You can all take comfort in the fact that I began writing this chapter almost immediately after posting the last one. And without any further delay, welcome to Chapter 5.

I'll keep the description short today. I hope I will soon have more time to post these chapters. My semester ends next week so I plan to devote way more time and energy to this story.

Disclaimer: Dreamworks owns my fandoms, son.

Onto Chapter 5

Something in the Water.

Green eyes shot open to reveal the blank wooden ceiling of his home. He felt constricted, sweating underneath the piles of blankets that were massively piled over him and drawn up to his chin. He gasped for breath, his throat filled and feeling thick with spit. He coughed, throwing the blankets down to his hips and reaching over to his bedside water basin and taking a heavy drink. He gasped out as air quickly filled his lungs and he began to calm down, bare chested and falling back down onto the mattress. That had not been the dream he was expecting. He hadn't expected to dream so vividly either. It wasn't lucid… he felt no control. But it was certainly… Epic.

His dream had been… interesting to say the least… The Brunette ran a hand through his sweat soaked locks as he tried to make sense of it all. He remembered it in exact detail. It began in darkness…

The entirety of his vision was black to give off the illusion of resting… but he felt distinctly awake. He could feel little things that he shouldn't. He could feel himself breath… a tingle in his chest. Sort of… well, like being awake. It wasn't a good kind of awakening…. He felt chilled to his center… like even the most brazen of hearths couldn't warm his heart. On top of that, he was shivering. However, the Goosebumps on his arms and the tingling in his spine or the pounding of his heart said that it was more than the weather that was chilling him. He finally opened his eyes… taking in the sight of the world around him.
Berk. But at the same time, it wasn't Berk. There were no noises. None of the renovations for Dragon's were there. It was just bleak and damp… and abandoned it seemed.

"Why… am I here?" He said, standing up to see the integrity of his clothes was less than acceptable. There were countless rips in his tunic and vest. His pants were almost caked in dirt and his peg leg was rusty… How was he alive? Noting how much of a miracle that was, how was he even moving? All that mattered was the answers behind it. The village looked decrepit but it did not look like they were signs of attack. The buildings looked worn… as if…

"A Tsunami?" He whispered to himself as his voice carried, gallivanting over the once deathly silent village. His mind felt like it could hear the whispers of a distant past but… this was impossible. He was still so young. The whispers grew in volume… until Hiccup realized that they weren't even whispers anymore. They were shouts. Someone was shouting for him!

"Hiccup! Hiccup! Get down!" Came the voice before it plowed into him. He was immediately met with Jack. His white hair brown with mud, his clothes even more battered than his own. His staff was in hand and glowing with a form of energy… "Magic…?"

Jack paused for a moment before leaning over the edge and shooting a blast of icy cold at whatever he was running from. "Yes, magic. Don't you remember Hiccup?" He asked, as if the question were foolish… but that merely seemed to confuse Hiccup and upset Jack. "We don't have time for this right now, Hic. We need to keep moving. I knew coming here was a bad idea…" He said as He suddenly froze.

Hiccup turned his head to see what Jack was looking at before he was met with a wall of darkness and two golden orbs and it was with that horror that Hiccup rejoined the world of the conscious.

He finally willed himself to calm down a bit more, drinking the water slowly as he was reminded immediately of the dream itself… and its meaning, an enigma if ever there was one. Hiccup knew dreams like this didn't happen for nothing. Well, nightmares, as it were. They usually are the result of stress… he knew better… but what stress could cause him to have such a horrific dream?

More importantly, why was Jack there? And why did it seem he knew Hiccup so well? The messaging was subliminal, but it was there if you looked hard enough. He acted in a manner that spoke volumes to Hiccup… he hoped this wasn't a vision instead of a terrible nightmare.

If only he didn't have training with the poor sod… he might think on it more… but the sun was rising. Time for him to do the same. He shook his head and ran a hand through his brown locks and removed his covers, exposing his chest to the cold winter air.

"Hiccup, it's late! Time to wake up" His father said from downstairs. He often forgot that winter bode shorter days and longer nights. He must have overslept.

