Author's Note: Hey there, sorry for the long wait. I have a tough class for school this semester and it's been taking a lot of my time. Still i'm doing my best to crank out the chapters. This is the latest one, and may seem like a rushed one but it's how I saw it in my head. Still I hope you all like this as I did my best on it. Enjoy.
Chapter 11: Breaking Through
The silence seemed to go on forever as Hiccup remained quiet, as did everyone else that was in his room. All eyes were on the restrained teen, as he wanted nothing more than to leave, but the ropes holding him to his bed would surely prevent that. He didn't even struggle with the ropes anymore, mainly since with his body frame there is no way he could break it nor wiggle out. Besides struggling made the ropes dig into his body, which started to hurt some. Also, even if he could get out chances are, he wouldn't be able to get out of the room in general, so either way he's stuck. All he plans to do is try and remain silent until they got bored… Hopefully.
Stoick watched his silent son, getting a bit worried that he hasn't said anything yet. Part of him was worried that maybe the ropes were uncomfortable but had to push the urge to loosen them away. He had to put his personal feelings side and not give in. To be honest, it pained the man to tie his son down in the first place, never thinking it would come down to this. Yet, from experience he knew Hiccup would try to leave so he would need to be kept in one place, and this happens to be the only option.
After telling one of the teens to fetch Gobber he and Toothless went up to Hiccup's room, where the chief proceeded to tie his son to the bed. When all was said and done, he made sure the window was closed and secure before telling Toothless to watch Hiccup and alert them when he woke up. If it wasn't for the rope, then chances are he would have snuck out. Hopefully he and the others could get anything out of the boy, all they had to wait till he started talking, that is if he did talk.
Seeing as nothing is getting done by sitting around Stoick sighed and decided to break the silence, "You best start talking Hiccup, because until you tell what has been bothering you, you're not being untied anytime soon." He then interrupted when he saw the boy's mouth open up to protest, "And don't bother saying the rope is too tight, I know that excuse and it won't work."
That shut his mouth as now he had to try and think of something else to say. His mind fumbled around trying to find a perfect thing to respond back to get him out of this situation, unfortunately it wasn't working this time. Instead only one thing came to mind, "Tying me down wasn't necessary."
"Not necessary?" Snotlout responded back in disbelief, sitting down on one of the only chairs in the room. "After going crazy and trying to kill unarmed Berserkers and Outcasts, I'm pretty sure this was warranted."
"Although it would have been fun if we got to do it," Ruffnut said to her brother as he nodded as well.
"So, I was going to kill them." Hiccup responded back, seeing a bit of shock in their eyes. "So what? You all shouldn't have stopped me, It needed to be done!"
"At what cost lad?" Gobber spoke, making Hiccup roll his eyes. The last thing the teen wanted was to listen to him, his mind still fresh on how his mentor betrayed him. "Your mind was fragile enough with one kill, yet after adding four more it made you unstable. Gods know what a dozen more would have done!"
Hiccup turned his head, not wanting to look at them, but couldn't look away as he looked at a face in every direction. Instead he closed his eyes and muttered something unintelligible, which got their attention, yet confused them. "What?" Astrid then asked.
"It was five… I killed one more before I came to save you all," he responded back, not seeing their shocked expressions and silent gasps.
"W-Wait…you killed someone else right before?" Fishlegs asked for them, none of them anticipating this piece of news.
"It was an accident… The Grappling line on my shield got caught on him and I was pulled towards him, my knife was pointed towards him… It happened so fast that I didn't know until it was too late," Hiccup admitted. Eyes remained closed yet stiffened a bit as the moment replayed in his mind. The surprised look on the Outcast's face as the knife pierced his body and into his heart. Watching those harden eyes slowly lose life as he fell to the ground, dead. That caused him to gasp and open his eyes, only to find eyes on him once more, everyone surprised upon seeing this.
"Saw his face again, didn't you lad?" Gobber then asked yet didn't get a response. The blacksmith sighed yet being patient with his stubborn apprentice. "It's easier if you just admit it, keeping it bottled up won't help you."
"You didn't help me either Gobber, you promised not to say anything, but you went behind my back!" Hiccup snapped back, finally saying something to his mentor, but nothing good.
