...

Brüderlichkeit

Hiccup searched all night but could find no trace of Toothless. He had no idea where to even start. Despite having looked through his phone, Toothless left little trace of his whereabouts. He kept no addresses or search history or anything other than phone numbers. And in his rage, he had forgotten to bring Toothless's phone with him. So the best he could do was wander around the city, checking bars and clubs in the hopes of someone having seen him.

But he quickly abandoned his endeavor after realizing how fruitless it was. He wouldn't find him.

On his way home, he slowly felt guilt percolate into his chest as he remembered how much anger he had spewed at Jack. But even after climbing the stairs to their apartment and entering his bedroom, the sight of Jack asleep on the edge of the bed clutching one of their pillows did nothing to Hiccup's resolve. He was still mad at Jack. He couldn't simply forgive him after lying to his face time after time for months on end like that. It wasn't the same as Toothless. Toothless only lied to protect him. Jack lied to shelter him.

After changing his clothes and removing his prosthetic, Hic lay on the opposing edge of their large bed and turned away from the white-haired boy. Anger still licked at the worry that suffused his mind. He couldn't shake it. He would only stop feeling angry at Jack once they found Toothless.

He only hoped that Benedikt knew how…

…

…

The red door. Nothing unique about it. It was the same color as every other door in this apartment building. But Benedikt had been waiting in front of it for about fifteen minutes now. At first he doubted whether he had the right place, however it was the same address that Tom had given him. Then he wasn't sure if anyone was even home, so he stood, listening for the remainder of the time. It was late, but not late enough that he could assure anyone would be home.

Then he heard a door open and some muffled laughter from within that gave Benedikt the conformation he needed.

Reaching up, he cordially knocked on the door as if he wasn't visiting unusually late. A minute later, the door opened, catching on the chain and a young guy roughly the same age answered it. The first thing Benedikt noticed about him was his dark, brown hair was mussed and his blue eyes were undoubtedly bloodshot.

[Can I help you?] he asked lazily, obviously confused as to who the stranger was.

[I'm here for Luka,] he said trying to analyze the one he knew was Nico.

And at the mention of Luka's name, Nico's eyes widened in recognition ever so slightly. [Sure…just a minute,] he said slowly before shutting the red door.

Benedikt leaned closer to the barrier and heard as Nico got Luka's attention, who a moment later unhooked the chain and opened door. Benedikt immediately noted the lull in his movements and how he looked him in the eye as if merely amused.

[Bene,] he greeted with a slack grin on his face as he leaned against the doorframe.

[Luka, let's go for a walk,] Bene demanded more than asked.

To which, Luka arched an eyebrow in intrigue and then turned to look behind him at Nico. [This can't wait until morning?] he asked simply after turning his head to look back at Bene.

Bene only stared his brother down as he didn't feel like answering to his sarcasm. Luka breathed a silent laugh and then simply closed the door. He briefly heard a muffled conversation, out of which, he only heard Luka say the word 'Bruder', probably informing Nico of their kinship. Then the door reopened and Luka stepped out shutting the red door behind him.

[So you want to talk?] he asked putting his hands in his pockets and leaning against the wall by the door.

[Yeah, let's go,] Benedikt said nodding his head and turning toward the staircase.

[Why? Just tell me what you want,] Luka said stubbornly but still maintaining the smug expression.

Benedikt turned and stared at him, analyzing him critically.

"Bist du high oder was?" he asked in reference to Luka's peculiarly droll behavior.

Luka smirked and cocked his head as he inquired curiously, [Why do you ask?]

Benedikt had enough of his games. Grabbing Luka by the wrist, he pulled him toward the staircase. After stumbling once, Luka obediently followed him without a word until they arrived outside.

[Bene, you really do know how to bring down my night,] Luka slurred as the crossed the threshold and Benedikt let go of his wrist.

[Don't even start,] Bene said as he whipped around to face his raven-haired counterpart. [Just tell me what you think you're doing here.]

Luka pulled out his tin of tobacco and paper before shrugging and starting to prepare a cigarette in silence. When he was done he answered, [Just looking to have some fun.] Then he held both hands up to light the cigarette in his mouth as he asked, [Why is that your problem?]

