Alright! Next chapter! Not as long as the previous but still a good one I think. This takes place the same day the previous chapter did. Just so you're not confused. :)

Anyway, this is very much a Hiccup centered chapter. New development with other characters occurs and another flashback. Ehhh! :D

ENJOY! XD


Hiccup could barely keep his eyes open as he walked back to his car. All he wanted to do was fall on his bed and sleep for a week and judging by how Astrid performed today, she wanted to do the same thing. He could see that she struggled to keep up with the routine, to keep her body moving fast enough, to stay balanced on her own two feet, but she did it. And she fooled everyone that she was dead tired.

He was so tired, he didn't even feel that he was being watched…again. It was just a tingle in his tired mind and he didn't pay attention to it. He was so tired, he didn't even hear Tuffnut yelling his name until he was right next to him.

"HICCUP!" Tuff called one more time.

"Ah!" Hiccup jumped. "Uh-Tuff. I didn't hear you calling. You scared me."

"Really?" Tuff cocked an eyebrow. "I was calling you all the way from the football field. Are you deaf?"

"No," Hiccup shook his head. "Just tired."

"Oh well. Ok. Have you considered turning it into a deli?"

Hiccup stopped retrieving his keys as he tried to compute the sentence. "Uh-um-what?"

"Turn it into a deli," Tuff repeated.

Hiccup darted his eyes in confusion. "Turn my tiredness into a deli? That makes no sense!"

"What?" Tuff asked. "Why would you do that? HOW would you do that?"

"You just suggested that I do that!" Hiccup exclaimed.

"Huh?" Tuff looked at Hiccup like he had two heads before the confusion clicked. "Oh! No, no, no. It has nothing to do with you being tired."

"Then what are you talking about?"

"The ice cream shop."

Hiccup's eyes went wide in surprise. "The ice cream shop? What about it?"

"Have you considered turning it into a deli?" Tuff repeated.

"Oh," Hiccup said. "Um-no. Besides, I don't make those decisions. Gobber does."

"Well, has HE considered it?"

"I don't think so."

"Well he should."

"Why?" Hiccup asked cautiously.

"Because I know a good cook," Tuff smiled confidently.

"Oh. Who?"

"Me!" Tuffnut puffed out his chest proudly.

Hiccup cocked an eyebrow skeptically at Tuff. This is some hair brain scheme isn't it? Some prank. He looked around quickly trying to find Ruff and just waiting for her or someone to jump out to scare him. "Really?"

"Yes," Tuff nodded. "Look H master. I know I have a reputation as being crazy and unfocused. The truth is, I act that way to deal with the stress and the nerves."

"Are you serious?" Hiccup asked. He didn't know what to think about this information.

"The truth is, I love cooking!" Tuff threw his hands up in the air excitedly. "I cook most of the meals at home, though sis doesn't know. She thinks mom or dad did it. They can't cook," Tuff whispered.

"Ok," Hiccup nodded uncertain.

"I know you won't believe me so I came prepared." Tuff pulled a storage container out of his gym bag. He opened it to show Hiccup its contents. "These are homemade cinnamon rolls. I made them fresh last night so I could prove to you that I can cook."

"Why would you come to me?"

"Because other business would take one look at me and reject my application. Berk is small Hiccup. People have heard of me. But you're close to Gobber and his business. If I could just get a chance to prove myself, then maybe people would be able to take me seriously."

"You don't know if they'll reject your applications," Hiccup tried to help boost Tuff's confidence. "You should apply anyways."

"Oh I plan too," Tuff agreed. "I just want a back up plan."

"Why haven't you shared this info with the others?"

Tuff's shoulders fell. "I don't know. I feel like my sis would laugh as would the others. They'd think it's lame."

Hiccup's heart went out to Tuff. He understood that feeling all too well. "I don't think Astrid would do that."

"I don't know," Tuff shrugged. He then held out the container toward Hiccup. "Please try one. Just to prove to you that I can cook."

Hiccup looked back from Tuff and the container hesitantly. He wasn't sure if this was such a good idea. He could die of food poisoning or it could just be a prank. No. It's not. Tuff doesn't have the right exterior expression. He seems sincere.

Carefully, Hiccup picked up one of the rolls and took a bite. He didn't know what to expect but what he tasted blew his mind away. His eyes went wide and his tongue exploded with flavor. The cinnamon was distributed evenly, the frosting wasn't drowning the bread, and the bread itself was perfectly moist.

