This story has been a journey! And now, the journey must end.

There's probably an epilogue, but don't expect it within a week. Between Fanfiction errors and the fact I've got three stories ending all at once... I'm a little all over the shop.

Next Valcup story will be called "Different". Next unrelated (incest free!) Valcup story will be called "Adventure". So eyeball for those if you want more of these two.

And now I'm going on and on. Onwards!

-HTTYD-

It wasn't magically perfect, but Hiccup hadn't really expected it to be.

Leo was ecstatic that his mother was back again, having been near-inconsolable when she left for Egypt. It cemented Hiccups decision that if Valka didn't stay this time, he wasn't going to put their son through any more back and forth.

"Mama!"

Annoyed by the helmet he had on for crawling in case of seizures, mini Magni still shot across the floor and pulled himself up, reaching for his mother when Nadia and Valka walked through the door. He was a big fan of Nadia's too, but mother and son had clearly missed each other terribly. Hiccup watched Valka reach down to pick him up, beaming in return as the boy celebrated her reappearance.

"Momma missed you little one."

Nadia stepped away, came over to Hiccup where he stood observing them.

"You alright?"

"I will be. We all will... eventually."

Effectively Valka's best friend - at least on British soil - Nadia was privvy to the conditions on which Hiccup's forgiving Valka for walking out on them in a misguided idea of protecting them from her (or something.. Hiccup wasn't kidding when he said he didn't understand Valka's mind). She supported it, even had a list of people who specialised in post-partum depression. As an obstetrician, it sorta made sense for her to.

"Oh, there he goes again. Come sit down with him?"

His absence seizure lasted only a moment, and then the toddler was all smiles again and Valka returned them, looking to Hiccup for consent to remove the helmet so she could stroke his messy hair. He nodded; it was only for when the boy was rolling around on the floor. Valka kissed the autumn strands, cuddling the little boy tight to her chest even though they'd only been separated a fortnight this time.

Astrid was not thrilled about it. Hiccup wasn't surprised, since Astrid was uncomfortable with their relationship. Not that continuing that aspect of living together had been broached. But she accepted that Magni deserved both his parents if possible, especially now she had seen him when he was distressed in Valka's absence.

Hiccup had told his sister some of what Valka had told him; her struggles with guilt and depression though not in graphic detail. That he was insistent she seek professional help if they were to have any chance of being stable parents to their son. As stable as they could, at least. Astrid wasn't happy, but the siblings were working to rebuild their relationship.

Slowly.

Their first... bonding experience came from a mutual agreement to finally tackle their parents room. Valka was only too happy to take Magni out for a few hours - with Nadia, in case he seized while outside - which left Hiccup and Astrid alone in the Hofferson home. For several minutes, they both just stood in silence, staring at the dusty bed and closed curtains. Astrid eventually pushed them open, lighting up just how neglected the entire place was.

"Promise me something?"

Astrid finally spoke, breaking the quiet.

"What?"

"That you and her never... in here."

Hiccup, staring at the way sunlight somehow poured through the grimy, long-uncleaned window, took a minute to understand.

"O-oh. Right. Of course I never would!"

"That's what I thought. But then six months ago, I never would have thought you could actually knock up your own mother. So I decided to clarify."

Astrid still recoiled when she talked about it. It was clearly still very much affecting her.

"We aren't... it ended when she left."

"I'm not naive. You were so insistent that you couldn't help yourself before. So either you're lying now, or you were lying then."

Hiccup frowned, wishing there was a way he could swear to Astrid that his relationship with Valka was over, and be certain he meant it. But... Astrid was right.

"I'm not lying, but... I'm not sure it'll always be true."

"Figures. Just... not where I can see it. I think we'll do a whole lot better if I can live in blissful ignorance."

If that was what it took to have Astrid reach some degree of acceptance, or denial, Hiccup would agree in a heartbeat. After failing pretty spectacularly on the big brother front for her, Hiccup was willing to do pretty much anything if it meant Astrid back in his life.

"You got it."

"I don't want Heather and Dagur to know."

"Ok."

Astrid raised an eyebrow.

"Just, ok?"

"I figure you have your reasons, and honestly I don't feel like broadcasting."

"I don't want to have to choose between you."

Oh.

"I wouldn't blame you for choosing them."

"Maybe it's selfish, but I'd rather keep your secret and not lose my girlfriend or my brother."