Hiccup slipped a tunic on and opened his bedroom window to whistle at Jack and Toothless. It had been almost 2 weeks and Jack had been taking to the training very well, and Toothless seemed to like Jack almost as much as he loved Hiccup. But Jack still had yet to really hang out with everyone else in the village… and Astrid and the others had been so curious about their newest addition. He figured it was time to start 'sharing' him as Astrid had mildly put it. He knew the interaction would likely be good for the both of them.

Plus… that nightmare would likely not make him decent company for the day and Jack could, at times, be a bit insufferable. It would be nice if he could be Insufferable with other people instead of him for once. He wished he had more time to think about it but he had plenty on his plate for the day. Upon hearing the downstairs door open, he pulled his boot on and moved downstairs, ready to get a move on.

"Alright guys, I know you have all actually seen him. This is just for proper introductions. Jack, this is Astrid, Fish Legs, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and Snotlout." Hiccup said as the others gave the white haired boy a nod in greetings. Jack bit his lip, a bit nervous about meeting these 5… especially Astrid, considering this was Hiccup's girlfriend and the only real obstacle he faced in getting Hiccup as his.

He didn't really resent her… she just had the opportunity that he desired and he knew the way he played his cards would not only set the tone for his and Hiccup's relationships, but theirs. She seemed to be intelligent, resourceful and strong… a worthwhile opponent.

"What's up?" He offered, standing casually next to Hiccup and Toothless. He looked to the brunette, who gave him a shrug at their impending silence as they took him in… as if they were judging him. He squirmed a bit before Snotlout spoke up, "He doesn't look like much. I give him a week before training sends him running."

Oh, the group bully? Jack handled plenty of those when he was a spirit. Usually some poor slob who had nothing good about themselves so they found fault in others. He smiled and crossed his arms, "I don't have to 'look like' anything. Actions speak louder than words… but you wouldn't know, would you?"

Astrid and Hiccup snickered at the comeback and Snotlout merely shot him a nasty sneer and looked back.

"Well, all joking aside, today we are all going to work with Jack on his Dragon Training while including our usual exercises. We need to work on our formation, we almost have it down now." Hiccup said earnestly, his gaze going from person to person. He looked at Jack and couldn't help but feel a shiver roll down his spine, remembering the vision once again. 'Calm down, it was only a dream.' Well… that's what he told himself, though these words simply made him more uneasy.

Hiccup was jostled from his thoughts by a hand suddenly upon on his shoulder. Looking to his side he saw Astrid, a concerned look in her eyes. Somehow she always seemed to pick out changes in his mood. He smiled at her softly, returning the concerned touch and making eye contact to show that he was ok. Even if he wasn't truly as ease, he had to let her think he was. He didn't want her worried sick about him

Jack couldn't help but feel the heavy weight of jealousy bloom in his stomach seeing this intimate exchange, knowing how powerless he was. Yes he knew that Hiccup would eventually be his again but seeing this was more torturous than anything. He was there… and a lot of work remained before he would have that chance. Thankfully, his suffering was cut short by Snotlout surprisingly.

"You two are going to make me throw up, are we going to go or not?" His arms where folded, looking at Hiccup's and Astrid's show of affection with a roll of his eyes. Jack couldn't tell, but he felt like there was some bit of jealousy in those words. Not like the idiot's affairs actually concerned him.

"Yes sorry." Hiccup said, giving one more look to Astrid before addressing everyone again, "You guys know what to do, but Jack is going to ride with me and Toothless, considering he knows him the best. This will help you develop a sense of trust with the Dragons you ride." He said, and the white haired boy nodded, trying to keep working just a little of his magic. Subtle touches, soft words. Even though he wished he could just sweep his former love off his feet, he had to deal with this frustration. He was sure that, if Zero could see him, the old man would be laughing. Just the thought of the old man made his blood boil a bit more.

Everyone went to their dragons taking their position to take off from one of the tall cliffs that looked over the ocean. Jack nearly panicked when he looked down, the sensation of falling suddenly rocking his body as memories flooded his mind. Memories of falling, and drowning. Two things that really weren't pleasant to have swimming around, no pun intended, in his mind while seated on the back of a dragon ready to take off. Toothless seemed to pick up on his thoughts, looking back with what seemed to be a raised brow. Jack returned with his own look and under his breath said, "Mind your own business Lizard…" Which was answered with a hot huff of air.

