Life As We Know It

Rated; M for Mature
Pairing; Hiccup & Toothless(Tallon)
Disclaimer; I do not own anything HTTYD-related. Everything belongs to its original creator.

53)

=Normal POV=
(7/14/2019-8:00 am)
(Archipelago; Isle of Berk)
(The Cove)

The little getaway had been what they both needed to relax from all the stress of being stuck in the Archipelago. And it was better that no one had bothered Hiccup and Toothless while they were taking a mini-vacation. No one even flew over the cove. It was peaceful and happy for them to be able to have some privacy and enjoy one another without hiding their love. Though, that was something still on Hiccup's mind; he wanted to reveal that he loved and was with Toothless, but he needed confirmation that his father actually accepted things. As long as that was true, Hiccup might stand a chance at living in Norway, but being able to visit Berk from time to time. Hiccup didn't care if his dad removed him as Heir because he refused to marry a woman and give a successor himself; that was fine. Hiccup would gladly hand over the title of royalty and next in line to Snotlout without a second thought if it meant he had his freedom and could visit. But that was just the thing; Hiccup didn't know if his father was being sincere, so he didn't want to risk anything until he knew for sure what was going to happen. If he was cast out and couldn't return; it would hurt and take some time to recover, but he'd be alright eventually and always miss select people. But if there was a way to do this without never being able to return; Hiccup was all for it.

The biggest thing, aside that situation, was that Hiccup continued to consider the possibilities with the barrier. It was clear that it could be passed, but of it's own accord as to when. Hiccup wondered what could happen if the barrier were to drop or be broken, there was risk and worry in that chance. So no matter what crossed Hiccup's mind; it led back to the same questions and concerns as it had four and a half years ago. The only change in things is that the barrier opened and closed at random, and then there was Toothless being able to stay human inside the Archipelago side of the barrier. But that was it; there was no further understanding beyond those two factors, and only recently discovered in the last three months at that too. For everything else, Hiccup knew he had to face his dad and figure out where things were going from here. Yes, the stipulation to Hiccup becoming Chief of the Hooligan tribe was for Toothless to be able to stay human, and that happened this time around. But Hiccup still had his reservations about the matter, and he had the right to hold those. Unfortunately, he was only getting answers if he talked to his dad. So, that needed to happened at some point once the two lovers returned to the village later today.

Hiccup and Toothless had made love just this morning, giving themselves a break on Saturday. The last thing they needed was for Hiccup to be sore and raise questions as to why if it was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. Hiccup didn't want to go back into the village; he was enjoying this. Or he would like to go back to Norway; he never thought he'd miss working long hours and singing, but he did. Hiccup didn't feel like he could be himself on Berk; he didn't feel complete here. But that could have many factors, not just so much being on the island. The two of them now were just sitting in their chairs in front of the fire after eating breakfast and cleaning up.

"Do we have to go back?" Hiccup asked.

Toothless chuckled a bit. "Your father will send the tribe after us if we don't."

Hiccup mumbled. "If you were able to go dragon form; we could get away pretty fast."

"Yes, that's true. And we have the entire Archipelago to hide in because we have the map. It would take the others months or longer to track us, and it wouldn't matter if they got close because we'd clear out before they reach us," Toothless smiled.

"It's still aggravating. Hopefully, in a week, the barrier will open again…" Hiccup sighed.

"You wanna get out of here, don't you?" Toothless inquired softly, looking over to his mate.

Hiccup sighed again, looking down some. "I want freedom, Tooth. To be able to be in Norway, working, having our privacy…But also be able to come visit here, without worry of waiting on the barrier to be open…You know, how it was when we first started traveling?"

"I understand, love. It's frustrating, I know. I still believe it's the over usage that causes it to shut. It was cool with just us every couple of weeks, or months. Something changed when the Vikings came through, and it continues to be that problem now," Toothless stated, thinking on it.

