This chapter had a completely different title up until I decided to change the idea I had originally. The new idea is so much more fun. By the end of this chapter you can kind of guess where I am going. So ya, that's the reason this chapter took some time, I had to change a couple of things. That... and I started on one of the lemon scenes, I did promise lemon after all. Now hold your cheery dances, it won't be there any time soon. I just want it to be good, that is why I started on it. It is the first time actually writing one myself, so far I have only read them and I already found it isn't easy. So it's a good thing to start now. And yes there will be more than one. I am not making this any easier on myself am I OTL...
Vivi-ntvg: I'm not good with peeling veggies either. I'm just glad with the invention of... the peeler... why is that called that in English, at least in Dutch it is in the word it peels thin XD. W8 I looked into it some more... why doesn't it have 2 different words for the objects. I mean 'dunschiller' is Dutch for a peeler that peels thin, whereas 'schilmes' is just a regular uh peeler. Yet English it is both peeler... why? Or am I missing something here.
Carl Solo: You always take your time to review,so thank you =).
Tillerton: Oh! Like that! Also you have a point there. Question then is, what stuff of Hiccup should he give? He doesn't know. And the clothes still left at Stoick's are really too small for Hiccup now. Or are we on about money for looking after his son?
ivanganev1992: The leg thing... I still don't know where I will go with that. I would like him to keep it and at the same time I don't. I don't know yet. All I know is for now he has both.
Chapter 20: Keep moving forward
Snotlout slowly made his way towards the stairs to the basement. His body still hurt from the beating he was given by Hiccup. He knew he shouldn't have done that, but had been cornered. Figuratively that is. Besides if he hadn't…
Behind him a door slammed open, making him jump. He rapidly looked around and when he found his father standing in the doorway, he instantly paled. Said man immediately noticed his son and moved towards him. Snotlout stood frozen, knowing what was to come, wishing he had been faster with going back to his room. He should have used a bucket was a thought that crossed his mind as his father grabbed him by the collar of his tunic and pushed him against the wall. The man continued to push him, as if he wanted Snotlout to go through the wall, it resulted in the boy having a hard time with breathing.
"So you finally decided to come out of hiding," Spitelout sneered.
Snotlout didn't comment, merely threw his mother a pleading look for help, but she gave him a terrified look back.
"I can't believe you actually managed to loose against that lowlife of a traitor," came next as his father was starting to turn red with anger, "let me demonstrate what you should have done!"
It was followed by a hit in his stomach, adding to the pain he already had there. Next came a hit in his face, and another one, followed by several kicks. Snotlout did nothing back, just tried to brace himself as best as he could where his father was about to hit him.
"For years I have been teaching you to be better than that… that useless piece of yakdung that now is a traitor too. All you had to do was kill him. Everyone would have been happy. Even Stoick wouldn't have minded!"
Another kick followed and another hit. Snotlout's ears started ringing and he could no longer hear the insults his father was throwing at him. If he hadn't taken on Hiccup, he would have been beaten by his father…
Hiccup rolled over and with that off his comfy pile of furs which woke him up. Disoriented he looked around until his memories of yesterday returned. His eyes immediately drifted to Astrid's bed, but it was empty. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with the palm of his hands he got up and stumbled downstairs. Again he found no-one there, however on the table there was a note with an apple, a piece of cloth and a jug filled with water. Still not entirely awake he sat down at the table and grabbed the paper. With a yawn he read it, though had to read it more than once to really process what it said. It basically told him to entertain himself, try to the bread and people would be back around supper. Fumbling the paper to a small ball in his hand he leaned back in the chair as he stared at the table top. He hadn't expected to be alone so suddenly, though was glad no-one was going to bother him about what happened last night. At least not until supper. After tossing the ball of paper on the table he grabbed the apple and took a bite, wondering what he should do today. Perhaps somehow convince Toothless to leave? He snorted at the thought, even if he managed to convince his scaled friend, he couldn't leave. He had no saddle nor a tailfin. On top of it, his leg still hurt. So basically he was stuck here.