"Come on…" Hiccup said. He had no idea why his dragon and Jack seemed to have a bit of an odd relationship between them. The reason for it was beyond him, but it made lessons more stressful than they should be. He didn't understand what it was they were competing for "If you want to be able to fly a dragon you have to put your trust in them no matter what… So both of you need to let go of the rivalry stuff… whatever it's about." Hiccup told Jack. Jack could have sworn that he heard something like a laugh from the dragon under him, but Hiccup's eyes kept him from giving an annoyed look. Just looking into those deep green pools made him forget the rest of the world. But he turned his head and looked away

He was cut from his dreaming when Toothless pulled forward, perching on the very edge of the cliff, wings spreading. He heard the familiar click as Hiccup's leg hooked into the stirrup in Toothless' side. He braced himself as he felt the great dragon's body lurch forward, flapping hard as they were suddenly in the air. Jack had to fight not looking down, instead just looking at the back of Hiccup's head, admiring the silky brown hair.

The other dragons rose on either side of toothless I the shape of a giant 'V' with toothless in the very center, spearheading the formation. Hiccup took the lead as they all pushed forward, coming onto an expanse of rocks that where jutting out of the sea. "We're going to be flying through and around these guys, keep together!" Hiccup said as he urged Toothless forward. He made sure to keep at a pace that all of the other dragons could keep up with.

It astounded Jack at how well he kept it together. He was so shy normally but this… this was his element. He was so confidant and strong at this moment and he finally saw it all… he could do this too… because it would make Hiccup happy. That's what he wanted… Hiccup's happiness.

At first the flying was going pretty well, all of the dragons keeping in the tight 'V' shape without too many problems, but once the rocks started becoming more frequent, the formation got a little bit shaky. Seeing this, Hiccup shouted, "Stay close guys, you don't want to take a fall here, the ocean is a lot rougher! Getting out of the water is going to be much harder here!." He said and the formation tightened again as the other Riders and their dragons. The rest of the exercise went well, the dragons and riders keeping in their formation and Hiccup signaled that they could start heading to shore once more.

"Why not make it a race?" Snotlout said out of nowhere, pulling in front of Toothless and sending Hiccup a challenging to let his ego take control, but Jack definitely was, and the challenge from Snotlout was heating him up a bit. His hands rested on Hiccup's hips, squeezing and making Hiccup shudder slightly and involuntarily from their cold touch, Jack encouraged him. "You can take him, Hic. I know you can." He said as the Brunette nodded and gave into the pressure. "Fine. Toothless, lets race."

Jack and Hiccup laughed as they recalled the day's events as they finished their chores for the evening. The dishes were finished and the two were enjoying the early memories of their antics.

"I thought his head was going to pop when he pulled into shore covered in water!" Jack said as Hiccup held his stomach from the stiches he was putting himself into. He and Jack had barely stopped laughing since then… the two would regard themselves and suddenly burst into a fit of giggles. The day had been a bit long and tiring but incredibly enjoyable for them.

Jack had gotten along very well… it seemed the care for the dragons was all well and good. He seemed to finally listen to the Dragon Master and that was its own reward. Hiccup was glad but he couldn't stop the yawning and Jack finally was taking notice of it. He gave Hiccup a look. "Hiccup, it's only 7 o clock. Isn't it a bit early to be tired?" He asked as Hiccup waved a hand of dismissal.

"It's fine Jack… I just had a bad dream that took it out of me this morning. Now that I mention it, I haven't been the only one…" He said as he pondered the thought and Jack swore he felt time freeze.

Zero had warned him of this. Messing with parallels can have some averse effects and now he may be pillaging the village for their memories. Jack hoped it was just a stream of random bad dreams but he knew better…

He was going to be busy getting to the bottom of this very soon but he turned his head to Hiccup, "Do you want to tell me about it?"

