..
Happy Thanksgiving American babes!
And Happy Thursday to everyone else I suppose...
New chapter is up!
Sorry it took so long.
But thank you to my wonderful readers who keep me going!
You are all my inspiration xoxo
Enjoy!
Geheimnisse
Work had been a personal form of hell to Nico for the last couple weeks. Luka had hardly said anything to him outside the realm of their day jobs and Nico had been burning with a concoction of emotions he wasn't really prepared to handle. His infatuation with Luka had considerably worsened after their…encounter. It was different than before. This time was different because Nico had accepted that he liked it. He had enjoyed it more than he thought he would, and some parts of his brain might argue he had enjoyed it too much since the memories had saturated his consciousness ever since.
However, Luka hardly speaking to him was really causing him to worry. Not even checking in with him in regards to whether Fabian was able to sell everything. But then again…Nico didn't care about the money. The week after they'd…fucked, it couldn't be called anything other than that, Luka called in sick for two days. Nico was afraid he had crossed a line with him and that Luka had reconsidered their friendship entirely. Then again…what kind of fucked up friendship was it at this point? Nico didn't know himself…he'd never been in this situation before. He didn't know what it meant not just to Luka, but to himself as well. There were just too many unanswered questions…
After yet another day of sitting at their desks answering emails and seemingly ignoring one another, Nico couldn't take it anymore. He needed to clear the air, even if it meant mutually agreeing to pretend nothing had happened. Whatever Luka wanted him to do…he'd do it, but most of all, he needed to talk to someone.
Nico glanced over at Luka as he was packing his laptop into his messenger bag. Despite their need to look professional, Luka had worn his hair down until just recently. If it weren't for Nico voluntarily running around upstairs, he probably would have been verbally reprimanded by now. Fabian didn't care what they looked like in their offices, but he said upper management could be uptight about those things. Nico realized he was staring at him again, the reason being selfish at first, but then he noticed his slender neck thankfully being completely mark-free, which was probably why he was wearing his hair down previously.
He forced his thoughts to come to a screeching halt before they could reflect too fondly on that day. Forcing himself back to the present, it was now or never.
"Luka." he directed somewhat firmly to grab his attention. Luka slung his bag over his shoulder and turned his full attention on Nico, placing his hands nonchalantly in his pockets. [I want to talk to you,] Nico stated plainly.
Instead of just addressing the blaring elephant in the room, Luka simply shrugged his shoulders slightly and continued to watch Nico, his expression vacant, but his eyes intense enough to make Nico feel exposed again.
"Ich…" he started before briefly losing his courage. He shifted his weight and lowered his voice, despite the door to their office being closed, [I wanted to apologize.]
[For what?] Luka asked slightly surprised as he raised an eyebrow at Nico.
Nico stared at him mirroring Luka's shock. [You mean…you're not upset with me?] he asked dumbfounded.
[For what?!] Luka asked, now laughing a little as he had to repeat the same question.
"Für…mrph…" Nico bit his lip and turned his back to Luka pushing his hands through his hair. He didn't want to speak so openly about it, especially not in their workplace…even though no one could possibly hear them, but his mind accepted that false fact as the core reason, ignoring every other explanation.
Inhaling deeply, he turned back around and reiterated as quietly as he could, [I thought I had really hurt you.]
Luka's face breathed a quiet laugh as he rolled his eyes slightly before reassuring him, [I'm fine, Nico. Everything's fine.]
[Then why haven't you said anything to me for the last two weeks?!] Nico hissed, struggling to keep his voice calm. He wasn't about to let Luka pretend there was nothing wrong between the two of them.
[I…didn't mean to?] Luka added confused as he angled his face slightly away from Nico.
[Bullshit, you didn't show up to work for two days after and have been distant ever since. If you're mad at me, just tell me. Or if you want to pretend nothing happened, I'm fine with that too. Just please say something,] he said without taking a breath. He seemed unable to control the amount of words that spilled out of his mouth.
Now Luka raised both of his eyebrows and looked absolutely taken aback. "Wow…" he breathed, [I didn't realize you were so bothered by it…]
[I'm not bothered!] Nico blurted, his voice several notes higher than normal. Biting his tongue, he couldn't help the heat rising in his face after realizing he was acting like such a…girl.
Luka almost laughed and brought his fist to his mouth while looking off to the side, as if lost in a memory.
[What?] Nico asked suddenly growing annoyed, both at Luka and at himself for almost being momentarily happy to see Luka smiling like that.
[It's nothing…] Luka responded while turning his attention back on Nico. [Look…] he started, [I didn't say anything since I figured it was a onetime thing. And besides…] he trailed off again as he awkwardly started fiddling with the strap of his bag, [I… actually got back together with my partner soon after.]
If Nico's jaw dropped right then, he didn't notice and neither could he have helped it.
Noticing his astonishment, Luka went on, [It just kind of happened. But I really wanted to make up for everything that happened between us and I…It's complicated I guess.]
Nico still didn't really know how to respond. It didn't feel right to say he was happy for him. So all he managed to get out was a solid, [Right…]
[He saw the bruises,] Luka continued, causing Nico's jaw to tense up and his fists to involuntarily clench, [And I told him about you,] he added nonchalantly.