"I had to!" Gobber responded back in the same volume, and not backing down. "You don't know how serious this is Hiccup, I've seen men go crazy because they couldn't handle the stress that comes from killing. You would be going down the same path unless someone intervened!"
"Been going down?" Tuffnut questioned. "It seems like he was far past that a while ago."
"I agree," Ruffnut responded. "It surprised me that it took all of us to hold you down."
"It was a good thing Toothless knocked him out with his tail," Tuffnut finished, making Hiccup go wide eyed.
"What!?" he then looked over at his dragon, the glare he gave the Night Fury made him flinch a bit. Watching those green eyes radiating so much anger as his rider gave an accusing glare, something Hiccup has never done to his dragon before. "Toothless…how could you…you've never struck me before, why would you do it!?"
The Night Fury didn't back down, even though it would earn more anger and growled back. 'I regret nothing, you had to be stopped!'
"Hiccup, Toothless did what he had to," Astrid chimed in next, catching his attention, and now is receiving that same glare. "You weren't in the right frame of mind to even be making decisions. Killing all those Berserkers and Outcasts would have done nothing!"
"Letting them go makes us look weak, especially when Dagur hears about it. None of us can afford that at all! He attacked us once so chances are, he would do it again!" Hiccup responded back with seriousness in his voice.
"Hiccup," Stoick spoke up next. "Since when has not appearing weak, been so important to you?"
He didn't speak up right after that, only taking a few seconds to stare at his father before responding. Yet, that was an indication for what he is hiding. "Since forever and-"
"You've never had a problem with it from in the past," Stoick interrupted. "No matter what any Outcast or Berserker has done, you would have never resorted to what I was told of. This isn't you Hiccup, you're not the same child I know. All of which happened after your first kill!"
Hiccup looked at his father in shock, mouth ajar some as he heard all this. A bit of anger built up within him, as he dwelled on those words. To him he was basically being told that they liked him better being helpless and relying on others to help him. Now that he finally shows signs of being a true Viking, they find it bad and unlike him. He finally does something good, well almost, but this was being viewed negatively and labeling it as uncharacteristic of him.
"I can't believe any of you… As a Viking isn't it my duty to not show fear nor weakness towards our enemies?" Hiccup spoke up, catching everyone off guard. He didn't even wait for them to respond back, or in this case give them the chance, "All my life I have been different. I have been weak, bullied, ignored, and had so many expectations thrown upon me, only to fail to measure up as a proper Viking. The one time when I actually display traits needed, I'm told that's not me or it's not how I do things. I can never win with anyone!"
Everyone was silent upon hearing all that, listening to every word and fully knowing it was true. Everyone reflected back on how Hiccup was treated before. Stoick ignoring Hiccup despite living in the same house. How Snotlout and the Twins would always bully and sometimes pummel him for fun. Astrid and Fishlegs never really giving him the time of day at all. All of which was unforgivable. Well not in Hiccup's eyes as he gave everyone a second chance, yet this isn't the same person they knew before. They started to wonder if he would forgive them for keeping him tied to his bed. Either way it wouldn't mean they would untie him yet.
"Hiccup, we don't care about any of those traits, we like you the way you were," Fishlegs commented.
"Well I don't… It made me stand out from everyone in a way I didn't like!" Hiccup scoffed, hating to always be reminded at how different he is.
"But that is what makes you special," Astrid responded next. "The way you never follow tradition, the way you always question things and basically try to change customs for the better. It's what made you better than everyone else."
"Yet that always got me into trouble before hand," Hiccup sneered back, shaking his head at the comment. "It would have been much better to be the way I am now back then."
"But this isn't- " Astrid commented but is cut off.
"If I was like this before the war ended, none of you would have been questioning it, you would be praising me! Little Scrawny Hiccup is finally turning into a real Viking, I'm actually not showing fear, or weakness," Hiccup's teeth grit as both fists clenched. His breathing turned heavy as he blurted out, "This is how I always should have been… From birth to now!"
No one said anything after that, mainly since shock overcame them. This was such a surprise as they never heard Hiccup say something like this. He was basically saying he should have been a completely different person from the start, a thought none of them could fathom at all. The caring, compassionate, and dragon loving Hiccup they knew, being replaced with a cold, harden, and violent one. Yet they also knew that it could have been a possibility in another life, yet weren't sure what life would be like if they didn't have the Hiccup they knew and love.
