Chapitre 28
Tensions, part 1

The night felt like torture for Frost. He couldn't help but think back to his fight with Nuffink, thinking about what he had said, what he should have said instead, and how he could have explain things to his boyfriend. He regretted accusing him of not trusting him, he knew Nuffink had reacted like this because of what happened with Avock. It had taken the best of the viking. But Nuffink would have never reacted like this if he didn't care for Frost and wasn't afraid to loose him.

Frost regretted not telling him about Selina, even if it meant he would have betrayed her secret. Then he scolded himself for not just saying that Selina knew he was a merman, and that he didn't have clothes on only because he had turned back into one. Then he realised this wasn't enough of an explanation, because that didn't explain why Selina hadn't have clothes either.

He really was stuck in this situation. No matter how many times he would repeat to Nuffink that he didn't feel anything for Selina, how many times he would try to reassure him, it felt like Nuffink would need proofs to believe him. But the only proof he could give the viking was Selina's secret. It was an impass. He couldn't do anything about this.

Unable to sleep and tired of resting his head on a tear-strained pillow, he sat up. He was planing on spending the rest of the night like this, mourning and sulking, but Ruffrunner had other plans. Seeing his rider was awake, the dragon got up and pushed him with his scaly head, trying to make him get up too. The dragon knew he was dejected, and he hoped he knew the perfect way to get him back to his usual good mood.

So he forced the boy to get up, then pushed him outside of the hutt. He really had to push him several times to make him follow, leading him to the beach so they could play with Baby Tooth and Selina. Ruffrunner knew that his rider was always happy to see the beluga, and he had to admit he liked her too. Their games were funny even if he was a bad swimer. When they finally reached the beach, Selina and Baby Tooth were there, swimming, playing and laughing, but Frost wasn't in the mood for either of the three.

Ruffrunner ran as soon as he spotted the white beluga and jumped into the water, splashing Selina and her. Both started to play fight, the mermaid laughed but her smile dropped as she saw Frost. His eyes were puffy and red, his face paler than usual, even his hair seemed dull, and he looked sad.

''Wow, you look awful… Are you okay ?''

''No… To be honest, I didn't want to come, tonight, Ruffie dragged me here.''

Selina pressed her lips, she didn't know if she had to laugh at the joke or feel bad for her friend. Eventually, she forced a smile.

''I owe him, then.''

Her own joke did nothing to light up the mood. Frost stood on the rocky dock, his totem in right hand and head low. It was obvious he wasn't going to swim this night. Selina stared at him for a moment, then she slowly swam to the edge of the rocks, crossing her arms there. She patted the spot next to her, silently inviting to take a sit. He obliged and wrapped his arms around his knees, pressed against his chest.

''What's wrong ?'' She asked.

''Nuff and I… we got into a fight.''

''It sounds bad.''

He nodded, then grimaced with sadness. He burried his face in his arms, feeling new tears streaming.

''I don't know… I think he doesn't want me anymore…''

''What happened for you to think this ?''

''Apparently, Iguevid saw us last night and told him. He thinks… He thinks I'm cheating on him… with you.''

''Wha- ?! She saw us ?! You mean- She knows we're merfolk ?''

Frost kept his face in his arms, unabling Selina to see his expression, and his voice came out a bit muffled.

''No, that's not what it sounded like. I don't think she saw our tails, but she saw we didn't have clothes on.''

''Merfolks don't need those. We don't because we have membranes to hide what needs to be hidden.''

She almost laughed at it, since she had always thought it was stupid and ridiculous how humans needed clothes.

''Are you really sure she didn't see our scales or anything else ?''

''Is that really all that matters to you ?!'' He snapped.

He lifted his head and glared at her, showing her just how pissed off he was. He suddenly thought he knew where this inner anger was coming from. It was not just due to Nuffink doubting his trust because the viking himself didn't trust him as he said he did, it was also due to Selina selfishly keeping her secret, not caring at all about consequences it could have on others around her. No doubts the memories of his countless fights with his brothers and father added to it, too.

Selina was stunned but the sudden outburst of her friend, usually joyful and nice.

''It's not that bad if she had seen-''

''Off course it is ! By the seven seas, you really are new to this new world and do know anything about it ! Humans hate us, Frost ! In better cases they think we are weird things they should display for entertainment, in worst cases they think we're monsters and that they have to kill us !''