[You…why?] Nico asked suddenly feeling as though he had done something horribly wrong.
[Because I'm trying to be honest,] Luka replied straightforwardly.
While Nico could commend him for his integrity, he still felt like it was an invasion of his own privacy. He didn't really want anyone else to know he had…been with Luka. Regardless of what he looked like.
[I'll admit he wasn't happy about it…] Luka went on as he gave a strained smile. [He's kind of the jealous type…and his temper is pretty volatile.]
Fucking fantastic. Now Nico had involuntarily pissed off another dude's boyfriend. That's a problem he never thought he'd have to deal with.
[You ok?] Nico vaguely heard Luka ask him. Probably after seeing the tension in his expression.
[Fine,] he answered gruffly. [I gotta get going though,] he added as he pushed past Luka not really wanting to continue the conversation.
Nico stormed outside and made his way to the train station. The sky was grey today and more than ever reflected his sudden change in mood. Stomping past the buildings and feeling oddly self-conscious, he couldn't stop his mind from reeling. It would have been one thing if Luka had been mad at him or if he just wanted to forget it and move on. But this? Nico didn't know how he felt about this. It almost felt like he'd lost Luka. Even though Luka had never been his to begin with.
Nico stopped in his tracks as the critical question occurred to him.
Had he wanted Luka to be his?
…
…
"You can't be serious," Jack exclaimed dubiously after hearing Luka's ridiculous proposal.
"Why would you think I wasn't serious?" Luka asked as he concentrated on tying his tie in what Jack considered the most meticulous method possible.
"After two weeks of hinting that you would finally clue me in on what's going on, you ask me to stalk Nico?" he reiterated pointedly.
"Mhm," Luka replied simply as he lifted his chin to pull the tie through.
Jack crossed his arms stubbornly before responding with a firm and resounding, "No."
"Fine," Luka said finishing his previous task and contrarily taking an absurdly short amount of care tying his hair back messily to the point where a lot of it was falling out. "Then I don't need you," he added while making the move to finish getting ready before making his way to work.
"Oh come oonnn," Jack whined as he uncrossed his arms and followed Luka into their adjoined bathroom. "You asked me to keep your brother and Hic out of this, which I am," he reminded as he stopped alongside Luka in the bathroom as he started to brush his teeth. Jack made eye contact with the raven-haired boy in the mirror and continued, "But I only agreed if you actually told me what you planned on doing."
Luka rolled his eyes and spit the toothpaste out of his mouth before responding, "There is no grandiose plan. I got a hold of some quality product and am just selling it off to rich associates of mine. No gangs. No turf wars. No middle-men…other than Nico. Which is why I want you to tag behind him for a few days. See if he's up to anything."
Luka turned to leave the bathroom, but Jack stuck his arm out and blocked the doorway.
"Do you think he's up to something?"
Luka smirked a little and actually reached out to wrap his arms around Jack's lower back, pulling their bodies together. "What?" the raven-haired boy teased lightly, "I thought you said you were going to beat him up for me…" he even pouted a little bit to carry his point home.
Jack realized his proximity to Luka and was briefly stunned since they've kept a standard distance from one another, with the exception of Jack's homecoming episode. He also was surprised Luka was actually playing up the cute factor with him for something like this. And…fuck…Luka could tout all he wanted how adorable Jack was to him…but that dark-haired son of a bitch sure knew how to work his face.
"I…wasn't serious…" Jack managed to say after a really prolonged pause.
"Well," Luka interjected while releasing Jack and elbowing him out the way. "Don't let him catch you. Just trail behind and let me know if he goes anywhere out of the ordinary."
"Don't you know how to track his cellphone or something?" Jack asked as a last resort. He just didn't know why Luka was asking him of all people to track his man-mistress.
"I have," Luka replied candidly as he scooped up his messenger bag. "He's been turning it off for a few hours every so often after work…See you later," he added quickly while waving, not even turning around to look at Jack.
Hm…Jack chewed on his lip lost in though. There was a reason then…
…
…
Jack walked casually down the city street in an attempt at looking as nonchalant as possible. His had his earbuds in and his hands in his pockets as he generally kept his gaze distant, but focused enough to keep an eye on Nico's path. This was his fifth day following Nico's trail after he left work. The pattern insofar has remained the same. Nico and Toothless would leave about the same time but split ways since they took different metros back home. After that, Nico would go into what Jack knew to be his apartment building and emerge after about thirty minutes. Jack assumed he had gone in to change out of his work attire and probably eat or whatever.
However, after emerging, he would then take a different train. The first two days, Jack lost track of him; however, on the third day, he discovered that Nico was going to the city hospital. At first, Jack hung around on a bench outside of the building to see how long Nico generally spent inside. After two days, Jack noted that he seemed to spend an average of 45 minutes in the hospital, which coincided with visitation hours, so he concluded that he was likely visiting someone he knew.
This particular day required Jack to muster up the courage to go outside of his comfort zone. He had been plotting how he could go inside and follow Nico within the building without being detected or raising suspicion from the hospital staff. He had no idea who Nico was visiting, but he would have to play it off as though he was there with Nico without actually being near him.