At this point, the conversation they were having wasn't going according to plan, and they weren't sure how to continue this. Stoick wasn't planning on untying his son until he saw reason, but it seems like that would take a lot longer than he hoped. Gobber was dismayed as well as his apprentice still held onto the anger he had for his mentor. He wasn't sure how things would be if Hiccup's attitude didn't change. The Riders were also dismayed, as they weren't sure how they were going to continue on without Hiccup. The Dragon Riders were depended on Hiccup, even though they didn't want to openly admit it. At this rate they weren't sure if Hiccup should continue to lead them with this mindset.
Astrid looked over at Toothless, the Night Fury's head bowed in sadness as well. She had no idea how badly he was taking this, although she might have a good idea. She was curious as to how things would between the two. Would Toothless continue to let Hiccup ride him? Would he refuse? Too many questions with too many unknown answers. It made her think that their relationship would be strained especially since-
Both of her eyes widen as a thought came to mind. Something that could possibly help them in this situation, but it could also fail as well. Yet, there is still a piece of the old Hiccup there, and if he responded to what she is thinking, it could be enough to snap him out of it. It was do or die, as this could be the last resort any of them had right now. So, mentally preparing herself for the consequence that should come, she then went over to Toothless, petting him. The dragon looked up at the blonde, giving a confused look. Astrid then motioned for him to get closer, which he did, unsure as to why. Everyone noticed this but said nothing as they wondered what she is up to.
"Look at him," Astrid said in a firm voice.
"What?" Hiccup looked her way in confusion.
"Look at Toothless!" she said, raising her voice as she gently pushed the dragon forward, getting him closer to his rider.
"What are you doing?" Hiccup asked, confused and a bit on edge.
"You and Toothless are best friends, practically the only friend you had in your time of need. Granted if you were the Viking you should have been back then you would have had us as friends, but that wouldn't have been true friendship, it would just be admiration for the skills you had. What you and Toothless have is the real deal, and you would do anything to keep it that way wouldn't you!?"
Hiccup was silent for a moment, wondering if this was a trick. Still, he answered, "What are- "
"Wouldn't you!?" Astrid asked again, cutting him off.
"Of course, what's the point of this?" Hiccup decided to answer and find out where this is headed.
"Because a moment ago you basically admitted to trading all that away!" she said, surprising everyone in the room with wide eyes, even Toothless.
"What are you talking about!?" Hiccup questioned, not quite catching onto what she was getting to. There was no way he said he would want to trade away his friendship with Toothless. "I never said that at all!"
"You told me the reason why you didn't kill Toothless back when you had the chance," she said, perking everyone's interest. They too heard of the story on how Hiccup didn't kill his dragon but said nothing as they wanted to see where this led to. "You said you wouldn't kill him because you saw yourself within him."
Slowly but surely everyone else started to get a clue as to what Astrid was doing and let her continue. Hiccup on the other hand is still confused as to where she is getting at. "Of course, I wouldn't have, but what- "
"Imagine if you were back at that exact moment… But instead of the Hiccup we knew it's this version of you that you are now. You wouldn't have seen yourself within Toothless, meaning you would have killed him!" Astrid cut him off and blurted out, creating a deafening silence within the room, as silent gasped left everyone.
Hiccup opened his mouth to respond, but in truth he had nothing to say back. His mind processing all that she had said, and it slowly started cementing itself as there is some truth in her words. Slowly but surely his mind started to think about what was said and it just flashed before him. He could see himself back in the forest, Toothless tangled in the bolas, himself holding the knife. Instead of fear Hiccup had determination and hatred in his eyes. The same hatred all of Berk's Vikings had towards the dragons back then. He shook his head, trying to ride himself of the image.
"You said how you were going to cut out Toothless' heart and take it back to your father to prove you were a Viking. Only this time you wouldn't have let him go!" Astrid poured more venom into her words as Toothless warbled sadly but did nothing.
"She…. She speaks the truth," he couldn't help but think.
"A-Astrid… S-Stop," Hiccup's breathing started to increase as the vision started to come back. He saw himself holding the knife up into the air, no hint of hesitation at all within him. He gasped big time as he saw himself bring the knife down in a quick stab, Toothless' roar of pain piercing the air as he cut in deep. Both eyes closed as he shook the image from his mind, "P-Please stop."
