"Modern myth".
How to train your dragon, Toothcup.
By: Sinattea.
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Disclaimer: Cressida Cowell owns the book series, Dreamworks owns the movie. I own nothing but this AU.
Note: So I watched "Turbo" today and my love for everything "Dreamworks" related is renewed beyond imagination. They're the best of animation, undoubtedly! ^^
And coming back to business, here is chapter six, and I can tell that Hiccup and Toothless' first date will give you something nice and fluffy to fangirl about. Or at least so I hope. But I also want to tell you that, though this fic and chapter are Toothcup centered, there'll be a fair participation of other characters. Now you'll get to know my take on some of those characters. I hope you like them. ;-)
Now go: Read, enjoy, and (please, please, please) review! ! !
Just in case you haven't noticed, I'm a review-addicted. Your words will totally make my day!
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Chapter 6: Unspoken.
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Thank Odin that now Starkard was in town Stoick had a great reason to spend the whole sunday at the gym training and remembering glorious old days on the ring. So Hiccup enjoyed a house alone and had no trouble to dress up and ready to meet Toothless. Well, that's actually a shameless lie: Hiccup spent two hours trying to decide what to wear that made him look… well, less geeky and more attractive, if that was possible. So far, as Hiccup left his house running to make it to Hotel Nordic on time, such a mission wasn't something he could accomplish.
He felt skinny and so ordinary… How was it he managed to catch Toothless' eye? As he wondered this he kept rushing, anxious to arrive at his destination.
He had never hurried so much to go anywhere; not when he was supposed to meet Fishlegs or some of his nerd friends, not when he had secretly dated Astrid. He just desperately needed to see Toothless, to be with him and hear that grave yet musical voice whispering to him as he had the prior day. "I'm half dragon and I like you…"
And somehow Hiccup arrived early and waited for his date at Hotel Nordic's entrance.
At two o' clock exactly Toothless showed up, wearing black jeans, a dark blue shirt, black sneakers and his inseparable black leather jacket. His hair was a perfect mess surrounding his bright green eyes. And he hid his hands within his pockets.
Hiccup tried to get a hold of himself, but he couldn't help smiling like a fool and blushing at the sight of the other boy. Toothless looked really good… Well, to be honest, he always looked awesome. He was quite popular between the female population of BHS, but no one ever dared going near him because his apparent personality was the opposite of "appealing". Hiccup then considered himself the most fortunate guy on earth, because he was allowed to pierce into Toothless' armor and know him for who he really was.
He beckoned Toothless, waving his hand enthusiastically.
- Hi – he said, softly.
- Hi – Toothless responded, huge grin lighting up his face.
Suddenly, the black-haired guy cocked his head to the left, narrowing his eyes in a confused expression. Hiccup didn't understand the other boy's reaction until he saw Toothless' nose twitch.
- You spent quite a lot of time dressing for this, didn't you? – he questioned.
Hiccup froze in the spot. When he was beginning to think about denying the whole deal, Toothless added:
- You wearing cologne?
- Nope – Hiccup bit his lips, trying to control his nervousness.
- You don't smell the same. I think you are – Toothless' expression was filled with amusement.
He raised an eyebrow as he carefully studied Hiccup's jeans, his green sweater and the gray suit that gave an intellectual and elegant touch to his usually careless and invisible appearance. He even combed his hair back for Odin's sake!
- Well, maybe I wanted to look more… attractive? – the brown-haired boy gave in.
- You do – smiled Toothless, his face reddening a bit. He approached Hiccup slowly as he spoke -. But you don't have to try so hard, I like you just the way you are.
And as he said this Toothless ruffled Hiccup's hair and ruined half an hour of efforts before the mirror, but Hiccup didn't care.
- What did you just…? – he whispered, disbelief, hope and embarrassment making an overwhelming mixture in his facial expression.
- What is it? Did I do anything wrong? – Toothless immediately worried, removing his hands quickly from the brown hair.
Hiccup shook his head in negation, feeling somewhat silly.
- No, no, you didn't… I mean… I'm just really happy to see you – and this said Hiccup took a step forward and hugged Toothless all heartedly, wrapping his arms around his torso with all his strength, determined not to let him go for at least five minutes.
Toothless didn't say anything; he soon realized he didn't have to in that very moment, so he simply responded the hug sheepishly, trying to decipher what exactly had he done that turned the other boy so sentimental out of the blue. He hoped it wasn't anything bad, because if making Hiccup feel vulnerable in any way was the manner to get a public hug Toothless would feel incredibly guilty about wanting one.
When Hiccup broke the hug apart he dedicated a reassuring smile to Toothless, as if saying without words that he was alright and now they could go on with whatever activities Toothless had organized for that day.