Eh…this was going to be tough…
Jack waited ten minutes after Nico had entered the building before shaking off his hesitation and following in after him.
He just had to play it off as casual…
He strolled into the main foyer and looked around for the information desk. Spotting it between the massive staircases that led to the upper balcony floor, Jack put on his friendliest smile and walked over to the man seated at the desk.
"Hallo…" he greeted hesitantly, suddenly unsure if he could pull this off in German.
[Good afternoon,] the man answered slightly robotically as he typed information in the computer. [Can I help you?]
[Uh…yes. I'm here with Oberländer,] he replied trying to force as much confidence as he could into his tone. [He told me to meet him here, but could you tell me where the room is?]
[Sure,] the man said plainly as he opened up his database. [May I ask who is visiting?] he asked in reference to Jack's name.
[Luka Schwarz,] he lied smoothly, meanwhile mentally kicking himself for using Luka's name instead of a pseudonym.
[Alright,] the man said as he pulled out a map of the hospital. [You must go up these stairs to the third floor, and then… … green … … until you reach room 342.]
[Thank you,] Jack smiled that his plan worked, despite his lack of understanding of the last step. However, he was hoping if he reached the third floor, he could ask around until he arrived at his destination.
Jack ascended the grandiose stairs into the more plainly designed and functional upper floors. Doctors, nurses, and visitors casually moved about and the overall atmosphere seemed fairly relaxed. Jack didn't know what the label of the ward meant in German, but he assumed he wasn't in the emergency wing at least.
Alright…he just had to find the room number now. Looking to the side, he saw the closest room number was 301…
Taking a turn on a whim, he walked through the halls and hoped he'd happen on the right direction eventually.
After several minutes, he was growing a little more anxious. He had no idea where he was and where Nico had went. Being trapped in this building not knowing where he was going was making him feel exposed.
373…Shit. He must have passed it somehow.
Turning around, Jack retraced his steps and took a turn down a different hallway with a green stripe in the hope that the green stripe was what the man was referring to.
As he traversed the new hallway, he noticed that the numbers were indeed approaching what he needed.
338…
340…
Then he reached the end of the hallway.
Dammit. Where was 342?
He rounded a corner and stopped in momentary petrification.
As he glanced into the nearest room with the door open, there sat a girl in a bed hooked up to a few monitors, and next to her on a chair sat Nico.
And in that one moment, he made direct eye contact with Jack.
Biting his lip, Jack continued on his path as if nothing unusual had happened.
Fuck.
He had wanted to complete this stupid mission of Luka's without being seen or spotted by Nico. And now that was out of the question. He wasn't sure how good of a look Nico got of him in that moment, but it was probably enough for him to recognize him should they cross paths again.
Fuck…
Jack voluntarily wandered around the hospital and took the long way out in his meager attempt at escaping undetected. He also didn't want to risk the chance of coming across Nico again…
Although…as he exited the building, he saw Nico hurrying away from the hospital.
Jack wondered where he was going in such a hurry…and away from the train station at that.
Jack quickly changed gears and pulled his hood up in a better effort to disguise himself. He was glad that he had refrained from dying his hair back to white after all…
He watched as Nico quickly rounded a corner in between buildings that would cut over to the next street. Rounding the corner, Jack's thoughts were interrupted by someone yanking him by the shirt and shoving him against the wall, temporarily knocking the breath out of him.
[Why are you following me?] a voice demanded and Jack looked up coughing to see Nico standing in front of him looking downright aggressive.
[W-W-What? I'm not-] Jack tried to feign innocence, but could tell that Nico had already determined his guilt after receiving a punch in the stomach.
Doubled over and clutching his gut, Jack resumed coughing until he could breathe again, then clumsily straightened up with an arm still wrapped around his mid-section.
[Who told you to follow me?] Nico reiterated as he glared menacingly at Jack. [I've seen you around my apartment and the hospital for the past three days. And then you show up when I'm visiting my…] he cut himself off, biting his tongue and furrowing his brow while looking as if he was on the verge of growling.
[No one,] Jack argued stubbornly while quickly dodging Nico's attempt at grabbing his jacket again. Holding his arms in front of him and trying to back away as Nico advanced toward him, his brain quickly scanned his options.
He could run…except space was limited and Nico could most likely catch him.
He could tell the truth…and blow whatever trust Nico had in Luka.
Luka…
[I'm with Luka!] he blurted out as he backed himself against the opposing stone wall and involuntarily flexed his stomach in preparation for another hit.
[Bullshit,] Nico responded. [Why would Luka ask you to follow me?] he skeptically demanded to know.
[He didn't,] Jack lied before clarifying, [I'm with Luka…And I know who you are,] he added coldly as he resigned himself to glaring back at Nico.
The expressions on Nico's face alternated between two different emotions before settling on surprised.
[You're Luka's boyfriend?] he asked in a voice that rung with disbelief.
A vein popped in Jack's forehead after sensing a note of condescension.
[You don't believe me?] he asked starting to feel the anger brewing in his gut.
