Wow! I can't believe the amount of responses to the last chapter! I'm sorry for the evil cliffhanger, but as I told you before, life is a cruel mistress, and so am I. Lol. Still, thank you guys for sticking with me through this journey :) Here's a super early morning post (for me at least) before I head to work. Just because I know you are all waiting impatiently for this one. Enjoy!

Ehickok76: Thanks :)

M.v.j.M: Thanks. I know everyone was impatient for this update, but Tuesdays and Fridays is the best you're getting :P lol

DeathBerryHime: He should've, but he probably forgot that he called it. Lol. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I honestly laughed most of the time while I was writing it. Who woulda thought that I would literally 'reveal' him to the village by using Snotlout's idiocy and a nearly naked duel. You're welcome everyone :P

Adrian Rainbolt: Haha, might not be very humble of me, but I would have to agree. Lol

Rainnnn: Evil cliffhangers are my thing ;) It is about time that Snotlout was knocked down off his high horse. I think one of my favourite episodes of RTTE is Zippleback Experience when Hiccup punches Snotlout in the face. Knocking him and a few of his teeth out. So good. As for Tuff, I always thought that his uncomplicated view of the world would probably let him consider things that others cannot. And yes, Inferno is better than his legendary swords, but still overkill for fighting Snotlout.

ghostpost: I know, but you like it :P

Yubel578: Indeed it is. Lol

CB73: I know, right! I'd had hints to it elsewhere before, but I couldn't resist adding a direct reference to your comment, since it made me laugh so hard. I think the Bog's are going to enjoy this duel the most of anyone. Except maybe Ruffnut...lol

OechsnerC: I gotta keep everyone coming back somehow.

Guest: I know, I am pure evil :P I really enjoyed writing this one, and I'm glad you enjoyed it too.

Scarve: Thanks! :D

Wodenfang: I'm just as excited for all of you to read this next chapter :)

Verdauga: Thanks! I think... hopefully that was a good wow...lol

_

Hiccup stood there in the middle of the arena with no shirt and no shoes, in front of half the barbaric archipelago, and watched the shock cross his father's face. His wasn't the only one... No one moved or spoke. Every last one of them seeming to hold their breath, unsure exactly what to do or say. Awaiting Stoick's reaction to his errant son suddenly appearing before him. Finally unmasked, and defending himself over allegations of rape.

It was the heaviest silence that Hiccup had ever experienced. Staring down his old life and waiting for their reactions was torture. Were they about to grab their weapons and chase him out? Stoick was standing stock still, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for breath, but no sound came out. He seemed incapable of coherent speech at the present moment. Suddenly a familiar voice broke the tension.

"Thor's tingly testicles! Hiccup got hot!" Grinning, Hiccup waved at Ruffnut as a few people laughed.

"Hel yes he did! Way to go Astrid!" That one was Cami from the Bog Burglars and promptly the rest of her tribe pitched in with their own shouts, including "I'd like to take him for a ride myself!" Then, louder than the rest, came Bertha's booming jeer.

"Look at those claw marks! Doesn't look like she was trying to get away!" He heard Ilweran and Eret's lewd hollers at those words.

It wrung a chuckle out of him too. Looking straight at Astrid, he felt his lips twist up into the predatory smile that he knew drove her wild. Though he still vividly remembered a time not too many years ago that it had scared her instead. Now she simply laughed, and then grinned back and blew a kiss at him. There were more whoops from the Boggies at that and others in the crowd started to join in. All the noise finally seemed to snap Stoick out of his trance.

Stoick seemed completely lost as he stared at the intimidating beast of a man before him. Stuttering and gibbering in his stunned state, as he seemed to reject the very notion of what was right before his eyes. "Hi-Hiccup? I don't... I don't believe it... It just can't be... Is it really you, son?" Gobber reached out to place a comforting hand on the chief's shoulder, grinning at Hiccup.

"Last time I checked," Hiccup deadpanned as he smirked at Gobber. Then to buy his father some time before either of them had to navigate the emotional storm he added, "I believe there was supposed to be some sort of duel happening. Or did I just take my clothes off for the enjoyment of Bertha and her tribeswomen?" There were a few more laughs and whistles at this.