- Well… – Toothless started speaking, doing his best to regain normality and sound funny - We should go now. I fear my boss might see me and wants to drag me into the work; today I didn't bring my red uniform along.
- Yeah, let's go before they need super-bellboy in the scene – Hiccup chuckled.
- Though they probably wouldn't recognize me. You know, dark as I look now.
- They would. If you want to hide you'd have to cover those eyes first – Hiccup mumbled, lifting his hand till his fingers were playing with the strands of black hair hanging on Toothless' forehead. They were still too close -… They're unmistakable…
And there came an awkward moment where both of them could think of nothing but the two times they've kissed. As they stared at each other in bafflement Toothless unconsciously leaned in, closing the gap between their faces, but before he could touch Hiccup's lips the other boy looked away, red as a tomato.
Toothless delayed half a second to remember how worried Hiccup was about being… public. If seen together, being Berk the small town it was, the news would for sure reach Stoick's ears before they were even done kissing, and Hiccup's life would be over.
Toothless stepped back, straightening himself and clearing his throat.
- So… wanna go the movies?
- As long as is not a horror film – Hiccup tried to joke. Luckily his treacherous hiccoughing didn't actually betray him right then.
The taller guy didn't mention it as he returned his hands back into his pockets, but he would gladly and mischievously trick Hiccup into watching horror movies if that meant he could be the one he'd hold onto when scared. Gosh, Toothless had met this boy for two casual months at school (and two intimate weeks at the forest, though they didn't really count because that was time between Hiccup and the black dragon… or did they?), why was he feeling so attached to him? Why did he need to touch him so much?
Toothless couldn't explain it, nor did he want to, being with Hiccup simply felt right, as if he had been destined to encounter him from the very beginning. He felt… fascinated, intrigued, captivated by the Haddock boy. And though it was a bit overwhelming, maybe overwhelming enough to frighten and run away, he wanted to stay and figure out why Hiccup had such magnetism to him.
As Toothless thought all of this, he wouldn't take his eyes off Hiccup, walking by his side with a cute blush shading his face. Apparently, Hiccup was having similar thoughts.
Finally they arrived at the cinema, and at mere sight they were only two pals hanging out and having a normal time. Which was good, considering how many of the cinema's employees were also students from BHS.
Since they had no idea what the movies were about, they literally dropped a coin to pick one, and after buying their tickets (each one paid his own) headed towards the snacks, hypnotized by the smell of popcorn.
- I should've stolen some of my father's supplies – Hiccup regretted, the overpriced snacks killing his appetite.
- Let me buy something for you – said Toothless.
- No way. This is theft! I wouldn't let you.
- Oh, come on! I work so I can spend my money on the things I care for – he insisted.
- I'll stick to the "care" part and completely ignore the fact that you included me in your "things" category – Hiccup pouted involuntarily.
- On what I care for – corrected Toothless. The pouty gesture didn't leave Hiccup's face -. Whom I care for.
Now Hiccup flushed intensely, his olive green eyes wide open. Toothless smiled…
And the girl behind the snack-bar cleared her throat noisily and uncomfortably.
- Are you buying…? – she clearly did her best for not to add an aggressive "or what?".
- Yes, we are – growled Toothless -. Give him whatever he wants – he pointed at Hiccup -, I'll pay.
- Toothless, really, you don't have to…
- Fine, I'll choose too. Give us combo 2 – the black-haired boy said.
Hiccup surrendered and accepted the fact that he would stuff himself with popcorn and chocolate during the movie.
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- Is that Toothless Night? – asked an open-mouthed Astrid.
- Toothless? Where? – joined her Ruffnut - I see no one.
- I thought I'd seen him… – though now Astrid wasn't very sure, maybe her mind was playing tricks on her - What's he doing here? I've never seen him out of the school before. Have you?
- No, I wish. Oh, Toothless – sighed Ruffnut in a husky voice -. Too hot, too sour… Such a sad combination – she said with so much drama -. You think he came alone?
- Well, he must have. He doesn't have any friends as far as I know.
- You think he'll want some company? – added Ruffnut, raising her eyebrows in a flirty way.
Astrid frowned, only to dissimulate the giggle that wanted to come out of her mouth.
- Not from you, I can bet – she said in an amused tone.
- You killjoy! – cried Ruffnut, standing up from the coffee table and walking away a couple steps.
- Where you going? I was joking! – Astrid tried to apologize, thinking she had somehow really offended Ruffnut for the first time ever.
Ruffnut turned around with a smirk on her face, revealing that she was only messing her best friend up. Astrid rolled her eyes, and then crossed her arms as she waited for a response. Ruffnut sat beside her once again.