Hiccup shook his head, hesitantly reaching for Astrid and half-expecting to be rebuffed. She seemed to consider it, but then turned and embraced him in return.

"Honestly, it's not really a conversation I ever want to have with them either. Shall we get this done or do you want to leave it for today?"

Wiping wet eyes, Astrid shook her head.

"I want to do this."

It was slow, and it was painful. Hiccup had successfully suppressed much of his grief in order to learn to walk and take care of Astrid, and while he had been in therapy for a couple of years, there were wounds to reopen and anxiety to feel. Changing the bedding had them both coughing on dust, opening windows to let air in. Hiccup focused on cleaning, Astrid emptied their bedside drawers and wardrobe into boxes.

"Oh my gods..."

"What is it?"

Astrid was cradling a photograph, one of when they were only a few years old each. Hiccup was grimacing as his little body tried to hold up Astrid, who was climbing up on his back with a broad, beaming grin. He could still hear her laugh as aunt Helga took the photo, their parents either side of them.

"When was this?"

"Uhh" Hiccup squinted, trying to identify the ghastly outfit he had on "that's your fourth birthday. We went for ice cream and you ate so much chocolate you were sick, I intentionally spilled sauce on that hideous jumper so I could take it off."

She was silent for a minute, then turned to look at Hiccup behind her.

"We're gonna be ok, aren't we?"

"I think so."

Three hours and several instances of tears and memories later, the room felt oddly sterile as they finished packing up belongings, collecting photos and deciding what to do with everything in quiet tones. The open window was now clean, fresh bedding and dusted away cobwebs meaning the room no longer had a sense of abandonment to it. Circulating air took care of the musty smell, and Astrid eventually turned, flopped down on the bed.

"Is this gonna be mini Magni's room?"

Hiccup hadn't really considered that; Astrid's room would always be Astrid's room and technically, the spare room was currently Valka's room.

"I don't know. I've not needed to decide that yet. He can't climb stairs alone, and I don't want to rely on being able to carry him up every night. Actually... I was thinking about moving and giving this place to you."

Astrid sat up, blinking rapidly.

"Moving?"

"Valka hates city life and little Leo is never going to be the pinnacle of health. I was thinking about moving with just me and Leo after she left, but now she's back... I just can't help but think it would be better for everyone if we moved somewhere with open land and open sky."

"But... this is home."

Hiccup sank down next to her, nodding.

"It's my home. It's your home. But it's not their home, and while I would do anything to make you happy Astrid, but I have to think about what's best for my son."

She stared at her hands, then looked up at Hiccup and sighed.

"You're right. I guess I'm just attached to you being nearby."

"Me too. You're the reason I'm still here. If it's too much, then tell me now and I'll... we'll figure something out."

"No way. Go. Just realise I'll be expecting lots of visits and probably Skype calls so I can watch that little guy grow up. Actually, in a way maybe it will be easier on us all."

"How so?"

"Because then... then I won't be thinking of you and her in our home. Plus we'll appreciate seeing each other more. And if I'm honest? I have missed this place. I didn't realise how much I would."

Hiccup smiled.

"Then I'm happy to be returning it to you."

"Have you told Valka about this?"

"Nope. But I don't think it'll be a hard sell. She's not really put down roots anywhere for a long while."

Moving the boxes into a pile, the two closed the window and left the now-generic room behind. It would always be their parents room, but it was no longer a painful shrine to grief that only served as a painful reminder.

They were done basically in time for Valka to return, sleepy toddler in his pushchair and her telling Hiccup Nadia had had to head home.

"Did you have a good time?"

"We did. We went around the park, had to pop to a cafe to use the changing facilities and stayed to eat. Someone made a mess of his yoghurt but charmed everyone in there."

Hiccup felt a smile cross his face as he lifted half-asleep Magni from the baby-transportation device and gave him a cuddle.

"Sleepy dada."

"I know. Let's get you into clean clothes and then you can go for a nap."

There was yoghurt and grass stains on his clothes, telling that he had probably had a little wriggle around on a field. Hiccup snapped off his poppers, lifting the clothes off upwards and putting on a fresh babygro. A year and a half old and Magni had yet to grow out of baby clothes, but he was tiny and perfect and Hiccup adored him so. Plus it made nappy changes easier, though he did have tiny outfits too.