Nico's face broke into a smile as he shook his head slightly and said, [I'm sorry…] he laughed. [It's just…when Luka described you…I didn't expect you to be so much…]
Jack's forehead veined practically exploded in anticipation…
[shorter…] Nico finished his thought.
"Who the hell are you?! HUH?!" Jack yelled as he clenched a fist and pulled up his own sleeve. "You're dead now…"
"Woah, woah, woah," Nico changed his tune as he raised his own hands and backed away from Jack advancing on him. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean it that way. When he described you to me, he implied-"
"Don't even-" Jack threatened again.
"That you were quick to anger and I assumed you to be more threatening…" Nico responded in English.
Jack couldn't take the patronizing remarks. Before Nico could react, he faked a punch to the head and kneed the bastard in the stomach. He was five fucking ten. On what planet did this asshole live on where that was short?!
Like Jack had earlier, Nico doubled over and backed away from Jack while coughing until he caught his breath.
"I'm sorry," he apologized again. "That's not what I meant…"
"Well you fucking need to get better at saying what you mean then…" Jack growled thoroughly pissed off at this point.
"So why are you following me then?" Nico asked again as he straightened up. "To beat me up?" he asked with a somewhat bemused expression.
"I don't know," Jack replied stubbornly with his fists still clenched at his sides. "I just needed to see who you were."
Nico raised an eyebrow skeptically at him. After a minute, he responded with, "You're crazy."
"Fair enough," Jack answered back. "Touch him again and you'll see my true colors."
Nico averted eye contact and rubbed the back of his neck. "No problem," he said simply. "There's nothing going on anyway."
"Good," Jack replied. "Because I'm not the only one protecting Luka. You best be aware of that."
"You think I would hurt Luka?" Nico asked with a hint of surprise.
Jack pursed his lips and remained silent in front of Nico. Part of it was a ruse, a way to divert Nico from the real reason he was following him, but part of it wasn't. Jack trusted Luka's judgement that Nico was loyal to him, but that didn't stop Jack from distrusting Nico's intentions and wanting to put him in his place.
"Well, I won't," Nico answered defiantly. "And fine, I guess I deserved a punch. But," he added taking a step toward Jack and raising a finger, [If I catch you following me again…I don't care who you are to Luka…I will fuck you up.]
"Fine," Jack replied as he remained still and stared Nico down.
Nico watched him for another ten seconds, and then the briskly turned around and walked out the way he had come.
…
…
While Jack was out monitoring Nico, Toothless had another problem he had been working up the courage to overcome.
For almost a week now, he had been trying to find a good opportunity to talk to Hiccup and Jack. Since he had started therapy, Toothless hadn't really noticed a difference in his psyche, despite the progress his therapist said he had supposedly made.
Even though he knew the swamp of shit he still had to sludge through, he knew one thing was for certain. He knew his feelings for both Hiccup and Jack hadn't changed at all. He knew that he needed them in his life. He had made a lot of horrible decisions both consciously and unconsciously that had ultimately hurt all of them. The biggest of them, it seemed to him, was his inability to be honest with those closest to him. He had spent a greater portion of the last few years with both Jack and Hiccup working to hide things about himself. Things from his childhood…practically everything from his teenage years, and even now he was keeping secrets. It was his eternal sickness. He knew he couldn't divulge everything to them right away…but he hoped that over time, they could be the ones to know everything about him. That being honest with them would come naturally to Toothless…Therefore, he had since decided that he should tell each of them a truth that had been eating away at him. Something he felt they each deserved to know…regardless of the consequences to himself.
"Hey bud," Hiccup greeted him with a light smile as he walked into the kitchen to see Toothless leaning against the wall cross-armed while staring at the closed door of the refrigerator completely lost in thought.
His attention snapped back when he saw the auburn-haired boy walk into the room and he responded with a weak smile back before returning his attention to the magnet on the fridge.
"Something wrong?" Hiccup asked uncertainly but also recognizing that Toothless was acting unusual even for himself.
"No…nope…," he replied, "Just thinking about something I guess…"
"About what?" he asked innocently as he traced a hand down Toothless's back while walking around him to grab some water.
Well…it was now or never…
"About you," Toothless said as he raised his eyes to watch Hiccup as he swallowed several gulps of water.
Hiccup cleared his throat and set the glass down as his intrigue was piqued. "Oh yeah?" he asked grinning slightly. "What about exactly?"
"Can we go up to our room?" Toothless requested in desire of privacy. Even though they were the only ones home, he would just feel a little more comfortable if they were somewhere more secluded.
Hiccup's eyes widened slightly as he struggled to ask for clarification. "Are...are you..?"
"To talk," Toothless reiterated, suddenly realizing that it totally seemed to Hiccup like he was leading him on.
"Ah…" Hiccup responded in understanding, albeit visibly disappointed. "Sure," he added while shrugging nonchalantly and setting his glass aside.
They walked wordlessly up the stairs to their room, Toothless still sensing Hiccup's near-tangible disappointment in his wake.
Toothless shut the door behind them as Hiccup sat on their bed, leaning his back against the frame while waiting to hear out why Toothless had brought him up here.