He let out a sigh and his eyes drifted to the piece of cloth. Staring at it for a good five minutes as he was trying to decide if he should give it a try, he eventually grabbed and broke a piece of the bread which he then put in his mouth. It was rather dry, but at least he could say he tried it. He wasn't sure if it was going to sit well, so the rest was wrapped in the cloth again. After drinking some of the water, he made his way outside and quickly got into the barn.
Toothless seemed to entertain himself with a mouse, the poor thing was trying to run for its life, but every time the black scaled dragon blocked its path or stepped on its tail. How in the world Toothless managed to do that was beyond Hiccup.
"Morning," Hiccup greeted his friend, who immediately stopped his game.
The mouse quickly made its escape and would probably never come back.
"Hiccup! That's about time," Toothless responded jumping up and down with excitement.
He nearly pounced Hiccup, but skid to a halt right in front of him and just licked him in the face.
"Bud, quit it, that doesn't wash out," Hiccup laughed as he attempted to push Toothless away.
The night fury eventually backed away.
"So what is your plan for today? And don't try to talk me into leaving, it isn't happening until that leg of yours is healed as well as… well I don't think I need to say it again what I said last time."
Hiccup rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what the dragon was talking about. He then noticed Stormfly wasn't around.
"Where's Stormfly?" he asked as he dropped down in a pile of hay.
"Outside somewhere," Toothless mumbled, "flying or something."
Hiccup watched his friend, knowing very well they had been grounded for a long time now. Of course Toothless would miss flying, heck even he did. He felt terrible the dragon was grounded because he was incapable of even walking for long periods of time. The guilt must have been written all over his face because got another lick.
"It's fine, just take your time healing, okay?"
Hiccup let out a sigh and petted his friend, not feeling even a slight bit better.
"How about we go outside? I mean, I may be grounded, but I am not planning inside this shed for days on end. Staying inside when you were sick was long enough if you ask me," Toothless puffed and Hiccup had to agree staying inside was also something he didn't like.
Yet, Hiccup didn't outright jump with joy in going outside and that wasn't because jumping would probably hurt his leg. He really didn't like the looks he had the other day and he really didn't want to face that again. Toothless however, already pushed him towards the door. Knowing protesting wasn't going to be of much use, especially since staying inside was exactly what he didn't want to really, he stepped out of the barn, followed by his black scaled friend. He climbed onto Toothless back, sitting somewhat sideways, so he didn't have to walk too much or show that he was actually in pain. His scaled friend walked through the village as if nothing could hurt him. Then again, who would be stupid enough to attack a night fury? Still…
Hiccup warily dared to look around as he let himself be brought wherever Toothless thought was a good idea. People went around them, leaving as much distance as possible, throwing him glares and sometimes a raised fist. Behind him he often heard them talk about how this was treason. How ashamed his father must be for siding with dragons. Or whatever terrible thing people could think of. It brought back memories Hiccup rather wanted to forget.
To his surprise they came to a stop and when he looked up he found himself at the forge. The sound of Gobber banging away on a sword as he sang horrible off key sounded familiar and somewhat comforting. He didn't know if Gobber was alright with Toothless though. Toothless sat down, making him slide of the dragon's back. Hesitant Hiccup walked to the window opening just as Gobber studied the sword.
"Hiccup! Here I was wondering if ya would be able to come over once Gothi let ya out. How's yur leg? Come in, come in. Toothless, watch out where you walk though," Gobber said as cheerful as ever.
Hiccup couldn't help but grin at that as he entered the building he had spent most of his time on Berk at. Toothless followed but basically stopped at the doorway as weapons, armor and basically everything you could find in a forge was scattered all over the place. Including the floor.
"At least last time I could walk here," Toothless grumbled.
"It's a bit messy, haven't found a new apprentice so far," Gobber sighed as he tried to clean up a bit.
Hiccup rolled his eyes, remembering the days he had to clean up the mess. He never cared, except when something was really heavy that is. Like these hammers that were in the middle of the floor. One really should watch out where to walk, you could easily trip and basically get stabbed by the many swords and daggers laying around.
"Need some help?" he offered.
"That would be appreciated," the one legged man smiled.
Together they cleared the floor and once done, about three hours later because Hiccup insisted that everything should be sorted out as well, they both looked around with a grin plastered on their face. It was a bit like old time, the good times that is. Hiccup looked around and found himself a stool to sit on for his leg was hurting.
