Warning: mention of suicidal thoughts

Hiccup's bravery faltered when Stoick looked up. What was he going to say, was he going to be angry? He ducked his head, bangs falling in front of his face hiding his eyes from Stoick not really wanting to see his reaction. This had been his plan, just leave his helmet and face his past without its protection. It was a lot easier in his mind. He had done the first part, that morning he didn't put on his helmet even though he wanted to. He knew he would probably feel better if this whole secret wasn't anymore. When he walked down the stairs it was like a weight lifted off him, that was until he was face to face with his father and it was too late he couldn't back down now.

Toothless was shocked at what was happening, at first when they were walking down the stairs he hadn't even noticed that Hiccup was missing his helmet. It wasn't until they reached the floor that he noticed. By his body language, this was what Hiccup wanted to do but there was also nervous movements about his body he was scared of how Stoick was going to react. Toothless knew that once Hiccup head got set on something he would follow through and no matter what Toothless knew that he would back up his best friend.

Stoick didn't have words as he looked up and saw the flash of a face he thought that he would never get to see again. The spoon that he had had in his hand clattered onto the table. He felt frozen this wasn't really happening he was dreaming. Slowly but surely he looked up again and he could really study his face, those bright green eyes he got from his mother. An Auburn mop of hair, his son.

"H-hiccup, son." Stoick found himself standing. A familiar crooked smile appeared on the nervous boys face. Stoick found himself moving forward slowly, at the same pace Hiccup was backing away. Neither really sure with how to react. Hiccup had to stop himself from moving back and allow his father to get close to him.

"Hi." it was simply a two letter word but it meant the world to Stoick. The gods had answered his prayers they brought his son home. He couldn't stop himself as he launched forward and grabbed the boy in a hug, he felt Hiccup stiffen in his hold and he released him. Hiccup was standing there in front of him looking down at his feet. Stoick reached out and lifted his sons face up to look at him. He couldn't help but wonder how his small child had turned into this man. As Stoick studied his now grown sons face he could help the anger that bubbled in his stomach. How could he turn on his own family? Hadn't he taught him better than that?

Stoick's face had changed from one of relief to a hard, cold expression. He was getting angry. Hiccup pulled himself free from his grip and backed up. Stoick reached out to grab his arm and Toothless gave a warning growl. That caused Stoick's hand to retreat. The dragon wrapped itself around the boy's feet, his boy's feet. Hiccup could see the building anger on Stoick's face, he was going to lose his cool. Hiccup wasn't sure if he could hold in all those years of pent up anger. Stoick had stopped advancing towards him. For a few a few long moments they stood there staring at each other in silence.

Stoick was the first to speak. "What were you thinking, leaving your home for what, so you could live with that,'' his hand gestures to Toothless, "all you leave is a note'' he sounded more disappointed than really angry. "I thought you were dead, you have no idea what you put me through. All you cared about was yourself'' his anger had seemed to vanish, he was looking at him like he used to.

While Stoick anger was no longer there Hiccup's was building. How dare he talk to him like that, didn't he see what his life had been when he lived there, the daily beatings, the horrible words and discussed glares. The hell that his life had been, then he shot down Toothless the best and the worst thing that ever happened. He found his only friend, someone who would listen. He had hurt him, handicapped him, but together they grew. He made Toothless as whole as he could and eventually they flew. Hiccup was normally a forgiving person, but he was so angry at what his father had just said.

"You really want to know what I was thinking?'' he wasn't going to let Stoick answer. "I was thinking, finally I can be away from this terrible place,'' there was no way that he was going to stop this and at this point, he was yelling. "and you know what else I was hoping that I would never have to come back to the hell hole!" Hiccup could feel his face and ears heating in anger. "Do you have any idea what it was like for me here," he paused for a moment but didn't let Stoick answer. "The daily beatings and ridicule that came from the village! And even you…" the last words came out quietly and almost fearful. "The only one that would actually talk to me was Gobber, he was the only person that I would consider my friend. Well until I meet Toothless that is." A fondness gleamed in his eyes as he looked at his dragon. Why was he saying all this? "You want to know something? If I hadn't found Toothless then there was a high chance that I wouldn't be standing here today." he could feel the tears pooling in his eyes. He really had been at his breaking point around that time the teasing from the teens really had been getting to him and he really was getting close to ending it.

Stoick's expression had fallen he really couldn't believe what he was hearing. Hiccup always seemed to be a happy kid, who didn't let the negativity get to him. How had he not noticed, had he really been that obvious to his behavior?

"Oh, son."

"Don't you dare call me that! I don't want to even be here. I only stayed in hopes of changing your mind." his hands were flying around in wild gestures.

"I don't really know why I thought that in the first place." as he ranted he was slowly backing towards the door. "The first thing that you do is put me in an arena and force me to fight a dragon." he seemed to pause in thought. "How did you even catch that dragon. I took care of the problem when I got this." he thrust his prosthetic out.

"What do you mean?" Stoick was confused what had he meant by that.

"Oh, yeah you don't know. Well whether you believe it or not Hiccup the useless managed to slay a mighty beast, a dragon the size of a mountain." he had to admit it he wanted to gloat a little. "In that, I managed to mess that up and lose a leg. Well, I don't know if you noticed but your raids have declined in the last five years, your welcome. The dragon was controlling them forcing them to bring her food."