"Oh my god Tuff!" Hiccup exclaimed. "This is really good! How-I don't-just-wow."

"Yes! He likes it!" Tuff jumped excitedly.

"Like it," Hiccup smiled. "I love it! What else can you do?"

"A lot of things. Pasta dishes, sandwiches, breakfast foods, and everything in between."

"If that's so and everything tastes as good as this, I'd suggest you'd open a business, not work in a restaurant."

"Huh," tapped his chin. "That's not a bad idea. But I still need to get a chance."

"Look," Hiccup placed a hand on Tuff's shoulder. "How about you put together a small menu for the shop? I will talk to Gobber about this. We'll see but I make no promises."

"Yes," Tuff pumped his fist in triumph. "That's better than nothing!"

"I'll see what I can do. Give me a few days."

"Awesome!" Tuff smiled as he put the container away.

"See you tomorrow Tuff," Hiccup waved as Tuff began to walk away.

"See ya!" Tuff called back. He then stopped and turned around, really serious. "Hey H master."

"Yeah," Hiccup faced the twin.

"Why don't you hang out with us?" Hiccup's face fell in a mixture of sadness and awkwardness. "I mean. You're a pretty cool guy and you already hang out with Fishlegs, so why not with the rest of us?"

"Because," Hiccup said softly. "I can't."

"Does this has something to do with what we've done to you when we were younger?" Tuff questioned. "Because I'll admit. We were stupid and extremely rude towards you."

"No, no," Hiccup reassured. "It has nothing to do with that."

"Then what? You'd make a great addition to our group. In a way, you're already a part of it. You're in a least one of each of our classes and you're at practice with us. We should be friends."

"I'd love to be friends with you Tuff," Hiccup smiled. "But I don't think being a part of your group would sit right with Snotlout."

"What happened between you two?"

"I don't know," Hiccup shrugged. He then smiled at Tuff. "But if you ever need any help or want to talk, don't be a stranger."

"Will do H master," Tuff smiled back.


Astrid fell on her bed completely exhausted. She didn't care that half of her legs were hanging over the side. She didn't care that if she fell asleep in that position that her knees would hate her in the morning. All she could think about was her nice warm bed and the loving embrace of sleep.

She was so tired, she didn't even hear her father come home. He passed her bedroom door, which she forgot to close, and mumbled something along the lines of her being lazy like her mother. Astrid remained still, hoping that he'd continue down the hall and leave her alone. Luckily for her, he did.

However, Astrid's mind wandered through memories of her mother, which led to memories of Hiccup and his family and so much more as she fell asleep.

Emily was breaking down the last moving box and felt extremely accomplished. She went into her new home, a place where everything could start anew. She sat down and decided to have a cup of tea now that all of the work was done. Might as well enjoy the perfection while it lasts. She thought. We all know that a perfectly organized house will not stay that way for long. Just think of your room after you clean it for the first time in weeks. We all know it won't stay clean for long.

As she sat down on the floral couch, she looked out the window to see Astrid and the other boy she met the other day enter the backyard. She thought that there were animals accompanying them but she wasn't sure. She was about to go over and see if everything was okay when she saw a van pull up and a middle aged woman get out.

Must be the boy's mother. They'll be fine. She continued to enjoy the peace of the house as she sipped her tea. Harold was out looking at his new office in the tax building and Astrid was enjoying herself with her new friend. I should find me a friend as well. Maybe one day I will. I'm not like Astrid who can make friends easily. She's a lot like Harold. Very determined.

Once her cup was empty, she decided to do a little gardening in the backyard. She got on her gardening clothes and her gloves and was halfway out of the door when the doorbell rang. She went to answer it to find the woman she saw earlier, the boy, and Astrid standing in front of her. Her mind began to go into panic mode. Did something happen? Did Astrid do something wrong?

"Hi," she smiled nervously. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Valka nodded as she smiled at her new neighbor. "I just wanted to make sure she got back alright."

"Oh," Emily sighed. "Thank you. That's very kind."

"I also wanted to talk to you briefly."

"Oh? About what?" Astrid walked over the threshold of her house to stand next to her mother.

"It seems that your daughter and my son have formed a friendship and she's free to come over at any time. However, I just want to let you and your husband know that my occupation is as a vet to exotic animals."