''They're not all like this.''

''All those I met were ! I saw sailors fish a mermaid and just look at her choking, they were laughing at her ! And when they had realise she was dead, they cut out her scales and threw her body like garbage !''

Frost was chocked by the story, and he had to admit that reminded him of himself when he had been fished by Wildis' crew. He had almost died, back then, if it hadn't been for Nuffink and the Night Lights.

''I bet people from Berk are the same. They eat fish and wear skins and furs coming from their pets, after all.''

''Merfolks do the same. We eat marine mammals and use nacre from shells.''

Selina frowned. She wasn't going to admit he got a point, she seemed to really like the idea of hating humans.

''What about the dragon riders ? They wear these clothes made of dragon scales. Scales from the ones they call friends.''

Frost felt hurt by the accusation.

''Dragon shed a lot, the riders only use the scales dragons have lost. They would never hurt them.''

Selina growled and rolled her eyes.

''That doesn't change the fact humans hate us. When they learn what we truly are, they'll turn thei back on us and attack us.''

''No, I can't believe you. Nuff is different, he-''

''Oh, is he now ? Then go on, tell him what you are, you'll see how he will take it !''

''He already knows.''

The mermaid froze, her eyes wide, while her face turned from its usual jade hue to a palid green.

''… What ? You told him ?''

''He know for a long time, now, since the first time we met. He knew I was a merman even before I knew he was a human.''

''And you told him about me, too ?! How could you ?! You shouldn't have ! You had no rights to take that risk without my conscent !''

Selina's anger fed up his own and, without his control, his voice got louder.

''Why can't you understand, Selina ! This is exactly because I didn't tell him about you that we went into a fight !''

Silent fell like a hammer. Selina closed her mouth, unable to speak, barely unable to think. She couldn't do anything but stare at her friends who was trying to calm down. He was taking deep breath and rubbing his face, wiping some tears in the process. Tears that were from both sadness and anger.

''I kept my word and protected your secret. Even if I know he wouldn't be scared of you and would keep it, I thought it was your decision to tell him or not. So, when he asked me to explain what we were doing here, I couldn't say anything. How can I explain why we were swimming in the middle of the night without telling him you're a mermaid too ?''

''So… this is my fault… ?''

Frost looked back at her, confused. He couldn't say if she thought he was accusing her and was angry about it, or if she was blaming herself and feeling guilty. He sighed and ran a hand on his face.

''No, it's mine. It didn't tell him we were friends, so it's no wonder our secret meetings are mistaken.''

''But… still, he's overreacting.''

''… No. Because it looks a lot like what Avock did to him. It's the same thing, and it hurt him so bad back then that I completely understand he is hurt too, now. I'm the only one to blame, here. I messed up, again.''

He folded his knees back against his chest, wrapping his arms around it and resting his chin on the top of it.

''I abandoned my father and brothers, left behind everything I knew, and now this… I make a mess of everything… Cörail was right, I'm so helpless.''

''… So, if you don't have Nuffink anymore… Then there's nothing left to hold you back here.''

Frost looked at her, confused, not sure to understand what she meant.

''You still have me, you know. Me, I won't let you down. We can swim away, you and me. We'll go wherever you want, we could even get back home, in the frozen lands of the north. You could see your family again and-''

''Wah wait wait ! It's not that easy.''

''Of course it is, come on !''

She grabbed his totem and his arm to drag him into the water. Her wet hand on his forearm was enough to change him yet, instead of diving, he pulled back and fell backward, getting away from the water even if he was choking.

''Frost !'' Selina panicked, ''What are you doing, come in here, quick !''

''N-No… I… stay… here.''

''You're choking, you idiot ! Come here !''

The merman kept on wiggling away, grabbing firmly the rocks when Selina caught his tail and started to pull him. Ruffrunner saw them and quickly intervened. He smacked the mermaid in the head with a wing and tore the staff from her hand to giv it back to Frost. The boy instantly turned back into a – soaked – human, clenching the staff against his chest, panting and coughing while his dragon whined, rubbing a comforting snout on his shoulder.

Baby Tooth swam closer and let out worried squeaks, eyeing cautiously Selina. It took a bit of time for Frost to recover, then he sat up, stroking his dragon's forehead with his free hand. He felt bad Baby Tooth had seen this, she was sensible and easily scared, after all. So he got closer to the edge and stretched his arms to her, letting her climb on his lap.