"It's possible about the over-using thing. Eleven of them came through at once. But we tested that when we sent Dagur, Mala, and Heather back. Just three of them and it closed almost instantly." Hiccup reminded.

"But don't forget that you had also gone through once to get the boat and come back. That would mean it was used twice by you, and then once each by them. That makes it five uses, and also consider that Cuyler's boat was parked half inside the barrier too." Toothless countered gently.

"Yeah…That's true. If you count the boat staying in there; I suppose it could be considered another use. So that would make the total six…But then us returning here three weeks ago…It was me twice, then the seven Vikings. That's eight right there, adding on that you and I went through; that's ten…Plus two more for me to tell the Grayson's and the Andersen's they could come, and then one each for them…That's eleven by itself, added to the original twelve from us and the Vikings…It's twenty-three…" Hiccup replied, doing the math quickly in his head.

"When you put it like that, it does seem more randomized rather than overuse…" Toothless considered. "What doesn't make sense is why it suddenly started closing after they came through because it worked fine for us as long as it did. And factor in all the trader ships that come in and out in all directions…"

"I see what you mean." Hiccup nodded. "I don't mind being here, babe…But I can't be myself here. Not so much with our relationship, but I miss the work I do in Norway…Cooking and singing. I miss being in our house. Call me spoiled, but I miss the modern…The simplified life we have there. Coming here is fine for…Vacations, little weekend visits…But I just…Don't want to live here permanently anymore."

"You'll have to tell your dad you don't want to be Chief, and I know that scares you…" Toothless held his hand. Hiccup nodded, staring into the fire. "Afraid he'll go back on the things he said in Norway?"

"Because I originally told him that pending your ability to be human in the Archipelago…I'd be Chief. It's never been my thing; I guess I…Just said what I did because I was overjoyed to get that apology from him…" Hiccup closed his eyes now. "I know he'll go back on what he said, Tooth. He's Stoick…And he's never gonna change. All he's ever wanted is for me to be like him, become the next Chief…He accepted I'm never gonna be him; he knows I've got his temper…But I'm more my mom. But as soon as he finds out I don't want to be Chief…Forget it," Hiccup said with a sigh. "We're gonna go right back to fighting. He could deal with my being different when it meant I'd still be Chief, even if I did it my way…But not becoming Chief? He's gonna lose his mind, babe. And…I don't put it past him to be so furious that he tells me to leave…And never come back…" There was sadness in his tone; Toothless picked it up easily.

"I don't think he'll hurt you again, Hiccup…" Toothless offered. Sadly, Hiccup knew his father better because it's how things always went with them. It could be sunshine and rainbows one day, then storms the next. "If he does; he deals with me."

"Doesn't matter who deals with what…The outcome won't change, Toothless. You could scream and fight with him about what he's done to me, but it won't change. He'll still tell me to get my stuff, leave with you, and never come back." Hiccup informed. "It would take something life-changing for him to ever change himself. We're talking…Monumentally life-changing as in completely unexpected, eye-opening, etc…"

"I get you." Toothless nodded, not liking that he knew his mate was going to end up hurt in someway or another. And the worst part was that he knew nothing he did would change it. Stoick had been scolded many times in Norway for his behavior towards Hiccup, and up until the engagement; nothing changed. What was hard about this was that Hiccup had accepted early on that what Stoick said to him wasn't genuine, and something was going to happen to change things back to how it was. It seemed Hiccup was one step ahead with saying he didn't want to live on Berk anymore, just be able to visit. And even that didn't have high hopes of happening when Hiccup revealed to his father he had no desire or intention to become Chief. "Everything will be alright, Hiccup. And I promise that no matter what happens; you will have me. Always."

Hiccup smiled a little now, leaning over a bit to rest his head on Toothless's shoulder. "I know, baby. And you'll never know what that means to me that I've got my best friend and the love of my life in the same person. I love you, Toothless."

