It was strange how an unexpected turn of events could bring two people closer together. When Hiccup imagined Astrid discovering he'd sided with the enemy, he hoped she'd understand and hear him out. He could hope all he wanted, but in all honesty, he expected her to be a ball full of rage and come slicing with her axe. Thankfully, the former happened and somehow, this crazy friendship with a dragon had brought him and his wife closer than ever.

Maybe it was the comradery of keeping an earthshaking secret between them. Maybe Astrid changing her attitude towards dragons had opened a door inside her to let Hiccup walk in further than he'd ever been. Whatever it was that had changed, Hiccup was enjoying every second of it.

He glanced at Astrid from the corner of his eye as they strolled through the village hand-in-hand. She insisted on walked him to the forge every morning instead of saying goodbye at the front door of their home. There were still traces of awkwardness between, unsure moments of bridled affections. Those moments were becoming less.

"Are you asking him today?" Astrid inquired as they approached the forge.

"Yeah." They stopped at entrance their hands still intertwined. Hiccup sucked in a deep breath. "Are you ready for this if Gobber says yes?"

Astrid pressed her lips into a thin line, her gaze wandering before bringing it back to Hiccup's face. "I've seen what you've accomplished, Hiccup. I know you can do this." Her free hand cupped his shoulder, reassuringly. "We can do this."

Hiccup beamed at her. Toothless trusted him. Astrid trusted him. Someone finally had faith in him.

Astrid tugged him to her, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Now, go to work!" She laughed, pushing him into the forge and jogged off.

Hiccup knew he'd never tire of the lightness rising in his chest as he watched her leave.

"Lookit ye two lovebirds."

Hiccup jumped. "Ahh! Gobber! What're you doing watching on us?"

"Ah, don't get your knickers tied in a knot, lad. It's not like you two were trying to hide your affections. It's good to see you two falling in love."

Hiccup's eyes bugged and he nearly choked on his own saliva. Love? He'd been in love with Astrid long before this whole marriage ever existed. At least, he thought he was in love, but he'd come to realize his affection during that season of his life was projected onto an idea of who he thought Astrid was. Strong. Level-headed. An aspiring warrior. Well-renowned for what she was doing right. It also helped that she was incredibly attractive.

The way he viewed her had changed. He knew he loved her still, though it wasn't as clear and to the point anymore. But the real question was, did she love him?

It was obvious she'd developed a fondness for him. She wouldn't subject her lips to touch his or allow him to hold her in their bed if she didn't share the same affection. She enjoyed his company. He'd never heard the ring of her laughter until they'd grown close, and he wished to hear it for the rest of his (most likely, short) life. She seemed content, but was Astrid really falling in love with him? Entertaining the very thought sent Hiccup's mind reeling.

Hiccup pushed aside the massive revelation and focused on the task at hand. "Hey Gobber, who takes care of feeding the training dragons?"

Tinking tap noises filled the forge as Gobber flattened out a door hinge. "You're looking at him."

Hiccup nodded, scanning through the inventory pile of the day. "Me and Astrid were discussing taking on more responsibilities and thought maybe…feeding the training dragons could be one of them." He pulled out a shield that needed some bolts replaced. When he turned around, he nearly jumped out his skin at the sight of Gobber right behind him, smiling widely.

"Exceeding at dragon training, taking on responsibilities, proving that you could be Chief material." Gobber wiped a single tear from his eye. "I knew you had it in you."

"Uh…thanks—" this was turning out to be the most awkward conversation he'd ever had with Gobber, and that was saying a lot. Hiccup diverted off this unexpected (and uncomfortable) ride to get back to the point. "So, where do you get the food for the dragons?"

"I mostly use the rejected fish from the daily catches. They're put in a barrel on the docks."

"Wait, that's all you feed them? Rejected fish?"

"Basically."

"Why aren't you feeding them the food they need?"

"What's the point, lad? They're going te die anyway sooner or later."

A chill crept down Hiccup's spine at Gobber's haunting words. He knew the training dragons would be killed one day, whether during a training lesson or euthanized, but that known knowledge didn't make it any less horrifying. His thoughts zeroed in on Toothless and how he'd taken care of him the last few weeks. Hiccup made sure the Night Fury had everything he needed, not only food but affection and companionship. Those poor dragons locked away in the cages were underfed, lonely, and afraid. Hiccup was determined to change that. He would save those dragons from their ultimate fate.

Toothless grumbled as he dived down to scoop up another mouthful of fish. Hiccup patted his friend's neck. "Oh, come one, bud. You're doing some extra fishing for a good cause."

The next morning before the sun had awoken, Hiccup and Astrid left for the arena to begin training the dragons without the prying eyes of the other villagers. It was a risky move, training the dragons with a chance of others catching them. But the arena was a fair distance from the early morning activities of the village. Maybe they had a shot at this without getting caught.