"Lad, ya should have stopped sooner," Gobber said, when he saw Hiccup sit down with an expression of pain that he tried to hide.
Gobber could easily see through him though.
"It's fine, I'll just don't stand on it a lot the rest of the day," he muttered as he rubbed over the fabric of his leggings, not that it was much use.
"Gobber!" came from outside and the two spotted Hoark standing at the window.
The man didn't look pleased when he noticed Hiccup, but it was ignored by both blacksmiths.
"What is it?" Gobber asked as he walked over to the customer.
Hoark dropped his oddly bent sword on the counter. Hiccup really wondered what in the world he had done to it, it was basically curled.
"Fix this for me, but don't let that traitor touch it," Hoark stated with a growl as he nodded in the direction of Hiccup.
Hiccup frowned, stood up, walked over to the counter as well and touch the sword with one finger.
"Oh no, I touched it. Whatever should you do? Maybe now it's possessed by my craziness of befriending dragons," he said with a dry tone.
Hoark glared at him, "how dare you?"
Before Hiccup could respond to that, Hoark was leaning half on the counter grabbing him by his tunic ready to punch him in the face. Gobber however intervened and pushed the bulky man away before anyone got hurt.
"Enough. That sword is beyond fixing anyway," the blacksmith bellowed and gave Hoark a threatening look.
Hiccup wanted to say it wasn't, but then thought Hoark didn't deserve his sword being fixed so kept his mouth shut.
"Fine, then give me a new one," Hoark insisted.
"I'll be losing my business if I just start giving swords away," Gobber barked back at the man refusing to simply give the man a sword.
Hiccup got a devious grin on his face, "You sure about that? I pretty much touched everything in here."
The man looked furious, however somehow managed to keep his rage under control and simply walked away. Hiccup just snickered and watched the man making a fuss in the streets. Gobber shook his head.
"Ya shouldn't have said tha, laddie," he said and returned to his work.
Hiccup couldn't care less. Though he had to admit it was rather annoying how easily he could get on people's nerves now. Sure he would in the past, but that had never provoked a fight. He started to frown as the thought of having no protection of his father any longer could be a reason for it. With a sigh he turned around, but just then his eyes caught something and he quickly turned to look at the scene again. Further ahead was Astrid and she was in some sort of heated discussion it seemed. He then noticed the way people looked and it shocked him. It were the same looks they had always given him. Why were they now directed towards Astrid? What's more was that he saw others walking around her as some tried to attack her. Stupid idea of course. Even being outnumbered Astrid stood her ground and eventually walked away. Hiccup watched her walk into the direction of Gothi's hut giving glares at whoever dared to bother her. How did she do that?
When his leg started to hurt too much to help Gobber, Hiccup left the smith to do his business without him being in the way. Gobber said he didn't mind to have Hiccup around, but ever since Hoark had left, not a single person had shown up so clearly Hiccup had hurt the business… somewhat. Sure enough once he was down the streets and looked over his shoulder, people were at the forge asking the one handed blacksmith to fix their weapons or tools. With a sigh Hiccup looked away from it and quickly made his way to the Hofferson house. Looking down at his feet so not to see the people, so not to see their glares. He however couldn't block out their whispers of judgement. Finally arriving he figured no-one would be home yet and sat down against a wall, though away from people to see him there. Toothless lay down beside him and gave him a single lick in an attempt to cheer him up. It wasn't much use. He knew Toothless wanted him to heal. Not just his leg but put his past behind him. Yet… with every minute, with every glare thrown at him, all that happened was being thrown back to his childhood memories. It had only been one day, but he really started to get depressed about it. Of course he believes Toothless that he wasn't alone in this. The Hofferson family had been nice to him so ya he wasn't alone. It was not working for him though. He still felt alone and unwanted most of the time.
"What are you doing there?"
Shocked Hiccup looked up and saw Astrid giving him a questioning look. Too surprised to suddenly see her standing there he stared at her. She looked like she had been in a fight with the bruises on her arms and a small cut on her cheek. Apparently he stared a tad too long at her cheek as she touched after which she mumbled a soft 'ah'. She didn't know she was bleeding?! Hiccup rolled his eyes, that was so typical Astrid.
