The boys moved to a fire and sat on the logs surrounding it, sipping their cider in comfortable silence. They stared at the crackling flames, lost in their own reflective thoughts, simply enjoying sharing the same space with the other. At some point during this peaceful session one of them took hold of the other's hand. Neither remembered who made that move, but both equally enjoyed it.

Hiccup filled his own silence with his thoughts, wandering into another mind-rant.

Why do we even have a word for silence? There really is no true silence, unless you are deaf or in the vacuum of space or a non-natural place like that. And silence can mean so many things! It can be terrible like it was in the maze after the horseman and werewolf thing disappeared, or it can feel really good, like right now… Hiccup looked up at Jack and squeezed his hand lightly, earning a look and a smile from the cute white haired man. But it never really is truly 'silent', he thought, continuing back down his mental path, staring back at the fire, still smiling. Our hearts were pounding, the corn was rustling, there were crickets singing, and our gasping was loud in the moment. That's not 'silent' but by all means it would be described as 'silence.' Maybe it's relative to the 'noise' of the city, or to other human activities. After a Jackhammer stops in a construction zone, it sure seems silent for a second. Silence, as defined, is the absence of all noise. Which is weird, seeing as how it is a definition of a non-thing. It's an absence, a lack, a void, a nonexistent phenomenon that rarely actually exists by its definition anyways! Yet it is defined and widely understood, though misused. Misused like in the corn maze, there was still noise yet it would be commonly called 'silent.'

And what about dreaming!? You hear things in your dreams. But there is no actual, measurable noise. Yet we hear it, we experience it in that dream state. There is no technical sound but we hear things talk, scream, make noise. So is that silence?

"What are you thinking about, Hic?" Jack's words broke Hiccup from his reverie.

"Oh!" Hiccup said, startled. He cleared his throat and blinked a few times, "I was thinking about what silence is and whether it exists or not. Because nothing is really ever silent unless you're deaf or in space or something drastic like that," Hiccup summed up. "Also I was wondering if dreams and thoughts were technically silent then too, even though we remember or dream noises and stuff."

"Hmm." Jack looked back at the fire with a thoughtful face. "Those are actually super good questions. Like, when you remember a song do you actually hear it or is it just silence?"

"Yes, exactly! We know how it sounds and stuff, but is that sound technically silence? By definition yes, but what is thought considered at that point. There is no actual sound, it's just a memory of that noise, but is the memory noise?!" Hiccup, while he was talking, become more and more passionate, gesturing wildly, gripping and passing fingers through his hair, pushinig it backwards, his eyes glowing and ablaze with wonder and thought.

Jack listened to what Hiccup was saying, but devoted most of his attention to watching the impassioned display, enjoying how his date became so fiery about such a random topic. Watching Hiccup rant and wave his hands around, Jack couldn't help but smile and just feel plain happy. Damn he's cute… I could get used to this. Jack thought, blushing a little. He was smiling broadly at this point, still nodding and letting Hiccup rant about silence. I'm so glad I asked him out and we actually got to come here in the end. I thought he was cute when me met but this… this is so much better than I could have imagined. Jack sipped his cider, a small grin ghosting his lips.

"So I suppose, by sheer logic and literal definition, dreams and thought don't have sound." Hiccup took a breath and let it out, watching it steam and disappear. Thought rants like this always made him happy. Well, almost always. Sometimes he could get worked up about the wrong thing and obsess about it just as much despite it hurting almost physically… He took a drink of cider and looked back at Jack. The creeping, negative thoughts leaked away as soon as he met Jack's glistening icy blue eyes. How did I manage to go on a date with this guy again? He's so freaking hot and cute. Hiccup quickly looked away and blushed, taking another huge sip on his cider. Unfortunately, his panicked sip made some of the cider go down the wrong tube and he immediately spat the mouthful out, coughing and hacking.

Jack, absolutely confused and taken aback at the dramatic change Hiccup just went through, couldn't help from breaking out into a loud laugh. "Are-" laughing cut him short, "Are you okay Hiccup?!"

Hiccup coughed more and waved his hand at Jack in a dismissing fashion. "I'm fine. Wrong tube," he croaked, mortified at what just happened.

Jack continued to chuckle but also pulled himself right next to Hiccup and started rubbing and patting the man's back.

Hiccup blushed furiously and cleared his throat a few more times, trying his best to not think about how his and Jack's legs were now pressed together; how warm Jack was. "Sorry you have to be seen in public with me. I'm a bit of a mess," Hiccup said, half joking and half serious.

"Well then I claim you as my mess cause you're fun and I like being around you," Jack said with a smile, blushing a little as well. He hadn't meant to imply Hiccup being his, but like hell was he going to correct himself. Before Hiccup could question what Jack meant, he finished his cider and tossed the paper cup into the fire, watching it quickly flare and burn. He stood and asked, "You about ready to go Hic?"

