The day had been nice with Toothless, and no one suspected a thing. Hiccup was very happy because to him, it felt like they were actually together. The vision of being able to have a relationship where no one judged them and didn't care. Alas, the truth was that Hiccup and Toothless were only seen as friends. Plus, no one knew the male with Hiccup was Toothless. In fact, no one knew who the mysterious black-haired male with green eye was, only that he'd been with Hiccup all day. Astrid recognized him from when she spotted Hiccup having sex with the guy, but she promised Stoick she'd stay quiet to protect Hiccup, so she would. She couldn't really go against the chief anyway. Truthfully, Astrid wanted to be with Hiccup, but he hadn't seemed interested in a couple years. She thought for sure they'd been doing good after the Red Death battle, but somewhere along the way; Hiccup got distant and didn't appear to care about the fact Astrid showed clearly she wanted to be with him. And Astrid had tried to hang out with Hiccup, but he always had such good reasons to why he couldn't. Now, Astrid knew that a lot of that was probably Hiccup having sex with this guy and Astrid was determined to figure out who he was because something, to her, didn't seem quite right.

It was nearing dinner time now, but Hiccup and Toothless had spent their afternoon together in the cove for lunch. They ate first, and talked a bit, then ended up having sex very late on and of course, fell fast asleep. The two lovers stayed snuggled up together, sleeping peacefully as the hours flew by. Toothless was first to awaken, and slip away from Hiccup to look outside and find it was dark and nearing Berk's normal dinner time.

"Hiccup," Toothless shook him lightly.

"Hm?" Hiccup replied tiredly.

"We need to get up and get moving. It's dinner time, you told your dad we'd be there…" Toothless informed.

"Ugh, I don't wanna to move…" Hiccup groaned.

"Come on…" Toothless urged gently, placing a few kisses on his neck and shoulder.

"Don't do that…I'll get all aroused again and we definitely won't be going to dinner…" Hiccup mumbled.

"If you're not too tired, we'll do it later on before bed…" Toothless tempted. "But only if you get up right now and get ready…I can fly us to the edge of the forest and transform back to human," He stated.

"Okay…" Hiccup forced himself to get up, then pull his clothes on. "I'm ready." He stated.

. . .

Hiccup got on Toothless's back and they flew to the edge of the forest where Toothless returned to human form and got himself dressed before they walked into the village and hurried up the hall steps to get inside.

"Son, there you are…" Stoick beamed, motioning for him to come down the way and sit at the table. Obviously, Tallon too. The two made it to Stoick and took a seat.

"Who ya got there, laddie?" Gobber inquired.

"Son, why don't you handle introductions?" Stoick invited.

Hiccup nodded and stood up as Toothless did too. "Um, everyone…This is Tallon Raseri. I met him a couple years ago when he washed up on Berk's shores. I let him recover in the cove and trained him a dragon to get around. He's a runaway from the mainland and lives on Dragon Island with a couple others who also ran away. Um…We're really good friends, same age, and he visits now and them so we can hang out."

"Good to meet ya, Tallon." Gobber smiled. "Welcome to Berk,"

"Thank you. It's wonderful here," Toothless said.

"Where's Toothless?" Astrid wondered.

"Hanging out in the cove with Tal's dragon, who is very shy and doesn't like big groups or villages." Hiccup said. "We just checked on them before coming here."

"Is that why you were late?" Stoick asked.

"Yeah," Hiccup nodded.

"It's fine, my boy. Let's all eat," Stoick informed.

Everyone seemed to buy the story and went about eating and talking to others. Hiccup and Toothless were grateful that no one asked questions because it could get hard to answer some if they wanted to dig too far into the backstory. They never fleshed out a full story, just what would make the most sense as to why this Tallon didn't have family or a place to live. Everything looked like it was going to be fine, and their arrangement would stand as is, for now.

. . .