Everyone saw Hiccup struggling with something, but not sure as to what. All they saw is the teen squirming around on the bed, shaking his head, almost as if he's seeing something that none of them could witness, and is trying to escape. No one dared to interrupt Astrid as what she is doing seems to be working, or not as they weren't sure how things are playing out. They were hoping things were working in their favor, yet felt bad as Hiccup is in some kind of discomfort.
"You would have killed the only true friend you could have had, Toothless would have been dead and you wouldn't have been able to show all of Berk how wonderful dragons could be!"
"Stop!" he shouted some as the scene kept on playing in his mind. Watching as the dagger carved the black scales as nothing but crimson liquid pouring out of the now weakening Night Fury. The life slowly leaving him until he is motionless. "Astrid… Please…"
She didn't listen at all and kept pouring more salt onto the wound, well more like a barrel. "We would still be at war with the dragons, more and more people would have died because of this. All because you wanted to be a true Viking. Not only would you have been a killer of not only humans… But you would have been a dragon killer!"
Hiccup couldn't open his eyes, the vision showing him digging his knife deeper, coating his hands in blood, his best friend's blood. He watched himself reach in and swiftly pull his hand back out. His eyes locked onto the object within his hand, a smile creeping onto his face as he looked right at Toothless' heart.
"STOP!" Hiccup cried out at the top of his lungs, causing everyone to cringe as the volume hurt their ears. Luckily Astrid did stop, only for another sound to take his place. Sniffling, and uneasy breathing. Looking over they saw some tears streaming down Hiccup's eyes, face red from the yelling as he violently trembled. "N-No more… No more."
Stoick then motioned for Astrid to not continue, which she nodded in return as her point was made. The chief then approached his son's side, giving him a moment to try and recompose himself. They all watched him start to sob, as more tears flowed down his face, clearing what had been told wounded him much more than anticipated. Stoick placed a hand on his son's head, rubbing it gently, "Just let it out."
After a bit Hiccup opened his eyes, fully realizing that he is crying in front of everyone present. Something that a mere child would do, but he's a teenager and shouldn't be doing it. Yet when he saw the looks on the faces of everyone he was confused. They all held soft yet understanding expressions. Confusion gripped him as he then looked over at his father and is surprised to see there are no ire of any kind. Not even shame or anything of the like. He was being allowed to cry, basically show weakness… And his father didn't care at all!
He wasn't sure why, but it felt like the teen's eyes were finally opened as realization seemed to come crashing down like he had done with his dragon many times. Why were his friends being so accepting with him crying and showing weakness? Did… Did it no longer matter to them? Did he have everything completely wrong?
A coo is heard right next to him, prompting Hiccup to look over to see Toothless right next to him. The Night Fury then pressed his head against Hiccup's trembling forehead. Immediately he started to feel guilty for what he had said and let out another choked out sob, "I'm… So sorry for saying that bud. There's no way I would want to give up our friendship for anything."
"I forgive you," Toothless had responded back, sensing a bit of his friend returning back to him.
Everyone seemed to breathe in a sigh of relief. Obviously, this seemed to work as all the hostility seemed to vanish from the air, as they could see a bit of the old Hiccup they knew coming back. They chalked this up as the worst being over with and hopefully could move on. Stoick could see this and decided that his son was no longer a flight risk. Grabbing the knife from his belt he started to cut the rope, hoping this was a good choice.
"Now son… Please, talk to us," he asked, as the rope is cut free.
Hiccup mentally sighed in relief as the pressure the rope gave off is being relieved. Slowly he felt his body being freed yet heard his father's demand. Once again hesitation filled him, but the fact that he wasn't chastised for crying or acting childish made him reconsider. If he was allowed a chance to show weakness… Then maybe it wouldn't hurt sharing the truth with them. What more could he lose?
"Ok," he nodded.
…..
For the next few moments everyone listened to what Hiccup had to say, without any interruption. The one-legged teen told them everything. About how he kept seeing the faces of the men he killed. How one of them was a complete accident and how he never wanted that to happen. Then he went on about how he kept all this hidden from everyone, and all the faces in the room dropped as to why Hiccup never said anything to them.
