Hope you're still enjoying, and again I love to hear your thoughts. By the way, for anyone wondering, this story will most likely have a happy ending, so don't worry!
Hiccup found his loyal dragon, who perked at the sight of his long-time partner. It wasn't too unusual to see him, but the decrease in their flights made Toothless treat each time like a treat as opposed to when he considered it more of a privilege. Hiccup thanked the gods that his friend wouldn't question him as he climbed into the custom saddle.
Riding off into the silent night, the chief thought about everything that had happened. He never wanted to hurt Astrid, and he couldn't find a way out of doing so. If he stayed, he would definitely turn out to be a terrible father, much like he had found his father to be around his teen years. However, if he were to keep flying until he fell off the edge of the world, she wouldn't be able to understand how much better off she was.
His own childhood flashed instantly before him. No mother, essentially no father for quite a while. But he'd had Gobber. Calling to Toothless to land on the nearest island, he thought harder than he'd ever thought before. Were he to return, Astrid wouldn't have to completely rely on him. It'd be preferred, in his book, but it wouldn't be necessary. They'd have the dragons, and their family. He knew his mom would be more than pleased to have a second chance at raising a Haddock baby. He smiled in his goofy way, thinking of all the helping hands that would pitch in as soon as he and Astrid mentioned the baby. He knew he was loved.
"Thanks, bud," Hiccup quickly slurred out while jumping back on Toothless' saddle. An image of his friend being harassed by tiny versions of Astrid, or even himself, flashed across his mind. It was all he could do to keep himself from falling off the confused dragon while they took off. He could do it. He would do it. For his family, and for his people.
After a long, one-sided conversation where Hiccup explained to Toothless all the things he'd be doing differently and better, they landed back at the statue. Hiccup knew Astrid was evidently still inside, as Hiccup could see Stormfly waiting confusedly for her master. Running inside, he found his wife sitting with an expression of extreme sadness. He could almost see the thoughts whirring in her head. As she looked up to him, instantly filling with anger, Hiccup stopped her with another kiss and a hurried explanation.
"Astrid I could tell you were going to have a baby and I was excited at first but then I thought that I would be a terrible father and I'm sorry but I'll do my best and I-" he spat out. He was interrupted, however by a sock in the jaw.
"That's for leaving me, and not telling me about your stress" she said through clenched teeth. And then with a quick peck on the cheek she added "and that's for everything else."
Okay so that is the end of the current conflict, but there will be more later on to this story! Hiccup and Astrid still have to tell everyone, and they have to prep. Plus, we have to see if Hiccup does change or not, as he told Toothless. Hope you enjoyed, thanks again!