So the beginning of this chapter is going to jump around a bit, some time lapses as Hiccup adjusts to his new life, grows up, etc. I'll try to make it easy to follow.
-S2-
Chapter 2; Regret
Hiccup had been running for days, he didn't know where he was, he had never been this far from home. His fur was removed long ago due to the heat, his skin was red and his lips dry. He was just seeing some green in the distance when his body gave out and he collapsed. He laid on the ground unmoving for a while.
A few feet away some yelling could be heard. "Toothless! Get back 'ere ya blasted beast!" a tan man with black hair and grey blue eyes yelled as he ran after a medium sized black dragon running around chasing birds. A little round bland man ran behind the tall muscular man, out of breath from the chase. Toothless halted his playing, his head snapping over to the small frail boy on the ground some twenty feet away.
Toothless cooed as he cautiously made his way over to the small human, eyeing him curiously. Black wings spread out, shading the boy from the hot sun. The two men finally caught up, huffing out of breath as they leaned over their knees. The tall one was the first to compose himself, looking at the unconscious boy who was not familiar to him. "Crikey! Did he come from the other side of the desert?" The tall man asked, looking to the short man. The short man shrugged, saying nothing. The small man walked over to the boy, checking if he was alive. Toothless, still holding his wing over the boy for shade, nuzzled the brown hair as he pointedly stared at the tall man. "Oh no, we are not bringin' 'im home!" The small man jumped up to glare at him, moving his hands around in what seemed like random gestures. "I don't care if he's alive, we don't know where he came from." The dragon and short man pouted at him, when he said nothing the short man shook his head, making several gestures at the dragon. Toothless gave a grin that was void of teeth before picking the boy up using his mouth to grab his shirt. Toothless took off with the boy along with the short man. "What did I just say!?" They ignored the tall man. "Fine! But only until he gets better!" The tall man ran after the trio.
Toothless took the boy past the green trees into the jungle they called home until he reached the swimming hole of fresh clean water. The short man helped lay the boy on the bank of the water, allowing the cool liquid to lower his body temperature.
When Hiccup started to wake up the blond helped him sit up and brought a leaf of water to his lips, allowing him to drink. Once he felt a little more aware, Hiccup looked at the two men and then his shocked eyes laid on the dragon that was grinning toothlessly at him before the black creature licked his face.
"You okay kid?" The tall one asked.
"I guess," Hiccup spoke with a raspy voice before the short man handed him another leaf of water, which he gulped down quickly. The little man made several gestures at him but Hiccup only stared at him blankly, not sure what was happening.
"He's tryin' ta say, ya nearly died, but Toothless 'ere" He placed his hand on the dragon. "Insisted we bring ya home. He saved your life, mate." Hiccup looked at the dragon with disbelief, first one tried to kill him, and then one saved him. The little man made more gestures. "He's askin' ya what's wrong," The tall one translated. Hiccup looked away, seeming to curl into himself as he tried to hold back tears. "Where ya from?"
Hiccup shook his head. "It doesn't matter, I can never go back." This seemed to interest the tall man.
"Did somethin' bad huh?" The tall man asked fully expecting the silence he was met with, enough of a confirmation for him. He gave a heavy sigh. "Fine, ya can stay 'ere with us. Toothless seems ta lick ya so can't very well throw ya out." The dragon gurgled excitedly, nuzzling Hiccup and getting the first smile since he woke up. "I'm Bunnymund, this here is Sandy," He patted the little man's shoulder. "Toothless, o' course." Toothless nuzzled him again.
"Hey bud," Hiccup said, rubbing the dragon's chin.
"Bunny!" A soft voice called and a blur of blues and yellows ran past the small boy and dragon. The blur, a girl with gold hair and purple eyes wrapped her arms around the tall man with a giggle. "You found Toothless!" She said happily before turning to the dragon, her blue dress flowing in the breeze, she froze as she saw Hiccup cuddled up with Toothless. "And who is this?" She asked running up to Hiccup with a little more bounce than necessary.
"H-Hiccup." He said smiling weakly at her.
"Our newest resident, came across the desert," Bunny explained.
"Oh how exciting! I'm Toothiana! You can call me Tooth." She patted Toothless' head as she watched Hiccup.