Benedikt chose to ignore his question and continued probing, [Does that 'fun' have something to do with why your neck's bruised up?]

Luka shrugged once and pulled the cigarette back holding in the smoke, before exhaling deeply and admitting, [Sure. I like him, he's curious. It's almost like being with a virgin,] he chuckled lightly before inhaling again.

[So you try and convince a drunk, straight guy into thinking you look enough like a girl to screw?] Benedikt asked crossing his arms.

The raven-haired brother's lips curved up into a sly grin as he directed his emerald gaze into Benedikt's amber one. [Trust me, he didn't need convincing,] he murmured before letting the rest of the smoke drift out the sides of his smile. Then he added, [I just showed a bit of my vulnerable side and he ate it up.]

[So the new wardrobe is also just a coincidence then?] Benedikt remarked after quickly scanning his eyes down Luka's form. He was still wearing his fitted black jeans, but the shirt was new. It was just a long-sleeve grey shirt with the sleeves pushed up. But it fit his thinner frame enough that when coupled with his hair, it made him appear more feminine than he usually preferred.

[I needed a change of clothes,] he said casually as he stepped off the porch and sauntered past Benedikt and turned down the sidewalk.

[So why didn't you just come home?] Benedikt asked as he followed behind.

[I didn't feel I needed to.]

[Because why?] Benedikt pushed, trying to make Luka admit his version of what happened.

[Because I didn't want to be interrogated for no reason,] Luka admitted bitingly before dropping his used up bud on the ground.

[I'm sorry Zahnlos, enlighten me. Are you trying to be a bitch or an asshole right now? Because it's hard to tell.]

Luka halted his march and wheeled around to face his brother. At first he looked angry, but that quickly morphed into a wicked smirk as he reached out to graze his fingers along the side of Benedikt's head. Then he lightly took his brother's chin in his fingertips and said quietly, [I told you…drop it with the dumb nickname already.]

Benedikt knocked his arm away, to which Luka's grin grew a little bigger, before he turned around again and continued on his path. Bene followed him fuming and considered his best course of action at that point.

He needed to calm down. Luka was just trying to rile him up, which would eventually lead to him getting his way. He took a deep breath and picked up his pace so he could walk alongside his brother. [Look, why don't you just come home with me?] Bene suggested in a much gentler tone.

[Why should I?] Luka asked as uncommitted as if making a business deal.

[Because I miss you,] Bene admitted honestly. He wanted his brother back. Spending his days worrying about him and wondering about his whereabouts was wearing him thin. He also knew what would convince Luka to follow him.

Luka glanced at him sideways and studied him for a moment. Then he confessed, [Jack and Hic are mad at me.]

[Then you can sleep in my room tonight,] Bene offered quickly as he watched Luka expectantly.

Luka didn't say anything for a minute, they just walked together down the street in silence. The streetlamps illuminating their path, while the trees cast shadows alongside them. Finally, Luka nodded and muttered, [Alright.]

Success. Benedikt held the triumphant expression back from his face knowing he had cracked Luka's resolve without it turning into a fight. However, he wanted to see if he could do better…

After turning off the deserted road that would lead them to their neighborhood, they walked down to the river to take that route instead. It was much more secluded and Benedikt knew the solitude would offer comfort between the two of them.

Then he decided to break the silence. Benedikt laughed a little and asked, [Do you remember that one time when you asked mom why she wasn't married?]

Luka's face relaxed into a genuine smile as he recounted the memory. [Yeah,] he breathed. [You made me feel like an idiot.]

Benedikt laughed as he reflected back as well. He didn't realize he had embarrassed Luka so much…

…

…

Luka stood next to their kitchen table with his arms draped over top of it as he watched his mother impatiently finish cooking lunch. She had her long, blonde hair tied back in a loose bun and was preparing her homemade meatballs over the stove. It smelled amazing and Luka hadn't had anything since breakfast. Benedikt was busy setting the table, but he stopped once he realized he forgot the cups.

[I got it!] Luka called as he swung himself to slide under the table and then hopped to climb on top of the counter to open the cupboard doors.

