Chapitre 20
Seeking for happiness
The night was pretty cold, bathed in the sooth moonlight. Frost still had troubles to get used to this cycle of night and day, it was so short and different from what he had been used to his whole life. If, when darkness fell, everyone was going to bed, Frost was used to not mind the luminosity. Sleeping in daylight or going around in nightime, it was as easy as breathing. They had to do it this way in the frozen lands of the north, they couldn't just sleep for half a year and then never take rest for the other half.
So being awake at night was not a problem for him. And this night, he was pretty awake. After spending a couple hours laying on his bed, he had decided to get up and hea doutside. He had walked, lost in his thoughts, and had ended up on one of the isle's beaches, bellow the village, at the back of the isle, where he couldn't even see the lights from the village anymore.
He had not noticed getting this far and had not registered where he was now, so he jumped and backed when a wave tickled his feet. He mentally thanked himself for getting the habit of taking his totem everywhere with him. He also thanked the stars for the berkian isle to sit on non-salty water, thought he wasn't sure that was making any difference for the spell. He still knew he would have been in troubles if he ended up stuck on the beach without the possibility to get back to the village.
And at this point, he realised he didn't know, in the case he was turned back into a merman, if he could turn into a human once again. Edelweiss had said the magic was limited, but to what extend ? Was it a one-time spell or could he switch from one form to the other ? This was an important matter because he really missed swimming like he could before, and he missed even more his races with Baby Tooth. He really missed the teasing tiny beluga, he missed her a bit more every passing day.
It didn't even surprise him when he thought he heard her voice calling him out.
''Frost !''
The young merman jolted. Wait, what ? He hadn't imagine this ? He really heard this voice ! It sounded far and a bit muffled, but it definitively was…
He stood on his tip toes, trying to see even farther in the great lake surrounding the isle, et he manage to spot a white silhouette in the water, jumping in and out and twisting trying to get his attention. But… this couldn't be… ?
''Baby Tooth… ?'' He breathed.
''Frost ! Frost !''
A broad smile split up his face and he wanted to join her. But he didn't know how to swim with his legs yet, so he quickly looked around him in try to find a solution. She may have been small for a beluga, she still was too big and risked to run aground if she was getting too close to the beach.
He franticaly scanned his surroundings and spotted a sort of rock bay running towards the water. He waves his arms to Baby Tooth and gestured to this dock-like formation, himself rushing to it. If he had mastered the walking thing, running was still something really hazardous and clumbsy. Yet he was jsut too happy to see her again he didn't care that he fell three times before getting to the rocks. He was more careful once he stepped on it, it was kind of slippery. When he reach the end, where the water was deep enough for Baby Tooth to join him, he knelt and wrapped his arms around her. He coudln't care less about getting his clothes wet.
''Baby Tooth ! I thought I'd never see you again ! How… How come you're here ?''
She rubbed her head against him and pulled back, wagging her tail to pull it out of water. A shine caught the merman's attention, then he noticed she had some sort of jewelry tied to her tail, just above her fins. Well, jewelry was not quite the right word. It was only a small shell fixed with a rope.
''I asked Edelweiss for a totem, too !'' Baby Tooth chirped. ''It's the same as yours, but thanks to it I can swim in these warm waters as I please !''
''Granted you don't have gills but lungs.''
He hugged her again, he was just so much happy, still he had questions.
''But how did you climb up here ? This island is a fortress, even more than the reef city and the Great Glacier.''
''I followed you when Nuff came to get you. It was hard, his dragons are really fast ! When I finally arrived here I went up one of the waterfalls, like a salmon ! It wasn't easy, believe me, I had to try several times before I could do it ! But when I finally was up here following the lights in the dark, I couldn't find you. I circled this small island for days before seeing you.''
''I'm sorry I made you wait, sweet tooth…''
''It's okay, you didn't know I was here.''
He looked at her for a moment, then smiled again, he could alsmot feel his eyes water.
''I missed you so much, you know. I can't belive you're really here.''
''Me neither.'' She laughed. ''I'm so happy to see you again !''
''Me too.''
He hugged her even more before finally letting go of her. She dropped back into the water, splashing the stone and the former-merman, which made him laugh. She spun around and started to swarm him with her own questions.
''So ? How is it here ? Do you like it ? And the dragons, how are they ?''
''They're amazing !'' He replied, as eager as her.
He properly sat on the rocks and let his feet into the waters, up to his knees, making sure his grip n his totem wouldn't falter.