"Exotic? Like what?"

"As in lions, tigers, and bears!" Astrid beamed.

"Oh my," Emily's face drained a bit.

Hiccup and Astrid looked at each other and chuckled. Little did the other know that that was one of their favorite movies.

"I also work from home so those animals are living in the backyard. They are not dangerous for they were either tamed before I received them or I tame the before I let my son near them. Your daughter isn't in danger if she comes over I just wanted you to know before Astrid told you and you have a heart attack."

"But I saw her go to the backyard earlier today," Emily said, her face completely horrified of what could happen if they were wild beasts.

"I'm afraid that's my fault," Valka smiled apologetically. "My son invited her over not knowing the dangers to other people. We've never had someone outside of our friends and family in the backyard before. He didn't know it was wrong to ask Astrid without asking you first. But he knows now."

"I'm sorry ma'am," Hiccup said with his head hung slightly.

Emily looked at the boy and then at Valka and at Astrid. Astrid seemed to be alive, a state which she hadn't seen her daughter in such a long time. She then went back to look at the boy and saw how sorry he was. He didn't know. Besides, Astrid is safe. She then looked at Valka and smiled.

"It was an innocent mistake," Emily smiled. "Kids will be kids." Emily then turned to Astrid and asked. "Did you have fun? Would like to visit again?"

"Yes!" Astrid grinned enthusiastically.

"Well," Emily smiled as she put her hands on her hips. "Then it's decided. Thank you um…"

"Valka. And this is my son Hiccup."

"That's right. Hiccup," Emily nodded. "Thank you for letting me know about your exotic animals and Astrid has my permission to go over whenever she likes."

Hiccup and Astrid jumped up and down in excitement as Valka and Emily smiled at their antics.

"And," Emily continued. "Since we've moved in completely, I'll talk to my husband about having you and your family over for a house warming BBQ."

"There's no need to do that," Valka shook her head. "I know moving is hard and that…"

"No, I want one. It'll be a good way to meet you all at once. Besides, Harold got a new griller for his birthday last year and he needs to break it in. We'll let you know what day."

"Alright," Valka smiled. "I'll let my significant other know. He needs a break from his job anyway. He gets too stressed sometimes."

"I know the feeling. Come on Astrid, we should get dinner started soon."

"Really?" Astrid asked confused. "It's like only 4."

"Well, cleaning freshly picked potatoes takes a while."

"Right," Astrid nodded. She entered the house and then turned to smile back at Hiccup. "Thanks for showing me your zoo."

"You're welcome!" Hiccup smiled back as he waved.

"Bye Valka," Emily said as she closed the door.

"Bye."

The door clicked as the bolt engaged into the wall. Emily and Astrid walked into the backyard, prepared to pick some potatoes, when Emily asked. "A zoo huh?"

"Yeah!" Astrid nodded. "It was amazing!" Astrid told Emily about her day as they continued to prepare for dinner.


Ding dong! Ding dong! Ding dong!

Hiccup flew off the couch in surprise. He had tried to get some homework done but that reading turned into an awkward positioned nap. He rubbed his eyes and yawned as he sloppily closed his book and placed it on the end table.

As he clumsily got up, he teetered a bit causing him to grab ahold of the couch arm. He shook his head to get rid of the residual tiredness and began to slowly walk toward the door.

Ding dong! Ding dong!

"I'm coming!" Hiccup called as he stretched his tight muscles. If this is some sales person, I'm slamming the door.

Hiccup reached the front door, undid the locks and got the surprise of his life. He blinked several times trying to see if, maybe, he was still asleep. Well, this is a surprise.

"What are you gawking at?" Snotlout snapped as he pushed past Hiccup and entered the house.

Hiccup pulled against the door handle to keep himself from falling over as he continued to try and register that Snotlout was there. "You," he responded.

"I know I'm fabulous but stop it," Snotlout said as he entered the kitchen.

"Don't flatter yourself," Hiccup scoffed. He quickly closed the door and speed walked into the kitchen to see Snotlout placing his backpack on the kitchen bar. "Look," Hiccup held the bridge of his nose. "If this is some trick or bull shit scheme of yours, leave me out of it. I'm not in the mood." Hiccup began to walk out when Snotlout spoke.

"I need your help."