"Seems Toothless has already called dibs on 'im Tooth." Laughter filled the area and Hiccup felt more at ease. Bunny walked over, kneeling next to him with a serious expression. "This is where people come to forget their past. You can stay 'ere, so long as ya don't bring trouble with ya." Hiccup nodded. "Alrigh', let's 'ave a tour shall we!" Bunny helped Hiccup to his feet and the group made their way from the swimming hole. A short five minute walk later and five tiny huts came into view, each just big enough to offer three maybe four people shelter if it rained and to sleep but that was it. "We've 'ad a few people come and go so we 'ave some extra homes. These you are empty," He pointed at the two on the far end. "Take your pick."
"Thank you," Hiccup said, smiling at him.
"No problem kid."
-S2-
Bunny wasn't kidding that it was a place to go when you wanted to hide from the world, the three who already lived there didn't talk about their past or where they came from which was just fine with Hiccup who was offered the same courtesy.
As the weeks went on Hiccup learned many things about his new home, Tooth had a habit of taking in stray creatures, especially dragons, though the dragons were still wild they were fond of the small group of humans, as a result they protected the jungle oasis they called home from larger animals that might prey on the humans. However, dangers still found them sometimes so each person still practiced with a weapon, Bunny with sharpened boomerangs, Sandy preferred a whip, while Tooth was skilled with a sword. The group insisted he learn a weapon himself so he would be self-sufficient, something his tribe had oddly enough failed to do, so Hiccup opted to train with Tooth as he was most familiar with swords.
Another discovery Hiccup made lied in the dragons themselves, though they were wild they were very intelligent, loving and attention seeking. To everyone's surprise Hiccup seemed to have a special bond with the beasts and actually began training them to follow basic commands. On this particular day Hiccup was working with Toothless on riding, Toothless was more than happy to practice flying with Hiccup, Hiccup however with his small frail form had a little trouble staying attached. The brunette held up a saddle made from Toothless' shedded dragon scales, something he had an easy time collecting since Toothless had decided Hiccup's little hut was also the dragon's new home. "What do you think?" Hiccup asked as the dragon sniffed at the saddle. Toothless made an approving noise as he positioned himself so Hiccup could attach the saddle. "I even added an anchor so maybe this time I won't fall off." Hiccup chuckled awkwardly as he placed the straps.
"You're so determined." Tooth said, walking into the clearing.
Hiccup sighed, looking to the West, the direction of his home. "Someone once asked me what it would be like to fly, I've wanted to know the answer most of my life." Hiccup finished the straps before facing Tooth. "So here we are, about to find out."
Tooth smiled fondly. "Well, if you succeed you'll have to teach me, seems a fair trade since I'm teaching you." Hiccup nodded in agreement.
"That Deadly Nadder seemed to like you the most, maybe she will let us train her." Tooth seemed excited at the idea. Hiccup climbed onto Toothless, attaching his harness to the saddle. "Okay bud, you ready?" He patted the dragon's head receiving a pur. He pulled the reins and squeezed his legs and Toothless took off, running forward for a moment before spreading his wings and lifting into the air. Hiccup laughed with glee and they lifted above the trees. Hiccup could see everything, Toothless leveled out into a glide and Hiccup carefully straightened up, letting go of the reins in order to spread out his arms like wings. He remembered being in a tree, his arms wide with a protective arm around his waist, and Hiccup felt like crying again, wishing he could see that pale face again.
After a while they landed, Hiccup hadn't expected the flight to depress him so much, but then he had tried not to remind himself of his old life until now. Toothless sensed his sadness and nuzzled him as they walked away from the clearing to the swimming hole, a place Hiccup enjoyed spending his free time, the sounds of the waterfall soothing to him. He pulled out his book, looking over his sketches until he came to Jacks, he was grateful he still had it, he did not want to forget his best friend.
-S2-
Weeks turned to months, Hiccup continued to train dragons as he came across them, soon Tooth and Sandy both had a companion dragon they flew with, Bunny however hated heights so he opted to train a small Terrible Terror that now enjoyed to lay across his shoulders. Today wasn't dragon training though, today Hiccup was working with Tooth. Hiccup had created his own sword which he had formed to be dragon inspired. He hadn't been shocked to see all the interesting things their tiny little tribe had, a small forge was Hiccup's favorite part, he had already used it more than any of the others to make weapons, armor, clothes, even dragon accessories such as saddles.
