Toothless, I'll be fine," Hiccup insisted. H bit back an annoyed growl when Tuffnut decided to help him up on Toothless's saddle, as if he couldn't do that himself.

"Oh…okay. So we'll come visit after," Astrid promised but there was an edge to her voice, a mix between fear and longing. Hiccup wanted to tell her to forget about it, she didn5have to if she didn't want to. Instead he gave a small nod. "Okay."

"I'll go with you," Dagur said, his voice firm and with no room for argument. He leaned heavily on his crutch but rather than climb up on Shattermaster he helped Hiccup off Toothless. "Let's go for a walk."

And all of a sudden Hiccup was Dagur's new crutch as they and Toothless made their way slowly back to town. They walked in silence for quite some time as they both tried to gather their thoughts. "So when did you become an official rider?" Hiccup finally asked, the silence dragging too long even though he needed it.

"I'm not exactly 'official'. Fishlegs and Astrid made a huge deal over me joining after Heather helped me save Shattermaster, but your Dad calls me an honorary one after the war ended," Dagur explained.

"Ah…well I'm happy the war ended. Sorry I couldn't be here for that."

"Me too. It was a big shin dig. Alvin nearly skinned Savage for kidnapping you. So did I. I think that's what ended our feud…worrying about you."

"Glad I could bring your tribe's together." It was meant as a joke but came out snarky.

"Look…about yesterday…"

"Yeah, sorry we were interrupted. I would have gone down on you but…"

Dagur stumbled, nearly causing them both to trip. He gave a nervous laugh. "Ah ah...always with the funny. Yeah…Ah…No, that's not what I meant. Uh…you and Ryker are like a thing, right?"

Hiccup thought about that for a moment. "I don't know what we are. I guess. I mean, yeah. He's been there for me since the beginning."

Dagur sighed. "Hiccup…"

"I know what you're going to say," Hiccup interjected. "Dad's been going on about it since I got home. Viggo and Ryker aren't bad. They just have a different life style, just like you. There was a misunderstanding and…"

The Berserker chief pulled away and turned Hiccup to face him. They might not be able to look one another in the high but they could certainly talk face to face. "Do you hear yourself? Hiccup, these people are monsters. Okay, maybe they changed but that doesn't excuse what they did to you. You were their toy, their pet. Sure they played with you and kept you fed but they also tortured you. I don't care if Viggo or Ryker didn't do the dirty work themselves and hired some lunatic to do it but it was still by their order."

Hiccup lips tightened into a straight line. "You don't know what you're talking about." He tried to pull away but Dagur had a firm grip and a scuffle would lead to more injuries for both of them. Hiccup's side still hurt from having the Demi Dragon removed.

"I do," Dagur insisted. "I do, Hiccup, because when we were fighting, even when I was in prison and then escaped, all I ever thought about was you. I thought about how much your lies hurt, how much I wanted to hurt you back, to punish you and make you bow before me. I thought about making you mine. I even dreamt of raping you and make you scream my name as I forced you to cum. I was in a really, really dark place. A place I never want to be again. I know what obsession is, Hiccup, and Viggo and Ryker both became obsessed with you because of me. They hurt you because I wanted you to hurt. If I hadn't teamed up with Ryker, they never would have known about you and you would never have known about the Dragon Hunters. None of this would have ever happened."

"Dagur…"

"For once in your life just shut up and let me talk," Dagur snapped. Then he gave Hiccup a crushing hug. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't the brother you needed. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you better. I'm sorry I never told you just how much I love you."

Hiccup was flabbergasted by the slew of words pouring from Dagur, half of it spoken so quickly he could barely keep up. "It's okay," he managed, unsure what else to say.

Dagur blinked it surprise then shook his head. "No…it's not okay."

At this point Hiccup was no longer paying attention. His turned to the left as the familiar grind of the large double doors of the Great Hall opened and heavy footsteps thump against the stone stairs. He hadn't realized just how close they were to his house, and in turn the Great Hall, until then. He could hear Viggo grumbling under his breath about a unfair business agreement that he was now bond to and that didn't even give him a chance to renegotiate for a fairer one. Ryker was there, too, his footsteps unmistakable and scent wafting in the breeze. Hiccup turned toward him, a small smile on his face and Dagur all but forgotten.

