"Why can't they understand the way we feel?
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different, but deep inside us
We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more"

- "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins

Chapter 23

"Brennda, we need to talk."

Clearly. I spared Hiccup a glance as I unmounted Bolt. I could feel the icy stares of the others scattered about the base. If they expected an apology from me, they would be waiting an awfully long time. I noted how far I had come since I joined them. At one point, I would have tried my hardest to please them and earn their approval. Now that did not matter in the face of doing what was right.

"Fine, but we'll talk alone," I said. "People seem to loose the ability to think rationally in a mob."

Hiccup nodded. "Point taken." He appeared much calmer as he led the way to his hut. He did not speak again until we entered and he shut the door behind him. "I think I owe you can explanation."

I crossed my arms. "I'd say."

"We didn't mean to gang up on you like that. We really were worried about you. After we ran into the pirates, Astrid told us you've been secretly meeting with Harald. It all fit together too nicely to be a coincidence. We stopped the pirates but thought you still might be in danger. In the very least, we wanted to get information out of Harald, and we didn't know any other way to do it."

I searched his face for sincerity. I sensed he was telling the truth, and it seemed like he was willing to discuss what happened. Some of my anger slipped away as I formulated a response. "I understand, Hiccup. And I do appreciate your concern, but you acted recklessly and without regard for my thoughts and feelings. You could have met me after I returned and explained the situation, and we could have figured it out then. You should have known I was not in any immediate danger. And you should have known I would react defensively when you threatened Harald. I know you probably don't understand our relationship, but you should know this: we will always protect each other."

Finally, some guilt shone on Hiccup's face. "I'm sorry for putting you in that situation. You're right; I don't understand you relationship. But that doesn't mean it's not real. It's just tough being responsible for everyone. I have to look after us first."

"I know, but a good chief delegates, doesn't he? Isn't that why you agreed to let me handle Harald? I have specialized knowledge that you don't and can't have. You have to trust me."

"I do trust you."

I shook my head. "You may think you do, but your actions say otherwise. You only trust me when it agrees with your own judgment, and that's not really trust. If you trusted me, you would accept my decision even amidst your own doubts. Harald trusted me more than you did today. He had every right to follow his natural instinct to self-defense, but he made himself vulnerable because he trusted me to handle it. That kind of trust is very valuable when it works. Harald doesn't trust very many people like that, and it would be stupid of him to betray me and ruin it."

"That... sort of makes sense." Hiccup sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Brennda, why didn't you just tell me you were meeting him? Did you really think I wouldn't understand?"

I hesitated before responding. "It wasn't that exactly. I didn't think everyone needed to know the specifics of what I was doing. Just because Harald cares for me doesn't mean he's not dangerous to the rest of you, and I didn't want you to become too relaxed. Also, we thought it better if fewer people knew about us so that the information didn't get into the wrong hands. It seems like Johann found out somehow, so I guess we weren't as careful as we thought. Really, it was Stormheart we were hiding it from. If she realizes how close we are, she might accuse Harald of having split loyalties." I frowned. "Which is kind of what you did today. I didn't expect that from my side."

Hiccup winced. "I'm sorry, Brennda. That was not my intention. I still think you should have at least told me what was going on. Maybe we could have avoided this."

I shrugged. "Maybe. You won't have to worry for awhile. We agreed to stop seeing each other for now because he thinks we need to focus on helping our own sides. And maybe I can't afford to be fighting you guys right now, but it is a risky move. The longer Harald and I are apart, the more chances he has to become inoculated in Stormheart's culture and to convince himself he doesn't need me or anyone else."

Hiccup gave me a sheepish look. "Again, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?"

I bit my lip as I thought about it. I doubted I could get Harald to change his mind right now. It was best to look forward. "Just trust me next time, okay? No matter how hard it is to believe me. Please, can you try to trust me just once to see how it goes?"

"I will. I promise."

I smiled slightly. "Thank you, Hiccup."

"I'll talk to the others and let them know what's going on, but you have to let it go."

"You mean forgive Astrid for telling on me? Fine. I'll move on."

Hiccup smiled. "Thank you."