''If you knew, flying is… It's better that what I expected. It's pretty close to the sea, actually, and I learnt that the maelstrom we were playing in immuned me from airsickness.''
She chuckled at it and spun around once again before she asked more details about the dragons.
''There's so many here, it's incredible. And not just the only the ones we saw with Nuff, there's hundreds of them !''
''Wow… Really ?''
''Yes !''
She looked at him with a broad smile that was mirroring his own, thought she seemed a bit melancholic.
''I'm happy for you, you're happy here.''
''Yes, I am.''
He stroked her head, relishing in the sensation he had missed.
''And Nuff ?'' She chirped. ''Is he nice to you ?''
''Really nice, he helped me learning to walk, and he teaches me a lot of wonderful things about dragons. He's awesome.''
Her smile turned into a smirk with a knowing look.
''And how do things go between you two ?''
Her voice was full of teasing, and the memories of his evening with Nuffink made the merman blush a deep crimson shade. Baby Tooth giggled and nuzzled his left wrist, where still stood the bracelt she had helped him craft.
''I knew he was wooing you !''
Frost hold back his blush as he could and dove his hand into the water to splash his imp of a best friend. It only made her giggle even more.
Back in the frozen lands of the north, from the very first moment he had told her about Nuffink, she had teased him, saying he liked the golden land-merman. Back then, Frost was denying it, pretending he was only curious about the dragons. Though, when the viking had gave him the gemstone, the tiny beluga had went hysterical and cried of joy, assuring it was a wooing present, but once again the merman had gainsaid it. He had repeated what Nuffink had told him about his self-esteem.
He really had believed it back then, but the beluga had never bought it, and what had happened in the evening had proved the beluga was right. Frost ran a hand in his hair, in this nervous and shy gesture his best friend knew by heart, which drew a new smirk on her face.
''Who was right ?'' She insisted.
He sighed and smiled, amused.
''You were.''
''Soooo~ What are you going to do with him ?''
''I… I accepted.''
Baby Tooth froze, her smile gone and her eyes wide, then she puffed out her cheeks as she tried to hold back a hysterical scream. Frost hold back from laughing seeing her grimace, then she spun aroung once to let out her excessive joy and energy but she couldn't help but yell.
''I'm so happy for you ! I'm so happy, I'm so happy, I'm such a good matchmaker !''
''Cut it out.'' He laughed, splashing her again.
It didn't stop her from swimming around and squeak in delight and rejoyment.
''What did you offered him in return ?''
''Huh I… Actually I don't know yet what to…''
He blushed furiously and hide his face in his hands, his stammer making his best friend giggle. Thought the good mood suddenly dropped as she froze. Fear replaced joy as she saw a shadow on the beach.
''Frost…'' She whispered, shaking.
She hid behind the rocks, eyeing the shadow, Frost looked back with worry but calmed down as he saw a dragon. He recognized Ruffrunner in the dark thanks to his white belly and paws. Said dragon rushed to them, half running, half bouncing, playfully. As he got closer, the tiny beluga recognized him too and smiled.
''Oh ! Hey, Ruff !''
A whirr was her reply, proving the dragon was just as happy to see her as she was. After all, if Frost had troubles believing Hiccup when he had depicted this dragon as grumpy and asocial, this was because he had never been with the both of them. He had always been joyful and playful. Just like he was right now.
Frost stroked his side, earning a light purr even if the dragon was focused on the beluga. It was the first time he could really approach her, so he did. He pushed a bit Frost tog et closer and bent his head to sniff her. Baby Tooth did too, but suddenly found herself being attacked by a smelly and slubbery tongue. He licked her big snout and bounced back, leaning on his elbows, he really looked like he wanted to play.
But the beluga was frozen in shock and felt the urge to wash her in the water. She did so.
''Bleh ! Why did he do that ? Had he tried to eat me ?!''
Frost laughed at that.
''Of course not, these dragons just like to do that. It's their affection mark, it just means he likes you.''
''Well, let me introduce him to my affection mark.''
She puffed out her cheeks, her white face slightly turning pink. Frost knew the storm was coming, so he turned to the dragon.
''Run !''
Ruffrunner didn't have the time to comprehend what was happening the boy quickly got up and got away. The dragon looked at him in confusion, he looked at him trying to run and fall two times, then turned back to the beluga, which suddenly spat a flock of water directly to his face.
The Night Light froze in shock, then quickly shook his head and back. Baby Tooth burst out into laugher and gathered more water in her mouth, readying herself for a new strike. This time, the dragon knew what was coming and ran away too, getting back to Frost's laughter. The threesome started to play and giggle, splashing each other on the rocky dock. Laughter, squeaks, warbbles and splashes of water filled the night air. They were so carefree and joyful they didn't even noticed someone was watching them.