Cami bellowed, "anytime you want to, handsome!" Heather and Ruffnut both reaching over to high-five her as the whole group laughed loudly.

Across the arena, Snotlout looked like he had just been hit over the head with his own hammer. His dazed eyes were slowly beginning to fill with a measure of desperation. Hiccup didn't really need to hear Snot's thoughts to know what he was thinking. He had just challenged the rightful heir of Berk to a duel in front of everyone. If he lost this fight, he would certainly lose the woman he had thought to claim as his own. He would now also lose any chance of becoming the next chief just by participating.

Hiccup could have laughed out loud when he saw the hesitation in Snotlout's mind. Back out of the duel now and lose Astrid. Win the duel and keep Astrid, but lose Stoick's approval. Or lose the duel and lose both. Hiccup had to admit that it was a daunting decision, but they both knew that it was too late now anyways. The challenge had been made and the terms accepted. Allowing a grin to light his face again, Hiccup decided to taunt him into action.

"What is the matter Snot? I was under the impression that you have been dying to smash my brains in for years. Here is your chance to break my pretty face, and show everyone how much better than me you are. Win Astrid over with a display of good old Viking manliness," he added as he flexed his own arms jokingly. There were loud cheers and screams from the ladies in the crowd as he did so. "You should hear the noises she makes when you touch her just right, cousin. Oh wait, you already did..." he trailed off with a wicked grin. Flashing his sharp white teeth at the man. Snotlout's answering grimace was pure gold.

Suddenly there was a loud "WHACK" followed by a grunt from Stoick. Apparently Gothi had hit him round the head with her staff to break him out of his stupor. Cursing the old woman and rubbing his skull, he turned back to the two men in front of him. "Do you both still accept the terms of the duel, then?" he asked quietly, knowing full well that they couldn't refuse now. His eyes desperately searching Hiccup's. He's worried that I won't win, Hiccup noted with surprise, and a tinge of disappointment. Can he seriously look at me now and still only see the weak and scrawny runt?

"I still accept, but I wish for a change of weapon" came Snotlout's angry reply. He had started to find his rage again. Both at Hiccup's taunting words, as well as at the realization that the runaway runt of the family had bedded his purchased woman. Likely far more than once. The scratches on his back the clearest sign that it was definitely consensual. Good, it would be a shame if he threw the fight just because it's me, Hiccup chuckled to himself. He's just lucky that he did this now that I'm in a good mood. Two days ago, he may have found himself on a one way trip to Niflheim, despite Astrid's protection...

Smirking darkly at the thought, he met his cousin's furious gaze. He was actually starting to look forward to this. A little payback for all the times that Snotlout had picked on him and beaten him up when they were kids. He nodded to show that he would allow the trade and Snotlout went to grab his trusty war hammer instead. I guess he doesn't see me as such an unknown threat now. This should be fun...

Gothi placed her hands on the hilt and hammer for a long minute. Finally she looked back up at Stoick and nodded. Hiccup had always just assumed this was another strange tradition of the duelling ring. What could Gothi really be looking for when she approved the weapons? He had been wrong. She was checking for magical enhancements.

That would have been awkward to explain, he thought, as he bent to grab Inferno. Good thing he had brought this old sword with him. He was immediately glad that he had spent last night modifying it to use monstrous nightmare gel instead of magical fire. Picking it up in his left hand, he then stepped back and turned to face Snotlout. His cousin was already holding his hammer; waving it around arrogantly.

When he actually took a look at the weapon Hiccup planned to fight with, he laughed loudly. "Your weapon of choice is a sword with no blade?" He guffawed again.

Twirling the hilt once in his palm, Hiccup said dryly, "so it would seem."

*

Astrid was screaming. On the inside of course, but still. It had been easy to laugh when the boys had stripped and everyone had started shouting and whistling. At first she had been horrified and embarrassed when everyone saw the marks on Hiccup's back. Then after Ruffnut's shout followed by the chorus from the Bogs, she had found herself laughing with the rest. Now, though, she seemed to be only able to feel slightly nauseous. Her stomach a churning mass of butterflies.