Tooth was an excellent sparring partner for Hiccup, she was fast and nimble, in order to keep up with her, Hiccup had started strength training with Bunny months ago. Hiccup was filling out, finally, he wasn't sure if it had to do with the plants and even bugs added to his diet of deer and fish or if it was the lack of stress he felt living with his new tribe, but Hiccup had already grown another few inches and had started to broaden. He was still very nimble though, and found his two left feet were gaining some grace as he sparred with Tooth and had to keep up with her in order to not be hit.
"You've come a long way Hiccup," Tooth said, sheathing her weapon. "You learn faster than I did, at this rate you'll surpass me." She smiled with pride, having no issues with Hiccup's skill. Hiccup blushed, rubbing the back of his head after he sheathed his own sword.
"Uh, you really think so?" He asked awkwardly. Tooth smiled even wider.
"I really think so."
-S2-
Months turned to years, Hiccup hit quite the growth spurt, he now stood as tall as bunny and had filled out, though he was still quite skinny he had become toned. He forged new armor for his body, which he wore almost constantly, he was reminded of his father who was almost never seen without his own armor, it made him feel safer, closer to the man he lost. His pants were made from leather, but his green scale shirt was made with thinned out dragon scales, his black chest piece, which only went down to his mid chest, his shoulder pads and his arm guards were made with Toothless' black dragon scales. He had even created a helmet for while he was flying, to keep the wind from messing with his vision and the bugs off his face. Bunny, Sandy and Tooth had no regrets with their decision to accept Hiccup into their home, with his inventive skills he had made their lives easier, larger homes, though they still barely used them, and more clothing.
On this day the quartet had decided to take a leisurely swim, Tooth was floating around the large swimming hole on her back, Sandy was splashing around and shaping the sand on the small beach like area, while Hiccup and Bunny took turns swinging into the water off of vines.
"I definitely made the larger splash, mate!" Bunny called as he swam around the water, Hiccup simply rolled his eyes as he simply kicked his feet to stay above the water.
"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that." Hiccup laid himself out flat, enjoying the cool water. He saw Sandy making gestures in the corner of his eye and turned his head to get a better look. "Really?" Hiccup grinned looking over at Bunny again. "Sandy said my splash was definitely better."
Bunny snapped his gaze over to the blond man. "Traitor!" The group laughed with absolute joy.
Hiccup still felt the weight of his past sometimes, but there were fewer and fewer reminders to crush him. His sketchbook had fallen apart a year or so ago and with it, Jack's sketch had faded, he could barely make it out anymore. He spent his days much like this, if he wasn't keeping his calloused hands busy in the forge, life was simple, relaxed, very different from the stressful life of a future chief. Hiccup still felt regret, especially when he thought about those he loved and how they might have felt when he left as they discovered his father's death, but those moments of regret were quickly overshadowed by laid back joy with his new friends, friends that joked, and helped each other and never judged, never worried, Hiccup wished his old tribe could experience the same peace.
-S2-
Before Hiccup could realize it, five years had passed since he left home, since his father's death. He had grown in every way since that day, taller, stronger, his features sharper, he was no longer the small frail boy, but now a strong handsome young man. He had surpassed Tooth's sword skills some time ago and now freely sparred with all three of his tribe members, whenever they felt like sparring. Hiccup, still being a little uptight from his days as a future chief, found himself somewhat over protective of their home and would frequently patrol with the dragons while riding Toothless, still rarely seen without his armor.
Today was one of his rare lazy days. Hiccup was laying in a field, snuggled up with Toothless as he stared up at the sky, on either side of him and the dragon was Sandy and Bunny, both relaxed after a day of doing nothing. "We should do this more often Hiccup, you're always such a stick in the mud, mate, you need to relax, live the worry free life," Bunny said, placing his hands behind his head.
"Hey, I try, I just, want to make sure our home stays worry free, that's all." Hiccup smiled as he rubbed Toothless' head lovingly.
Bunny chuckled. "Whatever you say."