A smile flickered on Toothless's face; however, he struggled to maintain it and it quickly fell as he struggled to gather his nerves.
"What's wrong?" Hiccup asked straightening up as if he sensed imminent danger.
"Nothing," Toothless responded quickly again. "I'm just…nervous…" he breathed through a strained smile and rubbed the back of his head apprehensively.
"Well…come here…" Hiccup suggested patting the mattress with his foot to encourage Toothless to sit by him. Toothless obliged, sitting on the edge of the mattress with his hands folded in his lap. 'What's up, bud?" Hiccup asked for the umpteenth time.
"It's just…" Toothless started as he struggled to find the right words to start. "There are so many things I've never told you about me…I want to change that…"
"You don't have to force yourself…" Hiccup reassured him, causing Toothless to smile at the ground in response to Hiccup's never-ending concern for him.
"I do though…" he insisted as he turned his head to look at the auburn-haired boy. "There are so many things I've been wanting to tell you, but…I just don't," he explained. "And there's no reason for it," he added shaking his head at himself.
Hiccup pressed his lips together and resigned himself to just watching Toothless, waiting to hear out what he had to say.
Toothless took a deep breath to steady himself before opening this Pandora's Box.
"I'm afraid…"he started, but then bit his lip and winced as he felt his voice become unstead in fear, "I mean…" he backtracked and coughed once, "A day will probably never go by where I don't blame myself for what happened to you…" he stated honestly in reference to Hiccup losing his leg. "I don't expect you to ever forgive me either…" he trailed off while averting his gaze back to the floor.
Hiccup didn't move or make a sound for a moment. Toothless bit his lip again in tense anticipation of his answer.
"I don't blame you…" Hiccup started to say.
"You don't have to lie to me…" Toothless cut in.
"I'm not," Hiccup defended with more power behind his tone, causing Toothless to look up at him. "I blame myself more than anything.
Toothless's brow came together in confusion. "How? If I had just told you what was going on, you wouldn't have…"
"I probably would have," Hiccup countered. "If there was any chance at making sure you were safe, I would have taken it."
Toothless scrutinized the auburn-haired boy at first, but then his expression changed to one of amazement.
"You're not lying to me?" he asked needing to hear Hiccup say the words.
Hiccup smiled kindly and shook his head. "Nope. I've never blamed you for what happened. I always knew how much you had sacrificed for me. If anything…I blame myself for forcing you away for so long…"
Toothless felt his throat tighten up as his emotions started to build up in his chest. "I can't believe you…" he admitted in honest disbelief. He always knew Hiccup was loyal to a fault…but he couldn't accept that the auburn-haired boy didn't hold any part of the blame on Toothless. No matter which way Toothless looked at it…he could have made decisions that would have prevented it from happening in the first place…
"Look at me," Hiccup demanded as he sat up and moved closer to Toothless. Toothless turned his head to look into the hazel eyes of his counterpart, which held all the love and admiration they've always held. Since the first time they had kissed…
As if reading his thoughts, Hiccup closed his eyes and leaned into Toothless to kiss him chastely on the lips. He lingered there for a moment, bringing his hand up to stroke the hair alongside Toothless's face.
After pulling away slightly, Toothless couldn't help but smile sheepishly and rest his forehead in his hand. He was still in disbelief that Hiccup was so genuine and devoted to him.
"You're adorable, you know," Hiccup added fondly as he watched Toothless hide his face.
"No I'm not," Toothless retorted stubbornly as he looked back up at his partner.
"You are when you're honest," he teased, still grinning at him.
"No I'm not," Toothless insisted laughing slightly. "Regardless…I promise to keep trying to be honest with you," Toothless vowed more seriously as he continued to hold Hiccup's gaze. "But I'm not adorable,' he sneered even though he secretly liked whenever Hiccup admired him.
"We'll see about that…" Hiccup said and Toothless saw as his eyes flickered between his own lips and eyes.
Toothless took a deep breath to break the tension and try to take his mind off of kissing Hiccup. His deadline still wasn't up and on top of that, he needed to talk to Jack still.
"But…speaking of honesty…" Hiccup added hesitantly, causing Toothless to look back up at him. "I guess there is something that I never told you and I think you should know…" he continued slowly, trying to choose his words carefully.
Toothless pressed his lips together and watched the auburn-haired boy, awaiting his answer.
"When I snuck into your house and went to the police…" he paused briefly before adding, "It wasn't just because of my testimony."
"What do you mean?" Toothless asked, his brow pressing together again.
"When I went into Pitch's basement…" he said even more hesitantly, "I found…something," he added while flickering his eyes up to monitor Toothless's reaction.
Toothless's heart started to race in remembrance of the unknown and all the things Hiccup could have possibly been referring to.
"I…came across some…photos in a photo album," he said carefully, but Toothless's eyes immediately flashed and Hiccup picked up his pace, "I was originally just going to burn them, because I figured that's what you would have wanted. But then I knew they were incriminating against Pitch, so I brought them to the police and I-"
"You…" Toothless interrupted, his voice practically seething. Unable to speak without swearing, he dropped his head into his hands and rubbed the bottom of palms into his eyes in frustration.
