Author's Note: I'm sorry for the wait. Like i said real life is getting hard right now. Plus I received some bad news, just some money problems that made me not want to write for the time being. Either way I hope you like this chapter, I really wanted for this to be good yet, I think I really deviated a bit from what I did. Still I got some positive feedback from a friend so i'm confident. Also I realized this story may be a bit longer as I would need to add another chapter. Still, I hope to hear from you about this, Enjoy.

Chapter 6: Confrontation

There were so many things Hiccup would rather do at the moment. Go for another lap around the island on Toothless, go to the Cove to relax, or even go back to the Dragon Academy to work up more exercises for him and the other Dragon Riders to do for the coming days. Anything to avoid him going back home. Sadly, it wasn't in the cards as the moon stood high up in the air, blanketing all of Berk darkness to signal the end of the day. It didn't matter to the one-legged teen as he just wanted to be outside, but fatigue would get the better of him. Especially in Toothless as the dragon would tire just like him, and he knew it would be selfish to keep him outside longer than necessary. Even though the Night Fury never left his side all day, mainly as the dragon is real concerned from all that happened today.

After much thought Hiccup decided to risk it and go back home, but instead he would do the same thing as last time. Flying towards his home, he then had Toothless carefully aimed for the window into his room. Trying to be as quiet as possible the duo flew inside and landed on the ground, which creaked softly. Hiccup sighed in relief and got off his dragon, preparing to head to bed.

That is until the someone cleared their throat, the sound causing the teen to freeze.

Wincing he looked towards his door and found his father, sitting in a chair looking right at him. Both eyes widen in shock as he didn't even see him, nor the lantern that lit up his room. Has his father been waiting there for him? Wait did he know he would sneak in like this? How would he even know that, and what reason would he have for doing it? Either way this wasn't good at all. "D-Dad… w-what are you doing here?"

"We need to talk son," Stoick announced. Stifling a groan as he got up from the chair, clearly indicating he had been sitting there for a long while. After his talk with Gobber the chief decided to talk with his son, yet remember the state his son had been in. Chances are the boy wouldn't want to talk or risk a confrontation with him. So, after finishing his chief duties for the day Stoick went back home to wait for his son, yet also had to remember that his son is crafty. He would do anything to try and avoid coming through the front door, which meant there was another exit that could be exploited. So, the chief took a chair and headed up for his son's loft, sitting there and waiting for a good while. Looks like his hunch proved right.

"A-About what?" he nervously asked, mentally gulping and felt his heart race a bit more. Part of him wondered if his father knew he was listening in on him and Gobber earlier, but he was quiet during that, so there was no way he could have gotten caught…could he? Whatever it was his brain tried to figure out a way, to weasel out of this as he wasn't ready to deal with this. "Can't this wait till tomorrow, I really am tired and-"

"No this can't wait," the chief interrupted, clearly recognizing the tactic as Hiccup has used it to get out of serious conversations beforehand. It wouldn't work this time. Taking a few breaths, he then recalled back to Gobber's advice from earlier as he needed to make sure his son wasn't feeling like he's being cornered. He would need to keep things nice and calm and make the teen feel safe in his presence.

Easier said than done.

"W-What is this about?" Hiccup asked timidly, not wanting the answer to that question. If his father had to wait in here for him, he knew it would be nothing good. Plus, if he were to keep making up excuses to get out of the conversation it would only alert his father that there was something wrong. Part of him wanted to just jump out of the window, fully knowing Toothless would follow him. Yet, he had to refrain as that would basically be a confession to something in his father's eyes. He couldn't risk it.

"Be honest son, are you ok?" Stoick asked in a gentle voice, one laced with concern and honesty. He was probing for answers, yet he wanted to hear it come from the teen's mouth willingly.

"I'm fine dad…why do you ask?" Hiccup could have smacked himself for asking that follow-up question.

"Are you sure? Nothing else bothering you from…well you know what," The large man took a step forward, which struck Hiccup a bit odd. Mainly since this is a new approach his father is doing, as he never talked to him like this. Well, not when it came to something serious like mentioned, but It seemed familiar in some way.

He took a glance over at his dragon, seeing Toothless sitting loyally at his side yet watching as well. The Night Fury looked up at his rider and warbled, a clear indication of "talk to him."

Hiccup could only sigh and gave an irritated look. His dragon is supposed to be helping him, not his dad. And Toothless knew how much he is trying to avoid this confrontation, yet maybe that's why he's being pushed into it. Either way, the silence coming from the teen is only giving his father more reason to believe something is wrong.

