Author's Note: My story may or may not be updating, so with that in mind, I will be transferring my story to Archive of Our Own on my next update and continue updating both. I prefer FanFiction for it's user interface but will do both. FF has not updated a view count or anything of the sort in several days, and FF Support hasn't answered me.


The night on the Edge was slower than I would've liked, it was barren, though familiar. I had trouble sleeping and wound up walking the old wooden ramps, stairs. I remember the story from Astrid about when she and the twins had to stay here alone and build some of the stairs, then defend the Edge. It had grown steadily over the years we occupied it, especially for those several months that Heather was with us; we built her own hut much to Snotlout's dismay.

The moon was high in the sky and even Toothless was fast asleep, having been tuckered out from our heavy flying. We had been island hopping for several days now, I'll be honest I was pushing it faster than it needed to go, I wanted to get home. I think Toothless knew that too, but when he got the chance to rest, he took it. Eret and Skullcrusher were equally tired and none of them noticed me walking out of the stables. By this point, I was sitting outside the clubhouse. It was dark and cold, but the skies were clear, and the moon was large. The scene over the water was beautiful, and it made me let out a long-drawn sigh.

"I never expected these things to be so hard." I mutter softly to myself before glancing up in the sky towards the moon. "I miss you dad; I'll finish this so you can rest in peace in Valhalla and I can live in peace with Astrid." I say as I gaze up. Hopefully, he was watching over me from the Halls of the Gods. Shaking my head as I glance back down at the water, I gaze out for a long while before making my way back to the stables. That morning, we first went to Wingmaiden Island where we met up with Atali and Minden. It didn't take much to get them on board.

"We'd be honored to attend; you know these summits in the past have usually been led by a Chief of Chiefs. Will you be that Chief, Hiccup?" Atali asks as I shift and shrug.

"Eh, not by choice." I admit as she smiles.

"That's why it has to be you. You are a strong and wise leader and have been an excellent friend to the Wingmaidens." Atali adds as Minden steps forward.

"Speaking to that, how, uh, how has Snotlout been?" She asks awkwardly and I laugh lightly, smiling.

"Snotlout has been fine, still basically the same he has been." I offer as she nods. I can tell she wants to ask more but doesn't know how too, the Wingmaidens being an all-female tribe, I had to question how they even kept that track going. It's not like you can control the gender of the baby given by the Gods. But I don't question that, and instead accept it as something I can't know.

"Well, uh, you should take him the next time you visit us. Been a long time since we've seen all of you." Minden adds, correcting her statement awkwardly as Atali smiles.

"I can arrange that, this is Eret's first time out this far on the wings of a dragon. After this summit, I'll take all the riders on a long ride back through the Great Beyond, once the Trappers are dealt with and we can actually find peace among our neighbors." I state

"Wise decision, you show a wisdom well beyond your years and it is needed in this age. Let me just say that I will support your bid for Chief of Chiefs, and if you don't table it yourself, I will table it for you." Atali says. She was old enough to be my mother and had led the Wingmaidens for decades, she was proud and good, and I welcomed her support.

"Thank you, Atali." I say simply with a smile. "How are the baby Razorwhips?" I ask as the one curled on Atali's back coos.

"They are well, in fact, Wingnut here is almost due to be released, and our next ceremony will take place next summer. We'd be honored if you joined us?" Atali asks as I nod.

"It'd be our pleasure! I remember that last ceremony with Astrid and the others, it was something really special." I say, remembering the unspoken words Astrid and I shared at that time. Our relationship was still in its infancy then and it was one of the more beautiful things we'd seen in that early stage, together. I can still feel her hand in mine. My wandering mind must've etched on my face as Atali surprises me.

"And how is Astrid?" Atali then asks and I feel my breath hitch as I sigh.

"She's good, she wasn't happy that I asked her to stay on Berk instead of coming with me on this envoy mission. I needed her at home to know it was safe; it's been hard, I think, for both of us." I admit and she nods.

"How long have you two been at sea?" Minden asks as I glance to Eret who looks up and nods his head.

"Eight days, I think. We've had to stop here and there between islands, we stopped at the Edge as well. Plus staying at most other places overnight. We weren't welcome at the Mongrel Tribe's area overnight though." Eret explains as Minden and Atali's faces harden.