Hiccup seemed calm and collected, but Snotlout was furious. Was he going to do something stupid and push Hiccup to hurt him? She had made Hiccup promise that he wouldn't kill Snotlout, but once the fight started, all bets were off. Hopefully Hiccup wasn't still holding a grudge for all of the beatings his cousin gave him when they were kids.

She was remembering with vivid clarity the blinding speed of his attack on the Red Death. Snotlout had run away, so he hadn't seen it. He had not been there to witness Hiccup move so fast that he blurred from sight. He had not experienced the shock of trying to watch the vicious wrestling match between he and Ilweran in the cove that day. Their movements too fast to follow and too violent to be human. A bout of play fighting so unnatural, that even Eret had noticed that the Riders were not exactly normal. Her brain was too busy worrying to notice the new addition to their little group.

Minden sat herself down beside Astrid. "Have I missed anything? It hasn't started yet I hope. Bori was getting nervous with all the noise. I had to calm her down before running here." Then seeing Astrid's face she added, "don't worry. Hiccup won't hurt Snotlout too bad. We're going to need every single rider conscious and able-bodied enough to help bring the Red Death down." At the look Astrid shot her, she just shrugged. "What, it's the truth."

"No, you don't understand," Astrid choked out desperately. "Hiccup can get quite protective when it comes to me. If Snot says or does the wrong thing, that'll be it. Game over for Snotlout! If Hiccup kills him, it will be all my fault!"

Ilweran placed a soothing hand on her shoulder as he met her gaze. "No matter what happens, it is not your fault Astrid," he stated firmly. Then he looked over at Minden. "Unfortunately, she does have a point. Hiccup is unusually territorial when it comes to Astrid." Ilweran had shed his long cloak, claiming that if Hiccup didn't have to wear his anymore, than neither did he. This meant that Astrid had an unobstructed view of the flicker of uncertainty that flashed through his amber eyes. Her stomach clenched in fear.

Just then Stoick and Gothi moved out of the arena. Gobber patting Hiccup paternally on the shoulder before following them out as the two men began to circle each other. Oh gods, I have to do something! Would I even be able to stop him if he was going to kill Snotlout, she wondered in horror. Suddenly jumping up and exclaiming, "I can't just sit here, waiting to watch Snotlout die because of me!" Then she took off towards the gate where the chief and elder were standing with Gobber.

"Is Hiccup likely to kill Snotlout?" Ruff asked Minden curiously.

"Put it this way Ruff, I certainly wouldn't call him out for a duel."

"Excellent!" Ruffnut said gleefully, turning back to the men in the arena.

*

As soon as Stoick had announced the beginning of the fight, Snotlout had started moving. Hiccup decided that it would be best to just wait for his cousin to make the first move. There was no need to rush him. He needed to learn a lesson, not be out of commission for the coming battle. That, and both Gothi and Astrid had made him promise not to kill the idiot.

The request from the supposedly mute elder had surprised him as she spoke in his mind. Somehow breaking unobtrusively through his barriers. Begging him to forgive Snotlout for his pursuit of Hiccup's mate. He had been momentarily surprised at her choice of words, but then again, nothing got past her. He figured that she definitely knew his secret when she had been even more pleased than Astrid at his consent to sparing the man's life. It was ridiculous, but if it made the ladies happy...

When Snotlout made his first strike, it was too easy to follow with his draconic eyesight. Clearly Snot was going for all force and no technique in his anger. Using a heavy war hammer and aiming for a head shot on an opponent that was well over a foot taller than him. Really?! Sighing, Hiccup watched the other man charge at him with the hammer raised above his head. Had he learned nothing from the weeks of hard training?

The wild downward swing was slow and easily dodged. Hiccup barely had to remind himself to keep his strength and speed to a minimum. He wouldn't really need it anyways. Leaning back just enough to be out of reach, he watched the hammer pass by his face. The heavy weight of it pulled Snot forward and off-balance. Sticking one foot out as he stumbled past, Hiccup sent Snot sprawling on the ground. As he got back to his feet his face was bright red.