Months had gone by since the night the Hooligan's learned of Hiccup's new, and secret friend, Tallon. It was now December, and a Monday, the 9th. Snoggletog, the annual festive holiday, was in nine more days. Stoick had already told Hiccup to bring Tallon along to enjoy things with everyone, and Hiccup didn't have much choice but to say okay. Of course, Hiccup and Toothless still had their fun every few days, but made it look like they only saw one another every couple of weeks. The story was holding well and things looked like they'd be great. Hiccup knew it wouldn't last, the closer he got to being made chief; the closer it meant he'd likely be getting married. Stoick had sent word out to the other chieftains about the ceremony being in March for Hiccup to become chief of Berk, and all had replied saying they'd come. Hiccup knew that he wouldn't be able to just go off whenever to be with Toothless once he was chief. And everything would stop once he was married. Hiccup really hated it and he'd spent all this time trying to figure out how to make it work; he had nothing unless he told his father the truth that Tallon was Toothless in human form, also that they were in love. His father was likely to throw a fit, so would everyone else.

Hiccup had been doing really well in his training, Stoick was most impressed and had already started letting Hiccup take the reins in council meetings, and handling the village things. Stoick never really had to step in, so he was proud. The last part of his training would be handling the annual chieftain meeting in January. It was always after Snoggletog and the New Year beginning. Hiccup would have to handle everything that day, but Stoick had high hopes and knew his son would do fine. Astrid had been trying to learn more about Tallon, but usually Hiccup and him were far from her or busy with other things. Hiccup was allowed out of his training with Stoick when Tallon came to visit. Astrid knew, she just knew that Tallon and Hiccup were still having sex, that's why they basically vanished when Tallon visited. Stoick probably knew cause he never minded when the boys rushed off together. Maybe Stoick didn't care because Tallon was a male, no pregnancy could happen and they were keeping it from the rest of the village, so no one knew what was happening.

Right now, it's about breakfast time as everyone was in the hall. Hiccup just arrived and sat next to his father.

"Tallon heading back home?" Stoick inquired.

"Yeah, I just saw him off with his dragon, Dad. You know he'll be back in a few weeks." Hiccup replied gently with a smile. Toothless laid down next to Hiccup's chair and relaxed as Hiccup rubbed his head a few times, earning a croon of content.

"I like the lad. His mannerisms are astounding, and I know he makes you happy. It's always good to have a friend that strong and true, mine is Gobber," Stoick chuckled. "Make sure he's here for your chieftain ceremony,"

"I've already told him about it and he's hoping to be sitting in the front row," Hiccup laughed.

"Of course, right up with me and the chieftains. He can be your personal guest of honor," Stoick said. "But I do like him, I wish he'd stay on the island."

"I know, Dad…But he made his stance pretty clear about not abandoning the other runaways," Hiccup said.

Stoick nodded. "Well, now that everyone is here, I can make the announcement."

"What announcement?" Hiccup asked. "You already told everyone about me becoming chief in two months,"

"Just be patient, son," Stoick reassured as he stood up to get everyone's attention. "Come now, settle down," He instructed. "Now…As everyone knows, my son will be named chief of the Hooligan tribe in just three months. The time has flown by and I can honestly say that when he puts his mind to it; he learns real fast. I've almost had to teach him nothing," Stoick laughed and Hiccup only shook his head. "Regardless, he's done extremely well and I know he'll run this tribe the same as I, or perhaps, even better. He already ended the war with dragons, created all this peace with dragon and the other tribes. I'm immensely proud…" Stoick informed. "I know he'll be an amazing chief, and when the time comes, a wonderful husband and father one day."

"Dad…How about we don't rush that? I'm only about to be nineteen…" Hiccup said gently.

"Which is why it's the perfect time. Start young, have many years ahead of you to enjoy the happiness of being married and watching your kids grow up." Stoick patted his shoulder. "So I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I closed marital contract negotiations this morning for you to marry a wonderful young woman right before you become chief." He said as Hiccup's eyes widened.