"All my life I've been told that Vikings don't show weakness and fear. Killing happens to be a huge part of our Viking way of life and admitting that I couldn't handle the stress from it made me look weak. I didn't want that to happen, I couldn't show it to anyone… Even to all of you," Hiccup spoke from his bed. Sitting up with his back against the headboard, arms wrapped around his knees. He then looked at his dad, eyes still red from crying a bit earlier. "And I didn't want to disappoint you dad… You put so much faith in me enduring this that I couldn't disappoint you again. I didn't want to prove you wrong, and even when I knew I was failing I tried to not think about it, but it didn't help."
Now Stoick started to feel a bit of guilt, knowing it was his words that aided in his son not wanting to seek help at all. True in the past Stoick didn't care about talking about one's emotions, but slowly he started to change that as it brought him closer to his son. Unfortunately, there was still a bit of his old self his son saw in him still. "Hiccup… I should have made things clearer for you. I know I put faith in you enduring the stress from killing, but I also should have told you that it was alright if you couldn't. You didn't need to feel ashamed of asking for help. I'm always here to help you when you need it, weakness or not."
Hiccup nodded, feeling somewhat better at hearing that, yet feeling foolish for not realizing it. His eyes then trailed up to Gobber, the blacksmith staring back at him with concern. Now some guilt swelled up within the teen, finally realizing the error he made. "I'm sorry Gobber… I'm so sorry for ignoring and yelling at you. I should have never done that."
"It's alright lad," the blacksmith responded softly, clearly understanding. "Stress and trauma can do that to anyone, I never actually took your words to heart. Besides in the end, I only did it because I care for you."
"I know… I was just too blind to realize that," He responded, now looking down as his mind started to wander. His mind going back to how he was dead set on killing the Outcasts and Berserkers, and how his friends had to stop him. His hands clenched as he realized what could have happened, and mind thinking about what could have followed afterward. He had to shake his head to rid himself of the thought, but it was still there. "I-I can't believe I was going to kill them."
"But you didn't," Fishlegs responded.
"But I almost did," Hiccup retorted. "Either way, thank you all for stopping me."
"Believe us it wasn't easy," Snotlout responded back. "You're a lot stronger when you want to be."
"Which makes us think you've been lying about your actual strength," Tuffnut accused.
"Either way it didn't happen, and everything is fine," Astrid said next, hoping that would comfort Hiccup.
"Is it? It's a lot worse now, I can see multiple faces when I close my eyes, and how they died. I had trouble dealing with one kill… But six in total?" Hiccup questioned, slightly trembling just thinking about the lives he has taken. If one kill made him go this far, then what will happen to him now?
He flinched when he felt a large hand being placed on his shoulder, looking up he saw it belonged to his father. "Hiccup… I can help you, we all can help you. This could have been done in the beginning, but now is better than never. That is if you're willing to let us now."
Hiccup then looked at everyone present, seeing they were all in agreement into wanting to help him. Before Hiccup would have rejected this big time, but this time around things were different. He saw them in a new light, seeing they truly wanted to help him, which should have been done in the first place. "Seriously? Even after all that happened?"
"Of course, son, we'll always be here to help," Stoick said, as he got affirmed nods from everyone else.
Now he felt truly foolish for before, if only he listened to his father and friends in the first place, a lot of time and effort wouldn't have been wasted. Plus, he could have avoided all that had happened on Dragon island. In the end he only had himself to blame for that, which he'll shoulder himself. But now he's being given a chance to heal… Something he wanted more than anything.
"Thank you," he said to them all, truly grateful and having a positive outlook for the first time.
…..
How did he get here? Why was he here? Yet most of all why is he alone? Hiccup looked around in a panic, finding himself back on the shores of Dragon Island. One moment he was back home on Berk the next he opened his eyes and found himself here. Yet, worse of all he is completely alone, none of his friends are around, not even Toothless!
"Hello! Anyone!?" Hiccup shouted out, voice echoing throughout. He calls out once more, clearly wanting someone to hear him. He walked towards the tree line and tried to find anyone, or at least anything that could tell him why he's here. "Toothless?!" he called out but nothing.
"Hello killer," a voice said, causing Hiccup to jump and turn around.