"I was only trying to help you…" Hiccup emphasized again.
Toothless's breath was shaking from rage. He didn't want to believe that…Hiccup had seen him like that.
Quickly standing up and backing away, Toothless managed to choke out, "I need…to go for a walk."
"Toothless! Hang on," Hiccup sprang up and made to move toward him, but Toothless held up a hand.
"I need…air," he said before quickly turning on his heel and leaving their room.
"Toothless, please…" Hiccup begged as Toothless quickly descended the stairs and grabbed his shoes and coat. As Hiccup reached the bottom, he made to put himself between Toothless and the front door. "You don't have to run from me…"
Toothless's face was nothing short of furious distress. His jaw was clenched and his eyes were so intense that Hiccup was afraid his alter would come out.
The raven-haired boy grunted and dug the heels of his hands into his eyes again as he paced in a small circle, seemingly trying to offset the amount of fury he was feeling.
"Just let me go, Hic," he growled in frustration. "I need to run this off."
Tentatively, Hiccup stepped aside. He knew Toothless was pissed…and he knew that once he calmed himself down, he would talk to him…he hoped he would.
Toothless shoved himself past Hiccup and left out the door simultaneously putting his jacket on. Hiccup watched him cascade down the stairs, before turning to head towards his usual path by the river. He knew he couldn't chase after him, he was never a fast runner, but his prosthetic made it even more difficult for him. Besides, he knew Toothless wouldn't want to talk to him yet.
Pulling out his cellphone, he alternated between Jack's and Benedikt's numbers. However, his decision fell on the only obvious choice.
"Hello?" Jack's voice floated out of the phone receiver.
"Hey, Jack," Hiccup answered, "Where are you?"
"Almost home," he replied. "Why?"
"I need you to do something…" he started explaining.
…
…
Jack wasn't entirely sure what had gone down between Hiccup and Toothless. But if it made Toothless upset enough to run this fucking far…Hiccup would definitely owe him one later.
He panted lightly as he jogged toward the bridge that crossed the river into the forest on the other side. He hadn't seen Toothless at all during this journey, just some middle-aged joggers and a couple moms with kids. Toothless was probably seeking seclusion…and finding the raven-haired boy when he was trying to hide was something Jack had fortunately developed a skill for.
Jack had ran across the bridge and entered the barren forest that had since lost most of its leaves, with the exception of the conifers. The pine trees…
Jack took a turn and ran down the dirt path that wound its way counter-clockwise around the large hill. After about half a mile, he breathed a sigh of relief once he spotted him.
He slowed his pace as he approached the raven-haired boy, who was sitting on a fallen log a little off the path, surrounded by lush pine trees, and gazing blankly out onto the fields at the bottom of the hill.
"Hey…" Jack greeted hesitantly, trying to gauge Toothless's emotional state. Based on what Hiccup had told him, he was afraid to face Toothless's alter again. The last time they were together in these woods…the memory still managed to frighten him somewhat.
But Toothless said nothing. He didn't even move his head to look at Jack as he walked up and sat next to him on the log. Jack leaned forward to get a look at his face and was shocked to see that despite Toothless's blank expression, he had trails running down his cheeks and his eyes were wet from crying.
"Hey…bud…" he said taken-aback at his reaction. He wasn't sure what he expected, but Toothless almost never cried.
Jack reached up a hand to trace it slowly around the raven-haired boy's back. Toothless swallowed with difficulty and dropped his head into his hands on his lap and sniffed once before sighing and breathing in a choked way that indicated he was still crying.
"Hey…hey…" Jack said calmly still rubbing his back, "Nothing's different…everything's ok…"
"I can't escape it," Toothless gasped before raising his head to look out blankly at the field again, his vibrant green eyes swimming in tears and reflecting vividly off of the grey light of winter. "No matter what I do…it haunts me…" he gritted his teeth and clenched the fabric of his jeans.
Jack vaguely knew what he was referring to and didn't bother asking for clarification. He knew the pictures Hiccup had found, but had never seen them. He never would have wanted to. And he could understand why Toothless was upset after learning that Hiccup had seen him...like that.
"Hey," Jack said leaning over to put himself in Toothless's line of vision and smiled slightly, "I told you…nothing's different. Hiccup never saw you any differently after all this time, did he?"
Toothless glanced down at Jack's expression, but his remained stoic. He chose not to respond and instead looked out across the landscape again.
Jack exhaled slowly, still watching Toothless's expression. He had almost forgotten how beautiful he looked when he was experiencing raw emotion like this. However, he wasn't exactly certain how to comfort him either.
Wrapping an arm around Toothless's waist, Jack pulled them together, which also helped alleviate the bite of cold that hung in the air, but he wanted to show Toothless that everything was ok.
Toothless exhaled, seemingly having calmed down, and said softly, "I had forgotten all about it."
"About what?" Jack asked quietly.
"The pictures…" he clarified, "And then…after Hiccup said he saw them…Everything came flooding back all at once."
"That's why you needed to run," Jack discerned.
Toothless nodded solemnly.