"There we go. All better."

Leo's eyes were closed before he even hit his pillow, shuffling under the blanket Hiccup put over him to ensure he was toasty warm. Looking down at his son's face, Hiccup's heart seemed to swell with all the love he felt for the little boy. Despite the trials and tribulations that made him a parent, Hiccup would never regret being a part of making the little Viking in the cot.

Heading back out, he found Astrid and Valka pointedly avoiding each others eye, obviously waiting for the mediating force that was Hiccup.

"Are you staying to eat Astrid?"

"Nope, but I was hoping you could give me a ride home?"

"Of course."

Astrid smiled, picking up her bag.

"He's down for a nap, I shouldn't be gone too long."

"Take all the time you need with your sister. I'm not going anywhere."

Hiccup really hoped so. Not that he genuinely expected Valka to up and leave their son alone in the house, but he was still in the whole adjustment period now she had only been back a couple of days.

"You alright Astrid?"

"Mhmm. Just couldn't be bothered walking back, Heather's at work still but I miss my cat."

He chuckled, knowing how fond Astrid was of Stormfly the cheeky furball. Dropping her outside her flat, Astrid leant over and kissed his cheek, hugged him.

"We'll be ok. I'll call you soon."

"I look forward to it."

His sister hopped out of the car, whistling to herself and turning back to wave at him from the door to the block of flats. Hiccup leant back with a sigh; they would get there, but things were definitely still tenuous. Then he went home to his mother and his son.

"Enjoy your drive?"

"Huh? Oh. Yeah. Was ok. He still sleeping?"

Valka nodded, stirring her tea as Hiccup touched the kettle, felt it hot enough to make his own drink and poured himself a coffee. It was only late afternoon, but he was emotionally wrung out.

"You want to see something?"

Valka nodded again, watching as Hiccup pulled out the photo Astrid had located earlier, pushed it across the counter toward her.

"How old were you here?"

"Five, six? It was Astrid's birthday."

She stroked Hiccup's childish face, having not seen huge amounts of pictures of Hiccup growing up. Hiccup couldn't always face his parents when his relationship with Valka was so intimate and so illegal. But Astrid wanted the picture framed, so Hiccup had it to hand.

"Thank you for showing this to me."

Hiccup nodded, taking it back and putting it to one side until he found the box of odds and ends he knew photo frames in.

"Nadia and I discussed me going to therapy while we were out. She's fairly certain one or two will be... sympathetic, rather than judgmental should I wish to discuss our previous relationship."

Previous. Implying their relationship was now irrevocably different. Hiccup wasn't sure how he felt about that.

"That's... that's good, yeah?"

"Quite. I confess myself nervous. I cannot remember the last time I opened my heart to somebody in any way. Aside from you and little Leo, of course."

Hiccup shrugged; he was an old hat at therapy.

"It's tough, but I know I'd be in a much worse state without therapy. And I know it wasn't easy to agree to. I'm proud of you for being willing to try."

He placed a hand on Valka's shoulder, attempting to be comforting though he wasn't sure he was any good at it. She placed her own hand over it, squeezing gently.

"Thank you Hiccup. Truly."

It did put a slight stick in his plan to move if Valka entered into a regular therapy programme. Maybe he ought to look for somewhere within an hour or so's drive. They couldn't be too far from a main city, not without risking being too far from medical knowledge for Leo. It wouldn't happen overnight and his son would be down to an appointment every four months when he turned two, six months when he turned three.

"I gotta talk to you about something, probably good if we do it while he's napping."

"Is everything alright Hiccup?"

He indicated the living room, where they took fresh drinks and sat down apart from each other. She still slept in his bed, but that was the only time they really touched.

"I'm thinking about moving. Somewhere less... urban. I want somewhere that little Magni can enjoy the outside all the time, safely. Somewhere I feel like I can breathe. And hopefully somewhere you feel less stifled by suburbia."

"I... I think that's a wonderful idea."

"Really?"

He had sort of expected more discussion.

"I do. I confess I like the idea for myself, but I was swayed by your reasoning for our son alone."

"It won't be right away, so you go ahead with starting therapy and stuff but I'm glad you're on board."

"Is Astrid?"

"Yeah. I talked to her before I talked to you."

They talked a little more, but soon enough a certain little Viking was awake and wanting their attention. And a fresh nappy.