"N-No… Not again… Not again!" he saw the one Outcast he accidentally killed with his shield and dagger. Blood oozing from the wound where his heart is, the same grim expression of death on his face.
"This is your fault," he pointed to the wound on his chest, where more blood flowed out.
Hiccup started to back up from fear, heart beating rapidly and breathing increasing as he wanted to get as far as away from them possible but stopped as he sensed something behind him. Stopping he turned and eyes widen as he found the four Berserkers he had killed in order to save his friends. All of them bloody, with various wounds on their bodies. Mostly on the head, and one with multiple stabs on his back. They all wore the same hateful glare on their faces as they threateningly stepped forward towards him.
"You killed us purposely, you murdered us!" one of them spat out in disgust.
Hiccup fell on his butt, now groveling away from them, "S-Stay away!"
They did not but instead move in closer, forming a small circle around the teen, trapping him so he couldn't escape. Hiccup frantically looked around for an opening to escape but couldn't. Still on the ground his heart threatens to burst from his chest as he realized it's hopeless. Just then the two in front of him parted and both of Hiccup's eyes widen as the Outcast he killed first came, his first kill stood before hm, looking as bloody and dead as he did before. Those hateful eyes glared into the boy as his teeth gritted.
"You'll never be forgiven for what you did," his voice boomed as he motioned for the others. Altogether they reached down to grab at Hiccup, who is now struggling for his life.
…
"AH!" Hiccup sat up in bed, letting out a yelp of panic, waking up in a cold sweat as he panted. His heart going a mile a minute as he slowly started to realize that it was just a nightmare. Body trembling violently as his hand shakenly reached up to his chest, feeling how fast his heart raced. He tried to calm down as he realized what had just happened, "J-Just a dream… Just a dream…"
It took a while for him to realized that he was back in his room, safe and sound. Slowly his body calmed, and heart slowed down enough for him to be able to look around, realized that it was the middle of the night, and to his surprise Toothless remained asleep on his bed. His scream must have not been as loud enough, which was a relief somewhat. Last thing he wanted to do is interrupt his friend's sleep just because of his nightmare. Still part of him wished he was awake so he wouldn't be alone. After such a nightmare it shook him to his core to where he needed someone right now, but it would be really rude to disturb his dragon's rest.
His mind then started to wander a bit, remembering what happened hours ago. He finally allowed his friends and family to help him and spent the next few hours talking to Hiccup. They told him not to worry about looking weak in front of them, as they understood completely. This made him feel better somewhat, but it would still take time for him to fully get past this, but it was glad to know it was possible. Soon it was late, and everyone left to go home for the night. Hiccup and Stoick then had dinner together at their home, in silence. Yet, the awkwardness was gone so things felt ok. Occasionally, Stoick would ask his son a couple of questions and Hiccup would answer.
Soon with dinner done Hiccup had said he was going to bed, which he felt really worn out from today's events. Stoick understood but then told his son if he had needed anything then to get him no matter what. Hiccup agreed and actually meant it this time, fully glad to be able to have help again when he needed it. Well he needed some help right now, but not the kind his father would think. He thought about one thing that could help but is hesitant on it. Part of him just wanted to forget about it as there was no way it could happen, but he was told whatever he needed… So maybe this would be acceptable, or not. Still, there was no harm in trying right?
Mind made up and being careful and quiet, as to not wake Toothless, Hiccup slipped out of his bed and left his room, going down the stairs to the main area of the home. The Fire pit seemed to be smoldering, yet it still produced enough light for him to see. This is good, at least he wouldn't bump into anything, and accidentally hurting himself. Using the light, he grabbed a nearby candle and lit it on the embers in the fire it. A small, yet bright, glow appeared illuminated the room some more and allowing more of the darken house to be seen. Hiccup then made his way to the curtained off area in the back, which would lead to where his father slept. Arriving he moved it to the side, allowing some light into the room, as he heard his father's snores. Hiccup couldn't help but smile at this, remembering when he was a child and always would hear his dad snore when coming to him at night.
Walking in further, the candle's light further illuminated the room, showing a large bed with the chief sleeping in it. Stoick is such a large man that he took up most of the space on the bed. Yet, from what Hiccup understood this is the same bed his parents slept in when his mother was still alive. He couldn't help but wonder how they both fit on it at all. Either way he decided not to worry about it and moved do his father's side, making sure to put the candle down on the bedside table. He took a breath, fully knowing what was going to come.