Sandy, changing the subject, making several quick gestures up high so they could see them from their lying position. "The stars?" Bunny asked, tilting his head. "Well Sandy… Their fire, that got spit into the sky by a giant dragon," Bunny explained as if it was obvious. Sandy made more gestures at a rapid pace. "Sand? No, the stars are not pieces of shiny sand, that's ridiculous." Sandy pouted, making gestures to ask Hiccup his opinion.
"I… I don't know… someone once told me that great warriors would become a star when they died, so that they could watch over their loved ones." Hiccup stared at the sky, wishing he knew which star was his father, briefly wondering if the man was disappointed with his decisions.
"So a bunch o' dead fighters are watching us as bright specks of light?" Bunny questioned staring quizzically at Hiccup. Suddenly the two older men burst out laughing at the thought. Hiccup laughed awkwardly with them, feeling a stab to his heart.
"Yeah I… I guess it's pretty silly." Toothless nuzzled him, feeling the young man's anxiety. Hiccup got to his feet and left the other two, Toothless following him.
"Huh?" Bunny watched his retreating back. "What's eatin' 'im?" Sandy shrugged.
Hiccup sat on a cliff facing the west, staring out over the edge of the oasis to the desert that separated him from home. He pulled Jack's sketch out of his pocket in his chest armor, hardly making out the lines of the sketch anymore. Toothless came barreling at him, knocking Hiccup over with a loud grunt, the sketch slipped from his hands, catching the westward wind. "No!" Hiccup called as it was carried away. His heart sank, knowing that if he went after it he was unlikely to retrieve it in one piece and his memory was too faded to create a new one. Hiccup sighed as Toothless nuzzled his lap, he couldn't be angry with the dragon, he was only trying to comfort him after all.
-S2-
In a tower like hut, far from the village of Berk in the middle of a barren plain that was once a green field, was Mim, reading the stars and sketching their positions onto a large paper. He heard the sounds of paper crinkling and looked up to see a piece of paper had caught on his balcony. Mim snatched it before it blew away, trying to gently straighten out the folds so he could see what it was, the faded picture was hard to make out, but he recognized the style and the still mostly solid eyes staring back at him. Mim's eyes widened with hope, he scanned the paper carefully, finding at the bottom right corner a messily written "H.H." Mim's head snapped up to look to the East, the direction the wind had come from. "Hiccup?" Mim questioned the wind.
-S2-
Somewhere, near the West border of the jungle oasis, Bunny and Sandy were out on a walk, discussing random stories and ideas as they walked along, Bunny's dragon napping soundly on his shoulders. "Hold up, that doesn't make any sense!" Bunny said, halting Sandy's fast gestures. "What kind of man goes around dropin' sand in folks eyes to bring them nice dreams, it just doesn't work." More gestures. "'Ay, you leave the giant rabbit out of this." Sandy gave a silent chuckle.
A noise caused them both to stop their walk, both looking over to their rights for the source. For a moment they held their breath, waiting to see if something jumped out at them. When several moments passed with nothing they both relaxed with a sigh, as they started to walk away, suddenly a hooked staff came out of the bushes, knocking Sandy on the head. Sandy fell to the ground in a daze while Bunny jumped back, facing the assailant, the staff came swinging at him and the man hit it away with his boomerang, throwing the weapon at the attacker only to have him dodge. The attacker advanced on him until the curved wood came back, knocking him in the head before Bunny caught it, wrapping his arms around Sandy's shoulders and running away from the attacker.
Hiccup and Tooth were lounging in some woven hammocks when Bunny's yelling reached their ears. "We've got an intruder!" He called running to them practically carrying Sandy.
While Tooth helped Bunny get Sandy to safety, Hiccup grabbed his helmet, putting it on before drawing his sword. The attacker came through the bushes at full speed, Hiccup swung his sword at him, meeting the metal that coated the center of the hooked staff. The fighting pair swung at each other several more times before Hiccup was able to knock the staff out of his attacker's grasp. Before he could make another move the smaller male tackled him around the middle, causing them to roll down a hill together. "HICCUP!" He heard Tooth yell.