"As much as the prospect of sitting here for the rest of the night and making even more of a mess of myself appeals to me…" Hiccup deadpanned, "I think it's about time to go, yeah." He accepted Jack's offered hand and pulled himself up.

They began walking towards the car when Jack spoke up, "So what would you like to do for the rest of the night?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Jack began tentatively, "I just want to know if you want to do anything else. Watch a movie, just sit and talk somewhere, get some late night food at some diner, anything, really. And if you'd just prefer to head home and do your own thing that's totally cool too. No pressure."

Hiccup thought for a second. "Actually, some food sounds good. And I know just the place to get some."

"Sweet! Just tell me where to go."

"Well, we should probably start by getting in the car."

Jack just stared at Hiccup blankly and raised his eyebrows, nonverbally saying 'really?'

Hiccup just shot back a smile and started swinging their joined hands lightly, mildly pleased with himself.

"I could just leave you here."

"That you could. And I could sneak a fish into your car and ruin it forever."

"Dude that's so evil what the hell."

"You started it Frosty! I finished it."

Jack, instead of speaking, blew a raspberry at Hiccup.

They reached the car soon after and departed, following Hiccup's directions. Chatting casually in the car about the corn maze and about other random things, they soon made it to their destination.

"Gobber's Place?" Jack queried. This place looks like a total dive.

Seemingly reading Jack's thoughts, Hiccup responded, "It may look rough but it has some of the best food you could imagine. Don't judge until you eat."

They exited the car and entered the bar. A dark room, lit by neon signs and a few dim lights, it was just as dingy seeming on the inside as it was out. Although not crowded, the room was warm and busy. It was a Friday night after all.

Hiccup grabbed Jack's hand and pulled him towards one of the many booths lining the wall. A large man with a prosthetic hand and foot thumped his way to their table, yelling towards them from halfway across the room. "Hiccup! Long time no see, laddie. How are you getting by? And who's your friend here?"

"This is Jack, I've been doing pretty well, just busy, and it's good to see you too. The bar is still doing well I see!"

"Of course the bar is doing well! Scandinavians will always find an excuse to drink," Gobber yelled cheerily before turning to Jack, "And good to meet ya, Jack. You a friend of Hiccup's?"

"Good to meet you too Gobber," Jack said while shaking the large man's strong hand, "And I'd say we're friends at this point. Just got back from a haunted corn maze and scared the pants off of him!"

"Oh really!" Gobber cheered in his thick accent, "That must've been fun for you lads, especially the fishbone here. He scares at his own shadow, he does. But don't underestimate him," Gobber warned, pointing aggressively at Jack after gesturing to a mildly embarrassed Hiccup, "He's one of the smartest, most courageous people I've met. He's a good friend to have. Consider yourself lucky!"

By this point Hiccup had his head in his hand, absolutely done with Gobber's speech. Gods, why did I bring us here again?

"Well I'm glad I'm not the only one to think he's pretty amazing." Jack responded casually, internally chuckling over Hiccup's obvious embarrassment.

"Alright, so what are you lads interested in?"

Hiccup raised his head quickly, "We'll each have a pint of Gaarden, some sweet potato fries, mushrooms, and wings, thanks." Hiccup delivered their order extremely quickly; clearly wanting to get rid of Gobber and the embarrassment that came with.

"Sounds great, I'll get that to yeh as soon as it's ready. And Hiccup?"

Hiccup looked up at Gobber warily.

"Go easy on him and don't do anything I wouldn't do," the large man delivered with an obvious wink.

"GOOD GODS GOBBER GET OUT OF HERE," Hiccup shouted while pushing away the offending adult.

Jack just laughed at Hiccup's deep embarrassment, both out of the hilarity of the situation and empathy, knowing how it feels to be embarrassed on a date.

Hiccup ran his hands over his face, utterly regretting taking Jack here. "So that," Hiccup said with venom, "was Gobber. An old friend."

"I like him!" Jack cheered, continuing to pain Hiccup for his own enjoyment.

"Of course you do. Well, it's hard not to. He's a good man and fun to be around as long as you're not the target."

"Yeah, I can see that," Jack responded with a smile. "So anyways, what's the drink you ordered us? The Garden, you called it."

"Oh, yeah, it's a Belgian beer that Gobber fell in love with when he lived in Europe. So when he moved here with most of our family he made sure to bring it with him. It's called Hoegaarden, but it's so much easier to just call it 'Gaarden.'"

"Huh. Well that's neat. So he's from Europe then? Makes sense with the accent."

"Yep. A large part of our family came here from Scotland before I was born. Which is why I don't have the crazy accent."

"Pitty. You would have been even cuter with it."