"I thought I was staying at your place, so why can't I be here?" he then mumbled leaning with his head against the wood of the shed wall again.
"That's not… you have been sitting here all day?"
Hiccup chuckled and shook his head, "Nah, I went to say hi to Gobber."
He glanced over at her as she was pressing a small piece of cloth against the cut on her cheek.
"What happened?" he asked as he pointed at her wound hidden behind the cloth.
She looked a little taken aback by the question, but soon frowned.
"Just some idiots picking a fight," came back in a mumble and she walked away.
Hiccup got to his feet and followed her a few steps, wondering where she was going. Probably back to her chores. Sure enough she disappeared onto the streets, but reappeared about half an hour later, her arms filled with wool. Shouting bloody murder at someone who apparently had called her... well Hiccup didn't know but he could guess it was something along the lines of traitor. Three women had followed her it seemed. All of a sudden Astrid dropped the wool, spun around and hit one straight in the face. It was enough warning for them to leave. Hiccup stared at her as she picked up the wool and brought it inside the house. All the while he followed her with his eyes, just like he used to do, though this time a whole lot more obvious.
"How do you do that?" he asked when she came back outside.
She came to a halt and looked at him, finding him leaning against the wall.
"Do what?" Astrid asked not following his question one bit.
"Walk around with your head high while everyone gives you glares as you pass. Punch them. Not giving a jakshit about what they are thinking and… just keep moving."
Astrid stared at him as he could only think how he admired that trait of her. He always had.
"I mean you just… do what you like despite what they tell you. Despite what they call you," he continued with half a laugh before his face turned grim once more.
When Astrid said nothing, Hiccup feared she had walked away so he looked, but only found her looking at him and he quickly looked away. His mistake was to look in the direction of the street where he saw people giving them disapproving looks as they passed by.
"I really hate those looks. It's like I'm some sort of dirt they can't get rid of."
"Stop worrying about what they think. I for one like this Hiccup," Astrid finally said.
"Ya, because the old Hiccup was annoying and useless and just someone who was in the way of everyone. Who should just lie down and die," he sneered back as turning to look at the girl once more, but this time angry.
"That is not what I meant," Astrid sighed and shook her head.
"Then what is it supposed to mean?"
At that moment Stormfly returned and landed next to Astrid, who gave the dragon a pet on her snout with a soft smile before returning her attention back to Hiccup.
"You're no longer trying to be someone you're not. You're no longer seeking approval of others to confirm or proof of who you are. You know who you are and you know what you stand for. Despite what everyone did to you, you're not fighting anyone nor sending Toothless after them to set their big behinds and houses on fire."
Hiccup wasn't sure how to respond to that and almost wanted to run when she moved closer and jabbed him on his chest.
"In fact, you are finally being yourself again."
These words confused him and he uttered a pathetic sounding 'huh' as he tried to understand where she was going with that. She rolled her eyes and got her axe from her back.
"I was terrible with this thing," she began, only to confuse Hiccup even more.
He decided not to interrupt her in the hopes to find out what in the world she meant with all these.
"I'm pretty sure you remember dragging around an adult's axe yourself."
His eyes widened as he indeed recalled that. He had been trying to get his father to teach him how to use an axe. It hadn't worked out the way he had planned, instead of learning how to use weapons, he wasn't allowed to touch any.
"I had already given up on ever mastering an axe and demanded my parents for a sword instead. Not that I got one though," she chuckled.
Hiccup found it hard to believe Astrid being terrible at using her axe. It had always looked like she was a natural with it
"And then I crashed into you on my way home one day. Apparently you had been trying to lift that adults axe again, which I had seen you do so often. You were awfully stubborn when it came to that. That's what got me to try again and after a whole lot of practicing I managed to master the axe. That is thanks to you, Hiccup."
Hiccup blinked, sank through down the wall until he sat on the ground and hid his beat red face in his knees. To be told he was the reason Astrid was good with an axe…
"Hiccup?" he heard Astrid ask confused.
"Do you know how embarrassing that sounds… I don't believe it though," he muttered into his knees.