They halted at the bottom of the hill, the attackers head on Hiccup's chest. He groaned as he felt the smaller fighter lift their torso up to look at him. "Hiccup?" The familiar voice questioned. Hiccup moved his head so he could see the young man on top of him. White hair, blue eyes, pale skin and a very handsome soft face, he was older, filled out though still quite skinny, skinnier than himself now, but there was no mistake.
"Jack?" Hiccup grabbed his face to examine him as if trying to make sure he was right. With him here, in front of him, Hiccup's memory of the boy instantly sharpened until every feature was burned into him. "Jack Frost…" Hiccup got to his feet, bringing the young man with him. He was taller than Jack now, maybe by half a head, and he was definitely broader. Hiccup reached for his helmet, pulling it off then smoothing out his hair before looking at Jack who stared at him in complete disbelief. For a moment they only stared, not even noticing as three people made their way down the hill, until finally Hiccup and Jack broke out in grins and both laughed joyously. "Jack!" Hiccup said again, wrapping the smaller man in a hug.
"This is amazing, where have you been?" Jack pushed him away so he could look at him, circling him curiously. "You grew up! What happened to the little Fishbone?" Jack ruffled Hiccup's hair, not having the same embarrassing effect now that he wasn't so small, though Hiccup still swatted at his hand.
"Yeah? Well you haven't changed a bit Snowflake," Hiccup countered, it was true, the boy had grown but he honestly just looked like a slightly taller version of himself.
"Hold up!" Bunny interrupted, dumbfounded. "You two… know each other?" He pointed between them as he gritted his teeth.
"Uh yeah, Bunny, Sandy, Tooth, this is my friend Jack Frost," Hiccup introduced, receiving a stifled laugh from Jack.
"Bunny?" Jack questioned, grinning at the man.
"Short for Bunnymund, what of it Frostbite." Bunny glared at him in annoyance. "Are we really okay with this? He just attacked all of us!?" He questioned Tooth and Sandy who both just shrugged, wasn't the worst first impression they had ever had.
Jack quickly moved on looking at Hiccup again. "I can't believe you're here, alive!" Hiccup was shocked at that. Jack seemed to catch this as he continued. "The whole tribe thinks you died with Stoick…" Jack said quietly, as if saying it too loud might make it true.
Hiccup looked confused, "They-they do? But Pitch-"
Jack's head shot up as if realizing something. "But you're alive, which means…" His hand touched the tan cheek fondly. "You're the chief."
Bunny scoffed. "Chief? Our Hiccup?" He rolled his eyes at the idea, seeing Sandy make several gestures. "Don't do that, he's no chief."
Tooth bit her lip. "That would explain a lot though… he is always staying busy and he took it on himself to guard the oasis." She defended the idea, Bunny's eyes widening with realization.
"No, no I'm not the chief." Hiccup backed away a little, not sure what to do.
"Hiccup…" Jack looked hurt.
"I mean, yeah, I was going to be, but that was a long time ago… before…" Hiccup didn't know what else to say, thankfully Bunny interrupted.
"Hold on a minute! You really are a tribe chief?" Bunny was shocked, he remembered the tiny boy they took in fondly, definitely not chief material, though the boy had grown out of that.
"Hey it's still me, Hiccup, you're loveable goofball," Hiccup made his point by waving his arms around.
"I mean yeah, but…" Bunny trailed off, Jack leaning in to him.
"Could you all maybe give us a moment?" Bunny looked at the white haired man suspiciously.
"Whatever ya got ta say to 'im you can say ta us," Bunny said almost accusingly.
Hiccup grimaced. "Actually, would you guys mind? Maybe head back to the huts? Check on Toothless for me?" Bunny glared at Hiccup, somewhat offended that he would send them away, but the three nodded and left them alone. Hiccup sighed heavily, looking at Jack to see his back to him. "They're really great people, just a little hard to get to know," Hiccup explained sheepishly rubbing his hair. When he received no response he grabbed Jack's shoulder. "Hey, you okay?" Jack turned rather suddenly, wrapping his arms around Hiccup's waist and burying his face in the dragon scale armor.