"Hey little guy. Come on, lets go out to momma."

"Mama!"

The babe immediately lit up at the mention of his mother, wriggling impatiently as Hiccup got him into cleaner attire and lifted him from the changing table. Leo reached for Valka on sight, cooing happily when reunited with her.

"Hello handsome. Oh, I can't believe how sweet you are little one."

Not entirely sure what was being said, Leo gurgled happily and cuddled up to Valka with a smile.

"Dada!"

"Yeah son?"

"Here!"

Hiccup, slightly confused since he had just demanded his mother, crossed the room and stood in front of the boy.

"I think he wants us both... Hiccup, I know you're wary of me, but if we sleep in the same bed surely we can sit together on the sofa?"

When she said it like that, he felt a bit silly and sat down next to her. Wriggling on his butt, Leo managed to simultaneously sit on both their laps, holding them there with a happy smile. It was strange to be close to her again, remembering how they would curl up together with their newborn son. Valka would kiss his hair and smile lovingly at them both, and Hiccup would feel more complete than he could remember.

He missed that feeling.

Valka's first therapy session was gruelling. Hiccup didn't know what they talked about, but when he picked her up on the way back from taking their son to get fitted for new shoes on his brace - warmer ones for the upcoming chilly weather - she was quiet, only speaking in clipped sentences until they got back. Then she wanted nothing but to curl up with their son, lying on the adult bed and talking quietly to him about some of her adventures with animals.

Hiccup left her to it; for all he knew she had talked about him and didn't want to talk to him for a bit. He could certainly relate to Magni making one feel better, with his sweet smiles and love of attention.

"I'm sorry about earlier, I was just feeling quite... raw."

"Hey, it's ok. I know. I've been there."

Valka nodded, still quiet but she ate her dinner, asked if Hiccup minded her taking a bath with their son.

"Go ahead. He's due a bath and he likes joint bath time."

Their son didn't care that mommy and daddy had scars, had no idea that most people didn't bear the tells of car accidents and playful bear cubs. He just liked being held, the freedom of his brace coming off and of course, splashing around with his bath toys. They were chunky and non-slip, easier for his lax grip to get a hold on but if he dropped them, they floated in front of him.

"I'll uh, get his stuff ready. Just shout when you need me to come get him out."

Hiccup felt silly again as he sat on his bed, fresh pyjamas and clean nappy and baby lotion all waiting next to him. He'd seen Valka naked countless times, so it seemed mental to be avoidant of her now when she was doing something as non-sexual as bathing their son. But the truth was... he didn't trust himself to keep his thoughts pure.

"Hiccup?"

He went in, saw the boy had gone absent again and Hiccup hastened over, grabbing a towel to lift him from the water so neither feared him slipping under despite Valka's secure hold.

"There we go little guy. You're alright."

"Dada!"

Magni came around quickly, surprised to see Hiccup up above him instead of Valka behind him as it had been before.

"There we go. Is he done with his bath?"

Valka nodded.

"I'll go get him dressed."

Magni rolled around on the bed, resistant to behaving himself as Hiccup fought to get him into his clothes. He settled for lotion, enjoying the massage and Hiccup smiled at the relaxed expression on his sons face. Then the battle began again over pyjamas, outright tantrums over his brace. Until Valka came out in her nightdress, providing a distraction and cuddles.

"Of course you're his favourite when I put his brace on."

"He doesn't prefer me Hiccup. I just have novelty again since I returned so recently."

She was right, but Hiccup didn't like when his son scowled at him. He was so much sweeter smiling. Soothed by suds and snuggling, Leo went down for sleep without a fight. Valka crawled into bed herself, and despite it only being about eight in the evening Hiccup followed suit. If he stayed up, he'd be far more tired when time came to get up with their son. Plus, Hiccup was generally always a little tired.

"Hiccup?"

"Yeah?"

He was laid on his back, staring at the ceiling and occasionally Valka's back, rising and falling to periodically block his view of their sons crib.

"I appreciate if it's too much to ask, but... would you mind if I... never mind."

Hiccup frowned.

"Are you asking for a cuddle?"

"It's fine, forget I asked."

Bracing himself, Hiccup reached out and touched her shoulder.

"Come here you daft woman."