When Nuffink woke up the next morning, he layed still in his bed for a moment. Eyes focusing on the ceiling, a smile crept on his face. He let this wave of warmth and joy fill him, it was a completely new sensation for him, and it was so nice he wanted to enjoy it. Frost's face came to his mind, maling his smile growing bigger, brighter.
He got up, changed his clothes and put his armor on as quickly as he could, he couldn't wait to see his brand new boyfriend. The only fact he could call Frost 'his boyfriend' was making his heart beat faster and his breath quicken. Even more when he realised that he didn't have to hold all the affections he wanted to have for Frost. The boy had accepted his feelings, and was returning them… It was simply marvelous, he couldn't be more happy.
After finally puting one the last piece of his armor, he walked to the door but noticed that only two of the Night Lights had spent the night in his bedroom. Usually, the three were sleeping at the same spot, either in the living room with their parents or in one of the two bedrooms upstairs. Frowning in confusion, he walked closer, trying to determine weither of Dart or Ruffrunner was the black one behind Pouncer.
As he saw the white nuzzle, he wondered where the family's grumpy dragon was. He first checked his window, sometimes the dragons would climb on the roof to sleep in the chilly night wind, but no, he wasn't there. He thought about the different places were the dragon could be, but everytimes he thought he had found, his theories were all gainsaid by the same argument, that he would have bring his siblings along.
He ended up going down tot he living room, where he finally found the missing dragon. He was laying next to Frost's craft-bed, where the boy was fast asleep. Some dark specks on the wooden floor showed there was water from the main door to the bed, as if both boy and dragon had gotten back home soaking wet.
''Where have you guys been ?'' The viking asked in a whisper.
He guessed they had gone outside to play. Frost had told him about him having troubles to get used to the night and day cycle, which used to cause insomnias or waves of tiredness during the day. Nuffink was comprehensive about – unlike the other riders, especially Sneezelout and Igvid – because he knew how quick it was compared to a sixth month day in the frozen lands. Sometimes, when the blond viking couldn't sleep, he could hear Frost leaving the house during the night, surely to spend time and take a walk. At first, the viking had worried, but he had quickly calmed down and got used to these night round trips.
So, actually, it was only logical for Ruffrunner to come along this night, these two were getting along. Nuffink smiled softly and sat next to the bed, running a hand in the snow hair he noticed still a bit wet. He lovingly stroked the boy's head, who was sleeping too deeply to even feel it.
Judging by the remains of water on them, Ruffrunner and Frost had not been sleeping for long, they must have spent the whole night playing or doing the gods-knew-what. They must have been exhausted. Nuffink didn't dare to wake them up, even thought he wanted to start his day with their company. He rathered let them rest. He leant in and pressed his lips on the boy's forehead, before hearing the main door creak open.
He froze hearing a bag fall on the floor, and instantly knew what it meant. So he turned around and met a face he hadn't seen in too long for his liking, a face that looked back at him with a bit of confusion.
''What had happened here ?''
''Zephyr.''
The blond got up and walked to his sister, both stood face to face with some steps between them. Granted Zephyr was the first born, but she was slightly shorter than her borther, still taller than Frost, and had thinner shoulders even if they were still strong and built. Nuffink smiled silently, just staring at her with this feeling it had been forever since the last time he had seen her.
He could say that, somehow, he had spent roughly two months in the frozen lands of the north, counting the time he had spent there before meeting Frost, and they had been back to Berk for a couple of weeks. Thought it may seem short compared to other expeditions he had done away from home, but so many things had happened in the north.
Zephyr seemed different. She was still wearing this black and white scales-armor and her brown-fured red cloak she always used for travel, but her hair seemed shorter, her single braid – which used to hang to her waist – was now mid-back. Plus her tired featured made her look a bit older.
He wanted to make fun of this, but rathered enjoy their reunion. Both stood face to face in complete silence for a moment, with serious face, before they laughed and threw themselve in the other's arms. Zephyr had only got back she already wanted to rag her little brother, squeezing too much for him.
''Did you miss me ?'' She quiped.
''If you could let go of me, I wouldn't have to lie in order to save my life.''
He faked a choke to emphasize his point.
''I knew you missed me.''
She chuckled and finally let go of him, then looked down to the wet floor.
''What have you done to our house ?''
''Hey, it's not me. Ruffrunner and Frost must have went playing on the beach or something and they put water everywhere when they came back.''