"Ryker!" he called, about to take a step toward him when Dagur made a choked noise. At first he thought the Berserker was angry at him for turning away but then Dagur stumbled and fell, nearly taking Hiccup down with him. Toothless gave a pain filled howl a split second later. Before Hiccup had a chance to ask what was wrong some hard and metallic wrapped around his throat tightly and he was yanked backwards off his feet. His head bounced against the ground and for one brief moment Hiccup thought he could see again as blinding white light filled his inner eye. The chain around his neck tightened as he was dragged backwards, away from Dagur, his home and the Great Hall. His hands flew to his neck, trying to pull it free or enough so he could breath.

"Hiccup!" he heard Ryker yell and silently rejoiced at hearing his lover say his name…his real name. His heart fluttered and for the briefest of moments he forgot the peril he was in. His name was echoed by Viggo and Stoick but didn't matter half as much as hearing Ryker say it with such fear and conviction.

He was dragged to his feet and pulled against a hard chest, an arm wrapping around his mid section. Hiccup struggled and tried stomping on the man's foot with his metal foot but the guy side stepped before stepping on the metal and pinning it down.

"Don't," a familiar voice whispered.

"Krogan, let him go," ordered Viggo, stomping toward the bounty hunter. "The bounty is over."

"That it is," Krogan acknowledged. "However, I'm still awaiting payment for bringing him to you in the first place. Your brother double crossed me." He gave a nod toward Ryker. "And now I learn this boy is far more precious than advertised. Had I known he was a Dragon Whisperer I would have taken him directly to Drago. He would have his weight it gold."

Viggo remained utterly calm. "As you can tell, my dear Krogan, I'm a little short on gold right now, but I'm certain we can remedy the situation. You hold a highly in demand…"

Stoick shoved Viggo out of the way. "If it is gold we want then it's gold you'll have," the Hooligan chief said, not willing to play games with his son's life. "Spitelout, Gobber, bag enough gold to weigh the same or more than Hiccup. Hurry." Taking a step toward Krogan, he raised a hand soothingly. "Listen, I have no idea what these men promised you, but my son is an innocent in all this. He shouldn't be punished for their crimes. Yes, he has an uncanny gift with dragons, just like Drago, but he's just a boy."

Both Viggo and Ryker gave him a strange look. "Hiccup is hardly a boy," Viggo advised Stoick as he stood and dusted himself off. "He's a…"

"Does he ever shut up?" Stoick snapped, looking at Ryker.

The elder Grimborn gave a small apologetic smile.

Stoick took a deep breath and turned his focus back to Krogan. The bounty hunter seemed determined but also deeply confused. His grip on Hiccup loosened a bit but his dark gaze kept shifting from the men to Toothless who was snarling and looking for an opening. The dragon looked a little dizzy but was doing his best to fight it the effects of the dragon root dart in his let shoulder. Dagur was struggling as well, the dragon root making him sluggish as well but no less determined.

"Krogan, you don't need to hold him hostage. You'll get your gold," Stoick assured, drawing the man's attention back to him. He kept his voice calm and pleasant and his hands in full sight.

"Call the dragon off," Krogan ordered, his grip on Hiccup tightening.

Stoick nodded. "Toothless, come here, boy."

Toothless gave a snarl but did as he was told, even if a little reluctantly. He went to stand at Stoick's side. Once Toothless backed off Krogan let Hiccup go. He still held the chain firmly in one hand but he seemed a little more calm. For a time all was quiet as Krogan faced off against Stoick and the brothers until Spitelout returned with the gold. Krogan looked at the heavy sack with a tiny satisfied look.

"Open it," he ordered, the frown returning as he glared at Ryker. His gaze quickly shifted as Stoick opened the bag to prove it was really gold. "Now you're a man of his word," he crowed. "Toss it to me and I'll let him go."

Stoick didn't hesitate, he did as he was told. He was not about to lose Hiccup again. However, he didn't expect Ryker to suddenly charge at Krogan the moment to man let Hiccup go, or for Dagur to grab the youth and shield him with his own body while yelling out for Toothless. Toothless blasted Krogan just as Ryker tackled the man, Wendy both Hunters over the cliff.

"Ryker!" Viggo cried out in surprise which caused Hiccup to scream in despair.

"Keep him down," Stoick ordered Dagur, not that he needed to. He had Hiccup pinned and was trying to calm him down while removing the chain from around his neck.

"No! Dagur, let me up. Please, you got to let up," Hiccup wailed, throwing is weight in hopes of bucking the heavier boy off him. Instead, Dagur held him tighter and tried soothing him while the others ran to the cliff to see what happened.

Stoick was surprised to find Ryker clinging to the edge of the cliff while Krogan was nowhere in sight. There was no way to survive a fall from these cliffs. The jutted rock below and crashing waves, mixed with wreckage of Trapper ships made it a death trap. It was a place that some had used to commit suicide in years past. Without a second thought, Stoick reached down and hauled Ryker up.