"The Mongrel Tribe has always been a tribe of elitist warriors who want everything done their way. Luckily, since reclaiming Auction Island from what was left of the Hunters, they have left more of their piracy and raiding ways behind them." Atali says, which I believe as she lives far closer to them than we do. Her face then softens as she smiles. "Just one more stop, maybe two more days, then you will be home. Will she be accompanying you to the Summit?" Atali then asks as I nod.

"As my General, yes." I state and Minden cocks her eyebrow.

"Not your Chiefess, yet?" Minden asks and I stammer.

"Ah, no. We've decided against marrying until after the trappers are dealt with. Though many people around us seem to like to offer their input." I say sarcastically as she, Atali and Eret all laugh.

"While I understand your reasoning, Hiccup, I would venture to say that is an unnecessary precaution. I respect your and Astrid's decision, and we shall not mention it further if it makes you uncomfortable." Atali says, stepping in as Minden nods.

"It's just awkward how it seems to be a focal point of conversation recently." I admit and she nods, smiling.

"It's obvious to everyone how dedicated you are to each other; indeed, one of the reasons we aligned with you in the first place was due largely to your deference and respect for her specifically. It was so in contrast to what we were used too, you helped widen our own gaze." Atali states, matter-of-factually. "Until we met you, Astrid and the others, we were set in our ways and held men in low regard. Snotlout's introduction didn't do much to change that, yours did. I think your first words when you saw Astrid with us on that rock was; "are we okay?" I saw the concern and trust in your eyes that day." Atali says.

"I- Thank you." I stammer.

"I'd suggest you head to the Defender's Island sooner rather than later if you want to cut your time away gone. The waters should be clear." Minden then adds, glancing to Atali who nods.

"You, of course, are welcome to stay here but I imagine you are in no rush to prolong this trip. Go with Frigga's blessings and know we will support you at this Summit." Atali adds as I smile and nod.

"Thank you both." I say as Eret and I ready ourselves to take off. We were flying for a long while before Eret pulls up next to me and glances behind him.

"I guess I didn't know what to expect from an island of Wingmaidens. What gaze did you widen?" Eret asks as I shrug.

"They used to be extremely particular regarding me, so far as to go they wouldn't even associate with them or allow them on their island. Snotlout had said something to Astrid that made her ready to legitimately kill him, so he ran away for a day to let her cool off. Ended up going there and thought he wound up in Valhalla; he said some things he claims were taken out of context and they were going to kill him. Astrid suggested it be her, Heather and Ruffnut to go the island, as it was one of all women. The rest you sort of heard. Since then, they've revisited their views on men, even Snotlout and Minden had a brief infatuation that I thought was dead but apparently Minden still thinks of him." I explain as Eret nods.

"Well, one more stop, Chief. You've been doing well, I can say. I know it's probably been chaos in your mind, but you keep a calm head really well." Eret adds as I laugh lightly. It really was chaos up here. I was setting up a massive meeting of Chiefs, had no idea what I was doing, had a war to deal with, was away from Astrid and wanted her with me more than anything. Just one more stop til I can hold her in my arms, just one more. We've been apart for longer, but it felt different this time, we were intimate now.

This would be the last stop, Defenders of the Wing Island where I expected only Throk to be but there was a chance either Mala or Mala and Dagur could be there as well. If so, I may well convince them to fly back with us. Those two travel more than even I do; on the back of a dragon almost a full week out of a given month, traveling across the Archipelago together between their islands. Dagur and Eret both were like older brothers to me by now.


As that day wound down, I returned to our home, the home I had unofficially moved into for months now. It was perfect for the two of us, and even had a larger room we didn't use that could easily be converted to a pair of rooms... just for future planning. There was a perch for Stormfly, a slab for Toothless. The upper attic room was ours; I had since claimed part of it with almost all of my stuff from my parents' house. I had received so little resistance from them it almost shocked me, as though they were at peace with me and Hiccup being intimate, living together. I'm sure most of the village suspected as much but no one would say anything. I can't help but blush slightly as I think on it, we aren't exactly quiet either. The private forge room is nearly sound-proofed but that wasn't the case with the house.