''Frost ?''
Nuffink didn't have the time to explain her as they suddenly heard a loud commotion in the stairs. The two older Night Lights rushed and crashed down, running to the new incommer, Dart ahead, and welcomed her by bouncing around, pushing and licking her.
''Yeah, yeah, I'm happy to see you two, rascals ! Dart, come here, my girl.''
She quickly stroked Pouncer's head before wrapping her arms around her dragon, who cooed and rubbed against her rider so hard she even lifted her from the ground two times before putting her back down.
Then the other three dragons woke up and threw a welcome party in their way. The five dragons bouncing and pouncing around made the whole house quake, waking up the viking parents in a jolt. Both errupted from their bedroom, still in nightshirts and weapons in hands.
''What's happening ?!''
The dragons froze to the chieftess booming voice, then both noticed their daughter was back. Hiccup barely had the time to smile his wife pushed him out of her way and went to the young woman.
''Zephyr !''
''Hi mom ! Dad !''
''Welcome back, Zepp.''
Her father hugged her, then he opened the door so the over-excited dragons could get out and keep on their antics without threatening to make the house collapse. All of them went out, save from Dart and Ruffrunner. That's when Hiccup noticed the younger dragon was wet. He ran a finger on his side, thinking it was slubber, but realised it was water. He didn't remember hearing rain during the night, then he saw the dark strains on the floor.
''What… ?''
He followed them to the cafted bed, where a fur cocoon was visible. Nuffink was surprised all the commotion made by the dragons had not woken up the boy. Hiccup walked to him and crouched next to the sleeping boy, whom he gently shook. He was still a bit wet, too.
''Frost ? Wake up.''
''Hum… Whatzis ?''
The boy sleepily opened his eyes which adorned dark circles, rubbing it and yawning as he sat up.
''What's up with all this water ?'' The chief enquired.
''I couldn't sleep, so I went to the beach.''
He yawned again, his eyes half closed.
Hiccup smiled and shook his head in amusement, then ruffled the boy's hair.
''Next time, try to dry yourself before flooding the house, okay ?''
The still sleepy boy shook his head like a dragon would have done, which made Nuffink chuckle, then he opened up his eyes properly and noticed there was someone else in the room. He didn't say anything but his eyes were enough to ask the question.
''Frost,'' Nuffink said. ''this is my sister Zephyr. Zeppy, this si Frost, he lives with us for three weeks, now.''
''Your brother rescued him from the frozen lands of the north.'' Astrid added, her voice full of teasing.
''Hi…'' Frost hesitated.
Now that he was seeing the young woman he had heard of at the village, he remembered why the name had nagged at his memory. Of course Nuffink had told him about her, she was his sister, he even remmebered the giggle they had when he had twisted her name. Now that he was seeing her next to Nuffink, he noticed how they looked alike without looking alike.
It was funny, one looked like one of their parents, the other like the other parent. Though they had similarities, like the nose, the slim but built frame, a kind of spark in the look, and the crooked smile. They were more alike than Frost was with his brothers…
The young woman looked at the boy for a moment, they she bursted out into laughter.
''Have you bled your colors out or what ? You're all white !''
Nuffink's smile dropped and he rolled his eyes, while Astrid elbowed her daughter.
''Ow, why would you do that, mom ?''
''Be nicer, would you ?''
''Come on, I just got back.'' She grumbled.
''I don't want to know.''
Nuffink hold back from chuckling seeing his sister being scolded like a ten years old.
''Hav you eaten ?'' Astrid suddenly asked, her voice calm again.
''Yeah, back on the drakkar.''
''How was it with the Berserkers ?''
''Can we talk about it later ? I just got back and the trip was long, I'd like to get some rest and see Gorth.''
''Okay,'' Astrid grinned and patted the top of her head, even if the girl was a bit taller than her. ''get your stuff up here, we'll let you rest for now.''
''Thanks, mom.''
She picked her bag up and ran her hand on Dart's side, before heading to the stairs.
''Later, Rost.'' She said over her shoulder.
The boy didn't noted she had twisted his name. Seeing how he couldn't manage to pronounce viking names, he knew he had no right to make any comment about it.
''Don't worry,'' Nuffink told him. ''she's always like this.''
''Is this supposed to reassure me ?''
