{Hiccup's POV}

=Total Time Home; 9 Months=

I felt pretty good after talking to my father about things, and I am still astonished at how well he took it all too. I ate lunch with my dad, then Toothless, and I went flying alone. I explained to him that Stoick was going to send the word to the other Tribes to find a woman who will end up carrying the next Berk Heir. For the life of me; I still had no idea how I was going to work these contract negotiations as far as allowing this woman to stay in my life or kick her out once the baby was a year old. My dad told me to think about things while we were waiting on responses, and so far, it's been a month that we've been waiting. My father suggested we start easy with just our Tribe because the stipulation to this was that the female couldn't be an Heir themselves for obvious reasons. Also, within this last month; Toothless, Viggo, Ryker, Yin, Yang, and I have all moved back to the village. Everyone rejoiced about that, and I thought it was pretty funny, but it was a great feeling to be welcomed home in a sense. I had asked my father to do one other thing before I returned, and that was to let everyone know that Toothless and I were lovers, so they could settle with it before I came back.

Dad took care of everything in a village meeting, making the announcement. After a week or so, I asked him if it was safe to enter the village and he laughed telling me of course it was. I spent the remainder of that week moving thing back into my father's house. Viggo and Ryker were staying with Gobber since he had the extra space to hold them, plus a spare stable for Yin and Yang. I spent my days with my dad and Toothless beside me learning how to be the Chief of Berk. I love that Toothless and I could share small kissed here and there without anyone giving us dirty looks. I'm sure there are some haters out there, but as long as they don't bother me; I don't rightly care. It's no different than those who don't like the peace some Tribes have with dragons. Of course, this would be a first that the dragon and human lover stay in the village instead of going to have their own life; I had everything I could want right on Berk, so there was no reason to leave. Right now, my dad and I were taking a break from Chief training for lunch. Toothless and I decided to head to Dragon Island for a peaceful meal together without interruptions

{Dragon Island}

Toothless landed as I climbed off of his back, then kissed his cheek. I laid out the blanket and pulled the basket of food I brought. Toothless was having fish because it was his favorite, but he would eat chicken and other types of food too if available. I finally sat down and relaxed a bit, deciding to eat in a few minutes.

"You're doing very well with your training, Hiccup. Toothless said.

"Thanks. It's not all that hard; I think I picked most of it up when we were living on The Edge," I admitted. Being the leader meant setting a patrol, guard, and fishing schedule. Organizing, assisting in problems, food and supply counts. Making big decisions for upcoming battles or meetings. Yeah, it was all stuff I had done on Dragon's Edge for the one year we were there, and I have been the leader of the dragon riders since I was fifteen being that I was the first to learn how, and bring the peace I found after defeating Red Death.

Your father will likely make you Chief before you turn twenty-one at this rate. Toothless informed softly.

"Eh; I told him to do it when he felt I was ready. For me, there is no ready or not. Sooner or later; I'll become Chief of Berk," I said.

That's true. And I'll be right there next to you. Toothless reminded.

"I'm glad. I honestly don't think I could do it without you, Tooth," I smiled as Toothless pressed his lips to mine. I kissed him back, proud to say that Toothless is my lover. Nothing had ever felt more right to me than being his. Toothless pulled back and relaxed next to me.

Have you given any thought to who you'll select as your council members? Or perhaps a second in command? Toothless asked afterward.

"A little bit. The riders would make a good council. Well, Astrid, Snotlout, and Fishlegs anyway. Probably my dad, Gobber, and Ryker too. The twins will likely end up messengers to other Tribes. As for a second in command…Honestly, I think I'm gonna go with Viggo," I stated.

Seems well thought out in my opinion. Toothless nodded, then ate a fish. Any word on a suitable female for the Heir situation?

"Nothing yet. I don't assume it's an easy process. Finding one woman who is mainly just going to be used as a baby maker and carrier? Not many women wanna do that," I enlightened.

Understandable, but these contracts are a thing. I believe that most all eligible females are aware that it can come up, and I'm sure select few will be willing do it. Toothless assured.

"I feel the same way, but there's still so much more to consider once a female is picked," I sighed closing his eyes now.

You mean the whole matter about if you kick her from your life or not? Toothless asked.

"Yeah. It should seem easy enough. Do the deed, baby comes, woman stays for a year for feedings, then she's gone, and it's played off that things didn't work out between the parents, or the mother died. I just…Thinking about all that makes me look back on my life," I mentioned.

How so? Toothless inquired.

"Well, in the leadership aspect of it; my dad never had time for me growing up. And I guess he just stuck me with Gobber because he didn't have anyone else to watch me. As a baby, since my mother is gone; I was breast-fed by Astrid's mom and my Aunt Frida. The bottom line is that I never really had a parent growing up. Gobber would be the closest thing to family. I have this strong feeling that Astrid's mom and Aunt Frida only did what they did because I was my father's only child so he couldn't let me die being his Heir. Snotlout hated me, my uncle felt Snotlout should be named Heir. I guess I feel like I'm the same position here," I explained.

About the fact, you're going to be a single father if this woman leaves, and you'll also be Chief? Toothless asked. I nodded. You're afraid to end up like your father who didn't have time for you, aren't you? I sighed looking down. Hiccup that won't happen, okay? You've always known that you've been different, like your mother from things I've overheard. Your father misses her dearly, and it was hard for him to raise you; it hurt Stoick to be around you knowing that you were just like your mom. And I know that sounds bad, but if things hadn't gone the way they did, would we be where we are now?