- I'm goin' to find out if that's actually Toothless – she said -. Now you've made me curious. At the cinema on a sunday? – Ruffnut leaned in and whispered to Astrid's ear in a secretive gesture - I doubt he'd come alone. Bet he's got a date and I want to know against whose face I'm strikin' my racquet tomorrow.
- You can't be serious… You really like him? – Astrid was utterly surprised.
- Not much – Ruffnut shrugged, making her friend laugh.
- Good, I was beginning to worry 'bout you.
- You know I only like any good excuse to throw my racquet at someone – Ruffnut grinned -. And Toothless is a good one, apparently. Who you think is his date?
- Still curious? – Astrid couldn't believe how stubborn her friend was sometimes.
- Yeah. I bet's Snaketongue, tough would be his type, right?
- Snaketongue isn't tough. She speaks like a sailor; she wouldn't fight as one.
- Ok, so not Snaketongue – Ruffnut closed her eyes and crossed her fingers, praying to herself -. Please, please, make her that stupid diamond bit- - -
- Toothless wouldn't date "Diamond" Hallow! – protested Astrid, punching her friend on the shoulder - I don't know him but I can so tell she's not his type. You just want an excuse to take it against her.
- She broke my brother's heart! And I can't punch her dollar-face for that because Tuffnut would sooo find out I care 'bout him! – complained Ruffnut in a pouty voice.
- Of course you care about him: he's your twin.
- And that's a twin's job: make the other believe you don't care at all! !
- Oh, Ruff, you're the worst – Astrid chuckled.
Ruffnut joined Astrid's amusement; yet only a minute later she drew a devilish smirk and said:
- And you know what'll make me worse? Spyin' Toothless Night.
- Now you can't be serious – all laughter died off Astrid's face then.
- Watch me – she replied, shamelessly, and she stood up heading to the direction where Astrid had seen Toothless.
- All right, I'll come along.
Astrid had to make sure Ruffnut wasn't going to unleash some sort of conflict of epic proportions if she indeed found Dean "Toothless" Night and his date. She and Ruffnut searched with the hopes of catching any glimpse of him, and Astrid did catch one, although it wasn't exactly Toothless the one she saw.
She gasped in disbelief and covered her mouth with her hands.
- What? What? Saw him? – inquired Ruffnut.
- No… I… I… Err… I remembered I must be home early…
- You serious? – Ruffnut's raised eyebrow almost touched the line of her hair, her face twisted in her best what-the-F look.
- Yeah… I am… – insisted Astrid. She looked truly nervous - Sorry… We can go out tomorrow. I have to buy a new ball.
- Great – that perspective seemed to calm Ruffnut, and she decided to let her friend go without an interrogatory… for now -. I gotta buy a new racquet. Mine is, you know… not in its best shape.
- Might that be 'cause you keep hitting Tuffnut with it? – Astrid joked along.
- Naah, he deserves it… Most of the times.
- And when he doesn't?
- In the rare case he doesn't… Naah, I do it anyways – Ruffnut shrugged -, just for the fun. Is a sacrifice my racquet is always willin' to make.
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The cloudy afternoon was melting into a dark dusk, and Hiccup and Toothless still wandered down the main avenue, an ice cream in Hiccup's hands (because he had this weird taste for cold desserts on cold weather and hot drinks on warm weather) and a boiling cappuccino in Toothless'.
- You'll burn your mouth drinking that, I swear – said a smiley Hiccup, watching the cloud of steam emanating from Toothless' coffee.
- I could put my hands in the fire, and I wouldn't burn – he replied.
Nonetheless, right after saying that, Toothless' smile vanished from his face and his voice gained a lot of seriousness. They haven't talked about that in the whole day, but perhaps it was about time, even though their relaxed and trivial conversations so far were enjoyable beyond imagination.
- You mean it? – asked Hiccup, surprised to be discussing that subject. He honestly thought that Toothless would want to wait for their relationship to strengthen before confessing every detail about his draconian identity.
- I don't know if you've seen me doing it… but… I breathe fire – Toothless muttered, so low that Hiccup had to drastically shorten the distance between their faces in order to listen.
- I saw the dragon spit a plasma blast…
- Plasma blast? You make it sound so fancy – said Toothless, a shade of remorse transforming his expression -. Most people would think it's a hideous threat.
- I think is fascinating… You are fascinating – Hiccup grabbed Toothless wrist forcing him to a stop.
They locked their gazes on each other with the intensity of lightning.
- I don't understand why you aren't afraid of me – insisted Toothless. Hiccup smiled.