The parents laughed from his joke and went back to their room to dress up. When the door closed behind them, Nuffink knelt next to Frost and kissed him without a warning. The blush on the boy's face made the viking smile, half proud half amused. Then he gave him something. It was a small bouquet of three yellow and white flowers. The viking had picked them up the day before, when Frost had went into the house first and had been distracted by the welcoming party from Dart and Ruffrunner. The viking had kept them in his room during the night, in a small cup of water, aiming to surprise the boy with this gift in the morning. And it had worked.
Frost's eyes sparkled seeing the flowers. They really were different from what he could find underwater, they were colorful and exhaled a nice perfume. He took them and breathed in the scent, but intantly his nose itched. He sneezed without having the time to register what was happening.
''Bless you.'' The viking smiled, happy Frost liked the gift.
Thought the boy didn't know why he had just said that, and he had other things in mind as his nose was still itching as if someone was tickling and scratching it from the inside.
He sneezed again, and again, which ended up worrying the viking.
''Huh… are you okay ?''
''I don't know, my nose is burning up to my eyes.''
Said nose and eyes were turning red and tears started to stream. He sneezed once again before the viking understood what was happening, so he quickly took back the flowers.
''Huh… Sorry, I think you're allergic to pollen.''
'' 'Allergic' ?''
Somehow, it seemed logical for te viking, there was no pollen at all in the water, nor in the frozen lands of the north. He wondered if all merfolk reacted this way to flowers but he quickly dismissed the thought as Frost was still sneezing. The boy was getting her headache, and he just wanted for it to end. Nuffink rushed to put the flowers on a shelf in the other side of the room, and came back a piece of tissu he gave him. Frost used it to blow his nose, though it didn't soothe the sneezing. All this noise ended up catching the parents' attention, they came out of their room, fully dressed.
''What's happening ?'' They asked for the second time in the morning.
''Frost is allergic…'' Nuffink said.
''To what ?''
''I… I brought some flower to decorate the room…''
The viking felt bad for making up such a pityful excuse, he could only hope his parents would buy it and think he did it for Zephyr, hoping they were distracted by Frost's case.
The boy was still sneezing incontrollably, thought he still wondered why the viking just lied. It took a good ten minutes for the sneezing to finally stop, but they left the boy with a thobbing headache. It delayed breakfast for the Haddock and bothered Zephyr's nap, but the young woman didn't say anything as she saw the red face of the boy. She even felt bad for him. After all, she had some allergies when she was younger, she knew how it felt.
Nuffink helped him upstairs and settled him in his own bed, since he knew it would be calmer than in the living room. This room could get pretty noisy in the morning with the dragons and some vikings visiting as they couldn't wait for the chief to officially start the day before asking things. Plus, Nuffink rathered washing the furs of Frost's bed to make sure there was no remains of pollen in it that could make him sick again.
This earned him some jibes from his sister, who was comparing him to a knight in shining armor who was saving his damsel in distress. She seemed to imply that her brother was hitting on the snow haired boy. If she knew… She quiped him but still helped him washing the fur, taking profit of this time to talk with him. She told him some fun facts that had happened at the Berserker Island and he told her some about his last expedition in the frozen lands of the north.
When they finally finished their work, Zephyr had completely forgotten about her tiredness and decided to visit their friends at the Academy, while Nuffink went back to his room to see Frost. He brought a light soup so the boy could eat something despite his sickness. The former merman sat up in the bed, his face pale and nauseous, and slowly drank the soup, while Nuffink sat next to him.
''I'm sorry, I didn't know you were allergic.''
''It's okay, I didd't kdow either.'' The boy assured, his voice altered by his blocked nose. ''
''I just thought you would like it, but I was wrong.''
When the viking rubbed his nape, Frost recognized the nervous gesture, so he put his bowl on his lap and took the viking's hand, smiling softly.
''I do like theb, plus you taught be sobmethid ibportand about by dose.''
''That it's a cute one ?'' Nuffink teased.
Frost rolled his eyes with an amused smile and glared playfully at him.
''I couldn't help it.'' Nuffink explained, before he planted a kiss on the tip of said nose. It was warmer than usual.
Frost chuckled and let the viking plant another kiss on his lips, this time.
''I have to go. I have to train with Pouncer, we have to prepare for the next dragon racing.''
''Dragod raci'g ? What is this ? Tell be.''
He squeezed the viking's fingers in his, trying to hold him back from leaving, which made Nuffink smile.
''I'll tell you later, I'm already late. You can join us at the Academy once you feel better.''
He leant in again and kissed Frost's forehead before getting up.
''Okay…'' Said boy said with a pout, laying back in the bed.