"I just don't want to talk about it," Is all the boy said, causing his dragon to huff at his rider, looking displeased at the answer.

"Are you sure? Because Toothless seems to think otherwise," Stoick responded, the dragon nodded in agreement. He then realized that was a bad move and decided to move on before the accusation could be taken the wrong way. "Son, you know if you have a problem, it's alright to tell me. I know talks like this in the past were…difficult, but I'm trying to do my best to help you if there's a problem on your mind."

Stoick could see his son's shoulders visible relax some as the tenseness seem to loosen up. This was good in his opinion, Hiccup seemed pretty defensive when he realized he was in the room, so maybe now he's softening up. He just had to keep this up and hopefully his son will talk to him.

"I've…been noticing that as well," Hiccup couldn't help but respond back. He didn't know why but his father's presence didn't seem as threatening as it was. He could hear the concern and honesty in his voice, and it was nice. It was like how Gobber would talk to him whenever he showed up at the forge hurt, mainly from the beatings his cousin and the twins gave him. He then looked at Toothless, his dragon nodding and motioning for him to trust his father. Maybe he really did want to help, maybe showing some weakness right now wouldn't hurt as it could stay between them. No one else had to know, right? "M-Maybe…something is on my mind."

Stoick looked visibly relieved at that, mentally cheering that the advice worked. "Ok, because I've noticed that something may be on your mind as of late, which could be bothering you."

Big mistake

'You've… Noticed?" Hiccup responded back slowly, his voice showing surprise, but in reality, there is some rising anger laced in it.

"Yes, I have," Stoick said, hoping his son would buy it. He needed to subtlety bring up the main topic of concern without admitting to it being Gobber who told him. His friend could be the only one that could get the truth out of his son in case this talk failed. He prayed to Odin that it didn't fail. "And I'm just concerned."

Both of Hiccup's eyes narrowed as the anger swelled up from within him. His body tensed up more as all thoughts of talking do his father were thrown out the window. He knew his father is covering up for Gobber by saying that he noticed things, meaning he's basically lying to him right now. This was something his father had told him that he would try not to do anymore as a way to help mend their relationship… Which at this point has taken a hit by now. A part of his mind is taking this out of proportion, but the rational side isn't working right now. Maybe it was because he didn't want to be lied to, or maybe he secretly tried to find a way to get out of the conversation still, either way things were not going to end pleasantly.

"No, you haven't," Hiccup then said without thinking, hiding the shock once realization hit him. Normally he would try and cover up what was said, but for some reason he decided to go with it.

"What?" Stoick said in surprise and shock. Toothless looking at his rider, somehow sensing the anger that is building up, and knowing things were about to get worse.

"You haven't noticed… you have haven't seen me except for this afternoon…stop lying to me," the boy managed to say, barely able to keep his anger in check.

Both of the chief's eyes rose in concern and surprise. The tone in which his son spoke to him held such malice… but towards what exactly, or better yet who? "Hiccup… I'm not-"

"You are lying!" Hiccup interrupted, voice raised, which surprised both his father and dragon. Before his father could even speak, or before his mind could catch up, he blurted it out. "I heard you…you and Gobber!"

Both of Stoick's eyes widen in shock and seeing no reaction from Hiccup confirmed that he was telling the truth. By then Stoick could see the anger radiating from his son, hands clenched and body trembling some, but not from fear but anger. Yet the puzzling question: Was the boy mad at Gobber? Or at himself? Or both of them? Hiccup on the other hand mentally started to sweat. He didn't want to say that but it like it came out and he had no control over it. Either way it was out in the open and now he had to face the repercussions of his own actions.

Seeing as there was no reason to keep it hidden anymore Stoick just decided to do what he could to quell his son's anger. "Hiccup, you don't understand-"

"I perfectly understand!" he shouted, letting the anger take over, ignoring Toothless' attempts to calm him. "I can't trust Gobber anymore, the one person who I thought would keep his mouth shut…goes behind my back and tells you!"

"Hiccup this is serious!" Stoick shouted back. He knew yelling wouldn't help but his son's stubbornness is preventing him from getting a word in. He could already feel his chances at helping his son dwindling. "Having a panic attack is nothing to take lightly. Especially, when you see the man you killed… keeping it in won't help you, believe me."

"How can I believe you when you just lied to me just now?" Hiccup calmly responded back. He didn't want to keep using the lying card, but all sense of reason left his mind. "You could have just told me that Gobber talked to you…maybe then I would have been just a bit more willing to talk with you." Even though they both new it was a lie.

"Are you sure about that?" Stoick rhetorically asked, fully knowing that statement was just an excuse.