"Would you guys just stop trying to embarrass me? For 5 minutes at least. Please."

"No promises," Jack said with a wink.

Hiccup sighed and let his head fall into his hands. "The gods must hate me to curse me with such difficult people."

"I'm a blessing and you know it," Jack said sassily.

"Riiiiiight," Hiccup breathed, glancing up at Jack through his bangs. "So tell me about your family."

Jack's smile faltered and the joy left his eyes, though his lips stayed turned up for the most part. Hiccup noticed these changes, but chose not to comment.

"Well, my parents… died. When I was young. I don't remember them much. My sister and I ended up in an orphanage and she was adopted before me and I lost all contact with her, along with all my extended family, if there was anyone left alive. So… yeah. Not the most heartwarming story ever, but it's mine."

"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't know. But thank you for telling me."

"It's okay Hiccup. You couldn't have known and I try not to let it bother me. Being open about it helps."

"Once again, thank you for telling me," Hiccup paused. "I lost my mom when I was young. Maybe 2 at the time. My parents went out for a date and on their way home they were mugged. My dad got knocked out and when he woke up, my mom was dead. Shot. So… I know at least part of your pain. I know what it's like to lose a parent. It's not the same by any means. But… yeah," he finished with a defeated sigh.

Jack, instead of speaking right away, reached a hand across the table and placed it on Hiccup's. He squeezed lightly and just made eye contact with the auburn haired man, marveling at his ability to be vulnerable with him. Jack felt comfortable around Hiccup, despite them just being on their first date. He would have never shared the story of his parents' demise with someone he didn't trust. There was just something hidden in those deep, emerald eyes that made Jack feel secure.

"Well, this has become thoroughly somber," Jack said with a compassionate sigh. "Not exactly the typical first date talk, but it somehow fits us."

Hiccup chuckled mirthlessly, "Yeah. I suppose it does." He unclenched his hands and grabbed Jack's in one of his, letting the other fall to his side. "Thanks for telling me everything, Jack. And thank you for listening to me."

"Always and anytime Hiccup," Jack smiled weakly, but with warmth, "I appreciate you."

Before Hiccup could respond Gobber thudded back towards the boys, thundering "Move your hands and make room for the food you lovebirds!" before clattering down multiple plates of delicious, greasy bar food. "And enjoy," he finished and walked back towards the bar.

Jack's eyes lit up at the sight of the beautiful food before him. He snagged some fries and mushrooms, and 'Mmm'ed loudly while nodding towards Hiccup. "You weren't kidding! Sure, it's hard to mess this kind of stuff up, but these are so good!"

"I told you! Gobber knows how to make some great greaseball goodness," Hiccup said, pulling the sweet fries towards him.

The food was quickly devoured with little conversation between bites. The men were hungry, tired, and neither knew what to talk about next after each revealing a trauma of their past. Once done Hiccup went to the bar and paid the tab, quelling Jack's protests with a wave of his hand.

"It was good to see ya Hiccup," Gobber said while cashing out Hiccup's orders. "I really hope you two can come by more often. I like to see ya in general, but it seems this other lad makes you happy."

"Well, this was our first date, but I think you may be seeing more of us. He seems like a genuinely good person. I like him," Hiccup admitted. Gobber was a second father to him, and much more emotionally connected than his biological father.

"Well good. Now you two get home safe. And make sure to wear protection," Gobber said with slight sadism in his voice but a joyful twinkle in his eye.

Hiccup pinched the bridge of his nose and turned away, throwing a "Good night to you too Gobber" over his shoulder.

"What did he say to you this time?" Jack questioned with a smile.

"Nothing I'll ever repeat," Hiccup said with a dead tone.

"I told him to wear protection!" Gobber yelled from across the bar, somehow having uncannily good hearing in that moment despite the din of the bar.

Jack broke out laughing as Hiccup pulled him towards the door, refusing to speak.

They entered the Audi again and Hiccup let out an exasperated yell.

Jack playfully punched Hiccup's shoulder and started the car, letting him decompress from that totally embarrassing moment. The entire bar would have heard Gobber's unique farewell.

Jack began driving back towards Hiccup's place, at least generally remembering the way they took. He turned on the radio for background noise, as both men were tired and had no burning topics to discuss right then.

They drove without speaking for a while before Hiccup spoke up. "I had a lot of fun with you tonight, Jack.

Jack knocked the radio down a few notches before responding, "I really enjoyed myself too. I'm really glad you came."

"So… do you want to go on another date sometime?"

"Yes please."

"Good. But I'm choosing this time. And it won't be as exciting as your pick, I'll let you know."

"Well I guess that's only fair. And I'll try not to get too bored with whatever you pick," Jack said with a smirk.

"Rude. And calm doesn't mean boring. Don't judge."

"I'm sure I'll enjoy myself as long as it's with you."