[Luka. What did I say about climbing on the counters?] their mother chastised him after turning away from the stove.

Luka obediently slinked off the counter and turned to grab the stool out from under the sink. After grabbing the cups the proper way, he set them in front of each place set before taking a seat at their circular table in expectation of food.

His mother peeked behind her shoulder at him and laughed. [Don't worry. I'm just about done here,] she said as she took the meatballs out of the pan.

Benedikt took a seat across from Luka and gave him a devious look that made Luka tense and smirk at his brother. Then as though they had the same thought at the same time, they both leaned down in their seats and had a foot war under the table, kicking each other playfully in the shins trying their hardest to land the most strikes. It was one of their many games, even though the game had no actual rules. Luka landed a couple jabs to his brother, but then Benedikt slunk down even further in his chair to give him more reach. Luka shrieked and pulled his legs up into his chest in the chair to protect himself.

Just at that moment, their mother turned around to set the dishes of food on the table. She raised an eyebrow at Luka and instructed, [Luka, put your feet on the ground.] He followed her order and after she turned to grab the rest of the food, Luka shot his brother a vengeful glare. Bene just smiled triumphantly back and straightened up in his chair.

Their mother sat down and started dishing out food to all of them. [How was school today you two?]

[Stupid,] Luka muttered immediately as he picked up his fork and knife to cut his meatballs.

Their mother picked up her own cutlery and paused thoughtfully for a moment before responding, [You'll get used to it soon, Luka. Frau Berger is a good teacher.]

[They didn't have to separate us, though,] Benedikt argued in defense of his brother. [I was the one constantly talking…]

[It wasn't about that Benedikt,] she said moving her attention to her blonde son. [You two have been in the same class since you were four years old. You're seven now and it's good to experience new things now that you're older,] she added as she took a bite of salad.

[But he doesn't know anyone in the new class!] Benedikt protested in reference to Luka.

[That doesn't mean he can't get to know them,] their mother responded encouragingly. She looked over at Luka before asking, [Did you meet anyone you liked today?]

Luka shrugged and answered, [Yeah I guess…] Then he thought for a moment and suddenly asked, [Mom, how come you're not married?]

Their mother stopped chewing momentarily before swallowing and asking, [What do you mean my love?]

[One of the kids in my class asked why I didn't have a dad. I told him why, but then he asked why you're still not married to anyone,] Luka explained before taking a bite of potatoes.

Their mother was silent as she considered how to answer her son's question. Shrugging, she replied, [I never found the right person I suppose.]

[How do you know when you found the right person?] Luka asked as he dug into the green beans.

[Because…] she started to say in a pensive voice but paused. She smirked a little at her son and then elaborated, [You know you found the right person because it's someone you always want to have by your side…Someone you miss when they're not there and someone you can always trust to protect you.]

Luka stopped eating and watched her for a moment. Then he smiled a little and looked at his brother. [That's what we are, right Bene?]

[Yeah, but you can't marry me, idiot,] Benedikt said as he shoved a mouthful of potatoes in his mouth.

[Benedikt.] Their mother scolded for his use of language and talking with his mouth full.

Benedikt swallowed and reiterated, [Sorry. But you marry a girl anyway.]

Luka stared at his food and muttered angrily, [Girls are annoying though.]

His mother laughed whimsically as she stood up to pour herself a glass of wine. But as she walked by, she kissed Luka on the top of the head and ruffled his hair.

…

…

[I'm sorry,] Bene laughed as he said, [I didn't know I embarrassed you so much.]

Luka laughed softly and scratched the back of his head. [Yeah, I didn't realize I remembered that so well,] he admitted.

[Well,] Bene said as he put an arm around his brother's shoulders. [Turns out it is pretty hard to separate us, isn't it Zahnlos?] he asked semi-teasingly.

Luka smiled broadly. [Yeah, I guess it is,] he agreed while looking over at his brother.

Benedikt instantly breathed a sigh of relief knowing Toothless had finally opened up to him.

They approached their building shortly after and climbed the stairs to their apartment. As Benedikt unlocked the door, he noticed a considerably crestfallen Toothless. Silently, they walked inside and Benedikt motioned for him to follow him up the stairs. After they had gone into Benedikt's room, Toothless shut the door behind him and Benedikt pulled out some extra pajama pants and a shirt from his dresser. He tossed them to Toothless and pulled off his own shirt so he could change.