Hiccup stopped and slowly back tracked to peek his head around the corner. He saw Snotlout's back and shoulders but they weren't square and ridged like they usually were. Instead, they were slumped and relaxed in a way. "Um-what?"

"I need your help," Snotlout repeated a bit softer.

Hiccup entered the room once again and stood behind Snotlout. He was confused. He didn't know what to think. Ok. Another surprise today. "Why? With what?"

"I've been thinking a lot about what you said the other day in the locker room," Snotlout turned to Hiccup. "And I've come to a conclusion that my father most likely won't approve of."

"Oh?" Hiccup cocked an eyebrow. "And what would that be."

"I want to have a brain."

Hiccup's face quickly scrunched into confusion. "Uh-what?"

"I want to be more than just muscle. I want to have brains too."

"Oh," Hiccup nodded. "That's great Snotlout!" He noticed that Snotlout wasn't sharing in his enjoyment and tried to support him. "You know it's not bad to have a brain."

"I know that."

"Then why are you-?"

"Because my dad won't approve!"

Hiccup slightly jumped at Snotlout's exclamation. He walked closer to Snotlout and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ok. But let me ask you this. Why have you come to this conclusion of wanting to be smart? To be more than a football player?"

"For several reasons," Snotlout look up at Hiccup. "I won't always be young. I'm going to get too old one day to play professionally. Or what if I'm not good enough for the big leagues? I mean, I'm a big shot here in Berk but what about among all those like me in the Archipelago? I have nothing to fall back on." Snotlout looked down at his feet as he continued to speak. "Or what if I am good enough but then I get a horrible injury that cuts my career short? What then? I'll have no other skills. Nothing else to help me get a job. Or what if I find out I don't like playing big leagues?"

Snotlout looked back up at Hiccup to find a giant, dorky smile on his face. "What are you smiling at?"

"You," Hiccup straightened. "Uncle Spitelout should be proud of you."

"Why?" Snotlout cocked an eyebrow.

"Because you're thinking of these 'what ifs'! You're creating your own path. You are beginning to see your own potential."

"And you're excited for me why?"

"Because I always knew you were smart," Hiccup smiled. "You just needed to see it yourself and accept it." Hiccup took a calming breath. "Now, what do you need help with specifically?"

Snotlout blinked a few times at Hiccup's faith in him. He didn't know how to take it. "Oh-um-physics. Due to my past mentality, I haven't been paying attention since school started. Now I'm completely lost. I heard you're the top in all of the classes."

"I don't know about that but I'll see what I can do." Hiccup walked over and sat on the stool next to Snotlout. For over an hour, Hiccup tutored his cousin on the basics of the problems and helped him along the way of solving them. At first, Snotlout became annoyed and angered at not being able to understand the process but he quickly learned and was becoming more confident in himself in turn.

As the clock struck 9:30 PM, Stoick entered the house. As he passed the kitchen, he noticed the two sitting and talking softly. "Hello son. Snotlout."

"Hi dad."

"Hi Uncle Stoick."

Stoick nodded as he began to ascend the staircase when he stopped. He walked back down and peeked his head around the wall to make sure he saw what he saw. "Snotlout?" he questioned.

"Yes?" he turned.

"Oh," Stoick nodded. "Haven't seen you in a while. Nice to see you two getting along. Carry on." Stoick exited the doorway and went upstairs to take a shower.

"He acted funny," Snotlout shook his head. "He looked at me like I had two heads."

"Well yeah," Hiccup frowned sullenly. "You haven't been in our house in almost three years."

Snotlout looked down at his open books and binders in shame. The inside of his chest began to knot and he felt uncomfortable next to Hiccup. "What happened between us?"

"What?" Hiccup turned to his cousin.

"Between us," Snotlout motioned between them. "What happened?"

Hiccup shrugged uncertainly. "I don't know. I feel like it's always been this way."

"It's stupid. We can't even remember why we're feuding."

"Agreed," Hiccup nodded. He then smiled gently at Snotlout. "But, old habits die hard."

"You're telling me," he snorted. "Even if I wanted to change my attitude towards you, it'll take a few years."

"Try decades, maybe centuries, Snotlout," Hiccup chuckled.

Snotlout snorted as he laughed. "I guess you're right. I might even need a millennium!" And with that, the two freely laughed together for the first time in several years.