Selina watch the two friends hug, guilt was washing over her, but also confusion. When Frost finally looked at her, she gave him an apologetic look.

''I can't go back, Selina.'' He said, his voice a bit hoarse. ''Nuffink not wanting me anymore doesn't mean I stop loving him. And you're wrong when you say there's nothing left for me on Berk. I still have Ruffie, and Baby Tooth has a dragon family here, too. And if there's one chance left for me to make it up to Nuff, I have to try.''

''You plan on telling me about me, then ?''

''Not if you don't want to. That's why I ask you for your permission. I assure you don't risk anything with him, he will keep your secret like he's already keeping mine.''

Selina was still reluctant. Frost swore he could see her thoughts swirl in her jade eyes. And when she finally, answered, she lowered her head with shame.

''I'm sorry. My answer is no.''

''… I guess I knew it.''

''I'm sorry, Frost. Can we… Can we still be friends ?''

''I don't know. I think I need a bit of time to cool down and think about all that had happened today.''

''… I understand.''

When he woke up, the first thing Nuffink felt was a throbbing headache and a stinking pain in his eyes. That's what was happening after spending the night crying. These sensations made him feel like going back in time, three years prior, thought the pain was different. He didn't felt pathetic and betrayed, he felt hurt and, at the same time, guilty. When he managed to sat up, he rubbed his temples. His eyes were puffy and on fire, no doubt salt from his tears had burnt it. His head felt heavy, throbbing, numb, and his heart was just the same.

Next to his bed was his fellow friend Pouncer. The dragon was resting his head on the edge of the bed, fast asleep in a pretty uncomfortable position. Nuffink smiled weakly at the memory of his best friend comforting him all night long, while the viking couldn't find sleep since he was crying his heart out. The dragon had not let him down. He would never do that.

Nuffink soflty stroked the white scaled forehead, trying to wake himself up properly. Saying he had spent an awful night was an understatment, and getting up was more difficult than expected. He needed to get back to sleep, though he knew he wouldn't be able to rest. Somehow he knew he wouldn't be able to until he made it up with Frost. If he could.

When he finally left the bed, he bent to pick up the pieces of his armor he had managed to get rid off during the night, but he froze as he straightened up and felt his necklace poke on his chest. He felt a pinch in his heart when he looked down to the icy shell. He contemplated taking it off, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Taking off the necklace sounded like giving up on the boy who had given it to me, and that was something he just didn't want to.

While climbing down the stairs, he wondered how things would be for both of them. If there was people at the table in the living-room, he didn't notice since his eyes lingered on the crafted bed. It was empty. So sign of Frost nore Ruffrunner.

''Huh oh.'' A voice said, coming from the table.

Nuffink recognized his mother and looked at her with dull eyes. Both his parents were still there, looking at him with a mixture of concern and contrariety.

''You boys fought, didn't you ? You look as awful as him.''

Nuffink didn't find the will to say anything, instead he dragged his feet and staggered in his chair. He filled his plate and started to eat, but his mind wasn't there, neither his heart.

''What happened ?''

''We fought, there's nothing more to say about it.'' Even his voice was dull and hoarse.

''Son…'' Hiccup insisted, his voice soft but worried.

''I tried to fix it, but it had only gotten worst.''

He took a sip of yak milk and sighed.

''I know Selina is hitting on him. I asked him to be careful with her but I learnt they had been hanging together behind my back.''

''Hum…''

''And, apparently, he shares secrets with her he don't want to share with me.''

''I feel some jealousy in your voice.'' Astrid teased.

''What ?! I'm not jealous ! But I don't understand why he would be closer to her than to me, I'm his boyfriend for Thor's sake !''

''I think you forgot about his situation, son.'' Hiccup said.

Nuffink calmed down a bit and looked quizzically at his father.

''Remember how you found him, he was all alone in the middle of an unforgiving territory. He had ran from home, where he had more likely been beaten. Who knows what kind of scars and secrets these events could have left.''

The young viking hesitated. He didn't know why his father was saying this. Hiccup seemed to imply that Nuffink didn't know what had happened back then, bu it was the case. He knew better than anyone else, since he was the only one to know Frost was a merman, and he knew exactly what had happened between Frost and his family, and why the boy had fled to Berk with him.