"Don't make me gag, Frostbite."

"And you're calling me rude? I took the time to drive you around all night and now you're not even letting me get away with being cute."

"Yeah, that pretty much sums it up."

"Hmpf…" Jack huffed. "Well I guess that sass is partially why I like you so I can't complain."

"Why do you like me?" Hiccup asked without thinking and before he could stop himself.

Jack didn't miss a beat, "Easy. You're cute, you're fun, you're very sassy and sarcastic, and you know where to get good food."

Hiccup was taken aback by how easily Jack could respond. "Hmm. Okay," He responded lamely.

"What, you're not going to tell me why you like me then?"

"Wha- oh. Yeah," Hiccup cleared his throat, "Well, uh. Your hair is awesome, you're really funny, and I really enjoy your eyes." Hiccip paused there, intending to stop there. Alas, a mischievous urge made him keep talking, to his own embarrassment, "And to quote you, you're hot and can make good drinks." Why in the hell did I just say that.

Jack, ever the responsible driver, didn't even allow his eyes to waver from the road. His eyebrows though shot up in amusement. "Oh so you're finally admitting that you think I'm hot, then?"

Hiccup just turned his head and looked out the window, watching the landscape rush by them as they hurtled down the road. "Technically I was just quoting you, so I cannot be held accountable for your words."

"Oh you totally think I'm hot then."

"Shut up."

Instead of responding, Jack brake checked Hiccup.

Hiccup, of course, flung forward at the sudden deceleration, and looked at Jack, offended, but amused. "You dick!"

"You were being sassy!"

"So when I'm sassy you're going to attempt to wound me?"

"Only when I can't think of something better to say."

"So you're just a sore loser then. I get it."

"I'm not a sore loser!" Jack yelled playfully, "I just don't like not winning!"

"Well you had better get used to not winning, because unfortunately I tend to be right most of the time."

"That sounds like a lot of cute arguments waiting to happen."

Hiccup adopted an even sassier tone, "What makes you think you will even get the chance to argue more with me, Jack Frost?"

"Because you were the one who asked me on the next date, Hiccup Haddock, and I hereby revoke your right of take-backsies."

"Well fine. I'll allow you this next date because I'm a man of my word, unlike someone."

"Are you calling me a liar?"

"Well I ain't calling you a truther!"

Jack became super excited at this point, shouting "Did you just fucking quote Drake and Josh at me, Hiccup?!"

"I absolutely did and I am going to count that as another win on my side, so naturally that means another loss for you."

"Well now that I know that you watched good TV as a kid I'd count that as a win for both of us, so it evens out a bit. And anyways, what are your ideas for this next date of ours?"

"OooOOoohh, no. You got to keep your idea a secret from me, now I'm keeping mine a secret from you."

"But Hiccuuuuuuup," Jack whined, "I'm not good at waiting!"

"Well you'd better get used to it."

Jack pretended to pout but couldn't hide his smile. "Fiiiiiiine. If I have to."

They were close to town and Hiccup's place now, less than 5 minutes away. Jack remembered most of the directions to the complex, but had to ask for a few of the turns he was hazy on. They reached Hiccup's place easily and Jack stopped on the street outside.

"Thanks for everything tonight Jack. I had a great time despite being embarrassed and scared multiple times. It was just fun to joke around with you and stuff," Hiccup said slightly sheepishly.

"Well I'm happy to have spent all this time with you and wouldn't have had it any other way. It wouldn't be a first date if something embarrassing didn't happen. C'est la vie."

"Ooh, he speaks French now. So exotic."

"Shut your sass, Hiccey, and get out of the car," Jack said with a smirk.

Hiccup grinned and got out, but was surprised when Jack did too. "Uh, what are you doing?" He asked as Jack circled around the front of the still-running car.

"I want to give you a proper hug before you head in," Jack said before wrapping his arms tightly around the surprised Hiccup, squeezing him affectionately. "Deal with it."

Hiccup paused for a second before reciprocating the hug and chuckling into Jack's chest. "Fine with me, Frostbite."

They held on for another second before breaking apart.

"Goodnight, Hiccup."

"Goodnight, Jack."

Hiccup turned away and walked towards the front door, pausing once he reached it to turn back and give Jack a wave which was promptly returned. Hiccup went in the door and Jack into his car, both boys smiling, absolutely content with the night they spent and looking forward to when they could spend time together next.

A/N: Alrighty everyone, I have read over and updated everything to this point! I likely still missed a few grammar errors, but overall I liked how the story read and progressed.

I'm slowly working on the next chapter, which I hope to get out relatively soon, but it is midterms right now at my university so I cannot promise anything. It is effectively 30/10/16, so possibly within November I'll have it completed and posted.

Please rate & review, as some of you have already done. I appreciate you all!

Peace

-Batty