We left to go our separate ways. I felt surprisingly optimistic about our conversation. Still, I could not be certain Hiccup really trusted me until that trust was tested. I had no idea how soon that would happen.

It turned out dealing with Johann and Krogan did require my full attention. Krogan and his flyers attempted to take over Berk, but we managed to drive him off. We decided to host a meeting on Defenders of the Wing Island with our allies to discuss our response to our enemies. Hiccup and Snotlout traveled to Wingmaiden Island to fetch the leader there while the rest of us began the meeting with Mala and Dagur.

We ran into problems when Dagur and Mala disagreed about everything. Ruffnut and Tuffnut announced themselves mediators and made them go through a series of dangerous tasks to learn to get along. Eventually, I caught onto something and offered my own input. Instead of facing each other as opponents, I had them work together. This bore fruit, and by the end, they clearly liked each other. Astrid and Fishlegs were stunned. After that, the others came back, and the meeting went well.

Then came the midnight sun. Two full weeks of sunlight. Hiccup took care of things at Berk while the rest of us hung out at Dragon's Edge. The first week, everyone was fairly normal. Into the second, however, symptoms of sleep deprivation started to show. From experience, I knew my friends would irritate me to death, so I decided to take a flight over the ocean with Bolt while it was still safe to do so.

We had not flown for long when we spotted a ship down below. It was acting very strangely, zigzagging around instead of sailing in a straight line. There was something familiar about it... Before my slow mind could figure it out, Bolt swooped down towards the ship. Ah, it was Harald's ship.

We landed on the ship in front of Harald, who stared at us. "Need some help?" I said.

"Why would think that?" Harald said with none of his usual sarcasm or cockiness.

I looked over my shoulder. "Because you're going to run into that sea stack. Or not. Your sailing is too erratic to tell."

Harald frowned. "Thank you, Brennda. I'll fix that."

I eyed him as he worked. Leopold flew from his shoulder and greeted Bolt. "Have you ever experienced the midnight sun before?" He was not from around here, after all. Actually, I had no idea where he was from.

"Of course I have. But not for longer than a week."

"Ah, that explains it. The second week is when it gets good." I nodded in approval once we were headed away from the sea stack. "What are you doing out here anyway? It's dangerous to be sailing with a lack of sleep."

"Any more dangerous than it is to be flying?"

I shrugged. "Dragons are less affected than humans, and I trust Bolt. You didn't answer my question."

"Stormheart sent me to patrol for enemies... but no enemies will attack during the midnight sun. I think she just wanted to get rid of me." He looked sad as he said the last part. It seemed sleep deprivation prevented him from keeping tight control over his emotions.

I gave him a sympathetic smile. "Well, certain people are hard to be around each other during the midnight sun. I left my friends because I find them annoying."

Harald looked away. "I see."

"Anyway, you should find an island and just stay there until it's dark. It's safer that way." I turned to get back on Bolt, but Harald's firm grip on my arm stopped me. I looked back at him in surprise.

He gazed at me with big, sad eyes. "Please, Brennda... Will you stay with me? I don't want to be alone."

He sounded so uncharacteristically genuine and innocent that, at first, I did not know what to say. But in my sleep deprived state, I did not have the resolve to deny him his request even if I wanted to. "Of course I'll stay with you, Harald." Besides, I might need to keep an eye on him to make sure he did not hurt himself... or an innocent sea stack.

Harald's face lit up, and he pulled me into a tight hug. "Thank you, Brennda. You're the best!"

I smiled as I hugged him back. I didn't know why Stormheart had a problem with him. I found him completely adorable. Perhaps there was something good about the midnight sun after all. "Now, let's get somewhere safe."

I ended up leading us to the island where we used to meet. We already knew the island well, and there were no dangerous dragons. We set up camp with everything we would need when we became even more tired. And then the fun began.

I quickly learned Harald was very affectionate when he was sleep deprived. Not that I minded. I enjoyed the attention he gave me, and I gave him plenty in return. My brain was too tired to overthink everything, so I simply enjoyed the moment. We alternated between running around playing like hyper kids and laying in the grass snuggling in an attempt to catch a few wisps of sleep.

The days blended together. Unlike every other year, I actually enjoyed myself. Or, rather, I enjoyed spending unfiltered time with Harald without worrying about anything except each other. Neither of us could wear masks or put up shields. We were ourselves.