"You should never sacrifice balance for force" Hiccup chided. Snotlout growled and ran at him again. The next swing was no better. He aimed another heavy blow at Hiccup's head. With a crouch and half turn, Hiccup had dodged under the hammer to stand up inside of Snot's guard. Bringing the hilt of Inferno down in a quick arc, he slapped it against the other man's wrist. This simple motion caused the hammer to drop from Snot's slackened grip. One spinning kick later and Hiccup had knocked the weapon far beyond his reach.

"You really should have stuck with the atgeir for a taller opponent" he said as he side-stepped and picked up the aforementioned weapon from the ground. "Catch!" He tossed it to Snotlout and the other man caught the bladed staff, confused. This was not how it was supposed to work. Once you lost your weapon, you were pretty much done for. No dueller would give their enemy a new weapon after disarming them. Snot gripped the staff as he had been taught and widened his stance, visibly less confident now. Hiccup grinned wickedly at him.

"Much better. Take time to assess your opponent." He strode closer to Snotlout as he spoke. Once he was within range, Snot slashed. Pressing the release, Hiccup extended the blade of Inferno and blocked the staff with it. There were gasps from the crowd as the weapon seemed to appear out of nowhere. Hiccup smiled and disengaged. Snotlout struck out again and again while Hiccup simply batted each attempt aside with his sword. Occasionally correcting the other man's form or grip. Rapping Snot's thigh with the flat of his blade now and then and reminding him to widen his stance.

"You are allowing your anger to make you sloppy. Tiring yourself out. Perhaps you should try defence for a while, instead of only attack." Snotlout yelled with rage at this criticism and lashed out again. This time Inferno caught the staff in the middle of the wood. Deciding it was time to end this, Hiccup struck the flint and the blade ignited.

He took a moment to appreciate the surprised look on Snot's face before he cut through the staff. With a quick flick of his wrist, he hooked one half of the handle through the hollow, flame covered blade. A downward twist, and the first half was pulled free of Snot's hand and flung away. Then he quickly brought Inferno back up to block the other half as Snot made a slice at his ribs.

Hooking onto the curved axe blade of the atgeir, he pulled the staff and man towards him. Bringing his other hand up at the same time to smash the heel into Snot's face. He felt the cartilage snap and contort as the man's nose shattered under his palm. Thick red blood beginning to stream down his face as his weapon fell to the ground. Leaving Snot dazed and bleeding, Hiccup hooked the tip of Inferno into the blade near his feet and flicked it up into the air. Then in one fluid sequence, he retracted Inferno and caught the falling blade as he kicked out with just enough force to dislocate Snot's knee.

The loud popping crunch was audible in the nearly silent hush of the arena. Dropping to the ground, Snot grunted and tried to roll away. Hiccup held him still with one foot as he placed the edge of the blade against his throat. "Do you yield?" He asked the weaponless, bleeding, and dumbstruck man.

There was a moment of pregnant silence as Snot glared up at him. Then he spat out a mouthful of blood before saying loudly, "I yield." Nodding, Hiccup stepped away from his cousin. Turning slightly, he threw the poorly weighted axe at the target mounted on the far wall instead. Landing a perfect bullseye as the axe head buried itself right to the neck. Snot's eyes flying wide with shock at the sight, as the reality of just how much Hiccup had held back finally started to sink in.

Hiccup simply smirked at his cousin before waving a hand towards the gate and Gothi. The elder would need to pop that knee back in before Snot could stand. It wasn't a disabling injury though; more of a nuisance. He might have a limp at worst. That's when the tumult broke over them. The fight had ended so abruptly that everyone was caught off guard at first. Then as realization hit, the crowd had begun cheering so loudly that Hiccup could barely hear himself think. He looked away from Snotlout to watch Gothi and the others approach.

