this one was a bit difficult to get right. Hope you all continue to enjoy!

Addendum 16

Hiccup did come back for a while, for the longest time yet, almost an hour. He still doesn't remember any previous awakenings, but that's okay. I really don't mind answering the same questions again.

First, of course, he asked about Toothless, to which the Night Fury just stuck his head in Hiccup's view (he knows the routine now, too). Hiccup was overjoyed to see the dragon, saying how amazing it was that he was in our house, and I was okay with it. I just listened, letting him talk for a while.

"I'm pretty thirsty…" he said after he finished his rambling.

"I'll get you some water," I replied, going to get up, just as he went to do the same. "Wait, Hiccup, don't-"

He stopped as he caught sight of his legs sliding from under the blanket. I had taken off the prosthetic for Gothi, and for a moment, Hiccup just stared. I waited, horrified for how he might react, but after a few seconds, he just said, "Oh." Seemingly a little shaken (but thankfully not awake enough to do much thinking), he just laid back down. "Okay…"

Once I was sure he was fine, I got up to get him some water, handing him the cup. He just stared into it for a moment, wearing an expression I couldn't read, before taking a drink.

"Hiccup? Are you okay?" I asked, though I could tell I was beginning to lose him.

"You tell me. AM I okay?" he said after a second.

I didn't know how to respond to that.

"I guess it makes sense now."

"What?"

"Why I felt so weird earlier."

"Earlier? You just woke up, son," I said, confused.

"Really? I feel like I've been up for a while…"

"The last time was a couple days ago."

"Oh. It felt like just a moment ago…"

"You remember waking up?"

"Not really… I don't know what I did or said… but I remember feeling different…"

"That's good, Hiccup. I'm glad you remember at least something."

"This… this has been happening a while?" He asked, though I could tell he was having a hard time forming the words now.

"Yes. But it's okay… I'll wait until you're ready," I answered, brushing my fingers through his hair.

"Mm… thanks… Dad…" Hiccup said, before succumbing to darkness once more.

I sighed, wishing he had stayed longer, even if this was a milestone. But I meant what I said… as long as he needs, I'll wait for him. He's spent way too long waiting for me to finally come around; I can wait a little longer for him.

-StV

just one more addendum left!