When night finally hit, we were both so tired it took awhile for us to realize what that meant. "Look!" Harald said, pointing at the sky. "Flashing lights."

I grinned. "They're dancing for us." I stifled a yawn that appeared to me to come out of nowhere.

"Sleep," Harald said. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to the ground with him. "Now."

I laughed as I landed on his chest. "Okay. Sleep." I curled into him, smiling when he wrapped his arms around me. Everything felt perfect. "Good night, Harald."

"Good night." He paused. "Brennda?"

"Hmm?" I felt myself drift off, and I could barely make out and understand his words.

"I love you..."

My mind felt fuzzy and my head hurt when I awoke. I squinted my eyes against the bright sun, trying to make out where I was. Then it came back to me. I partially lay on top of Harald while he held me there with his arms securely around me. The sounds of his breathing and heartbeat brought a smile to my face.

I shifted so I could observe him. He looked so peaceful and at ease when he slept - nothing like the hardened pirate he tried to convince everyone he was. He seemed almost vulnerable now, and I felt a surge of desire to protect him. I lifted my hand and brushed it across his cheek.

Harald's eyes flew open. He appeared disoriented at first, but then recognition glinted in his eyes. "Good morning," I said. "Feeling better?" I started to withdraw my hand, but he stopped me by placing his own on top of it.

"I still feel like I took on an entire armada by myself," he grumbled. "Sleeping didn't work."

I laughed. "You went for two weeks without sleep. One night isn't going to make up for that. But you've got your attitude back, so it must have done something."

Harald smirked. "I do have some energy." He brought his face to mine and kissed me hard.

Any rational thought I had regained vanished again as I kissed him back. He gently pushed my down so he was the one on top of me. I wrapped my arms around him and brought him closer to me. Now, this was a good morning.

We broke apart for air, and he smiled down at me. "You're too tempting," he teased.

I lifted my eyebrows. "I'm sorry?"

Harald chuckled and dropped to the ground beside me. He took my hand and gently rubbed his thumb across it. "I need to go home." He spoke as if the idea were distasteful.

"I know." I did not like it any better than he did. "Do you think you can sail safely?"

"I should hope so."

"You weren't doing too well when I found you last week."

"Maybe that was because I wanted you to find me."

I rolled my eyes. Although, with his limited ability to reason at the time, it may have been true. "I'll come with you to make sure you get back safely." I might as well finish the job.

"You must still be tired as well if you think that's a good idea." But he did not protest.

"Everyone we meet is going to be in the same boat."

We got up and examined the damage we inflicted on our camp. We found our dragons and enlisted their help in cleaning up. An hour later, we found our way to Harald's ship and set off.

It turned out he did need my help to sail properly. Neither of us were up to our full mental and physical capacities, but working together, we were able to safely make it to the Tempest. Harald signaled the pirates watching, and the battleship opened up for us.

It was only when I saw Stormheart waiting for us that I realized why this had not been the best idea. I could discern nothing from her expression, though I knew sleep deprivation had to have affected her too. Perhaps she would chalk this up to that?

"Welcome back," Stormheart said, her tone controlled and calculating and her gaze on Harald. "I see you survived this unfortunate event."

"No thanks to you," I said before I could stop myself. "You sent him off on an absurd mission where he could have crashed with his crazy sailing."

"It wasn't that crazy," Harald muttered.

Stormheart appeared unaffected by my accusation. "I assumed one of you do-gooders would assist him. Thank you for keeping him safe."

I opened my mouth to respond but closed it again when I realized what she said. Was she serious? If her thinking was still as muddled as mine, perhaps she was sincere. I did not sense a threat even with the dozens of pirates staring down at me. I looked at Harald, and my expression softened. "He's always safe with me."

Harald smiled at me. "I'll see you next year then?"

I grinned at him. "For sure."

He gave me a quick hug and whispered a goodbye in my ear. I spared a quick glance at Stormheart, still finding her unreadable, and then mounted Bolt. Fortunately, no one fired at us as we took off. It seemed I had judged the situation rightly.