[I really messed up, didn't I?] Toothless asked in a low voice to his brother.

Benedikt hesitated unsure of how to answer him. [I heard about what happened between you and Jack earlier,] he said as he tossed his clothes in the hamper and walked over to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

[You did?] Toothless asked while following his brother and stopping next to him in front of the mirror.

[Mhm,] Benedikt nodded as he started to brush his teeth. He reached over to grab Toothless's spare toothbrush and handed it to him. [Are you ok?] he mumbled with a mouthful of toothpaste.

Toothless didn't say anything, but instead started to brush his teeth. Benedikt finished before him. After spitting and rinsing his mouth out, he leaned against the wall and waited for his brother to finish. When Toothless was finished he turned to leave the bathroom, but Benedikt put an arm out to stop him. Toothless looked up at his brother, but Benedikt only reached out and pulled his shirt collar off to the side.

[How'd you get these scratches?] he asked in reference to the claw marks across his neck where his bruises were.

[I don't know,] Toothless said before trying to leave again.

But Bene made him pause when he said, [According to Jack, you said some pretty nasty stuff in the woods to him.] Toothless turned his head away from Benedikt, but Benedikt asked anyway, [Do you remember what you said?]

Toothless simply shook his head in answer.

[You weren't drunk?] Benedikt clarified, to which Toothless shook his head again. [You're not just forgetting things from drinking too much Zahnlos,] he uttered quietly. [This isn't right.]

[I know…] Toothless croaked, his voice suddenly strained.

Bene suddenly felt relief wash over him that Toothless had finally accepted that reality, albeit with unfortunate consequences.

[They're both just worried about you, you know,] he lulled soothingly while reaching out to squeeze Toothless's upper arm.

[No…Jack fucking hates me now,] Toothless whispered.

[Because Jack's an idiot,] Benedikt said causing Toothless to look up at him in slight surprise. [Look,] he started to rephrase, [No matter what happens, you'll always have me, remember? But before you can fix anything between you and Jack, you have to help yourself first.]

Toothless dropped his head and stared down at the floor. After a moment he sniffed once and promised, [I'll go see the doctor.]

If I could just squeeze the both of them, I would.

But whew, sigh of relief for Toothless.

Maybe now things will look up.

Or will they? o.O

Special Thanks to:

PeppermintCrazy and Elder The 1st for your follows/favorites!

violets fire: glad to see you're still reading! You'll get to see more of Jack next chapter *promise*

HuskaAkita: I've always had the quotes/brackets system going on. Although I should have realized that not everyone remembers that difference every time I post a chapter. But yeah, poor Jack. I felt so bad for him and I totally agree with you. He's always been so generous with Hic. But...we'll see what happens.

Kigen Dawn: Totally agree. Angry Hiccup is no bueno. And he did unleash a lot of hate on Jack. Maybe he'll change his mind once he actually talks to Luka.

Optomistic Emo Kleptomaniac: Thank you! I have the uncensored story posted to AO3 and I'll start adding the sequel as well. Sorry I didn't touch on Jack this chapter. I will the next one.

TheCrosserOfTheMoon: Thank you so much! Originally I wasn't going to keep Nico in the story, but I think I will now. He'll play a role later on...

Elder The 1st: I have tendency towards the angst... But you've still got the right idea ;D I was writing all day long on this and I want so badly to just keep going with what happens to Jack. I hate keeping him in limbo for too long.

EmJx: lol you had to know that since it's me writing the sequel that there would have to be drama xD There is definitely a reason why Benedikt was mad at Jack. But Hic is being pretty stubborn. I can totally tell you have a soft spot for Jack, but that's ok. He needs the love

Teddy: I honestly have no idea how you find my updates, but I'm so glad you do! Your review made me laugh and I want to thank you for cheering me up! All is better now, actually. I will be starting a new chapter in my life, so I definitely have a lot of work to do... (which is better than no work and no money so whatever). Hopefully you learned a little more about your babes this chapter xD