Nuffink shook his head and tucked him in the furs. When the boy closed his eyes, the viking took a bit of time to look at him. Frost was just so peaceful when he was sleeping, it was the opposite of the lively-energic boy when he was awake, and it made the angelic aura come back.
Resisting the urge to kiss him again, the viking simply brushed some hair from the boy'es temple, earning a mumbled 'Hum' and a smile in reply. Nuffink had to force himself to get up and leave. If it had been just for him, he would have stayed by his boyfriend to take care of him. He gently closed the door and went downstairs with a smile refusing to leave his face. Well, until he left the house and found Ruffrunner sat in front of the hutt. The dragon seemed sad and worried.
''Ruffrunner ? What are you doing here ? Why aren't you with Dart and Pouncer ?''
The dragon lowered his head with big round eyes, whining faintly. Nuffink arched his eyebrow and came closer to stroke his head. He still happened to forget the dragon didn't like to be touched, thought this time he didn't growled and let him pet his head.
''What's wrong, grumpy grump ?''
The Night Light wiggled his nuzzle and lifted his head towards the first floor, where stood Nuffink's bedroom window.
''What, are you worried for Frost ? Come on, don't be, he'll be up in a few hours at most.''
He rubbed the dragon's head, trying to cheer him up, which seemed to work with his words. Ruffrunner shook his head and accepted to follow him on the way to the Academy, though he still glanced back at the hutt. While walking, Nuffink thought about the dragon's behavior. He really seemed to have opened up to Frost and liked him, so it gave the viking an idea.
Once the morning lesson ended at the Academy, Nuffink smiled as he saw Frost was there, in the tribunes. The dragon riders were going their own way for lunch while the chief's son walked to his boyfriend, quickly followed by Pouncer and Ruffrunner.
Frost hadn't been there for long but still had the time to notice that Zephyr was training with Dart, and both had shown a complicity that almost matched Nuffink's and Pouncer's. So the boy had understood both girls were another pair of dragon and rider, which the armor of the young woman proved too.
For once, he had not spend the entire lesson only looking at Nuffink and Pouncer, but also looking at this new duo, and also noticed how the other riders were acting with her. Sneezelout seemed to try and impress her, Birdlegs and her were getting along, the blondie seemed to look her up, Igvid was more harsh and familiar – though it seemed to just be the way the brunette was with everyone – and Gorth and her were… close ?
Frost had noticed how the big guy happened to just stare at the ginger haired with a smie. This smile reminded him of thoses Nuffink had for him, which put the bug in his ear. Ruffrunner suddenly passed in front of Nuffink and tackled the snow haired boy, making him laugh as he licked his cheek and rubbed his head against his. Frost managed to push him and sat up again, only to the see the Night Light circling him and laying behind him so the boy could lean on his side. Ruffrunner instantly dove his nuzzle into the bag next to the boy, who quickly pulled it back.
''Hey, don't touch that.'' He half scolded, half laugh.
Nuffink and Pouncer arrived then, though they had seen the whole scene.
''Decidedly, he really hit on you.'' Nuffink commented.
''No, it's okay, that didn't hurt.''
''What ?'' Nuffink laughed. ''No, I meant… it's a way to say that he really likes you.''
''You think so ?''
''I never saw him like this with anyone. Ruffrunner had always been the grumpy one, he spends his time avoiding vikings and dragons that aren't his family, but he really opened up to you and had soften. He even let me pet him this morning, which had never happened before.''
The dragon huffed, as if trying to deny it. Frost chuckled and scratch his biggest ear, making this dragon squint his eyes in delight, then he used his sleeve to wipe his face. Nuffink was still standing in front of him.
''I thought we could eat together, today.''
''I thought so too, I brought lunch.'' Frost said, gesturing to the bag.
''Awesome, I'm starving.''
The viking plopped down next to him, where the dragon's head was not. Pouncer layed down in front of them, almost hiding them, while Frost unveiled what was inside the bag. It was not really much, sandwiches he had made back at the house and some fish.
''Aw, you even brought fish for the dragons, you're so attentive.''
''I know.'' Frost teased. ''I aim to please.''
Nuffink's awe smile turned into a smirk.
''Stop being that adorable, you make me want to kiss you.''
''Okay, I'll stop.'' The boy faked, rising his hands in surrender.
They both laughed and started to eat. The dragon enjoyed their fish and remained calmly laying around them. They seemed to circle the two young men and shield them from anyone who would want to bother them, but also seemingly keeping them trapped inside this circle. Well, until they had finished and started to play again, getting upper in the tribunes, chasing each other.