Surely his father was saying this because himself didn't know, Nuffink was the only one to know, but maybe the cchief thought his son didn't know either.

''With such a background,'' Hiccup added, still as calm and understanding as usual. ''it is no wonder Frost would know the value of a secret.''

Nuffink had to admit that his father had a point. Frost had evoked a secret, but he also said it was not up to him to tell him. So it meant it was not his secret, right ? Was it Selina's ? He didn't defended himself to protect her secret ? But that case, if he really hadn't done anything wrong, why hadn't he say he was hanging with Selina ?

Nuffink lowered his head, feeling dejected again.

''Why doesn't he talk to me… ?''

''You know, it's more difficult to talk to people you are close to. Most of the time you fear to disappoint them.''

''True,'' Astrid approved. ''and don't forget that Frost was alone when he arrived here. You surely are the closest person to him. Apart from you and the dragon riders, he doesn't know anyone. Thought I'm not sure things are alright with the riders, Zephyr completely ignored him this morning, and it's not like her to do this.''

Nuffink's head shot up hearing this. Zephyr ignored Frost ? His mother was right, that didn't sound like her doing this. And was Astrid saying things were wrong with the riders ? Was she talking about Igvid giving him the cold shoulder ? Why was the brunette even doing this ? When did it started ? Since the dragon racing ? Before that ?

With this in mind, Nuffink realised it was actually not that surprising Frost would hang out with Selina. She may be his best friend on Berk. And he had tried to stop him from seeing her. No wonder Frost had gone mad. 'You're accusing me without trying to understand.' That was not an accusation, but an observation. Nuffink also realised why Frost had talked about Igvid who, supposedly, was interested in him. 'I didn't say anything because she is your friend. it's not up to me to tell you who you should hang out with.' That was just exactly what Nuffink had tried to do.

Suddenly, he understood why he felt so guilty. Frost was right, and he felt worst. He lowered his head, thoughtful.

''What can I do to fix it ?''

His mother smiled and put a warm and comforting hand on his cheek.

''First, I think you owe him an apology, don't you think ?''

Nuffink met her eyes, in which he would see kindness, and a bit of teasing. He held back his breath and straightened, before nodding.

She was right. If he wanted to make it up to his boyfriend, he had to start with apologizing. There was no place for viking stubborness in this story. The mishap with Avock had taken the best of him, darkening his vision of the problem. He had been so afraid history would repeat itself that he had jump to the conclusion without trying to understand. But Frost was not Avock, they had nothing in common. He really had to remember that in the future, and stop letting fear control his life.

He finished his breakfast and hugged his parents, filled with hope, before leaving the house. Pouncer followed him, happy to see him in a better mood, and asked for some petting. Nuffink gladly gave it to him, also thanking him for his support during the night. He lead his dragon to a feeding station and let him stuff his mouth. Nuffink felt better, but not enough to laugh at his best friend's antics.

When they finally arrived at the Academy, Nuffink wasn't surprised to find all the other riders there. He has spent to much time in bed, plus the conversation with his parents and the stop by the feeding station… The first thing he noticed was the tension in the air and how everyone was quiet and seemed upset. Maybe it was because it was a cleaning day ? Cleaning the arena and their saddle was something encessary but that didn't mean the riders enjoyed the chore. No one was talking, everyone was focused on their task.

Frost was there, too. Just like the others, he was cleaning his saddle. He was rubbing it with energy, as if passing his nerves on the leather. Nuffink's mother hadn't exaggerated when she said he looked awful. His skin seemed paler than usual, a bit ghastly too. He had bags under puffy and slightly red eyes. Even his hair weren't as usual. The snow-white color seemed a dull white, the hair was shaggier than usual. The boy seemed sick.

Next to him, Ruffrunner's head popped up as he saw his brother. Both dragon ran into each other and started to play in the middle of the arena, quickly joined by their sister. The sudden commotion caught the rider's attention, and the blond viking in greyish white armor was welcome with teasing. Well, he was expecting everyone to scorn him about his late arrival, but only Sneezelout did.

''What's up, Nuffink ? Have you been tied to your bed or something ? You've never been this late before.''

'This late' meaning the last one to arrive, since usually the Jorgenson were always the ones others were waiting for.