"Y-Yeah…but you won't know now," Hiccup responded back, sadly knowing that wasn't going to help him like he hoped.

"Either way we should talk about this," Stoick argued, not wanting to get off topic and waste time defending himself and Gobber. "Calmly and honestly."

"I don't want to talk about it, the more I think about what I did…how close Toothless came to being killed, the more it plagues me! The last thing I want to do is to relive that moment!" Hiccup practically shouted in displeasure, no longer caring that he's yelling at his father. His emotions were out of control and he did nothing to rear them in. Maybe this was a good way to vent, even if it meant taking unwanted anger out on his father.

Stoick knew that the yelling wasn't his son's fault, so he decided to let it slide for the time being. "Hiccup it's more important to talk about it now. You don't know what you're-"

"You're the one who said you had confidence within me to handle this. I know for a fact that not thinking about it can help…are you going back on what you said? Do you actually have no confidence in me to deal with this on my own!?" Hiccup said next, using what his father had said against him. Yet in a way he meant every word that he said… he thinks.

Stoick opened his mouth to respond but for some reason held his tongue. His mind now mulling over what was shouted at him. It's true that he had confidence within his son to get past this. Yet, does trying to force him to talk about the problem mean that he no longer held that confidence? Is Hiccup right into not discussing it? But to be honest he knew his son is going about this all wrong, but it seemed as if the teen isn't listening to reason now. If he were to tell his son all this there is no doubt he would try and keep pushing him away.

Still in the past Hiccup has proven to be able to handle situations that proved to be difficult and dangerous all by himself. Yet at times his friends were there or at least Toothless. He then remembered all the times he never listened to his son, when he should have. Maybe his son was right about this one. The only way for him to find out if it's true is just leaving him be. This could be a big mistake… but what other option is there? He couldn't just tie his son down and force him to listen, it would never work. He would just have to put his faith in his son and hope for the best.

Sighing heavily, he looked right back at the boy, "Alright son."

"What?" All the anger vanished from the teen upon hearing this. He couldn't believe his ears as his father just gave in like that.

"I do believe in you, that you can get through this…and if you say that not talking about it will help. I'll trust your judgement." It saddens Stoick as he decided to let his son win this battle, yet, he would have to trust him in knowing what to do… besides he would come seeking help eventually…right?

"Well…uh…thanks dad," is all Hiccup could say as he's still surprised at the turn of events. He had expected much more insistence, yet he wondered if his father was up to something but didn't question it any further. Mainly since it seems like the conversation is done with…for now.

Stoick then headed for the door but stopped right before going through. Turning around he gave one last look at his son and spoke as sincere as possible. "I love you son. I'll be here for you when you decide to seek help. No matter the time of day…I'll be here to listen." With that the chief then left the room, leaving Hiccup and Toothless alone in the room, much to the teen's surprise and sadness. He actually thought his father would fight harder on this topic, yet now of all time he's respecting his wishes.

Sighing deeply he sat on his bed, looking down at the floor despite Toothless looking right at him. The conversation was over with, and he got what he had wanted. Yet, why did it feel like it was a big mistake?

…

That night Stoick laid awake in bed, promptly looking up at the ceiling above. Fully knowing that right above him is Hiccup's room. Sleep had managed to elude him as concern for his son flooded his mind. He mentally chastised himself over and over for not pressing the subject, as he felt this could come back to haunt him later on. How could it not? Mostly every decision like this always seemed to have come back to bite him back.

Many nights in the past Stoick had laid awake just as he currently did. Always happening whenever his son would do something that warrants concern. Like how he was sleeping after the fight with the Red Death… or like how he was Kidnapped by Alvin, now this. His parental side is screaming at him to go up and talk with Hiccup again and try to get him to open up, but this time stick to it. Yet, he wanted to respect his son's wishes most of all and hope he could actually pull through with this.

First kills were something that couldn't be taken lightly nor could it be ignored. Yet he meant what he said to Hiccup when they talked last, he really did believe his son could get through this. The teen, despite his appearance, is far stronger than any Viking on Berk. He may not possess the strength of a Viking but he more than made up for it when it came to mental strength. The teen never gives up when the situation seems grim and managed to change all of Berk for the better. How can someone like Hiccup not be able to get through this by himself?

Well Stoick would have to wait and see if his choice was the right one after all.

"AHHH!"

The slightly muffled scream managed to reach the chief's ears, causing him to immediately sit up in his bed. "Hiccup," he breathed out softly as his parental side won this battle. Getting out of bed he then ran up to his son's loft.