"I just can't believe it, you're alive. You're really here." Jack tightened his hold, breathing shakily. Hiccup smiled, resting his head on Jack's head causing the smaller man to laugh. "Last time I saw you, I was resting my head on yours." Jack pulled away, smiling at him. "You even have a little hair on your face." Jack examined Hiccup's chin with his hand. "This is real." Jack looked away. "I missed you."
Hiccup grinned like the idiot Jack definitely thought he was, feeling his heart flutter. "I missed you too."
At the top of the hill, hiding in the bushes Bunny snorted. "Couple of lovebirds, just what we needed," Bunny grumbled.
"I think it's sweet." Tooth smiled at them.
"Are you daft!? You realize he'll leave now." Bunny looked back at the pair as Hiccup started to lead Jack away.
"No, Hiccup wouldn't abandon us," Tooth said, looking at Bunny with sad eyes. Sandy made several gestures. "That's right, Sandy, Hiccup cares about our home too much."
"More than he cares about Frostbite there?" Bunny looked at Tooth. "Think about it Tooth, the oasis is a beautiful place, who knows what Frostbite will be able to talk Hiccup into doin' with a little romance."
Down the hill and some ways away, Hiccup was showing Jack the place he had called home for the past five years, smiling as Jack stared in awe at some of the dragons that were laying about. "I've trained almost all the dragons, they are pretty good at keeping us safe, though usually they don't let crazy stick wielding skinny guys pass them," Hiccup jokes, receiving a huff from Jack.
"I'm not skinny, I'm lean." Jack crossed his arms, offended.
"Isn't that just another word for skinny?" Hiccup received a swat.
"Look who's talking, you may have filled out but I see those sticks you call legs." Hiccup gaped, mocking offension.
"These mighty legs of steel? You'll be sorry for making fun of all this warrior bulk." Jack shook his head.
"Whatever you say Fishbone." They broke through some bushes and came to the swimming hole, Hiccup's favorite place. "I can't believe you've been here, all this time." Jack watched as Hiccup started unstrapping his black breast piece and shoulder pads.
"It's a great place to be, peaceful, no worries." Hiccup smiled at Jack as he piled the armor out of the way along with his boots, leaving him in only his tight fitting green tunic and pants. Jack sat at the water's edge, grabbing Hiccup's hand.
"We really needed you," He said, meeting Hiccup's sad eyes, their faces close enough to feel breath. "I needed you." Hiccup pulled his hand free, getting to his feet. Jack was hurt for only a moment before he saw the grin on the larger man's face.
"You need to loosen up Snowflake!" Hiccup grabbed a vine and ran back at the water, swinging over it before letting go and splashing into the swimming hole. Jack scrambled to the edge, looking for the brunette but seeing nothing.
"Hey! Don't you drown!" Jack yelled. Suddenly a pair of arms shot out of the water, wrapping around Jack's neck, a large grin visible on Hiccup's face before he yanked Jack head first into the water with him. They were both only under for a second before Jack broke the surface with a gasp. "What the hell, Hiccup!" Jack glared at Hiccup as the man laughed loudly at him. Jack splashed at him causing the laughter to abruptly stop, a determined look meeting Jack's annoyed one. Hiccup splashed back, and the water's surface broke out in ripples and movement as the pair splashed the water back and forth, Hiccup making his way closer to Jack, quickly grabbing Jack's wrist easily stopping him with his large calloused hands. Jack blushed, staring at intense green eyes, it had once always been Jack who easily overpowered Hiccup, it was strange to have it the other way around.
Hiccup's smile softened. "I really missed you, Jack." Hiccup leaned into him and Jack jumped, suddenly feeling very cold in the water, Jack slipped out of the grip and quickly swam to land, climbing out of the water feeling the warm air wrap around him. Hiccup swam up behind him, climbing out of the water and leaning his head on Jack's shoulder with a grin, causing Jack to smirk back at the feeling of the warm breath on his skin. "So I guess I won?" Jack scoffed, reaching behind him pushing Hiccup back into the water before taking off running. It only took Hiccup a moment to recover, chasing after Jack through the trees, Jack laughed mischievously as he pulled branches and rocks into Hiccup's path trying to slow him down, but Hiccup wasn't as clumsy as he once was and skillfully dodged everything in his path. He got close enough to grab Jack around the middle, only to have their feet get tangled and go tumbling down a hill, a habit they apparently have not grown out of, before landing at the bottom laughing, Hiccup landing on top of Jack, his head on the smaller man's chest.