"Why did you do That?" Stoick asked confused.

Ryker took a few deep breathes as he found his feet. His gaze shifted to Hiccup still sprawled on the ground with Dagur and Toothless trying to comfort him. "Because if you gave into Krogan's demands now then he would only want something larger next time. If he survived the fall he'll know that next time you'll kill him or I will." He straightened his back, causing a loud pop. "No one touches Hiccup." Although even as he said it, Ryker knew there was a change in the air. A change he himself rather not think of.

The night the brother spent together in prison. It was to be their last night together. Viggo would be returning to his tribe in the morning while Ryker was to stay on Berk as a political hostage. While it was not the outcome either of them wanted it was what it was and Ryker was at peace with it. He would be with Hiccup and keep the boy safe. But his mind wondered just how safe he could keep the rider. He had many enemies and with the likes of Krogan still out there Hiccup would not be safe. Staying on Berk was out of the question, but Viggo had agreed to it. In the end Ryker had little choice without risking all out war and in the Hunter tribe's present condition they would not survive a war with Berk and their allies. Ryker had no idea what to do and for once Viggo said nothing. He couldn't wait to be off Berk and back amongst their people, with or without Ryker.

The divide that had grown between the brothers when Hiccup was first proven a threat to their business had grown since their capture.

It was early in the morning, the moon new an the sky black with few stars still shining. Ryker lay awake on his cot, staring up at the ceiling of his cell while Viggo snored away. Rykwe'd mind continued to wander back to the events of the day. He almost missed the sounds of scuffled footsteps, the clank of metal against wood. For a moment he thought it was a guard making their rounds until he heard the snort of a dragon then the jiggle of keys. Confused, he got to his elbows and stared at his cell door.

The door creaked opened and a small hooded figure slipped in. "Pisst…Ryker, Viggo, let's go."

"Hiccup?" Ryker breathed in astonishment.

"Come on, I have a ship ready," the youth whispered, holding the door open.

"Viggo," Ryker called to his brother, unsure if this was a dream or not. His brother only mumbled in his sleep so Ryker did something he hadn't since they were teens, he hit Viggo's shoulder hard.

"What the… Ryker, I swear…" Viggo growled, rolling over to glare at his older brother. His brows rose when Ryker gestured toward the door. "Hiccup?" he asked when he saw the hooded figure.

"What, you two never seen a rescue before? Let's go," Hiccup said more urgently. "Tooth, how we doing?"

The Nightfury grumbled in response, sounding utterly annoyed.

"Don't be like that," Hicup reprimanded as the Grimborns approached him.

The Nightfury complained the whole way to the docks and Hiccup continuously reprimanded him and told him to hush. Viggo became increasingly agitated and tried convincing Hiccup to leave the dragon behind but the youth would have none of it. Hiccup was determined to have his best friend next to his side. The way they were going it was a miracle that no one caught them. Ryker took the lead, watching for guards and keeping them in the shadows. Even without his sight, Hiccup had chosen the perfect time for a breakout. There was very little light with the exception of torches lit for the night watch. They made it to the ship without incident.

"How?" Ryker asked. The few Hunters that had come with them to Berk were already on the ship and preparing to cast off.

"Changing of the guard," Hiccup explained with a wide smile. "It always happens at 2:45 am, a half hour after my Dad goes to bed for the night."

Ryker shook his head, once more in astonishment. "You always amaze me," he whispered, cupping the boy's face between his large hands. The boy beamed up at him. "I always thought I was strong, but you…I've never met anyone as strong as you," Ryker continued.

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Hiccup's. It was supposed to be a gentle kiss but it quickly deepened and became heated as Hiccup wrapped his arms around Ryker's neck. Ryker couldn't help it, he needed Hiccup. He needed his Little Dragon. He pushed the boy against the rock wall where no light from the torches reached. Their hands were everywhere, tugging at clothes and feeling flesh. Hiccup fell to his knees, tugging Ryker's trousers open to free his hardening cock.

"Ryker, seriously?" Viggo yelled from the ship in utter disgust. "Can that not wait until we're at sea?"

Ryker ignored his brother and hummed happily as Hiccup hot mouth took his cock and began sucking in earnest. It had been took long since they last fucked and he couldn't wait even a moment longer. His fingers carded through the boy's hair. As much as he loved that mouth they had limited time. He gently pulled his Little Dragon to his feet and kissed his brow. "I can't little you with all the affection I have for you. It'll take far more time than we have."