"D-Dad… Dad… Dad." Just like magic both of Stoick's eyes opened as he sat up in bed, one hand reaching out and grabbing Hiccup by his shirt collar, as his other one reared back in a fist. "Dad, it's me!"
Hearing his son's voice made Stoick stop his actions, eyes clearing up fast with the candle aid as he saw who he was about to attack. Taking an intake of air, he then put his son down before rubbing his eyes, "Hiccup, what's wrong?" the chief asked, remembering what he had said earlier and assumed Hiccup needed something from him.
"D-Dad…I…um…" Hiccup began but then started to trail off as he adverted eye contact. All of a sudden, he felt really embarrassed at what he wanted to ask as nothing else came out. He started to think that this was a big mistake now and there is no way he could say it. But he didn't leave either, mainly since his father is already up.
"Son just tell me," Stoick asked, voice soft as he was curious as to what the boy could want. Obviously, it was something big as he seemed to be fumbling with his words, yet he had no idea what it could be.
There were so many ways on how Hiccup would have wanted to phrase what he had wanted to say. Some of them were embarrassing, some were dismissive, yet just one word came out of his mouth, and it was enough to sum up the reason why he was here. "N-Nightmare."
Stoick was taken back a bit at hearing that word, but then it slowly started to dawn on him. Memories of when Hiccup was a small child came to mind, back before their relationship had become strain. How he would always come to him when he had rough nights and apparently, he must have had the same thing tonight. Stoick could tell by that one word, and embarrassed look on his son's face on what Hiccup wanted to truly ask. And to be honest, Stoick could sympathize with him in full understanding. Without saying a word, he gave his answer by making room in his bed.
Hiccup mentally sighed in relief as he climbed into his father's bed, curling up by the larger male's side. Just like how he used to do it when he had a nightmare as a child. His father would always allow him to sleep with him, and thankfully tonight happens to be one of those nights after so many years. Hiccup knew this was a childish act, but it always helped him, and he needed his father's protection from the nightmares.
He stiffened a bit as he felt his father's large arm wrap around and pull him into an embrace. Hiccup couldn't help but return it, feeling safe and secure. "T-Thank you," he said in a small voice
"Of course, son," Stoick softly rubbed small circles onto his son's back. "You haven't done this in years."
"I-I know… But I-"
"You don't need to explain, I understand," Stoick interrupted, showing that Hiccup didn't need to be embarrassed about it. The larger male wanted to help his son, and if it meant allowing him into his bed for the night helped, then so be it.
"I just don't want to see their faces anymore, I don't want to see their eyes piercing into me… Trying to make me feel guilty for what I did," Hiccup spoke freely, letting what is on his mind being known.
"Don't let it get to you, you have nothing to feel guilty about. Things will get better with time, I promise you," Stoick then started to softly stroke Hiccup's hair, trying to comfort him some more. "You're not alone in this anymore, we will help you."
"Thank you," Hiccup responded in a low voice once more. "Especially for- "
"Go to sleep, nothing bad will happen," Stoick said as he leaned forward and blew out the flame on the candle, plunging the room into darkness. After that Hiccup then started to settle down, Stoick remaining awake a bit longer to make sure his son fell asleep, which took a few more minutes. His mind mulling all of that had happened these past few days, from Hiccup killing for the first time till now. His son seriously going down a dangerous path and was almost lost. Still, Hiccup was able to be pulled back, and now he can heal from this experience. Stoick was glad things worked out for the best, and Hiccup was asking for help again.
He would do everything in his power to make sure his son gets through this. Having Hiccup come to him like this is a good first step. It might be childish in some way, but in the end Stoick could allow Hiccup to be a child, just for this night.
He earned at least that much.
Author's Note: Hope you like. When originally planning this story Hiccup getting into his father's bed was a core idea I came up with. I thought it would be a nice touch and maybe make the two come a bit closer to one another. Well now Hiccup seems to be back to his original self, and is trying his best to move on from his experiences. Now that he has help from friends. Just one more chapter left for this story and it's done. I hope it turns out good for you all as I know you're waiting so patiently. I thank you all for it. I'll see you next time for the conclusion. Till next time.