Hiccup hadn't realized just how much he had missed the other until now, no one had ever been more comforting or better company than the white haired man. He felt a hand brush his hair fondly. "Soft." He heard as a nose buried into his hair. Hiccup Lifted himself up, smiling at Jack until a pair of pale lips pressed against his own briefly. Eyes wide with shock, Hiccup stared at Jack's shy smile. Hiccup was stunned for a moment as he looked over Jack, as if trying to figure out the last piece to a puzzle. His gaze stopped as he noticed something had slipped from the top of Jack's shirt, a necklace, Hiccup picked up the trinket from its place next to the pale neck. The dragon tooth Hiccup had given Jack all those years ago was now in his hand, still in good shape, attached to a worn out string of leather leading to where is wrapped around Jack's neck. Hiccup smiled, meeting Jack's shy gaze with a confidence he never had before. He dropped the necklace, leaning down to kiss Jack passionately. That's what was missing Hiccup noted, Jack had always been the most important thing to him.
The sky had gone dark, the stars the only light as the pair laid in the grass, Jack snuggled up to Hiccup, definitely no longer worried about their change in dynamic, it was far to comfy in Hiccup's arms to worry about that. Hiccup, every once in a while would lean in for another kiss, not able to get enough of Jack now that he had him. Briefly, both boys wondered when their innocent friendship had developed into such affection but neither could pinpoint the actual shift, maybe it was the five years apart, maybe it happened before that? Hiccup shifted Jack onto his back, looming over him smiling. Jack smiled back, yanking the man back down to him for yet another kiss, having decided that it didn't matter when it happened, this was happening right now. Hiccup broke away from Jack's lips, instead placing a kiss on his cheek, then his ear, before moving to his neck where he nibbled on the pale skin. Jack jumped a little when the brunette bit into his neck, a moan involuntarily escaping him, causing a smirk against his skin. The pale man briefly questioned where this confidant man came from, memories of a small timid boy at the surface of his mind, but when Hiccup started to suck on the spot he bit while grinding his hips into his own, Jack decided he really didn't care.
They had fallen asleep only for a short while. By the time they finally got up out of the grass Hiccup could tell they were getting close to dawn, they made their way to the waterfalls up stream. Jack held tight to Hiccup's hand, almost as if he might disappear if he let go. When they reached the falls Hiccup grabbed onto a tree branch, pulling himself up to sit before reaching out to Jack. Jack stared at the hand for a moment before sighing and looking back at Hiccup. He hadn't wanted to ruin their moment, but he knew he needed to return home soon and he hoped he would bring Hiccup with him. "You've been alive, all these years you were right here… Why?" Hiccup sighed, dropping his hand.
"I don't know, I just had to get away, you know? Strike out on my own, live a little, get away from the judging eyes of the tribe." Hiccup was careful to leave out the fact that he was motivated by his fear, by his father's death.
"Without me?" Jack's eyes were sad, watching Hiccup closely.
"It was a spur of the moment thing, there wasn't time to go back…" Hiccup felt guilty, and for the first time in years the regret came swimming back.
"We needed you…" Jack looked him in the eyes with determination. "You have to come back, you have to take your place as chief!" Hiccup shook his head, he could never go back.
"Jack, I can't, Pitch is the chief now and I'm not going to challenge him." Hiccup felt pretty final about that, but the grief on Jack's face told him something was very wrong.
"He… Pitch let the Berserkers take over Hiccup." Hiccup was shocked, jumping down from the tree.
"What?"
"I couldn't believe it either, after what they did to Stoick? After what we thought they did to you!? He made an alliance with them and let them destroy our land, our home, Hiccup!" Hiccup was pacing, shocked and saddened. "You just… left… After Stoick died-"
"You left too!" Hiccup said, facing Jack.
"To find help, and I found you." Jack sounded desperate, hurt.
The silence was tense, neither knew what to say, Hiccup couldn't go back, but he didn't want to leave Jack again. "Stay with me." Jack's snapped to Hiccup.
"What?"
"Stay here with me, we can live here together, with no worries." Hiccup looked desperate, practically begging him with his eyes.