While Frost and Nuffink were bathed in a comfortable silence, someone entered the arena. Nuffink's gaze followed this young woman who came to greet Zephyr. Some polite greetings to the chief's daughter and heir, he thought. Since he had seen this girl talking with Frost, he had tried to know she was, but he had only learnt she was a traveler like himself, and that he hadn't liked seeing her acting that familiar to Frost. The young woman with strange blond and green hair talked for a few minutes with Zephyr, then she left. Though, as she was walking back to the entrance, she waved at them with a big smile.
''Hi, Frost !''
''Hi Felina !'' He replied with his mouth full.
That made her chuckle, then she left while practically ignoring Nuffink. He frowned. Yeah, it was confirmed now, he didn't like her.
''Who's that ?'' He asked, his tone harsher than he intended it to be.
He didn't know why he suddenly was that sour. He kept his eyes on the entrance before looking back at Frost. As if by magic, just seeing him calmed him down. The boy hadn't replied yet because he was trying to swallow his food and wiping his mouth.
''Her name's Selina. We talked the first time I went to the arena, she's nice.''
''Hum…'' Was the only thing the viking said as he looked back to the entrance, frowning anew.
Frost looked at him, wondering about what was that thing he was seeing in the viking's green eyes. Why did he looked darker, suddenly ?
''What's wrong ?'' He enquired.
Nuffink came out of his thoughts and tried to collect himself. He ran a hand on his forehead, brushing away the golden blond strands, then sighed.
''I don't know, I… I don't like the way she's talking to you, she's too familiar.''
He gritted his teeth in try to fight back this irriation. It wasn't really an explanation to what he was feeling towards this girl, actually he didn't think he really had a reason to dislike her, though he still did. It was weird.
Frost didn't say antyhing and took another bite of his chicken sandwich, slowly munching as he looked to the arena. Nuffink did too, lost in his thoughts, trying to decipher what was his mind telling him, and that's when they saw Zephyr coming towards them.
''You really made a strong impression, Frost.'' She teased with a warm smile and some good mood. ''Between Ruffrunner and this Selina, it seems like everyone loves you !''
Nuffink frowns without controlling it.
''What do you mean about Selina ?''
Zephyr chuckled and stopped just in front of him, unintentionnaly looking down at them as they were still sat. She crossed her arms in her usual fashion which, though it made her look a bit intimidating, really wasn't meaning to.
''She asked me a lot of questions about you.'' She said to the snow haired boy.
''Did she ? What did she wanted to know ?''
''Oh, nothing much. Where you were coming from, what I knew about you, this kind of things, you know. I told her you were from the frozen lands of the north and that you've always dreamt of flying on a dragon.''
''Yeah,'' The boy chuckled. ''that sums it up pretty well.''
While Zephyr and him laughed of it, Nuffink's fist curled up without his control. He didn't know why, but it felt like anger was growing inside of him, and even more with the following words of his sister.
''Anyway, she seems to really likes you. She talked a lot about you, in a good way.''
''How so ?''
''She said you were nice and funny, very friendly… and quite good looking.''
''She surely said that because we're the same.''
Nuffink glared at him, though the boy didn't know why the viking did this, he felt suddenly nervous and felt the urge to explain himself.
''I mean, we're both new to Berk and we don't have a home anymore.''
''Oh, right…'' Zephyr hesitated, looking sad all of a sudden. ''Gorth told me. I'm sorry, it must be difficult for you to end up in a place that far from home.''
Frost smiled and shrugged.
''It's okay, it's awesome here.''
Zephyr arched her eyebrows, then smirked that same crooked teasing smirk Nuffink had. She bent a bit and ruffled his hair.
''That's the spirit, kiddo !''
''Hey, I'm not a kid, I'm just one year younger than Nuff.''
''That guy's just a kid, so you're a kid too.''
Normally, Nuffink would have rejoy seeing these two getting along, but he didn't. He couldn't as his mind was still bothered with Selina, and he hated this. Zephyr left them when Gorth called her out, both left the arena together, followed by Double-Dagger and Dart whow ere playing with each other.
Frost looked at the two vikings for a moment, his suspicions keeping his mind busy. He turned to Nuffink and was about to ask him confirmation of it, but he stopped as he saw the dark look on the sunkissed and freckled face. The way he was squeezing too hard the apple next to his mouth, without eating it, was concerning too. He really seemed upset.
''You alright, Nuff ?''
The viking came back to reality but he still felt in a bad mood, hense the grumbling answer.
''I'm fine.''
''You don't look fine.''
A heavy silence floated around them for a moment, only distant noises from dragons being heard, until the viking started to mumble.