Hiccup stood in the middle of the arena floor sweeping his gaze back and forth, lost in thought. He had to choose wisely which dragon to earn trust from first. The Gronkle was smaller than the rest of the dragons (besides the Terrible Terror), and maybe it could be easily won over by a pile of tasty rocks.

Something kept pulling Hiccup to the Monstrous Nightmare. If he could earn the trust of the most dangerous dragon then the other dragons would likely follow. Taking a deep breath, Hiccup squared his shoulders in determination and strode to the Nightmare's cage.

"You're starting with the Monstrous Nightmare?" the voice of reason floated from the back of him. He glanced over his shoulder to find Astrid looking positively aghast. "Do you have a death wish?"

"You trusted me this far, Astrid," Hiccup pointed out.

Astrid stepped up to him and poked him in the chest. "You're right, but don't make me have to bring you back from the dead just so I can kill you for making me a widow."

He snatched her finger and pushed it back towards her with a grin. "Have I told you I enjoy your heartwarming encouragement?"

Astrid's eyes flew skywards. "Just go already."

The playful banter had eased the nerves that were building in his stomach. Hiccup wondered if Astrid sassed him on purpose to help with that. He turned back to the present task: training the Monstrous Nightmare.

On the cage door was a smaller door that swung out. Hiccup unlatched the door and immediately ducked as a flaming stream shot through the opening.

"Hiccup!" Astrid yelled, ready to run to his aid.

"I'm okay!" He got back to his feet and grabbed a fish from the basket nearby. "Hey, big guy," he greeted with an air of friendliness, "I'm not here to hurt you. I want to be your friend."

Hiccup stuck the fish in view of the opening. When no more fiery blasts flew through, he peeked his head up. The Monstrous Nightmare stood several feet away, watching him with sharp, cautious eyes. His nostrils flared causing a dusty cloud to stir up at his front feet.

"Are you hungry?" Hiccup kept his tone light. He stuck the fish further into the opening. "Do you like cod? It's much tastier than those sad little herrings you were being fed."

The Nightmare snarled and shifted closer.

"There you go," Hiccup encouraged, emphasizing the fish with a shake to draw the dragon nearer.

When the Nightmare had drawn close enough, Hiccup tossed the fish his way. The clamp of the dragon's jaws echoed off the stone walls. Hiccup smiled when the Nightmare looked at him expectantly for more.

"Astrid, go raise the lever."

Raising the lever meant releasing the dragon. Releasing the dragon meant risking being flame broiled.

The playful exchange from a few minutes earlier had completely fled as a tinge of worry shaded Astrid's words. "Are you sure?"

He'd faced certain death at the mercy of a dragon who should have taken his life with the snap of the jaws. But he was still alive and whole and that dragonwas considered his friend. Hiccup couldn't guarantee that the Monstrous Nightmare would take the same path, but he had to try.

He met Astrid's concerned gaze. "If this goes wrong, promise me you'll take care of Toothless."

"That's not comforting, Hiccup." The edge in her voice was evident, but Astrid wasn't making an attempt to stop him. "Of course, I'll take care of Toothless." Squeezing his shoulder, she added, "But promise me, I won't have to."

He couldn't. No simple promise could keep a fierce and angry dragon at bay. No promise could shield him from the fiery blasts Nightmares were known for. Hiccup offered a tight-lipped smile that couldn't convince a fish it lived in water. Astrid moved to fulfil his request and in a minute's time she was on the rocky ledge hovering over the lever.

Hiccup backed up at what he prayed was a safe distance. Filling his lungs with a calming breath, he nodded at Astrid. The massive wooden peg lifted, and the cage doors swung open to reveal the frightening dragon that was adequately named for haunting nightmares.

The Monstrous Nightmare loomed ominously, puffing smoke, the orange eerie glow of its eyes staring right through Hiccup. Hiccup expected more of a reaction, for the dragon to rampage out on fire. But it remained calm as it glared sharply at him.

Hiccup had planned to take the affable approach; to show the Nightmare that he wanted to be his friend, throw in some lighthearted conversation like he had a minute ago when he offered the fish.

That planned changed the moment the cage door opened.

The Nightmare approached, it's terrifying claws scraping the ground and head dipped into a strike position. Hiccup stayed planted in his spot a few feet away from the creature that could be his demise. The Nightmare's hot breath blew over him.

"It's okay. It's okay," Hiccup reassured, and with every fiber in his being, he spoke the words that he had resolved to in his mind for weeks, "I'm not one of them."

The Nightmare gurgled curiously, blinking its orange eyes.

Hiccup held his palm out in front of him and with one decisive step, his skin made contact with dragon scales. He hadn't realized how fast his heart had been pumping. His face split into a relieved and overjoyed smile as the dragon's nose pressed firmer against his palm.

His gaze flicked up to find Astrid. Both hands covered her mouth, her eyes round in shock and awe. He nodded at her in silent agreement and she returned the gesture.

Their crazy plan to train dragons may work after all.