Hesitant at first, Hiccup soon found himself with long limbs wound around his torso and her head against his chest. Her scent was ever-present, filling his lungs as Valka embraced him.

"I'm sorry, I just..."

"Hush. Sleep."

When had Hiccup become the reasonable, steady one? Of course, he appreciated how incredibly comforting physical contact could be - Astrid had always wanted cuddles and sleepovers after rough therapy sessions too. It took him a little while to fall asleep, no longer used to the weight on his chest but at the same time it was oh so welcome. Valka was sleeping peacefully, face smooth of all concern and in the near-non-existent light, Hiccup could have sworn she was smiling at a pleasant dream.

That was the start. Hiccup couldn't call it a catalyst, because it wasn't an instantaneous rush, but that first night they spent intentionally embraced became a normality. Valka didn't push, but when Hiccup's expectant eyes met hers they soon found their way together.

One night, after she came back from therapy having visibly been crying, she kissed him. Hiccup was too stunned to respond, but when Valka backed away and apologised Hiccup followed her mouth. They were out of practice after months without each other, but when Valka clutched his t-shirt and panted against his lips Hiccup felt the same dizzy heat as before.

"H-Hiccup... I'm sorry, I know you don't want-"

He bit her lip, pressed closer and swallowed her groan when Valka felt his erection.

"I do."

They kissed and kissed and kissed, left Hiccup dizzy and gasping and the two were brutally pulled apart by the sounds of their son waking up. Valka unwound her fingers from his hair, using those regained hands to smooth down her rucked up nightdress while Hiccup drew in shuddering breaths before pushing himself upright.

"What's wrong little guy?"

Giggling, Magni squirmed and looked up hopefully for cuddles and attention. Hiccup tried to will away his arousal, a feat helped considerably by the discovery his son needed changing. The boy had only been down for an hour and a half, but he seemed wide awake and after Hiccup changed him, he wanted cuddles and stories and milk. Hiccup made his bottle warm in the hopes it would help him settle back down; the last thing they needed was Magni picking up Hiccups bad sleep patterns.

Valka sang him the 'North King' song, a story that the boy liked but it came in the form of a lullaby. Eventually, wide green eyes slowly closed again, boy relaxing as much as he ever did for sleep. Hiccup put him back in his crib slowly, backing away like he was a loaded bomb. That was honestly how it felt sometimes - he could be fast asleep, but somehow knew the second his parent was gone from the immediate vicinity.

Crawling back into bed alongside Valka, Hiccup reached down beneath the covers and detached his leg, putting it to the side and knowing Valka was waiting. Waiting for Hiccup to tell her if what had happened was a mistake. While staying in their bed was a statement nothing more could happen - they weren't going to have sex in the same room as their son slept - Hiccup reached for her and Valka obliged, hand splaying over his stubbled cheek as they kissed again, slower and sweeter this time.

"I missed you."

The confession fell from him so easily, Hiccup not even sure he had thought of saying it until it was leaving his mouth. Valka kissed his jaw, held him tighter.

"When that bloody therapist was listing all the psychological factors of genetic sexual attraction, all I could think was how I had never been happier than when I was with you and our little boy."

So she had been talking about Hiccup in therapy. He leant down, nudging her face with his own until he could find her mouth again, kissing her softly.

"Does this mean you'll definitely stay?"

"I thought you didn't want my promises."

"I'm asking for one now."

Valka looked up at him, fixing Hiccup with her startling green eyes in the dark.

"I'm staying."

Despite her agreement to go to therapy as part of Hiccup letting her stay, some part of him still sagged with relief at hearing her vocalise it. It took a while for them to actually go to sleep, stolen kisses and whispered conversations taking a chunk of the night with them but when he woke, Hiccup hadn't felt so rested for a while.

Valka was awake, tracing shapes on his t-shirt which explained the ticklish sensation. He could hear their son sleeping soundly.

"Can we wake up like this every day?"

Rain pattered the window gently. Their son was happy and safe and everything was warm and cosy beneath the covers.

"I'd like that."

Valka smiled, curling into his chest again and sighing contentedly.

"Me too."

Any long lie-in snuggle plans were interrupted by their toddler waking up, not really one for staying in his crib once he was up. Valka offered to change him so Hiccup could get him a bottle, and once the tiny terror was fed and clean he was only too happy to nestle amongst his parents on their bed, gurgling and beaming.