"We have all the time in the world," Hiccup answered. "Toothless won't let anyone near us."

Ryker pressed their foreheads together. "He will, huh?"

"Always."

He would have argued but there was no point. He kissed Hiccup's forehead then turned him around to face the wall. He pulled the youth's trousers down just enough to bare his beautiful freckled ass. His heart thumped at the sight. He missed this so much. His hand stroked one lovely globe before kneeling down and burying his face against that fine ass. He ate Hiccup out, his saliva the only lube available. His tongue teased the ring of muscle before slipping in and gently stroking his inners. He worked quickly, knowing his time was limited. Once the boy was good and wet, he stood and pressed the head of his cock to Hiccup's opening.

"I'm going to fuck you hard," he warned. "You need to stay quiet."

Hiccup nodded eagerly.

"That's my boy." Ryker grinned into his hair before pulling close and pushing in.

Hiccup cried out then slapped his hands over his mouth to keep back his cries as Ryker pushed deeper and deeper until the man was all the way inside. Ryker groaned happily and held Hiccup tight.

"Oh fuck, I missed this," the man groaned before reaching down and pushing Hiccup trousers down further. He lifted the boy's left leg, opening him up wider. There was a rope dangling down from a dolly above, used for lowering supplies or new ships to the water. He quickly wrapped it around Hiccup's wrists and pulled his hands above his head. This would come in handy. Now his hands were free to take care of Hiccup the way he needed to. He kept to his word, starting with a quick, hard pace, slamming into Hiccup with full force, one hand holding his left leg up as the other roamed over his body. Momentary anger filled him at discovering the piercings gone, but Hiccup just as sensitive and in no time he was crying out, begging for more, screaming for him to go harder until Ryker had to cover his mouth. He kissed and sucked at Hiccup's neck and shoulder, taking great joy in the way the youth would thrash about and try thrusting back in his need. He bucked hard into the boy until his seed filled Hiccup.

When his cock softened and slipped away from Hiccup's ass, Ryker turned the boy around then knelt before him. He took the boy's cock between his lips and sucked hard. He flushed the taste and warmth, the texture and scars formed by having the piercings removed by someone who obviously didn't know who to do it properly. He sucked that warm piece of meat while Hiccup whimpered and whined above him until he too came, his seed filling Ryker's mouth. The Hunter devoured the taste as he stood.

Ryker took a moment to right Hiccup's trousers and make sure he looked descent before kissing him one last time. "I love you, sweetheart," he whispered as he pulled away. "One day I'll come back, I promise. After I find a new home for my tribe.

Hiccup blinked, his head tilting slightly in confusion. "Ryker?" he asked when he no longer felt Ryker. He listened as the man walked down the rock and then across the gangplank to his ship. "Ryker?"

"Don't let him leave this island," the man told Toothless.

Understanding suddenly hit Hiccup and he desperately pulled at the ropes around his wrists. "Ryker… No, Ryker! Ryker, don't leave me! RYKER!" For the first time since losing his eyes, hot tears rolled down Hiccup's cheeks, his tear ducts not damaged nearly as much as he had thought. He struggled to break free but it was no good, the knot Ryker had tied too strong. He listened in horror as the oars hit the water and the ship was carried away. "No…No, No, no…Viggo…Viggo, please!"

From the stern of the ship, Ryker and Viggo watched as Hiccup's struggling form was eaten by the darkness.

"Are you sure about this?" Viggo asked, a hand resting on Ryker's shoulder.

"He's not safe with us. Here he can heal and that Nightfury won't let him out of his sight ever again. Once we find a new home I'll face Stoick and fulfil the terms of the peace treaty," Ryker assured. His heart broke as he listened to Hiccup scream for them to go back for him. But Ryker couldn't, he knew that. It took Hiccup losing his eyes, being kidnapped by Drago, and nearly losing him again to Krogan for it to set in but Ryker knew it was true. It was time to let him go.

. . .

It was Dagur that found Hiccup after Toothless woke him up and Fishlegs's hut, and he was happy to be the ones to find him and not someone else. He had never seen Hiccup so hysterical or crying so hard. It didn't take much to figure out what had happened. He took Hiccup home and spent the rest o the early morning cradling him, promising it would be alright, until eventually Hiccup passed out. If Dagur hated the Grimborns before, he despised them now for hurting Hiccup the way they did, but at the same time he rejoiced in the fact they had left the Dragon Whisperer behind, Dagur could not imagine losing him again.