- Good, now we're even. I'm still working in understanding why you asked me out.
Toothless couldn't help but laugh warmly before Hiccup's words. He raised his left hand and affectionately caressed Hiccup's cheek, making him shiver.
- Do you want to know what was it? Today at Hotel Nordic? – muttered Hiccup. Toothless nodded in an encouraging way - You said you like me the way I am… You're the first person to ever tell me that.
- I'm not even a person, Hiccup – disagreed Toothless, eaten by guilt and shame.
- And why does it matter? Toothless, you don't understand: since I can remember everybody has wanted me to be different, except you…
- I wouldn't change a thing about you.
- Neither would I – Hiccup declared -. And that includes the part about "not being" a person. Understood?
Toothless licked his lips and moved his gaze from Hiccup's eyes to his lips. He so wanted to kiss this boy right here right now. But the sound of steps and laughter and music, of the crowd around them, reminded him that they were in a public place, and composure was to be kept. He continued walking instead and invited Hiccup to do the same with a slight movement of his head.
- One day I'll tell you… I'll show you everything – Toothless promised.
- It doesn't have to be today. I mean… there's a lot of dates to come, right?
Toothless grinned in response.
- There's something I've wanted to do all day, though is way too public… Do you mind? – the taller guy murmured as he moved his hand in advance to seize Hiccup's.
- Shut up and drink your coffee – commanded Hiccup, cheeks bright red, his fingers now intertwined with Toothless'.
They held hands until the moment came to say goodbye (with a kiss on the cheek, because you can never be too cautious; now that things seemed to be getting more serious all the "being public" issue also weighed on Toothless' shoulders).
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Once back at home Hiccup lied to his father saying that he'd been out with Fishlegs all day at the comic store and the arcade, and if not for his quite elegant appearance, Stoick might have believed him. Even so, the head of the Haddock family didn't mention anything about the oddities in Hiccup's evident excuse.
That night Hiccup slept peacefully, and his dreams narrated epic stories where a black-armored warrior rode a black dragon and saved a whole kingdom from destruction and death, aided by a young wizard in green robes who seemed to share much more than a friendship with the hero. Queer yet epic, by far the best dream of Hiccup till now.
Thanks to that, the next morning at school he was cheerful and hyperactive, and not even missing the bus and having to walk to BHS dampened his spirit in the very least. It was frankly strange.
- Are you alright Hiccup? – wondered Fishlegs, taken aback a bit from the enthusiastic attitude of his best friend. How can anyone be happy on mondays?
- Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I? Halloween's eve is the best time of the year!
- On saturday morning you seemed to have a totally different opinion… – to be honest, Fishlegs realized that he was missing an important part in this puzzle.
- I had a good weekend – was Hiccup's simple and blissful answer.
- Really?
- A great weekend.
Fishlegs watched Hiccup unexplainably blush, and the hole in his mental puzzle grew bigger. What exactly was going on? Hiccup was totally grumpy and tired that saturday morning, and now he acted as if life were beautiful and the sun shone every morning (which was a huge lie in Berk). Well, the best he could do was moving on, Hiccup would tell him in time, and he also spent a great weekend himself.
- Me too. Aura's the most amazing girl I've ever met! We have so much fun together! – Fishlegs said - I can't believe she's been here for a year and we hadn't met.
Aware of his friend's excitement, Hiccup focused on Fishleg's words and pushed his own weekend story to the back of his head, until it was his moment to speak.
- You said she's a mathlete, and don't feel offended or something, buddy, but you aren't exactly a math genius – Hiccup opinioned, comprehensive.
- Not my best subject, sadly. I wish I were a mathlete, though, that way I'd have met her earlier. She's just so wonderful! May be too soon to talk about it, but I already know whom I'll be taking to prom next year.
- Fishlegs, that's awesome news!
- I know! ! – he squealed in a very geeky way -. I can't believe I'm already looking forward to prom night. Now we must find someone for you and we're ready for it…
- Now that you mention, you know, prom and meeting people… – Hiccup released a silly and nervous laughter - There's something I have to tell you.
- Ready to confess the details about your weekend? – since Fishlegs looked so unimpressed by those words the Haddock boy felt suspicious about the true nature of the whole "prom" issue.
- You have to promise you'll keep it secret – Hiccup turned deathly serious from one second to the other.
- Wow, if you're actually asking me to promise it means is something huge.
- This may change forever the way you see me. I'm afraid it could ruin our friendship – Hiccup warned -, but I must tell you…
- Hiccup, you're scaring me – Fishlegs gulped, truly troubled -. What is it? Are you joining the Vikings? You went to trials and didn't tell me? How could you do this to me?! Hiccup, you promised we'd be nerds together and we'd survive high school together and- - -!