Valka was leant up on her bent arm, laughing as she tickled a squealing toddler who begged for mercy and Hiccup felt that swell in his chest, knowing that despite everything he still loved Valka wholly. And when she was there, she was an amazing mother. Leo's complete adoration of her was testament to that.

"What?"

She noticed his silent observation, reaching out to touch his hair for a minute.

"Nothing. Just... happy. Watching you with him."

"I know I've missed things and I have time to make up for, but I swear I'm going to."

"I believe you. Honestly, I'm just happy right now."

It was almost alien, to be having these moments without anxiety now and then. Hiccup didn't consider himself cured by any means, but he had learnt to sail on the turbulent waters in his mind and the waves didn't always seem so scary.

"It hasn't really come up before now, but when you first came back" it had been a couple of months now, Hiccup realised "Astrid asked that we aren't... you know, physical with each other in front of her. Blissful ignorance, I think was the phrase she used."

"Oh. Of course. But we weren't physical back then."

"I know. But Astrid was trying to pre-emptively request. Guess she thought with you back for Magni that us was inevitably going to happen again. Unsurprisingly, my sister was right."

Valka chuckled, leaning down to kiss messy auburn hair and receiving a happy cry from their son. He leant up to give his mother one in return, and then it was Hiccups turn for affection from the boy which he welcomed instantly, rolling on his back to rest Leo on his stomach.

"You're so wonderful with him."

"So are you. And he's got both of us."

That got him a smile, his own kiss and a grumble from their son who wanted all the attention.

"Oh don't worry little Viking boy, you're still our favourite."

They both kissed their son's head, which soon cheered the boy up as the three cuddled close.

"As comfortable as everything else is, his brace is digging in to my bladder and if he moves much more it'll be somewhere very not comfortable."

Chuckling (rather rudely he thought) at Hiccup's problems, Valka transferred their son to laze upon her chest so Hiccup could hobble quickly to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth while he was up, then returned to the family snuggle.

"I told you daddy was coming back."

They swapped again so Valka could use the bathroom, then reluctantly agreed they ought to get out of bed that day. Despite the gap, Valka's tactile nature resurfaced quickly and Hiccup found himself being randomly hugged, feeling soft touches brushed against his neck and kisses against his hair. Though he didn't know much difference, Magni certainly seemed cheerier with all the smiles and comfort around him.

Astrid visited that day, and despite the two adults behaving themselves around her, she could tell.

"You two are... back together sounds so weird."

She brought it up while helping him ice cupcakes, the sound of Valka singing sweetly to Leo occasionally meeting their ears from rooms away.

"Whatever we are... yeah. But Valka knows you don't want to see it, and she's ok with it."

"Guess that's something. And I gotta say..." Astrid sighed, like she was admitting a painful truth "you and mini Magni do seem happier."

"I think we are. I know it's been a rough time, and I know you cannot understand how I can feel that way about her. But it's happened, and we have a son. And... I love her."

"But not the way you're supposed to. Yeah, I think we should stop talking about this right now."

Hiccup dropped the matter, knowing Astrid was trying so hard to be as ok as she could be. He wouldn't push her.

"Have you started looking?"

"Yeah. Not found anywhere yet, but you'll be the first person I tell."

Astrid nodded quietly, licking icing off her hand and pushing the tray toward him.

"All done."

"Me too."

Hiccups were neater but Astrid's were probably sweeter given the extra icing swirled on. He put them to set, then they headed back out to where Hiccup melted slightly at the sight of their son napping on Valka's lap, cuddling a toy dragon. Even Astrid couldn't resist the little sleeping face.

"He's so sweet. I'm gonna go walk Toothless since you're limpimg and it's cold, plus it will stop me eating the cakes before they set."

Immensely grateful, Hiccup retrieved the walking gear from the cupboard and trussed up the excitable dog ready for adventure despite the weather.

"Thank you Astrid."

"No problem. Come on furball, lets stretch your legs."

Hiccup sat back next to Valka, careful not to jostle the snoozing son on her lap. She turned her head, kissed Hiccup's brow. He smiled.

"Everything alright?"

"A little tense, but yeah. Astrid's really trying."

"I'm glad you two are working things out."

Hiccup knew how major he and Astrid's reconciliation was to Valka - especially when she'd given them up to try and protect Hiccup from losing his sister. So far, it seemed like he might luck out and somehow keep them both. They sat back apart some when the blonde returned.