Time dragged on for a while in silence between the two of them. They both just gazed out into the field lost in thought. Jack obviously sympathizing with the raven-haired boy next to him. He could only imagine the memories that Toothless had...and they made Jack sick just thinking about them. He only wanted Toothless to feel better...
"Here," Jack said as he touched his fingers to Toothless's chin and guided his head to turn to face him. Then Jack pulled his cotton sleeve down, and reached up to wipe the tears from the raven-haired boy's face.
Toothless actually cracked a smile at how sweet of a gesture Jack was making as his face was wiped dry.
"I can do that myself, you know…" he murmured.
"I know," Jack said smiling warmly back.
After lowering his arm, Jack's smile faded slightly as he studied Toothless's face. It had been so long…but a feeling bloomed within him that he hadn't felt in a while.
Before he knew what he was doing, he was leaning forward and capturing Toothless's lips in his own. It was slow at first, their lips gently pushing against one another, until Jack reflexively opened his mouth to deepen the kiss, which Toothless readily complied. Jack was overwhelmed with memories after tasting the raven-haired boy for the first time in…he couldn't even properly remember.
Their kiss grew with passion, and Jack had no idea who was causing it. Completely lost in the moment, no thoughts were occurring to him. He straightened up to push his chest into Toothless's, who reached up to rest a hand against Jack's neck.
They were lost in each other. Lost in the kiss…the taste…the feeling of the other. The cold didn't bother him. The woods around him disappeared. He only wanted to float in this feeling forever. The peaceful tranquility and swelling love he had long gone without.
Abruptly, Toothless broke the kiss and stood up. "I'm sorry…' he breathed, the disappointment apparent on his face.
Jack had to sigh deeply and shake himself back to reality. "It's ok…" he trailed off before adding, "When are you…you know…"
Toothless smiled warmly at the flustered brunette in front of him, obviously elated that Jack seemed to have forgiven him, before vaguely answering, "Soon."
Jack groaned and stood up before shaking his arms and hopping a couple times to try to revert his attention to the current situation.
"So, he caught me," he admitted suddenly in reference to his recent encounter with Nico.
"Did he now?" Toothless replied, still smiling at Jack's antics. "I thought you would have at least lasted a week.
"Yeah, well, if I understood German better, I might be a better spy," he said sardonically.
"What'd you tell him?"
"I played the jealous boyfriend who wanted to beat him up," Jack retorted proudly.
Toothless's smile broke out into a laugh as he pressed further. "So…did you?"
"I landed a kick to the stomach," Jack quipped. "Which, by the way," he added wryly. "He...by some means unbeknownst to me, was given the impression that I was as freakishly tall as you were," he explained glaring sideways at Toothless, who proceeded to smile at the ground. "Have any idea why he thought that?"
"He called you short?" Toothless asked trying not to laugh.
"Yes," Jack emphasized. "Yes he did."
Toothless covered his mouth with his hand and shook his head as he tried to hide his amusement.
"Whyy do you keep managing to berate me when I'm not around?" Jack asked dramatically pumping up his annoyance.
"I'm not doing it on purpose..." Toothless responded still smiling at the forest floor.
"Yes you fucking are," Jack said smiling despite his angry tone. "He said you gave him the impression that I was taller. I'm not short dammit."
Toothless shrugged humorously and said, "I don't mind giving people I know mixed expectations of you."
Jack opened his mouth in offense and inhaled on the verge of ripping into Toothless.
But Toothless raised his hands in defense and continued, "Because I know you can handle yourself. Who cares if Nico isn't worried about you? You could take him if it came down to it."
"Damn straight I could," Jack puffed proudly.
Toothless laughed before wrapping an arm around Jack and steering them back toward the path. "Tell me more about it on the way. I've upset Hiccup enough by running away for so long."
…
…
Ever since Nico had encountered Jack a day ago, Nico had been overly preoccupied with how he would bring that up to Luka. Should he tell him what happened? Would Luka already know? And was Jack even telling him the truth?
Nico couldn't settle on an answer. Fortunately, Luka fixed that dilemma upon his arrival.
[So I heard you met Jack,] Luka casually stated as he dropped his bag on his desk and almost made Nico spit out his coffee at the abruptness.
Nico swallowed with great difficulty and simply asked, [How did you know?]
Luka laughed a little, his smile relieving some of Nico's anger slightly, and then added, [He's pretty horrible at lying as you probably noticed.]
"Mmn…" Nico grunted as he tried to resume his work on the computer.
[So what happened?] Luka asked as he pulled his chair over to sit down next to Nico, interrupting all attempts of his to ignore him and work.
Nico sighed and rotated to face his raven-haired counterpart. [He stalked me for three days and I cornered him.]
Luka smiled again in amusement and replied, [Yeah…that seems like something he'd do.]
[He threatened me,] Nico added more seriously. He didn't feel in any actual danger from Luka's scrawny boyfriend, but he didn't like the idea of being told he was being watched.
"Tsch…" Luka tutted and rolled his eyes before saying, [He's all talk. It's that Napoleon Complex.]
At that statement, Nico laughed a little. [From what you said earlier, I pictured him to be a lot taller.]