There was Astrid running towards him. She launched herself at him and he caught her mid-leap. Her arms and legs wrapping tightly around him as he put his hands on her in front of everyone. Cupping both around her fine ass in a bold display of ownership, as he crushed his mouth to hers in a greedy kiss. Her fingers twining into his hair and pulling him closer as she lost herself to his magic. The Boggies whooped and whistled again at the very public show of affection. He may have spared Snot's life and limbs, but that didn't mean that he wasn't still going to flaunt his prize.

Breaking apart and laughing, a scarlet blush crept its way into Astrid's cheeks as she realized that everyone was watching them. "Oops," she said awkwardly and started to let go. Hiccup simply grinned at her, as he wrapped his arms around her and held her firm. Turning towards his father with a front full of Astrid, Hiccup gazed defiantly at the man. He wondered if the chief would dare comment on their embrace. Instead Stoick just smiled at him with a proud gleam in his eyes. Amazed by this unquestioning approval, Hiccup removed his right arm from around Astrid and held his hand out to his father.

Stoick grasped it in his in a firm handshake, his smile growing wider. "It's good to see you, my son" was all he said before resuming his chiefly stature. After waving a hand for silence he said, "the challenge has been met and we have a yield. Both men fought bravely and with honour."

Hiccup allowed Astrid to drop back to her feet at this point so that he could move to stand next to his father. "The winner is Scáth, or should I say Hiccup." Here he offered a chuckle as he gestured towards his son. "Snotlout must now uphold the agreed upon terms of the duel. Now get to the mead hall for the feast you crazy dogs and let these boys put their clothes back on in peace!"

There was another loud chorus of whoops from the Bogs as everyone began to make their way back to the main village. Gothi ambled over to the man on the ground and swiftly popped his knee back in with practiced skill while ignoring his yelled curses. Then she shuffled back over to Stoick and Gobber. After letting him scream for a moment longer, Hiccup offered his hand to help his cousin up to his feet.

"This was your lesson for today. Never underestimate your opponent." Snotlout had the decency to blush as he carefully tested his injured leg. He looked over at Astrid as if he was about to say something, but he was interrupted by a flurry of activity at the gate.

*

Ruffnut launched herself at Hiccup as well. He caught and hugged her as she cursed, laughed, and punched him before running her hands greedily over his bare torso. Leaning into his chest and inhaling his intoxicating smell with ridiculous vigour. He tried to detach her, but she clung to him like a leech. Astrid couldn't help but laugh and shake her head at that. Typical Ruff. It was probably only a matter of time before she stole Mace-y from Tuffnut and chased Astrid around the village with it for holding out on her.

Giving up on removing the crazy woman for now, Hiccup sighed and reached out to shake Fishlegs' hand. The large man pulled him into a three way hug instead, making everyone laugh. Tuffnut jumping on top of the whole group. As Hiccup finally wriggled free of the Viking-pile, his father swooped in and crushed him in a great bear hug. Minden sidled over by Astrid, watching the reunion with a laugh in her amber eyes.

"See. I told you that you didn't need to worry about him. He a gooder, that one. Hold on to him." Then she winked and sashayed her way to where Snotlout was still standing alone, confused and worried. His nose a mess, coating his chin and chest in blood. "Hey Snot. Don't feel too bad. I haven't been able to beat him in a spar in almost 5 years. It's nothing to be ashamed of." Snotlout gave her a small smile that quickly vanished.

"Id's nod dat I'b ashamed do lose do him. Well, maybe a lidle. Okay, a Iod. Id's jus' dat I don know wha' I'b gonna do now. He geds Astrid and he's da righdful heir of Berk." He spoke in a forlorn way around his heavy nose bleed and watering eyes.

Now that she didn't have to worry about being his little wifey, Astrid found that she was able to at least feel a bit sorry for Snotlout. Though she knew that Hiccup had no intention of staying on Berk and taking over as heir. He had already told her as much.

Minden simply cut across his gloom and put a firm hand on his forearm. "You, are going to put your clothes back on. Then you're going to come with me to clean yourself up and get Gothi to set that nose. The rest is in the hands of Skuld." With that she tossed his tunic to him and he caught it, laughing softly.