"No, I suppose not. If were like Stoick then I might have killed you that day instead of sparing you. According to Dad, the night he saw mom get taken; she hesitated to slay a dragon too, and it was the one who took her. No idea if there's any truth to that, but Gobber and dad have both said that mom always wanted peace, and everyone thought she was crazy," I informed.

Hiccup, listen to me. When all this finally comes full circle, and it's time for negotiations on the subject; just let the girl stay. There is no reason to break up the family, and that's what this woman is technically becoming. At some point, the Heir will hear the legends as every generation does, and that is when we can inform him or her that you and I are lovers, but also that the mother is in their life because we wanted to make sure this child always knows that it is loved. This woman can stay with us, watch the baby while we're working, and we can pop in throughout the day. Everything will be fine, and you know I don't mind as long as I have you. Toothless suggested.

"Yeah, I guess that can work. Seems fair all around," I looked at my soon to be mate with a smile now. "I really have no idea where I'd be without you,"

Then I guess it's a good thing I'm not going anywhere. Toothless replied. I leaned over and kissed him as Toothless returned it fully. We should eat; your dad is expecting you back in an hour.

"Good thing he doesn't know where we went then," I winked. Toothless stared at me.

You didn't tell him we were going off of Berk for lunch? Hiccup, he's gonna flip in worry that you got kidnap-, Toothless was cut off by me kissing him again.

"Relax, Tooth. I left word with Viggo and Ryker where we are. I need a break from all the training, and I just wanted to spend the rest of the day with you," I admitted. I don't know when it happened, but after telling people about Toothless and me; something changed in me. I haven't been plagued my nightmares or flashbacks in two weeks. Thinking about everything I went through would always be there, but it didn't hurt anymore. I finally feel like I'm over it because I know I'm home and safe with Toothless, and the others too. "Toothless,"

Yes, Hiccup? Toothless asked.

"Can we mate?" I inquired.

Toothless looked at me intently. When you're ready, just let me know. Toothless chuckled a little.

"I'm letting you know now, Tooth. I'm ready," I informed as Toothless's eyes widened a bit.

You're sure? Toothless questioned. I nodded to him. Alright then. Wait, is this why you whisked us to Dragon island without telling anyone but Viggo and Ryker where we are?

I nodded, blushing a bit. "I packed enough food for lunch, dinner, and breakfast tomorrow morning. I brought a sleeping pad, blanket, and pillow too,"

Sneaky, Hiccup. What are the brothers going to say when people start asking? Toothless wondered.

"Overnight camping trip and be back by tomorrow around lunch. Small vacation to get a break," I stated. Toothless laughed a little as he shook his head.

Simple but effective. So, where are we going for this, or do you have that pre-planned too? Toothless looked at me.

"Remember that cave on the other side of the island where Tuffnut held you and the dragons for that overnight training session Astrid picked?" I smiled. Toothless nodded. "There later tonight,"

I completely approve. Toothless responded. I smiled again and kissed him. This was going to happen. Toothless and I were going to mate tonight. I was both nervous and excited.

. . .

{Normal POV}

=Later The Evening; Sunset=

{Berk}

"WHERE IS MY SON!?" Stoick's voice boomed throughout the village.

"I'm sure he couldn't have gone far, Stoick. Calm down a little," Gobber rolled his eyes.

"No. The last time Hiccup was gone this long; he was kidnapped and taken to that madman to be tortured and raped!" Stoick argued. At that moment, Yin and Yang landed, allowing Viggo and Ryker down and approaching the forge where Stoick was with the other dragon riders.

"What is going on?" Ryker asked.

"Hiccup and Toothless have been gone since lunch," Snotlout sighed.

"Then I'm sure the boy is fine, Chief Stoick. Toothless wouldn't let anything happen to Hiccup; this I assure you," Viggo insisted.

"And how can you be positive?" Astrid remarked.

"Hiccup is to be Toothless's mate; that's all I need to know. Dragons are very possessive and protective; they will stop at nothing to ensure what is their's, remains only their's and that their mate is safe," Viggo responded.

"Gobber, where are Hiccup and Toothless?" Stoick demanded.

"What in Thor's name makes you think I know?" Gobber huffed.

"Because he tells you everything!" Stoick countered.

"Oh, for Odin's sake…" Gobber began. "I don't know where he is! I haven't seen him since this morning at breakfast in the hall,"

"We know where he is," Ryker pointed out as all eyes were on them.

"Ryker, you weren't supposed to say anything," Viggo sighed. "Hiccup and Toothless are on Dragon island for the night; they will be back tomorrow, midday," he informed.

"Why would they go there?" Tuffnut wondered.

"We usually all go together," Fishlegs pointed out.

"Hiccup wanted to go alone with Toothless; I see no problem," Viggo shrugged.

"Hiccup wanted a break from all the training," Ryker said.

"No, it's more than that. You two are hiding something," Astrid accused.

"For the love of Odin," Ryker rolled his eyes. "The boy and the Night Fury are mating," everyone's eyes widened a bit.

"I'm afraid my brother speaks the truth. Hiccup went to Dragon Island, alone with Toothless so they could mate tonight. Evidently; Hiccup has moved past what Drago did to him, and he's ready to go through with mating," Viggo stated.

"And you'd do well not to attempt to stop it unless you want to face Toothless's wrath. It doesn't matter who you are. A dragon as the right to kill whoever tries to interfere or stop the mating process. It's sacred to them," Ryker remarked.

"This time tomorrow, Hiccup and Toothless will be mated," Viggo added. The others looked at one another, accepting that there was nothing they could do because this was happening.