''Sorry Sneezelout, I overslept.''

The dreadlock guy snickered before focusing back on his work.

Nuffink tehn met his sister's eyes, she was looking intently at him, visibly worried and sad. The gaze reminded him a bit of the one she had gave him three years prior, but he couldn't grasp why she was acting like this.

He kept the question in mind and swore he would talk to her once he was done with Frost. He wanted to make up with him first, because he couldn't bare not talking to him and each being mad at each other. So he silently walked until he stood in front of the boy, looking down at him. Frost seemed suddenly uneasy, his shoulder tensed and his grip tightened on the brush he was using to clean the saddle. His gesture slowed down noticeably.

''Hi…'' Nuffink said, hesitant.

''Hi…'' Frost replied, not looking up at him.

Tension and awkwardness was thick in the air, for both of them, and Nuffink hated it. He sighed. It was not really the place to talk, but he knew they had to, the sooner the better. He couldn't bare the tension between them and was already missing the boy.

''Look Frost, I-''

''Frost !''

Both started and looked towards Igvid, on the other end of the arena. Both was surprised she was talking to the boy and wondered what she wanted.

She was standing next to her dragon, two Deadly Nadder babies had climbed on Firestorm's back. It seemed to infuriate her, but no matter how much she was shaking her back, she couldn't get rid of them.

''Care to help ?'' The brunette growled.

Nuffink first wondered why she was asking Frost since she was usually giving him the cold treatment, but then he remembered the merman had a way with baby dragons.

Normally, the babies and hatchlings were careless and wouldn't listen to adults – some dragons could chase them off for a bit, but eventually the babies would come back – thought the snow-haired boy always managed to calm them down and make them more docile. He really had a gift with them.

Said merman gave an hesitant look to Nuffink, as if asking permission to go, then he left brush and saddle and left wordlessly. The blond viking just stared at him trotting to the Monstruous Nightmare, not even finding the will to hold him back. He looked for a bit as Frost stretched out his arms to the babies and, somehow, talked them to get down. And they listened.

Nuffink sighed again, then dragged his feet to his dragon to take his saddle off. He picked up a water bucket and a brush and sat down next to Birdlegs. She had finished washing it and was now shining the leather. Nuffink started his own cleaning in a dull and heartless fashion, he barely paid attention to his surroundings. At least, until he felt a hand land on his shoulder.

He looked to his left and met Birdlegs' soft green gaze.

''How are you feeling ? I heard what Frost did, that's awful… I wasn't expecting that from him.''

''What ? 'What he did' ?''

''Igvid told us about Selina and him.''

''She- !''

Nuffink suddenly realised. If the brown-haired viking had repeated the story to the other riders, it was no wonder Zephyr would have ignored Frost in the morning. It also explained why everyone seemed so upset and no one was talking.

''Why did she…?! Frost had done nothing wrong, it was a misunderstanding !''

Birdlegs backed at the sudden outburst, thought Nuffink could see in her eyes she was rellieved. It didn't sooth his anger. He quickly got up, dropping his wet brush, then stormed towards Igvid, glaring daggers at her. He roughly grabbed her arms and dragged her towards the exit, under Frost's confused gaze. Both baby dragons in his arms, he looked at the two retreating vikings. Nuffink was mad, even more so than the previous day during their fight, it seemed.

He dragged Igvid next to the main entrance, away from eavedropping but not from the stares. Igvid was surprised he would talk to her privately, but she had to admit she was worried about his angry face.

''Why did you tell them ?'' He growled more than he asked. ''Couldn't you wait for me to clarify the problem out before telling everyone ?!''

''Clarify what ?''

She frowned and tried not to raise her voice too much. She just coudln't believe he was still denying. It infuriated her that he was buying the lies and, somehow, she knew the whole situation was going to end up badly.

''There's nothing to clarify, I know what I saw ! Now stop denying it and open up your eyes, he's fooling you around and-''

''Don't tell me what I should do or think. That's my business, no one has to know about what you think you saw.''

''What I 'think' I saw ?! You'd rather believe him than me ?''

''It's not about who I believe but if you're capable of keeping your mouth shut.''

''Nuffink, I-''

''No, don't. You've already said too much.''