But as I started for Dragon's Edge, my thinking cleared up. I realized that was the first time I had ever seen Harald and Stormheart together, and I bet that was by Harald's design. Had we betrayed ourselves... or was the midnight sun a reasonable excuse for everything? Stormheart did not seem surprised to see us together, after all.

Suddenly, flashes of the previous night filled my mind. Harald... did he say he loved me? I was certain I heard it right before falling asleep. Was that just an extension of his overly-affectionate sleep deprived self... or a result of his lowered inhibitions?

And just like that, my overactive mind returned in full force.

I spent the next week recovering my lost sleep. I ended up telling Hiccup about my adventures, and he was fine with all of it. He said a lot worse could have happened, and he was glad I was safe. I stopped worrying about it and focused on our fight with the dragon hunters and Krogan's flyers.

And then one day when we were all working outside at the edge, Sleuther landed in front of us, carrying Dagur and... Mala?

"Hiccup!" Dagur exclaimed joyfully, completely ignoring the arrow sticking out of his chest.

Hiccup stared at him. "Dagur. Mala. A-arrow?"

Fishlegs gaped. "Are you guys okay?"

"Never better!" Dagur said. "Why do you ask?"

"You have an arrow sticking out of your... Nothing."

"We have a very important announcement, Hiccup Haddock," Mala said as she dismounted Sleuther and stood beside Dagur. There was a soft smile on her face that I had never seen before on her but still found familiar.

"You're in love?" I guessed.

Dagur grinned. "Yes! And there's more. I just finished the Defenders of the Wing King Trials. Nailed it!"

Mala looped her arm through Dagur's. "We are getting married," she said.

"Yes, we are."

"I'm over the moon!"

Snotlout utterly confused. "Huh?"

Fishlegs clapped his hands together in delight. "Oh-ho-hoo!"

"I knew it!" I said. "I totally saw this coming."

Hiccup gave me an odd look. "How?"

I shrugged. "I know love. First I helped Skulder and Phlegma, and now Dagur and Mala..."

"You can't focus on your own love life?" Astrid said.

"Maybe I could if someone did not keep interfering."

Astrid rolled her eyes.

We moved the party to the clubhouse where Hiccup helped Dagur remove the arrow for his chest. After thanking him, Dagur sat next to Mala, and the two of them stared lovingly into each others' eyes and spoke sweetly to each other.

"You are the Dagur in my heart and the king of my kingdom," Mala said.

"And you are my Queen Mala-poo," Dagur said. "Poopy, poop-"

Everyone except me appeared weirded out. Astrid looked to Hiccup for help. "Uh... Hiccup?"

"They did seem to get along after the twins' whole mediation thing," Hiccup said, "but... ugh."

"Marriage?" Fishlegs said. "Wait, w-when? How?"

Dagur looked up at him. "Let me set the scene, Fishy. One day, I was sitting pondering this one little spot of fat that I just can't seem to get rid of no matter how many crunches I do. Then it just- It hit me, Fishy."

Mala playfully punched his arm. "Or more specifically, I hit him."

Dagur smiled. "Ah, it was love at first fight. Hit me again."

Mala blushed. "Oh, no, no."

"Go on, hit me again."

Mala giggled. "Dagur."

Dagur gave her an eager look. "Hit me again. Hit me again."

"Now's not the time."

I watched them with keen interest. "I've never seen them like this. Maybe I knew Dagur was excitable and affectionate with the people he likes, but Mala always seemed so in control."

"Love does change people," Fishlegs said. "It brings out their softer side."

I smiled. "That's for sure."

"But does it have to be so public?" Snotlout said in disgust.

"Dagur isn't exactly someone who keeps his feelings private."

"Well, I think it's kind of sweet," Fishlegs said. "Proof that true love knows no bounds."

I grinned. "Exactly, Fishlegs. It's very inspiring."

"I'm glad someone's enjoying it," Snotlout muttered.

I sent him a teasing smirk. "Just wait until you fall in love. You'll understand then."

There was a time when all of this mushy stuff would have made me sick as well. But now I understood the meaning behind it and appreciated the love beneath. I thought it was great that Dagur and Mala were able to freely express their affection this way. That was what I wanted as well, and I was determined to get it.

A/N: Gotta love that midnight sun. ;)