''I don't like this Selina.''
''Why ?''
''I just… I don't know, she's weird. I don't trust her, and I don't like her interest for you.''
Frost stared at him in silence, trying to guess what was happening in this blond hair. When he thought he had found, he slowly put a hand on his.
''You're not… jealous, are you ?''
''Not !'' The viking blurted out, averting his eyes and frowning even more.
Though the innocent question of the merman echoed in his mind. Actually, it could explain why he felt so irritated without any reason, and why his mind had just decided to dislike Selina. He still refused to admit it to himself, nor to Frost. Viking stubborness issues.
However, the snow haired boy had still get it, and he was moved by it. A small smile crept on his pale face, and he wanted to tease the viking with this, but Nuffink spoke first.
''She just arrived, one day, all of a sudden. We don't know anything about her.''
''Well, that's my case, too.''
Nuffink instantly looked back to Frost, whose face was now a bit sad, and he felt guilty. He hadn't meant that.
''Of course, it's not the same for you.''
''Though what you said about her can also be said about me.''
''You, I know you.''
He looked at him dead in the eye, it reassured Frost but made him anxious at the same time. Granted Nuffink knew him, he knew better than anyone how the merman had ended up on Berk and where he came from, but here was another issue.
''You do, but not the others. They don't know anything about me, and I suppose you haven't told that I was… well, you know.''
''Yeah, I know. And I won't tell you as long as you don't want them to know. If you don't want to tell them, I won't say anything either.''
Frost smiled, which made the viking smile too. These words echoes in the merman's mind, because he realised the same applied to Selina. She had told him she was a mermaid too, but noone else seemed to know, so he had no right to tell Nuffink without her permission. He didn't like to keep things hidden from the viking, but he knew it was the best thing to do for the mermaid.
''I trust you.'' The chief's son said.
Frost thoughts vanished, and feeling the viking squeeze his hand in his warm one made a new smile appear on his face.
''I trust you too, so if you distrust her, I'll be careful.''
Nuffink sighed and smiled even more. He bent and kissed the pale knuckles of his boyfriend.
''Thank you, Frost.''
The boy hold back a blush, then he tried to change the subject to chase away his embarrassment and the bad thoughts.
''So, how is your traingin doing ?''
The viking's relieved smile prove he also appreciated the topic change.
''I think I can win. Pouncer and I are very good when we want to, even if I have to admit Zephyr and Igvid are good oponents.''
''So, are you gonna tell me about this dragon racing, now ?''
Nuffink chuckled.
''That's a race with dragons. A game. We catch sheeps to collect points, the one with the highest score wins the game.''
''What are the rules ?''
Nuffink smiled even more seeing Frost's eagerness return. He had almost missed it.
''We spread several sheeps within the village, the aim is to catch as many as possible. As long as the sheep is not in one player's net, the others can steal it. If they escaped, they just get back to the game and we can catch them later on. Each sheep makes one point, save from the black one makes ten, which is a great asset since we rarely reach ten moutons before this one is released.''
''That sounds fun !''
The boy was intrigued at excited to the prospect of seeing these games. When his eyes met the green ones once again, his smile dropped in confusion, wondering what the viking was thinking about. Nuffink's small smile had turned into a smug-like smirk.
''We could go for a flight, tonight, you and me. I think you haven't met yet the Timberjacks, the biggest dragons of the region.''
''You'd take me flying, really ? But Pouncer and you will be tired from the training, won't you ?''
''Pouncer would do anything for you. Right, pal ?''
Hearing the nickname, the dragon stopped tackling his brother to the ground, and quickly came back to the boys. He warbbled and rubbed his head against Frost's back. As if suddenly jealous, Ruffrunner huffed and quickly joined in, rubbing his own head against the boy's head. Said boy chuckled and tried to wrap his arms around both dragons and Nuffink, pressing a kiss on his boyfriend's cheek.
''Thanks, guys.''
When he let go of them, Nuffink stayed bent over him, smiling smugly.
''I expect more like this, later.''
Frost couldn't help but tease him.
''Depends on how many dragons we'll see.''
''Dozens, I think.''
''Then one kiss per dragon.'' Frost smirked.
''That case, I hope there'll be hundreds.''
''Go back to your training !'' Frost laughed, pushing him away while blushing.
Nuffink laughed too and left, not before he winked at him, deepening the merman's blush. The young viking couldn't tire of these moments he was spending with Frost, he felt lighter than ever. Definitively, the snow haired merman had some magic on him, he was making the blond happy.