Astrid stayed to play with her little brother - she refused to call Leo her nephew and Hiccup respected that - for a while, and it was a happy sight for Hiccup as the two tumbled on the ground, building with blocks and knocking them down. She had no trouble indulging the babe until he burst into great fits of laughter, holding his arms so he could walk and even encouraging a few shaky steps out of him where she was in reach to catch him.

"Atta boy! Hoffersons don't quit do we?"

"No!"

Leo cheered in time with Astrid, then flopped down and started fussing for a bottle. Apparently walking and wanton Lego destruction was thirsty work.

"Alright, lets get you fed little Viking."

Hiccup went to make up the boys bottle, watching Astrid eat a cupcake and feed Magni little bits of the sponge without much icing.

"I know you don't have your permanent teeth yet but lets not start you off as a sugar fiend."

Chuckling, Hiccup handed his son a sippy cup full of milk and hoped for the best. The handles were designed with his poor grip in mind, only really needed him to fit his hands in the space and so far it seemed to work. He dropped it sometimes, but the lid was very resilient and had yet to pop open accidentally.

"I'm gonna head off, Heather's picking me up from the gym."

"Alright, I'll see you soon?"

"Count on it. Bye little guy" she kissed the happy Haddock-Hofferson boy in his high chair "bye Valka."

"Goodbye Astrid."

Valka was clearly surprised, but managed to return Astrid's farewell before she left. Once she was gone, Valka slid her arms around Hiccups waist, resting her head on his shoulder. Her being taller than him had it's perks.

"Everything good?"

"I think so."

Warm lips touched his jaw, nuzzling the side of his face. Hiccup had missed it all so much, squirming slightly as Valka's fingers stroked his waist.

"Me too."

He shuddered as she bit at his jaw, fingers slipping below the waistband of his bottoms to tease bare skin.

"E-easy now."

Valka stopped, sighing against his neck.

"Too soon?"

"Not that. That."

He pointed to where their son was quite awake, watching his parents with curious eyes. Valka started chuckling, burying her face in his neck.

"Oh gods, I'm sorry Magni!"

"You get him? I uh, need to calm down."

Hiccup noted Valka's flushed cheeks as he moved from having an erection with their son watching. He had wondered if it would take time for them to reconnect, but upon examining his own feelings Hiccup didn't feel like they were rushing into anything. It had felt natural... or would have if a certain toddler hadn't been watching.

"Dinner?"

Valka nodded, smiling as she got sticky kisses from their son.

"Sounds good."

By the time it was cooked, the little guy with a big appetite would be hungry again. They weren't worried for his eating, thankfully, despite his small stature. He was eating proper solid food most of the time too, but he liked his follow on formula and while he was undersized and they were nutritionally balanced, Hiccup didn't see an issue. There were formulas for up to four year olds, and he wasn't yet two.

Lazy with full stomachs, the three retired to watch movies, Toothless snoozing on Hiccups empty chair since the usual occupant was on the sofa with lover and child. Valka played with his hair, threatening to send Hiccup to sleep until the fingers slid down, stroking his pulse point. It wasn't arousing in itself, but it certainly felt like a promise of later.

When they got their son into pyjamas and his crib, watching as he fell asleep blissfully swiftly, Hiccup felt exploring hands on his lower back. Valka kissed at the side of his neck, but then stepped away and left him shaky.

"If you want to wait, I don't mind."

"Do you?"

Dilated pupils and flushed cheeks only told Hiccup she was physically aroused. They said nothing of her mental state.

"No, but I don't want to rush you either."

"I don't feel rushed."

Valka's hand laced through his as they grabbed the baby monitor and left their son sleeping, stumbling when Valka kissed him soundly, falling back against the wall with a warm body against his own. They made it up to 'Valka's' bedroom, which still contained a few of her things. The sheets were cold with lack of use, but they warmed to the rutting bodies quickly.

Neither were settling for a half-dressed fumble, clothes hitting the ground and probably the furniture as they stripped each other. Hiccup mapped old and new scars under his hands, re-familiarizing himself with the history forever written into Valka's skin. She gasped softly against his mouth, slightly less gentle with her hands as she explored him hungrily.