He got him a punch on his arm, not too hard, but it did make him look up, finding Astrid kneeling down in front of him. Although the hit wasn't hard, it was painful and he rubbed the sore spot absentmindedly.
"You better believe it," she glared at him, though seemed to be just as embarrassed as he was.
"Fine, but what does it have to do with me being myself again. I really don't understand where you're going with this," he mumbled as he looked away.
From the corner of his eye he saw her expression soften and turn into a soft smile as she shook her head.
"Hiccup, don't you recall those days at all? You were just you. Doing what you wanted to do. You wanted to lift an adults axe and despite yout father telling you axes were dangerous, despite your grandfather telling you to stop, you just kept on trying. Kept on going. Kept on moving forward not caring what others were telling you. And right now you are that person again. So stop thinking about what other tell you, or what they think about you. You're not a traitor, nor useless. I liked that kid who inspired me to keep on moving forward, so don't revert back to trying to please people just to be accepted. Don't run when they glare or call you names. The whole reason they are is because they fear you and see it has effect on you. What you did, do… befriending dragons is something they don't understand so they go for something they do understand. Don't let them get to you."
Hiccup stared at her as he tried to come up with something to say, but couldn't bring a single word to his mouth. He wasn't only at a loss of what to say, he was also at a loss of what to think or even do. So all he did was stare at her and his eyes followed her as stood up.
"I'm going to find my mother to tell her I brought the wool so she can spin again. Do you have some time after that to teach me some more about dragons?"
"Y-y-ya," was all Hiccup could manage to utter and watched her leave still dumbfounded about what she had said.
His thoughts wandered until he noticed a pair of green eyes watch him. Giving his scaled friend a questioning look all he got in return was a gummy smile before Toothless trotted into the barn. Hiccup sighed, got to his feet and followed his friend.
"Just say it," he grumbled in Dragonese as Toothless made himself a comfortable spot on a pile of hay.
"No need to say it, if you already know it, " Toothless chuckled and lay down watching his human friend drop down in the hay next to him.
Stormfly had come inside as well, following Toothless' example and getting comfortable.
"So what are you going to teach her," Toothless hummed with closed eyes and felt Hiccup lean against him.
"I have absolutely no idea. I guess I'll just ask her what she wants to know and go from there."
"Why don't you go fly with her and Stormfly?"
Stormfly's head perked up and Hiccup shot upright staring at Toothless.
"What are you… I can't fly," Hiccup protested as he lifted his left leg to remind the dragon of the reason he couldn't.
Toothless simply snorted at that, "No, I can't fly without you. You can fly with Stormfly, there's a difference."
Hiccup gaped at the night fury, trying to grasp what was going on. His mind was still trying to process everything that Astrid had said and to suddenly be told to go flying, something he graved doing, was too much at that very moment. A few times he opened his mouth to say something, only to close a moment later. Apparently Toothless found it amusing for he snickered. Damn dragon, as if wasn't freaked out enough already he just had to drop the whole flying part. Said dragon lifted its head, licking Hiccup 's face.
"Urgh, quit that," came as a meek protest from Hiccup who tried to get the slobber away with his hand before looking at his friend, "you expect me to go flying without you?"
It was said in a whispered filled with disbelieve.
"Well, yes… unless you want to teach her how to control the stirrup. That is also possible… yet it will probably take longer."
Hiccup blinked. He could do that. Sure it would take time, but he had been feeling terrible about Toothless being grounded for so long because of him.
"Let's do that," he said shortly after that.
Toothless seemed like he wanted to protest but at that moment Astrid entered the barn.
"So this is where you went," she started but was quickly interrupted by Hiccup.
"Let's go," the auburn haired announced a whole lot more cheerful than Astrid expected him to be.
He jumped up only to stumble back down and would have fallen if it hadn't been for Toothless to catch him. He gave the dragon a unsure grin who rolled his eyes in return. Hiccup then turned his attention to Astrid who looked puzzled at him. Probably trying to figure out why he was suddenly so… cheery?
"Astrid, get Toothless tailfin and saddle. No better way to learn about dragons than flying."
"Wh-what? Hiccup I told you, you can't fly with that leg," she protested as she crossed her arms giving him a stern look.
"I'm not going to fly Toothless, you are."