"I can't… I'm sorry." Hiccup deflated. "Why won't you come back with me Hiccup? Why won't you face Pitch?" Hiccup backed away as if burned, turning away from him.
"I just can't, you wouldn't understand." Hiccup started walking away, scared.
"Then tell me!" Jack grabbed his shoulder only to be brushed off.
"Just go home Jack! I'm not coming with you!" Hiccup started running, leaving Jack stunned.
"Hiccup…"
Hiccup ran as fast as he could away from Jack, not even realizing he was heading to the West of the oasis until he reached the field just before it would turn to desert. Hiccup shook with frustration before yelling into the air as he flailed his arms before landing on his back, staring at the starry sky. "Dad… I need you…" He whispered, fully knowing he would not receive a response. Suddenly a little pale man with white hair and a kind smile was standing over him looking down at Hiccup. Hiccup jumped, flipping over to get to his feet and look at the little man. "Mim!?" Hiccup said, recognizing the spiritual leader from Berk. He hadn't changed, not even a little.
"Hiccup, you have lost your way." Hiccup was shocked, he had never heard Mim speak before, being a man who only talked as much as he absolutely had to.
"I, uh…" He didn't really know how to respond. "Yeah…" He finally said, casting his head down in shame. Mim started to walk toward the oasis, gesturing for Hiccup to follow. The young man obeyed as Mim led him through the trees to a tiny little reflective pond, a place Hiccup only visited when he wanted to be alone. Mim pointed at the water as if to show Hiccup something, the brunette leaned over, only seeing himself. "Um… it's me? You wanted to show me…. Me?" Mim shook his head.
"Look harder," He instructed. Hiccup looked again, staring into his eyes. Mim reached over, tapping the water with his fingers causing ripples to distort Hiccup's image for a moment, when it became clear again Hiccup no longer saw himself. A bearded man stared back at him.
"Dad?" The breath drained from Hiccup, completely shocked and overwhelmed.
"Hiccup, my son." He could hear Stoick's voice echoing. "You have abandoned me." Hiccup shook his head.
"Never."
"You have left our people, you have left your responsibilities."
"I…" Hiccup cried, not daring to look away or his father might disappear.
"I always said you would make a great chief, better than I."
Hiccup sighed. "No, I-I'm not who they want me to be, dad. I'm not you…"
"You're right, you are so much more, my son. You have trained dragons, learned how to battle, but you can be so much greater than this. You must remember who you are." Hiccup bit his lip.
"Who am I?" Hiccup whispered. Stoick smiled.
"You are Hiccup Haddock the third, son of Stoick and Valka, rightful chief of Berk and love of Jack Frost." Hiccup's eyes widened in shock, staring at the reflection of his father. "We knew son…"
"I-"
"You are not the boy you were before," Stoick interrupted. "You caught up as I always knew you would, now you must go home and prove to the tribe that you are every bit the warrior I was, and you will do it on the backs of dragons!" Hiccup smiled at this father. That's right, he wasn't the skinny helpless little boy anymore, he was a dragon rider, a warrior, and it was time to take back his home.
"Thank you, dad." Stoick smiled, his image fading away. Hiccup got to his feet, nodding to Mim before he took off running to the huts, ready to go home and face his fears.
-S2-
So, in case it's not obvious, Tooth and Toothless are their own characters. Sandy and Bunny have taken on the roles of Timon and Pumbaa. I liked this chapter, and after finishing it I can say with pretty strong certainty that this is only going to be three chapters…. Unless I do an epilogue of course.
Tell me your thoughts, do you like that I don't go back to show what's happening at Berk? Does anyone feel strongly that I should add it in? Was Hiccup's and Jack's relationship too sudden? That's how the Lion King movie did it so I just stuck with it, plus it was hinted at a lot in this story. I realize Jack wasn't as blushy before but I wanted to make it clear that he was shocked by Hiccup's change and pleasantly surprised. I also wanted to make it clear that Hiccup's new confidence had changed their dynamic a bit and Jack wasn't totally sure what to do with that but also wasn't complaining.
Personally I'm happy, I think the flow and scene hopping was right for what I was trying to do but I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time!
Review!