Hiccup nodded, "I suppose talking about it may make me feel better…" He said as he shook his head, the duo suddenly tired. "I… I remember waking up in rags of my clothing… the village was dead and abandoned… it looked like the village had been absolutely decimated…" He said as he tried to will that awful memory away… the day had gone so well despite the dream itself and now the mood was ruined by it. Now his mind was filled with all the horrifying thoughts that came with it. The decay… the foreboding loneliness of it all… the terror he felt and also…

"You were there. You were the only one there." He mentioned without thinking… that had been the one part he had hoped to not mention but Jack now sat forward, completely focused. "I was? Why? What was I doing?" He said as Hiccup turned his head and flushed slightly… he felt under a slight amount of scrutiny.

"You were fighting… with magic. Your staff was glowing and it seemed like you had known me for years. You were protecting me from the shadow that eventually got me… I was terrified of that golden black that swallowed me whole." He said before he sat his head on the desk. He rubbed his head and hoped to not think about it anymore. He looked up and met Jack's blue eyes, burning with intense thought.

Hiccup felt his words catch in his throat as he remembered what his father did when he was a child. As a baby, he got them more frequently than a toddler should and… he would always… tuck him into bed, rub his head and sleep in the room, promising to fight off any bad spirits that came to get him.

It was all hogwash but it was comforting all the same. So, all he had to do was ask Jack to do it… it wasn't wrong to ask these things of a friend… was it? Jack had been there for over a month and the two had grown quite close in a short amount of time. They sharred a lot of interests and Jack always knew how to make him laugh… even though his antics were annoying at best, he was always upbeat and cheerful and someone Hiccup honestly admired for those reasons.

He felt foolish for feeling so strongly about a friend but in all honesty, Jack didn't come to him conventionally… naked and unconscious. So why should their friendship be anything else? Hiccup sighed, "Jack… I need you to do something for me."

"Sure Hiccup… anything…" He said as Hiccup blushed deeply at his willingness to help… this was so odd and he wondered how Jack would react to such a request. His other friends wouldn't do it and Astrid would laugh… his father would just make a comment about how he was way too old for such things.

"I want you to… tuck me in. My father did it as a child and it's very comforting to me. Tuck me in, rub me head and sleep in the room…" He said before quickly adding, "I know that sounds odd but I would really appreciate it… it's okay if you-"

Jack smiled, "Absolutely."

Hiccup looked up, "You will?"

Jack nodded, hand gently resting on Hiccup's. "Anything to make you feel better…" He said, choosing not to add his thoughts of desire… but they ebbed at him. Hiccup wanted his touch. He wanted him in his room… he would be a fool not to oblige.

The duo slowly went up the stairs together, Jack picking a small spot to curl up in once he had Hiccup tucked in. The brunette crawled into his bed and Jack pulled the covers up to his chest, just below the pectorals. His hands slowly caressed Hiccup's face as Jack got a little daring… His skin was so hot to the touch… His cold hand cradling the Dragon Master's cheek as he planted a gentle kiss on the brunettes forehead.

He swore he felt the Brunette whimper. He pulled away from his forehead and whispered, "Hiccup… I promise to protect you from anything that would hurt you… okay? Nothing will get you… and if you need me, I am a call away… okay?" Jack said. Hiccup nodded before closing his cloudy eyes.

Jack watched him… watched his chest fall up and down as he finally found some restful sleep.

And despite how uncomfortable his floor was… Jack found himself pretty comfortable as well.

But he knew, the thought nagging at the back of his hand was that there was a fight on the horizon. And he would do anything to protect Hiccup… If this was Pitch. He stood no chance.

SO This is way late! I am so sorry for the delay! But here you all go! New Chapter!

Good news! I do have an idea for Jack's dragon and I truly believe everyone will LOVE it! It's an original of mine I came up with!

Sorry, Christmas and Finals had me tied up! I am sorry for the delay. I now have more time to write this story! Whoop! Lets hope the next update comes out sooner!

Side note: I will reply to reviews next chapter. Be patient and be sure to review!

So! Question for the chapter! How much longer should I wait for Jack to make an actual move on Hiccup? I don't want it too soon but the agony is killing me just as much as you all!

Until next time!