Last time they were intimate, Hiccup couldn't enjoy her chest the way he would have liked, as Valka was nursing Leo. Now he could touch her breasts with impunity and Valka had no complaints, arching into his mouth when Hiccup latched on to a needy nipple. Her wanting moans were music to his ears after so long, the feel of her fingers clutching his head to her breast wonderfully familiar.

"Gods Hiccup, I need you."

She slid down his body, thighs intermittently soft and scarred against his when Valka reached to where she could kiss his chest, stroke his belly. She knew Hiccup's scars as well as he did, caressed them as her hands made their way down to circle his cock, teasing an already hot, swollen erection.

"S-slow down! Or this will be over too fast."

Valka smirked, biting at his collarbone until Hiccup nudged her hand off his erection, missing her touch acutely but focusing on rolling her beneath him, kissing pouting lips. His hand slid down her stomach, both gasping as Hiccup's fingers found her wet, teased at sensitive nerves when they slipped across her clit. Valka shook beneath him, clutching him and whimpering when Hiccup dipped a finger inside her to check she was ready.

"Can't wait, need you baby."

Gods, that word still made him shiver. Hiccup growled and kissed her, tongue teasing her lips with shallow thrusting motions. Valka matched his heat, hooking her impossibly long legs around him and Hiccup matched her sudden sounds when his cock slid against her wet clit. Fumbling between them, Hiccup aimed himself with shaking hands and with a shared breathless gasp he was pressing forward inch by inch.

Valka trembled, face buried in his neck as her arms wrapped around his back. Hiccup found himself panting, breathing ragged and irregular already. He knew then; it was her. It would always be her. Nobody would ever mould against him so beautifully, nobody could possibly moan so softly and still set him on fire.

Adjusting to the sudden electricity of their bodies joining in a way Hiccup had never expected to feel again, he watched Valka's face as he made slow, shaky thrusts in an attempt to find his rhythm. She looked right back, stroking his cheek and kissing his jaw, tracing the sharp bone below his ear. Hiccup nudged her thighs a little wider apart, fitting his narrow hips better between them and allowing for slightly deeper thrusts. Valka responded beautifully, meeting the motions like they had never stopped.

Short nails left crescent-moons burning on his shoulder, but Hiccup was too distracted to care as fumbling depth and angle became now I remember and everything became hot and hazy pleasure. His mothers moans were the perfect concert background, fingers unable to stay out of her hair and Hiccup sighed in pleasure just at feeling the soft strands flow over his fingers again.

"Love you Hiccup, love you so much."

Hiccup couldn't answer her; he could barely breathe let alone speak and only an unintelligible grunt made it's way from his mouth. Valka seemed to understand anyway. Her hands slipped on his sweaty back, dropped from his hip to her clit to stroke herself. The sight was the last push for Hiccup, unable to hold back from coming with a desperate, pleading sound. He didn't know what he was pleading for. Sanctity? Sanity? Mercy from the jolting pleasure wracking his body?

Whatever it was, he didn't know. Valka came beneath him with a near-soundless moan, the rhythmic spasms of her muscles almost acutely painful aftershocks on his hypersensitive cock. They rocked and sighed and slowly stilled together, then Valka was smiling and kissing him and stroking down his sweaty spine.

"I love you too."

She smiled a little wider, nuzzling at his cheek and Hiccup felt a smile steal across his own face.

"I needed that."

"Me too."

Valka's face turned serious again, both hands cupping Hiccup's face and fixing him with a deep gaze.

"I'll never leave you again. You or our perfect little boy."

"Good. Because we want you with us. Always."

They eventually got back down to their bed - Hiccup would change that bed first thing tomorrow - and thankfully their son slept on unawares. A hasty clean up and some basic clothing on, the two curled up together to sleep. Hiccup had a wonderful sense of deja vu when he woke, Valka looking up at him with a sleepy smile.

"I like this."

"Me too. Want to get him fed and changed for morning cuddles again?"

Valka beamed.

"I would love that."

As they did so, Hiccup felt that new sense of content, maybe even secure. That was definitely new.

It wasn't perfect, but it was pretty damn close. He'd live with that.

-HTTYD-

Chapter was 'nearly done' yesterday at 4k words. Raynauds and stiff hands slowed me down, but at over 7,000, we are done!

As said, there'll be an epilogue. Can't guarantee a week. I hope you enjoyed Adopted!