Hiccup trembled as he panted profusely and is covered in a cold sweat. Just like the night before he dreamt of the same man, who just kept staring at him with the same hate as before. He kept on accusing the teen with such malice and repeated how it should have been him instead. A soft coo caused him to look forward, seeing that Toothless awoke and is by his side. His door opened, causing the boy to flinch and look over only to see his father had entered, just perfect.

"Hiccup," the man called out as he came to his son's side. For a moment nothing was said Stoick waited for his son to calm down from his dream fully knowing what was going on. Despite what he had said before he couldn't help but ask. "You saw his face again, didn't you?"

"Y-Yes," Hiccup responded in a low voice. The teen wasn't sure why he answered, it just felt right to do so. Part of him was glad his father is here as he didn't feel alone at the moment, didn't feel scared. Yet his mind finally caught up with him to remember the conversation from earlier. He then expected his father to want to ask him to talk about his dream and maybe get him to open up. He mentally groaned at this thought…yet why did it feel like something he wouldn't have minded?

"Are you going to be ok?" Stoick then asked, much to Hiccup's surprise.

"Um…y-yeah…I think so," Hiccup said unsurely, mainly since those were the only words that would come to him. He wasn't sure why his dad asked that, wasn't he going to pry in more?

"Alright son," Stoick said, ruffling his son's hair before getting back up. "If you need anything still, just come get me."

And to Hiccup's surprise his father left the room, leaving him and his dragon alone once more. He wasn't even able to say anything during this as his brain didn't fully register what had happened. Why did his father not try to get him to talk about his dream, or the like? This is completely unlike him… well at least up to the point after his fight with Red Death. Whenever Hiccup had a nightmare, which happened to be recurring a few weeks after waking up from his coma.

Every time his father, whenever the man heard him, would come up and check on his son. Then he would comfort and talk with him for a bit before going back to sleep. Stoick indeed checked on him, but that's all… which was weird. But then both eyes widen as he remembered that his father agreed to leave him be to deal with this problem. Was he really sticking to his word and allowing him to sort this out by himself?

A small warble brought Hiccup back to his senses, looking over at the Night Fury. Seeing the same confusion and worry on his face. Sighing the teen then petted his Dragon, "Was I wrong in asking him to leave me be?"

Toothless looked up at his human and shrugged. In all honesty he had no idea what the boy wanted right now. At first, he wanted to be left alone to deal with the problem, yet now it looked like he wanted to talk. It confused the dragon so much that he couldn't be much help right now. He asked to be left alone and that is what he got. Still, no matter what the dragon would be here for him.

"I don't even know anymore," Hiccup admitted to his friend. He honestly didn't know how he should feel about this. Be happy that his father is listening to him enough to respect his wishes. Or be disappointed that he wasn't pressed further for what is troubling him, he had no idea. He tried to push it out of his mind, only to be reminded of his nightmare. How long would he be able to keep going on like this? How many times can he endure seeing the man's face?

His breathing hitched and a shudder went down his spine as he thought of him. Oh, how he just wanted to forget about that face… why did he have to kill him? Yet the answer is right next to him as Toothless gave him a nuzzle. If the teen hadn't killed that Outcast chances are, he would still be having nightmares, but over the fact that his dragon was killed and no longer by his side like now. Oh, how he wanted to talk to his father right now about it… but that would mean proving his father wrong about him being able to endure this. Yet, would that be the case, or would it even matter anymore?

"No… I can't go to him…well…at least not yet," Hiccup said to himself in a low voice. "I have to get through this by myself now…I have to show I'm strong enough to endure this. I can't show weakness."

Nothing else was said as Hiccup laid back down in his bed, a bit surprised as Toothless laid his head on his belly. Apparently when the Night Fury did this it meant that he was going to sleep here, right next to his rider.

"Thanks bud," The teen appreciated this and gave his dragon a few more pets before closing his eyes, hoping he wouldn't have another nightmare.

Now that his father is letting the teen handle this on his own, Hiccup doesn't have to worry about hiding things now nor worry about being confronted. He's on his own to deal with these emotions and he's fine with it. Yet how come the thought of being on his own brought a pang of fear within him?

Author's Note: Hope you like. I always felt that Stoick and Hiccup would have a conversation like this. Hiccup was so close to breaking down but refrained. Was it because of fear or not? Either way now he's on his own, and is starting to regret his decision in some way. Yet Stoick does believe that Hiccup can make it through this, and doesn't want to make the mistake of not listening to his son again, even though this time around it may be the wrong call. Still I have plenty more to come. I'll try with the next chapter but things might get hard in real life for me. Still I'll do what i can. Till next time.