She couldn't say anything more as she saw how he seemed hurt. That has nothing to do with the kind of hurt she had saw when he had broken up with Avock, nore when she had confessed his love and he had opened up his broken heart, not even when she had told him about Selina and Frost. It was a completely different kind of hurt, he looked angry and sad, he looked disappointed and was blaming her. It made her feel like she had betrayed him. He clenched his fists and left, heading towards Frost who was still looking at them with confusion.

The viking managed to calm down before he joined the boy. He gently took one of the babies from his arms, said baby didn't appreciated it but melted in the petting the viking gave him.

''Come on, let's get them back to the village. We need to talk.''

Frost felt even more confused, not knowing what it meant. What did Nuffink want to talk about ? Was it good or bad omens ? When he opened his mouth to answer, he only stuttered and ended up nodding.

Nuffink lead the way, but before leaving the arena, Frost noticed Igvid death glare to him. Her eyes were so dark it sent shivers down the boy's spine. She was… kind of frightening, like this. Frost tried to ignore it and quickly followed Nuffink. Why would the brunette warrior would look at him like this ? With such hatred ?

Her behaviour was worrying him more and more. He had noticed how she had grown cold to him since Nuffink and him had made their couple official. He knew she liked Nuffink more than as a friend, but he had not expecting her to be mean to him because of that. She seemed to be so mad at him, even more so since she had seen him with Selina. Was it because of the misunderstanding, or did she had really seen they were merfolk and hated them both for that ?

Between the tension with Nuffink and Igvid being mean, Frost had to admit was scared him the most was the possibility of her knowing what he really was. Was it really because of her feelings for Nuffink she was acting like this ? Or was it because he was a merman and, as Selina said, humans hated merfolk ? But if it was really the case, then, why didn't Nuffink hate him ? Well… He surely hated him for the misunderstanding with Selina, but it wasn't because of his true nature.

He wanted to ask her about it, but at the same time he was afraid to come near her. She was frightening, he had to admit, thought it was almost nothing compared to the fear the upcoming talk with Nuffink made him feel. What did the viking wanted to discuss ? Surely it was going to add more to the previous day's fight.

Frost didn't want to resume this conversation. He was afraid Nuffink wanted him to stop seeing Selina. Or worst, that the viking wanted to break up with him. The boy didn't dare to imagine what was going to happen. He wanted to hope Nuffink wanted to make up, but the sickening fear of loosing him was filling his chest painfully. He felt sick just thinking about it. He wanted to run away as far as possible and go deaf so he would never hear such words coming from the viking's mouth, but he knew he could escape from it. Sooner or later, they would have to talk.

They kept on walking in complete and awkward silence, only filled with noises coming from the baby dragons, until they were back at the village. They reached the first feeding station they could find and dropped the babied there, who dove into the fish and stuffed their mouth, warbbling and cackling.

It was only then Nuffink finally spoke.

''I owe you an apology, Frost.''

The boy looked up in a start, he was so stunned he would even open his mouth. Nuffink was leaning on the edge of the fish-fulled tank, looking down.

''I wasn't easy on you. You have fit in here so well I forgot where you started from. It was selfish of me to ask you to stop seeing Selina. I was selfish. I'm sorry.''

It was Frost's turn to lower his head and look down. He would have lied saying he wasn't relieved Nuffink was apologizing, because it mean he wanted to make up, but the boy was also feeling guilty. It showed in his voice.

''It's not your fault. I should have told you instead of seeing her behind your back. No wonder it was confusing. But I swear I didn't want to hurt you. I… I felt ashamed to hang out with her despite you distrusting her.''

Nuffink gathered the courage to look at him, and when he did, he saw sorrow and guilt written all over Frost's face. He felt guilty two. Both of them were. The previous day, Nuffink had shouted at Frost as if he was the only one to blame here, but now he was perfectly aware of the fact they were both to blame.

''I'm sorry. I should have tried to understand instead of jumping to the conclusion.''

''I'm sorry too, I didn't mean you not understanding me. It's just… Selina, she…''

He couldn't say it. He felt a lump form in his throat and tried to swallow it, but it remained. Looking at him, Nuffink saw he was debatting with his thoughts and, suddenly, he made a link that had not crossed his mind earlier.

''Does she know about you ?''

Frost met his eyes again. At first he was confused, but then he understood what the viking implied, and nodded as reply. He was a bit afraid of the viking's reaction. Though said reaction turned out to be a sigh. A sigh of relief.