"You did what?" Hiccup asked quickly. "Did you just say you arranged me to be married?"

"It was to someone I know you'll be happy with. I wouldn't have picked a random girl, my boy. This morning, I closed negotiations…And things are set to take place right before you become chief, since everyone will be here already. Hooligans…In two months, not only will you have a new chief, but chieftess as well. I happily announce the marriage of my son, Hiccup Haddock and Astrid Hofferson!" Stoick announced. Hiccup suddenly felt the breath he was taking get caught in his throat as he could breathe. "Come on up, lass," Stoick invited. Astrid, blushing, got up from the table with the other riders and joined standing next to Hiccup, who couldn't believe his father set him up to marry Astrid! Gods, this wasn't happening; he didn't want to marry her. He wanted Toothless. Stoick stood behind Hiccup and Astrid, his hands on their shoulders. "They will be wed right before Hiccup becomes chief on March 6th, which is our tradition day for wedding, Friday." Stoick informed the rest of the tribe.

Astrid linked her hand to Hiccup's and he looked at her, she was smiling at him then she laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm so happy…" Astrid told him.

"Yeah…" Hiccup managed. He wasn't happy, he was miserable and really just wanted to get away.

. . .

The rest of breakfast was awful for Hiccup, but he tried to play the act of happy about things. The very same act he told Toothless months ago that he didn't want to have to play. Hiccup was basically stuck to Astrid's side as they were congratulated by everyone. The time went by slowly and Hiccup had a major headache, Toothless sensed his friend wanting to escape.

"So how do wedding plans work, Stoick?" Astrid asked after Hiccup and her had finally made the rounds around the room and now, able to sit.

"We took care of all that, but we'll got over it with you closer to the wedding." Stoick informed. "There will be an exchange of gifts for betrothal, and obvious fittings for your clothes that day. Gothi will be officiating the ceremony, as well as the one for Hiccup becoming chief," He continued. "There isn't much for you to plan."

"Alright," Astrid smiled. "Aren't you happy, Hiccup?" She wondered, seeing that he wasn't beaming with joy as she was.

"Thrilled…" Hiccup remarked.

"We can spend the day together, talking about how our future will be," Astrid told him. "Won't that be fun? I'm looking forward to it. I've missed you a lot, feels like we've fallen apart. This will be good for us to…Restrengthen our relationship." She revealed. Hiccup felt sick, he wanted to leave and now. He pulled his hand from hers as she looked at him quickly. "What's wrong?" She asked lightly.

"Dad…Have I fulfilled all my duties here?" Hiccup asked.

"Yes, I suppose you have. Why?" Stoick inquired.

"I'm not feeling well and I want to go get some sleep," Hiccup told him.

"What do you mean you're not feeling well?" Stoick asked gently.

"I haven't since last night, Dad…That's why I went to bed so early. I felt worse this morning, Tallon mentioned I felt warm…" Hiccup said.

"What's ailing ya?" Gobber wondered; the man was always at the chieftain's tables as Stoick's best friend.

"Tired, headache, stomach hurts, body feels sore…I'm sure you saw I haven't eaten much of my breakfast." Hiccup told him. "I just…Really want to go lay down before I get dizzy or actually throw up. So can I?"

"Yes, of course, son…I'll come by to check on you later. Alright? Do you need anything right now? I can have Gothi whip something up for you," Stoick offered.

"No, it's fine, Dad…" Hiccup told him. "I just want to get some rest."

"Would you like me to come, Hiccup? I could take care of you, that's…My job as your wife. Well, soon to be right now," Astrid questioned.

"No, thanks…" Hiccup told her. "I have Toothless," He added. "Come on, bud…" Toothless instantly got to his feet and went to Hiccup's side and nudged him to get on his back. Hiccup climbed on as Toothless walked out of the hall with him on his back.

"Why do I feel like he's not happy about the wedding?" Astrid looked at Stoick.