It was at that moment that Astrid realized that Hiccup's clothes were gone. Looking around in confusion, she saw Cami and Heather over by the gate with Ilweran and Eret. The girls' arms loaded down with clothes and weapons as the boys simply chuckled quietly at the bold theft. Clearly not concerned in the slightest for their friend's modesty. Cami caught her eye and winked mischievously, before taking off at a run in the opposite direction with Heather.

Just then, Astrid heard Hiccup's cry of, "where the fuck are my clothes?" Quickly trying to school her features into an innocently surprised expression, she looked at him and shrugged. Her met her gaze for half a heartbeat before he shouted, "CAMI! You had better run fast, because when I catch you, you are dead!" Then he dashed out of the arena, as Eret and Ilweran laughed hysterically at him. The bonded dragons rasping their own chuckles from just outside the gate.

*

Eventually Hiccup had caught up to Cami and Heather. Taking his clothes back with a smile in his eyes. He had put his tunic, bracers, and swords back on, but just like Ilweran, he chose to ditch the cloak for good. Claiming that he had always hated wearing it. All the ladies nearly lost their minds when the boys strolled into the mead hall to join the festivities. The Riders, in all of their glorious perfection, finally uncloaked and dressed in only their form fitting armour.

Ruffnut had been predictably jealous. During the feast, she had indeed stolen Mace-y and chased Astrid around the village with it. The whole group following them outside and laughing at them. Astrid couldn't help but laugh right along with them, casually reminding Ruff that Hiccup had also been holding out on her. "Just think Ruff. You could have been ogling and fondling all three of them every day for the past two months if he hadn't insisted on hiding from you," she joked with a wicked smirk in Hiccup's direction.

Ruff stopped in her tracks, mace raised comically above her head. "You're absolutely right," she replied. Turning her head slowly, she set her gaze on Eret and the Riders where they were standing with the others. With a war cry, she sprinted towards them. "Hiccup, how could you do this to me? I thought you cared," she yelled, as the men started running away from her. More people coming out of the great hall to watch the commotion. Cheering and raising their tankards, placing bets on the outcome. Seems the villagers were getting two shows in one day.

As Ruff circled one of the lodges, she stopped short. Looking around in confusion as the three huge men somehow managed to disappear. Suddenly Eret came up behind her and grabbed her tight around the middle. Lifting her off the ground as he pulled her against his solid chest. Ilweran dropping down from the roof above to grab Mace-y from her before she could swing it. Tossing it aside before he wrapped his hands around her flailing wrists. He moved in close to her, a predatory smirk on his luscious lips as his golden eyes positively smouldered. Astrid could practically feel the heat of that gaze all the way across the square.

Ruffnut was effectively disarmed by Ilweran's heart stopping beauty, and she stopped struggling. Simply hanging limp and dazed in Eret's burly arms. Her mouth hanging open and her eyes slightly crossed. Astrid couldn't help feeling a twinge of humorous pity for Ruff. Even after spending the last two months with Hiccup and Ilweran, she still hadn't stopped losing herself to their beauty. She seriously doubted that anyone could ever get used to the disorienting perfection of the Riders, and this was the first time they were unleashing it on the poor girl. No holds barred.

Suddenly Hiccup was there, seeming to appear out of nowhere. Taking the dazed woman from the other two with a wicked grin, and putting her over his shoulder. She gasped in surprise, slapping his ass playfully and he smacked hers in return. The loud crack audible through the still night air. Ruff giggled like a child, her face blushing crimson, while Astrid, Fish, and Tuff simply stared in shock. Ruffnut rarely blushed, and she certainly didn't giggle. Ever!

Minden smirked widely, chuckling at the display. Elbowing Astrid to get her attention before muttering, "lucky girl. Too bad for her husband, though. She's going to be insatiable after this..."

Astrid grinned at her in agreement. "Yep, poor Fishlegs. He's going to have his work cut out for him. What woman wouldn't be insatiable after being accosted by three of the most gorgeous men to walk this realm?" The two women laughed again, watching Ruff squeal and squirm in ecstasy. Noisily inhaling the heady aroma coming off of Hiccup as he held her. Her hands planted firmly on his backside, apparently to brace herself.