- No! It's not that, I'm not a Viking. Let me speak!
- Sorry, I panicked – Fishlegs scratched the back of his head, embarrassed for his previous and terrified outburst.
Hiccup patted his best friend's arm slightly in a calming gesture, drawing a short-lived smile on his face. Later he had to breathe in deeply and gather the courage required to do what he was about to do. He tried to be fast and direct, the sooner the better.
- I had a date yesterday – Hiccup confessed, biting his lips in a shy yet proud gesture.
- A date? – Fishlegs frowned, confused. So his suspicions were actually correct?
- And I think we'll get pretty serious: we've kissed.
- Wow… So you and Astrid- - -?
- Is not Astrid – Hiccup quickly interrupted.
- Then who? – now Fishlegs was seriously puzzled.
- I can't tell you that, Fishlegs. You see… I don't want anyone to know and he's ok with keeping it secret because deep inside he doesn't want to come out either, but I didn't ask him if I could share it with you…
- He?
Hiccup nodded, nervously, fearing Fishlegs' reaction.
- But… I thought you liked Astrid… – he mumbled.
- Me too… till I met him – sort of explained Hiccup -. Listen, I don't understand how it happened, it just… happened.
- And are you happy with it? – Fishlegs wondered, somewhat uncomfortable.
- I'm… anxious, I guess, being all this a new experience and everything…
- Are you happy with him? – Fishlegs insisted, specifying better this time.
For a second Hiccup ran out of words and didn't know what to answer. Was he? Well, being with the dragon had been the best adventure of his life, and when Toothless kissed him he completely forgot about the world; and when they held hands the warmth climbed up his arms till settling in his chest… Odin, he was such a schoolgirl in love!
- Yeah, I like him a lot – he said, feeling absolutely sure of his words.
- Then I'm happy for you! – exclaimed Fishlegs at once.
Hiccup blinked, shocked indeed.
- Aren't you freaked out?
- Why? You're dating a boy, so what? – Fishlegs still looked so unimpressed - I've been in love with videogame girls for years and you've never made fun of me.
- They're pretty and strong girls – Hiccup smiled, relieved enough to joke a bit -. And I guess he's a pretty and strong boy… Odin, if you ever talk to him please don't tell him I said that - he then chuckled.
- Ok – Fishlegs smiled -. But will I know who he is?
- Maybe. Are you sure you aren't freaked out the most?
- Hiccup, you don't choose who will make you feel that way, it just happens. I'm ok with anyone you like as long as I see you happy, you're my best friend. Of course if it were Aura the person in question… that would really freak me out.
- You are the best friend ever. Did you know that?
- No… Thanks.
They laughed amiably and continued their road towards the first class.
Then, something occurred that made Fishlegs fall into realization abruptly.
They were walking upstairs, heading to history class, when Toothless Night walked by them, shoving Hiccup slightly. The brown-haired boy almost stumbled downstairs, and as Fishlegs prepared to yell something in defense of his friend, he noticed how Hiccup wasn't upset at all. On the contrary, Hiccup was red. And when Toothless looked back to "find out" (lies! He knew it perfectly!) who he'd just bumped, he winked a green eye at Hiccup before disappearing amidst the crowd. And Hiccup was even redder!
Now that freaked Fishlegs out a little bit. Just a little bit.
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Another note: Yeah, there's a word in spanish to describe my vision of love: "cursi". I guess it's translated as corny, but "cursi" is so much more accurate.
And yeah, Astrid and Ruffnut are kinda cool, huh? Keep an eye on them because they're important, especially when Toothless- - -Nooo! Squirrel did it again! !
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I have to make an announcement: this monday I'll start school again, after a year of troubles and doubts and nothingness... I'm beginning college. Yes, I'm terrified; I'm not the social type, but I suppose it's about time for me to reintegrate in society... And I bet you're wondering "what the hell does this have to do with me, the reader?". Well, I'm getting there. This is the reason why I'll slow down my updates. So far there's been a new chapter every week; well, now there'll be a new one every two weeks, to give me time so I can deal with my homework and stuff. I hope that's not a problem. Maybe when I get used to my new routine I'll find the time to write more and the weekly update will return.
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This said, I'll move to the part where I show my gratitude to all of you! Thanks:
No No 22, Ethelred I. Echo, cynderthedragoness1, Hi Mr Whale,
Sesshykiss13, Miku Hatsune0102, LesserWraith,
PrincessOfTheNight01, tmntlover123456789, Heather Dehmer,
LadyLombax, Raccoon Loon, SweetTooth4Romance, Xyst.
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