"I love you too, Hiccup. Now…Let's enjoy the rest of our day. We'll return to the village at sundown, put our things away, and join everyone in the hall for dinner." Toothless smiled. Hiccup relaxed with him as they watched the fire together; determined to let this moment last forever where there was no rules, no expectations, no jobs, not anything other than just them in their special place where it all began.

. . .

(6:00 pm)
(Archipelago; Isle of Berk)
(Hooligan Village; Great Hall)

The day had been perfect. The whole weekend had, in fact. Hiccup was feeling a great deal better now that he'd had a break from everything. Unfortunately; it wouldn't matter once everyone saw that they were back. Hiccup would have that talk with his father when he was sure the barrier was open, that where there could be a clean break and escape if things went horribly wrong as he predicted they would. There was the slight chance that his father would understand, but Hiccup did not have high hopes for such and each step closer to the village made him more and more nervous. The two of them got their things out away in Stoick's house and made themselves presentable to join everyone in the hall for dinner. Toothless held his hand tightly and kissed the back of it with a smile.

"Everything is going to be fine." Toothless said as they walked up the steps to the main doors.

"It doesn't feel like it, Tooth…" Hiccup admitted softly.

"What do you mean?" Toothless asked.

"Just…Feels like something isn't right all of a sudden." Hiccup told him.

"Like…Sick feeling?" Toothless inquired.

Hiccup shook his head. "No…Like gut feeling that something is wrong…" Toothless looked at him now, trying to pick up whatever Hiccup was feeling.

"I don't sense anything out of the ordinary." Toothless claimed.

"I don't…Know what it is, Toothless, but I'm telling you I feel it. It's been nagging me since we started the walk back here, and it's gotten worse. Something big is about to happen…" Hiccup confessed nervously.

"Then I will not be leaving your side for any reason until we discover what it is and the actions needing to be taken." Toothless assured as he quickly kissed Hiccup, knowing they wouldn't be able to do such things once in the public eye of the tribe. The two disconnected their hands and headed into the hall side by side; the room quieted a bit as they came in. Stoick was instantly on his feet, beaming to see his son after three days.

"And here we go…" Hiccup sighed.

"Son!" Stoick motioned for Hiccup to come join him at the main table. Hiccup already noticed what was different as he looked to the table and found more people at it than usual. The Chieftains to the other tribes had come to Berk. "Come, come!" Stoick urged. Hiccup made his way towards the table with Toothless following silently; he only really recognized a few of the normal visitors. There were others included whom he'd never met before, so he'd simply observe for the time being as he needed to be on guard for Hiccup's sake.

"Yes, Dad?" Hiccup stated.

"Haven't seen you in a few days. I missed you!" Stoick smiled.

"Missed you too…" Hiccup replied. "Can…Tal and I go sit?" He wondered, using Toothless's adopted modern name because he wasn't sure what the Chieftains knew of the situation, aside from Dagur, Mala, and Heather.

"Come join us here." Stoick informed, motioning to the open space beside his chair.

Hiccup eyed his father carefully now. "Tallon too?"

Stoick didn't speak at first, but caught the look in his son's eyes telling him that if Toothless couldn't join him, then he wasn't sitting at the Chief's Table. "Of course, of course!" Yeah, Hiccup and Toothless both didn't totally pick up that fake joy. Regardless, Hiccup and Toothless sat down beside one another and then Stoick next to Hiccup; there was already food lined up for them grab what they wanted. "Dig in."

Not wanting to cause issues; Toothless and Hiccup each grabbed a few things and set their plates before them to eat. Hiccup was not happy right now, why were the Chieftains there? His father never said anything at all, and Hiccup knew the travel times at their longest were a week; that was by ship because Hiccup knew no one else in the Archipelago flew dragons, except Heather who was part of the Berserkers. Hiccup and Toothless had only been gone for three days, and there was never mention of the Chieftains coming. What was worse…Hiccup knew it wasn't time for the yearly meeting. That was held in beginning of the year, typically between January and March. Sometimes later if the weather was not good for traveling. It was now July, so what reason would they have to all be there? Hiccup looked calm, but he was on edge that his father was going to pull a fast one on him about becoming Chief. Regardless, Hiccup started to eat his food and then Toothless did the same; there was no use panicking over the situation until Hiccup knew for sure what was going to happen.