Hiccup hauled her back over to Fishlegs, and dumped her into his waiting arms. "You need to take this home and deal with these pent up frustrations my friend," he grinned slyly as the large man blushed.

Ilweran came over to stand by Hiccup, glancing down at the manic smile on Ruff's flushed and flustered face before looking at Fish. Reaching out to pat the scarlet-faced man on the shoulder. "I am terribly sorry, but we seem to have stirred her up a bit. Being manhandled by the men of your dreams will do that to a woman, but really, she is all yours to deal with," he added with a smirk.

Eret arrived by the other two at that moment. Handing Tuff back his mace before grinning widely at Fishlegs. "Yep, we started it, now you need to finish it. Go show her why she loves you, my good man." Gazing down at Ruff for a moment as she grinned stupidly, her face bright red with a mixture of excitement and lust. "Please take her to bed before she explodes..." he trailed off with a wink.

Ruff barked out another laugh, before she dragged Fish's face down towards her and kissed him vigorously. "Always listen to the teachers," she said with a smirk. With one more embarrassed look at the lot of them, Fishlegs put her over his own shoulder and started racing towards their lodge. The rest of the group cackling in hysterics, as the villagers on the mead hall steps cheered.

Hiccup reached over and pulled Astrid towards him. She was only slightly startled by the new freedom in their relationship, but then she looked up into his laughing green eyes and lost all coherent thought. Yep, she was never going to get used to this man. How could eyes manage to smile and smoulder, all at once? It just wasn't fair.

"Speaking of being manhandled by the man of your dreams..." he started quietly, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her close. Her heart stuttered at his words and the feel of his solid chest beneath her palms, but she tried to play it cool.

"That sounds amazing! Where has Snotlout gotten to?" She glanced around curiously, as Minden cackled at her. Hiccup simply pulled her tighter against his body. The tangible heat of his gaze calling her eyes back to meet his.

"Very funny mi'lady. Unfortunately for Snotlout, he will never get to manhandle you ever again," Hiccup smirked at her. Leaning down to press his lips to hers. The taste and smell of him causing her knees to go weak as always, and steal every last shred of her sanity. Everything around them falling away, as reality tuned out. Nothing existed in this space aside from the two of them. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Moulding her body to his and grinding wantonly against him as she moaned against his mouth. The familiar warmth flaring in her core again as her leg came up to wrap around his hip.

He broke away and grinned at her. She panted for a moment, trying to steady her racing heart. Then the outside world flooded back in. A hot flush rose up her cheeks as she suddenly became aware of the whistles and hollers from the crowd at the hall. "Oh my gods," she stammered uncomfortably, dropping her leg back to the ground with a grimace and hiding her flaming face against his chest. "Everyone just saw that, didn't they."

"Yes," he smirked back as she peeked up at him sheepishly. That same predatory hunger that she had grown to love, burning in his eyes. "They are all going to see this too." She had one brief moment of confusion, before he picked her up and whistled for Toothless. Leaping gracefully onto the black dragon as he landed beside them, and cradling her in his lap. "I won you fair and square mi'lady. I think it is about time that I claimed my prize," he chuckled.

"Sounds good to me," she grinned. Leaning up to kiss him again as the spectators screamed and whistled. Blushing crimson again, she wrapped her arms around her man as Toothless spread his great wings wide and launched himself into the sky.

_

Finally, eh! Bout godsdamn time that the village found out who was under the mask. Of course the enthusiasm of the Bog's along with the outburst from Ruffnut likely helped to ease the tension of this awkward reunion, and I love Ruff chasing everyone around with her brother's mace afterwards. She sooo would. At least her delicious yak-chops finally manhandle her for a change. Poor Fishlegs. He's gonna be busy tonight...

How very nice of Hiccup to take it easy on Snotlout. How many of you saw that coming? You should've. He's not an evil asshole, after all. Just my beautiful Dirty Dark Swan. Gods I love him. Lol