It was quiet, darkly lit and I was gazing around, it seemed like longer than it really had been. In actuality, it had barely been a week, yet it felt like a month. The overwhelming urge to fly out to him was palpable but fortunately I didn't have to stand in my silence for long as I heard a loud banging on the front door that I was still standing next too. It shook me out of my fried mind state and I turned on my heel to open it. I was quickly surprised by a large fist that was coming back down on the door before it stopped as Fishlegs, Heather, Snotlout and the Twins had all come to the door.

"Uh, what's going on?" I ask as Fishlegs lowers his hand in an awkward laugh.

"Ah-ha-ha, sorry. Well, uh, we decided, since we didn't see you at dinner in the Hall to" Fishlegs stammers his way through it as Heather steps forward with one hand on Fishlegs shoulder and the other holding a basket.

"We decided we'd come here and share it with you." Heather states as I smile and shake my head.

"I wasn't really hungry-" I begin before Heather's hand finds my shoulder.

"Thanks for inviting us in." Heather says sweetly, though forcibly and I remember that intense berserker attitude she has always had, that confidence. I admired it. I was confident, strong and sharp too, but she exuded confidence where I didn't as much. I certainly didn't come off as weak, but not as confident as her. I just smile and nod, rolling my eyes and stepping back as they pour in.

"Excellent! Party at the Chief's! Let's toss his room?!" Tuffnut yells as he runs in, holding another basket.

"Uh, no." I call out as he groans.

"She can't stop all of us!" Snotlout adds with a mischievous grin as I smack my forehead.

"Watch me, Snotlout. I can and will. Sit down, shut up and drink some mead." I state, pointing to the table as Snotlout grumbles and sits. He knew I can totally back up my threats, as I have almost done several times before. Meanwhile, Heather and Fishlegs both laugh at the comment as they sit with the twins filling up a grouping of mugs. As everyone sits down and spreads out the food, Tuffnut clasps his hands and looks directly at Fishlegs.

"Alright, real talk, no avoiding the rumblehorn in the room, and no that wasn't about your weight." He says with a gritty laugh. "Are you two, like, a thing now?" Tuffnut asks looking to Fishlegs and Heather who shift uncomfortably.

"Uhhh, it's uhm, in the development stage.." Fishlegs stutters, glancing to Heather who nods, smiling.

"Catching up since I returned to Berserker and he came back to Berk. Life was hectic for a while." Heather adds.

"And what about your wife-of-one-day! You just going to leave Ruffnut in the wind! For shame." Tuffnut exclaims as Ruffnut cries obviously fake tears.

"For the last time, You Can't Marry Anyone." Snotlout groans, widening his hands before turning to Heather. "And you mean to tell me, you'd go for Fishlegs over this?" He says, flexing as I scoff, and Heather shakes her head.

"You don't want an answer to that, Snotlout." Heather says with a smile before pointing to Ruffnut. "Besides, Ruffnut is in obvious need of your comfort." Heather teases as I see Ruffnut glance up through her fake tears with a mischievous grin before she almost literally jumps on Snotlout."

"Hold Me! I'm So Sad!" She exclaims as Snotlout pushes her back.

"Hey, woah! Personal Space! What is going on!?" Snotlout shouts in confusion as everyone else laughs. I feel Heather nudge me and i glance to her as she nods.

"Thank you." I mutter under my breath; I didn't need to be alone and this was better for my state of mind. Muttonheads, though they may be, they were our muttonheads. I can see her mouth the words "'no problem.'

"What about you, Tuff? When are you going to start looking for romance." Heather asks as I scoff. The idea of either of the twins in romantic situations was just odd to me.

"Hey, don't you scoff, A. I'll have you know the Nut Family comes from a long line of proper romance! We're just not normally the settling down types, ya know? Plus," he glances to Ruff before shrugging. "They'd need to be willing to commit to the ways of Loki. The Snot comes close, maybe, but that is a hard ask. Few can properly channel their inner Loki. H can when he wants too." Tuff explains as I shake my head with a smile.

"Yeah, I know. Trust me." I admit. Hiccup could be quite devious when he wanted to be, I remember several times when he did things I didn't expect or, in other terms, Loki'd someone. It was usually an end all sort of thing, too.