"Because he isn't. I sprung it on him and had promised a while back that I wouldn't do that," Stoick sighed.

"You did more than that, Stoick…You didn't follow tradition. The heir has the right to pick who he wants to marry…You weren't supposed to just start negotiations behind his back." Gobber informed.

"I just figured they were close, Astrid is the only girl he's ever wanted in the past, even kissed…" Stoick replied.

"That was three years ago, Stoick…He's been around to the other islands, has a lot of friends. You don't know that his feelings didn't change…" Gobber said.

"What do I do? Cancel the contract with the Hofferson's?" Stoick asked his friend.

"No. No, it's alright, Stoick. Hiccup and I are still close friends. He doesn't like anyone else; we'll be fine. It'll just take some adjusting." Astrid told him.

"Right. For now, let's let him rest and get better…" Stoick nodded.

Over at the Haddock hut, Hiccup got inside with Toothless then slammed the door shut. "I cannot believe this!" Hiccup yelled.

Toothless took the risk; he transformed into his human side and looked at Hiccup who was angry and upset. "Hiccup…" Toothless tried.

"I can't believe him! Why in the name of Odin would he arrange me to marry someone!? " Hiccup remarked.

"You knew it could happen, Hiccup…" Toothless said.

"I knew I would have to give an heir. I knew I'd probably have to get married to do that, yes. But it was supposed to be my choice, Toothless. My choice! I was supposed to choose who I marry…" Hiccup threw his fists down. "And it was supposed to be after I became chief…I had time. A year…A full year to find a wife and at least be betrothed before that mark was up. Beyond that…Plenty of time to have a kid too! Now, I'm getting married in three months!"

"It won't be that bad," Toothless tried to get Hiccup to stop pacing angrily.

"It will because it's not what I want! It's not even my choice!" Hiccup reminded. "I won't do this…I won't. I-I'll runaway…I'll use-,"

Toothless grabbed Hiccup's arms tightly, but not too hard, and made him look into his eyes. "Hiccup!" Toothless said firmly. "You are the heir to Berk. As long as your father is chief, and you his heir…He can do these things. Now…I know it's not what you want. I know you wanted it to be your choice, on your terms. I know you want me…But you know, we've always know since this began that it wouldn't last forever." Hiccup's eyes filled with tears. "It's time, Hiccup. It's time to accept that us, that we have to stop and live our lives as expected. You have to take your place as chief, marry, and have an heir…It's time to accept your future. It's time to accept what you cannot change. This is how it has to be."

Hiccup's lip quivered a few moments, then he buried his face in Toothless's chest and cried. Toothless released Hiccup's arms, and held him tightly, trying to rub his back and arms. "Ssh…It's okay. It's alright, Hiccup…We'll be okay through this." Toothless soothed gently. Hiccup only held onto Toothless and sobbed lightly, to which Toothless eventually picked Hiccup up and took him to his room so they could lay in bed together. "I know it hurts. It's painful for me too, Hiccup…We've always known life isn't fair and this is just one of those moments we can't fight. I'll still always be with you, part of your life…Just not the way we want it to be…"

"I don't love her…I love you…" Hiccup cried.

"I love you too," Toothless sighed.

"Love is supposed to be the strongest force in the world…Supposed to be unbreakable…I believed in it. I believed we had that love…" Hiccup told him.

"I did too, but we can't stop what's going to happen. I know there are ways, but that would take you from your father, friends, and birthright. You'd never be accepted by them if we stayed together…It's better this way." Toothless held him tightly and kissed his forehead. "We're going to be okay."

Hiccup could only hold onto him and cry, but it slowed down and became silent. It wasn't too much longer before Hiccup fell fast asleep and Toothless held him until he could let go and not wake Hiccup, then he went back to dragon form and laid on his rock to watch over his friend. It was for the best; that's what he kept telling himself. It had to be this way, for both of them to be alright. It hurt, it would for a while; but everything would alright soon.