Luka smiled back and Nico felt relieved once again. He also couldn't refrain himself from finding Luka undeniably attractive. Even his confrontation with the guy's boyfriend wasn't enough to quell those thoughts.
[Yeah, well, anyone who can put up with me and not be crazy must be a saint of some sort,] Luka replied, his expression nothing short of demure.
[Am I crazy then?] Nico asked somewhat boldly as he found himself leaning toward Luka.
Luka breathed a silent laugh and averted his eyes briefly before looking back up and responding, [Probably.]
Nico wasn't sure what he was doing in that moment, all he remembered was the sudden urge to kiss Luka again and see what happened. However, a knock on their office door jolted him out of his thoughts.
Like he had touched a hot iron, Nico sprung up and moved away from Luka to go answer the door.
Before he could open it, Fabien strode in looking somewhat annoyed.
[What's up, Fabien?] Nico asked a little more casually than technically called for. However, he had gotten to know Fabien a lot better outside of work and he sometimes forgot to be formal with him there.
[What's going on with the supply?] he asked after shutting the door behind him. [I've been asking you for two weeks now.]
Luka raised an eyebrow in surprise and looked over at Nico. [You never told me you needed more…]
[I'm sorry,] Nico added.
Before he could add anything else, Luka interrupted, [I'm all out of my last supply. You'll have to give me a little while to procure more.]
[That's fine,] Fabien added, [I was just concerned why neither of you have answered me in two weeks.]
[Busy with work I guess,] Nico added as he sat down in front of his previous project.
[Well…I'm good at pushing it. Just as long as you supply me with it, I can keep the money flowing,] he said looking over at Luka.
[Not a problem,] Luka responded, all expression having drained from his face.
[Alright…] Fabien said awkwardly. [Let me know when you have it,] he added before turning on his heel and quickly exiting their office.
Luka waited several moments after Fabien left before turning back to Nico and asking, [How come you never told me Fabien needed more?]
[I'm sorry,] Nico put his head in his hands on his desk and sighed to settle his stress. [I've just been really preoccupied.]
[With what?] Luka asked curiously.
[With work…with you…] Nico responded straightforwardly.
Luka paused again and Nico wondered if he was questioning his honesty. Then Nico added in all honesty, [And I've been busy helping my sister.]
[Your sister?] Luka asked a little surprised.
"Mhm…" Nico replied, [She fell into a bad spot in life and she's in the hospital now. I'm letting her come live with me temporarily after she's let out.]
[Which is when?] Luka asked more pointedly and Nico could sense his concern and the upcoming questions.
[This weekend,] he answered.
[Are you sure you can keep your side-job quiet?] Luka asked the question Nico knew would come up. It was mostly why he was avoiding telling Luka that his sister was coming to live with him in the first place.
[I think so…] he responded. [But it might keep me from helping you for a couple weeks…]
Luka exhaled a little heavily and turned to go sit at his desk.
[Is that ok?] Nico asked growing somewhat annoyed. What was he supposed to do? Not help his sister?
[It's fine,] Luka replied stiffly. [Just keep me posted.]
[Tell me what's wrong,] Nico demanded, a little irritated at Luka's apparent white lies.
[I'll have to get Jack involved,] he stated, his voice tense.
Oh…
That could be problematic.
So remember when I started this and I said I didn't have a plot?
Well I do now...
Heheh
In case you haven't noticed by now, of course.
So...where is it going?
Will there be eventual threesome action?
Leave a comment and find out next time!
Special Thanks to:
Kitsunes-Chan, germanyusamen1997, , Asa Haddock, and fireoftherose1089 for your favorites and follows!
RoxasPitch: Thank you so much! Having really amazing readers like you makes it all worth it :)
EmJx: Oh darling, you must never apologize to me ^_^ I already knew you didn't like Nico going in haha. As a matter of fact, it seems nobody really likes him...but that's ok. He's just an accessory to this show. I'm sorry to lead you on with the last title haha. "commitment" has more than one definition after all...But to answer your question. Yah there was an post-sexy scene with Jack and Hic last chapter. I probably should have written it in, huh? xD I also love how observant you are when you read. You pick up on so many little things I don't expect people to know. So thank you...And I also completely forgive you/was never mad at you for being busy. Happy to know you're doing well!
Teddy: hahaha you really should try your hand at writing yourself, because I have a very vivid voice of yours in my head that could only exist if you are skilled enough to type out your thoughts a certain way. But yes, Luka's alter is meant to be a bit of a harlot. And he might do anything if it helps himself out...*wink wink*
Elder The 1st: You might be right about the ending...Or are you? O.O We'll have to see... I might throw a couple curve balls you don't expect...hopefully. You're pretty clever, so I never quite know what you'll come up with.
Kigen Dawn: hahaha I should write telenovelas. Perhaps that is my calling. And you're probably right...his alter will either wind up being extremely troublesome or an extreme help later on.
fireoftherose: Thank you! I appreciate you trudging your way through an incomplete story. I'm going to try my best to pick up my writing game. It's a little hard now that I have two stories to pay attention to...But hopefully you'll still follow along! I'll keep it up if I remember that I have wonderful readers waiting for me to get my butt into gear.