"Speaking of, where is our fearless Leader. When is he due back?" Snotlout asks, glancing to me.

"Anywhere from tomorrow to a week from now." I mutter, and I didn't mean to sound so downtrodden. The others noticed it too.

"I'm sure our good Chiefly one has been gone for longer periods of time in the past, why is our fearless General so verklempt?" Tuffnut says as he holds up his finger and we all turn and glance at him.

"Ver-what?" Snotlout asks, befuddled, and for once, it wasn't a stupid question.

"Verklempt is when one is so overcome with emotions, they feel choked to clenched up to those around them." Ruffnut says

"And our dear general has been so obviously displaying such. The mind is a terrible thing to waste." Tuffnut adds, pointing to Snotlout as I actually laugh. These two knew the most random things; they are a far cry from the children who couldn't be bothered to read during Dragon Training when we still killed them. No, now, while some of the most annoying, they were arguably some of the more intelligent among us. Even if that intelligence was not practically applied, it sure did make conversations more entertaining.

"Sure, we've all been away from each other for varying times, but you have to see this from her perspective. Since the dragons, Hiccup has just always been there with Astrid. I noticed it when I first came here. A few days gone here or there over the course of a decade is one thing. Becoming betrothed, spending almost every moment with someone then having them gone… it can be rough." Heather adds as she glances to me and I shrug.

"For Thor's sake, I'm fine. Can we change subjects, please? How about tomorrow's Dragon Race?" I ask and the table immediately erupts into a cheer.

"Oh, yes!" Tuffnut exclaims

"What you thinking?" Ruffnut adds as I smile, leaning into the table.

"Here is my thought, teams. And how perfectly, we have four dragons at this table. Fishlegs and Heather versus The twins and Snotlout." I state before turning to Snotlout. "If you guys could actually try to win this time." I tease and he grumbles.

"And what'll you be doing?" Snotlout retorts.

"Oh, I'll be racing too." I state with a grin as I think to who my partner could be. Valka had really recovered recently, and I'm sure she'd love to try a race.

"And who is your partner going to be?" Ruffnut asks, leaning in as I shrug.

"It'll be a surprise for tomorrow. We'll have Gobber officiate." I add as they shake their collective heads and I grin.

"Something tells me we may have our work cut out for us, Fishlegs." Heather says and he nods.

"Yeah, you might be right, but honestly…" Fishlegs says before pausing and leaning into Heather while looking at me and whispering something I can barely hear as she smiles and nods.

"I agree." She answers as I narrow my eyes.

"No, no. Not in my house." I state sternly as they gaze back at me. Even the twins and Snotlout were looking at me after my sudden statement and it befuddled me briefly while thinking about it. I had said my house. That was likely the first verbal admission I had no plans to go back to living with my parents.

"Ah-HA! So the secret's out! Our General has laid claim to our Chief's Hut!" Tuffnut exclaims as Ruffnut groans.

"Gawh, you guys are like, too much. First your little volcano kiss, then the constant sparring and midnight flights on the edge together. Now, shared house. Are you sure you're not married, and we just weren't invited?" Ruffnut recounts as I blink.

"How'd you know about-?" I say before she cuts me off.

"Uh, I am a very aware person, Astrid." She states and squints one eye at me before laughing with her brother. Ignoring them, I look back to Heather who is laughing lightly.

"So, spill it." I state and she shakes her head.

"Later. Beat us at the race, and I will." Heather offers as I furrow my brow and frown. "It's nothing bad, I promise." She adds as I sigh.

"Fine. One well-deserved tail sighting coming up. I'll make sure to gloss Stormfly's tail, so that you have a good view." I state playfully as she chuckles and shakes her head.

"Oh-ho-ho, it's on, sister." She states playfully and we smack our forearms together and laugh.

The rest of the night went by well, and I was glad they were all there. They ended up filtering out of the house around midnight and I was fortunately tired enough to drift off into sleep in our bed without worry. It felt empty without him in it, but I could still feel him, or dream of him; his scent, our scent was there. It made drifting off to sleep much easier and for tonight, I could sleep with a smile. I'd ask Valka in the morning, she usually woke up before everyone else anyways, like I did.