The meal seemed easy going; Hiccup and Toothless just ate in silence while there was chatter around them. Everyone talking to their table mates, random topics while Stoick spoke with the Chieftains. Hiccup didn't pay much attention to anything they were saying, but Toothless could hear it clear as day, to make sure it was nothing involving Hiccup becoming the next ruler of the tribe. It seemed that Stoick had informed the Chieftains that Tallon was Toothless, but in human form, and went ahead to explain the barrier situation. Dagur, Mala, and Heather already knew, of course, and confirmed the things that Stoick said when the others were in disbelief of such unworldly things being among them. The conversation now with them was how to handle things.

"So what do we do, Stoick?" Alvin inquired.

"I've suggested breaking the thing, but Hiccup refuses to allow it." Stoick stated.

"You're the boy's father; he doesn't have a say." Remarked another Chief.

Toothless continued to stay out of it, glancing to Hiccup to check on him because Toothless wanted to know how Hiccup wasn't adding anything into the discussion about this topic. Hiccup hadn't touched his food much; there wasn't even half eaten. Hiccup was just moving the items around slowly, his head on his hand with his eyes closed.

"I agree with you," Stoick began as he happened to catch Toothless raising his eyes and staring intently at him. "But Hiccup is the one who has been traversing the barrier all this time, and he believes that it's in place to protect the dragons from the modern world beyond the Archipelago boundaries." The man added quickly.

"That shouldn't matter what the barrier is there for." Another informed.

"Sounds like he's just protecting his dragon from turning back into a dragon." Said someone else.

Toothless scoffed, rolling his eyes and sitting back with his arms over his chest. "I don't know if you're aware, but just because I look like a human doesn't mean I don't still have my dragon abilities…So I can hear you even if you were attempting to be quiet so I wouldn't." The Chieftains looked at him now. "Messing with a force you don't understand could have drastic results all around for both dragons and humans. That barrier turned me human when crossed, and returning here usually reverted me back to a dragon; it did not this time. You have not taken into consideration that other dragons could be residing past the boundary in other forms as well. Breaking the barrier could destroy that, and you could inadvertently bring other outsiders here. The only reason they don't come now is because their modern navigational systems don't work here, so they can't safely make their way in these waters. It doesn't matter what the barrier is in place for, I will agree with that statement. But understand it's in place for a reason, and therefore, shouldn't mess with things we don't understand. It's ridiculous how many times Hiccup and I have made this known." Toothless closed his eyes.

"We want to understand." Alvin said.

"So your first instinct is to destroy rather than observe and learn?" Hiccup lifted his head, looking very unamused.

"Well…" A few leaders began.

"ENOUGH!" Hiccup yelled, effectively silencing the room as for half a moment; it sounded like Stoick. Hiccup was on his feet now, fists clenched at his sides. "Destroying the barrier will make it so it can't be studied. Therefore, your entire argument goes out the window about wanting to understand it. How do you know it's not in place to protect us as Vikings?" Hiccup asked as they were quiet, glancing to one another to see if anyone had an answer to the question. "Leave it alone. We don't need to meddle in things that don't concern us and messing with such things when you don't need to is how wars start. I assure you that all your swords, shields, maces, axes, and spears in the world would not be enough to protect you or your tribes from the weapons that exist beyond the Archipelago. So maybe you don't go starting something you stand no chance in fighting, let alone winning. We have peace here that Toothless and I nearly died to get…" Hiccup glared now. "Don't you dare go fucking it up because the modern advances in the world will be the least of your problems if I have to get involved to keep the peace. That was not a warning, it is a promise, and I always keep mine. That is all I have to say on this matter."