''So, you… you weren't naked. I mean…''

Frost thought his throat would explode as a sob made its way up. He barely muffled the noise and felt the tears streaming. He shut his eyes trying to hold back the water, and nodded vigorously. He was suddenly overwhelmed with joy and relief. Nuffink has understand. He had understand without Frost needing to betray Selina's secret.

He could have collapse from relief, and even more so when he felt a pair of strong and warm arms wrap around him. He saggered onto Nuffink's chest and hugged back, shaking slightly.

''I'm so sorry, babe. I was so un fair with you.''

''Don't worry, I understand. You reacted like because of Avock.''

Nuffink squinted his eyes, burying his face in the snowy hair, his head pounding and aching at the same time.

He couldn't conceive Frost being so understanding with him, seeing how he had treated him.

''You're nothing like him.'' The blond said. ''I should have never think you would cheat on me. I think jealousy took the best out of me.''

Silence fell around them for a short moment, until Frost spoke again. His voice was a bit muffled by the sobs, but it still ringed with a playful tone.

''So… finally admitting you're jealous ?''

Nuffink almost felt like laughing but didn't do so. He let go of his boyfriend and looked down at him, meeting watery eyes that were sparkling with this mischief he loved so dearly.

He smiled fondly at him, before his face turned back to nervous and anxious.

''I don't want to loose you, I care to much for you for that.''

''You won't loose me, Nuff.''

The viking felt both relief and pained to hear that. His heart was now hammering in his chest, still filled with too much guilt for his own good.

''You managed to tolerate Igvid so I could still be friend with her, the least I can do is doing the same with Selina. If you need her friendship, then I won't stop you from seeing her. But that doesn't mean I'm not worried.''

''You don't have to, Nuff. She can't compete with you, you're the one I love.''

These words came out of the boy's mouth without any hesitation, as if it was perfectly normal, and it made them weight even more in the viking's heart and soul. He felt his face flush instantly, and now his heart was looping inside of his chest, ecstatic and racing like a crazed horse. He pulled his boyfriend in a tight embrace.

''I love you too, Frost.''

The boy let out a soft chuckle and wrapped his chilly arms around the viking, burrying his face against his shoulder. Nuffink couldn't quantify how much he was relieved and light. Not only did he had manage to make up with Frost, but the boy had also said out loud he loved him. He couldn't be more happy than right now, and he thought it was possible to feel greater happiness than the one he had felt when his family had accepted their couple.

He let go of his boyfriend and pressed his forehead against his, smiling as he felt the chilly arms going up around his neck. He dove into the crystal blue of his beloved's eyes for a sweet forever, then kissed him as if it was the first time.

Selina was waiting at the usual meeting point, on the beach. Her arms crossed over her knees, a cool breeze in her hair, she was trying to sooth her swirling thoughts. She didn't know what she was expecting. After the conversation she had with Frost the previous night, she was afraid he wouldn't show up. She didn't dare come near him during the day, afraid of Nuffink's reaction. Getting a death glare from the girl named Igvid was enough scary as it was.

In the early morning, she had heard the chief's daughter talking to the big guy that seemed to be her boyfriend. They had talked about Frost. Selina had got the confirmation they knew about the so-called cheating affair, Zephyr visibly mad at Frost and Gorth uneasy, saying he wasn't expecting a spontaneous and nice guy like Frost to do something like this. Selina had fought back the urge to go see them and explain it was a misunderstanding. But how could she convince them without telling them Frost and her were merfolk ? Because it was obvious the two vikings would have ask for an explanation, if they had not killed her on spot.

Moreover, even if she hated to admit it, knowing that Frost and Nuffink's couple was faltering was good for her. She hated to hurt her friend, and felt even worst having to plot behind his back, but she had to. She didn't have a choice.

The more time spent, the more she was regretting her journey back to the frozen lands of the north. Not only had she missed Frost's first dragon racing, but now she also had come back with a mission she hated deeply.

'I'm counting on you, Selina.'

'I won't disappoint you, my Queen.'

If only she had stayed on Berk. Why did she have to come back to report to the Queen ? Why did she have to realised how much she liked Frost after she had betrayed him ? If only she could go back through time… But it was too late. Now she didn't have a choice, she had to do it.