Ch32: Pressure

I Don't own anything HTTYD. But I do have the luxury of OOC and OC here on Fanfiction.

Toothless had had enough. He had been listening to Hiccup and the Healer, Lanie something, (seriously what is with all that other stuff humans love to add to their names?) argue about receiving and giving help and about staying here.

Hiccup was opposed to how much she was helping us thinking she was in danger and she didn't really seem to care and wanted to do more for us.

I jumped down to stand next to Hiccup. They didn't seem surprised; in fact it seemed to be expecting me.

"I'm sure you have your own thing to say about this buddy."

"Indeed I am sure he does."

I feel like the tie breaker in a draw. Which kind of isn't wrong in this situation. Hiccups stubbornness to run is matched equally with the healer Lanie's determination to help us.

And I know they both have good points to their arguments.

We do need to run to someplace safe and the best thing for anyone who meets us is simply to forget us so if trouble comes after us they can play innocent. But the healer also has a good point, one that I don't want to admit, but is true. We can't go it alone.

Hiccup and I are skilled both when together and alone, we can do a lot and are pretty self-sufficient. But we can't do it all. Hiccup's injured and sick condition proved that. If those other humans hadn't had found us, Hiccup would be laying out in the forest right now possibly getting worse and in that situation there's nothing I could have done.

I can think of other situations that we needed help from others. Our supplies, our escape, our not being killed at any time.

And that won't be just here, if we do go far we're going to need directions to where were going, information about the where and what's dangerous and safe, Hiccups going to need more healing help according to this healer, and it wouldn't hurt to have someone by his side if he has to go into villages without me again. If it ever came down to it I would also need the help to pull Hiccup out of trouble in the case that I couldn't.

I'm with Hiccup on the idea we can't drag anyone else into our problem. Anyone we ally ourselves with would become a target to the numerous enemies Hiccup and I have. Our allies will have to run just like us. We'd drag them down to the same questionable situation we are in now. Really no one else has to share our problems; it's just not worth it for them.

Our allies would most likely lose their place in the current place they call home.

If the healer really becomes our ally and for whatever reason joined us, chances are if her deception to help us is ever found out she could be branded an enemy by her home and family. And the same would happen to anyone who'd join us.

Even if they don't join us or have to leave they would have to keep their interaction with us a secret and hope no one hunting us finds them. If they are found

If they are found they might be hurt or killed for information about us and where we are going.

Two good arguments and I'm the lucky tiebreaker. No pressure.

Well according to Stickstone theirs nothing against asking an outsider to be your best man. Even if they are your creepy alternate self.

Chapstick was slowly walking back to Shazz's home to ask Hiccup to fill the role.

Really I feel like putting this off till later. I just feel like going to the forge and working on my personal shield. The harness on it that allows me to strap it to my right side is getting loose and I 'm worried that the next time I put it on it will fall of right when I need it. That would be embarrassing since that shield is the reason I'm called Ironside, it's literally that I have an iron shield strapped tight to my side.

While I may want to put off asking Hiccup to be my Best man in favor to work on my shield may seem like a good idea, it's not really. Procrastinating was what got us in this situation in the first place. Better not repeat the same mistakes.

So off to see my double.

Really that's just weird. I still don't get it either. How can two people look so much alike. Yet have such similar and different lives. I do feel bad for him for what he went thru to help someone, but there's something about him I really can't accept.

When I look at him and hear his story I just can't help but think "boy does this guy suck".

He doesn't have to say it, I can pretty much figure on my own that he's all but formally told he's banished and he knows it too. He's probably trying to avoid saying it himself, I can only just imagine how it would feel to be thrown out of my home just for any reason.

So why do I think he sucks? It's cause he's here alone. If he ever really had friends that helped him they would be here with him. If they died that's one thing, one really sad thing but still. But he did what he did alone and drifted here alone. And if it weren't for us he would have died alone in that forest.

Actually if he had any power in his village at all, he could have gotten some people together to help him prove that the prisoner wasn't a threat. The fact that he didn't do that but went straight to the jail break shows that not only did he not have anyone else to turn to but had no other options but to do what he did himself. And he's not that strong, I saw his body and I bet even before the torture his power was very underwhelming. So to be weak and to do a rescue by himself without any back up points to one conclusion about him. It's nothing wrong, it's just the Viking way but he must have been something like the village oddity or an outcast and I know from experience that that's the same as saying 'not one of us'. In other words a village loser.

I know how that feels. Before I joined Dragon Training I was ostracized for being the weakest. All my old friends didn't want anything to do with me think along the lines that my weakness was contagious or something.

Then I saved Shazz. We rekindled our old friendship and together we trained and became strong as a team. What I couldn't do alone I managed to do with help from a friend. With her I became strong.

I became stronger for her.

And once I became strong I rejoined the ranks of the other teens as their friend.

Stickstone told us the story of Hiccup and his friends eight years ago. And now his solo escape.

He's the me that never rekindled that friendship and spent his years alone.

He's the me that lost the fight for acceptance and lost to loneliness.

And that's the part of him that I don't like. I see him and I see all the failures that could have been me. That's right it would have been easy for our roles to be reversed and we could have been each other instead of who we are.

I would have been the Chapskin that never made friends and never got together with Shazz. The thought of that is almost too depressing, so much so that I think I would have killed myself out of sheer misery.

He could have been the Hiccup that could be a real member of his village and live perfectly with the people who love him. He could have been happy.

So that's just who we are to each other, the winner and the loser. I got the life, the friends, the girl and the happiness. He got banishment, loneliness, and eternal pain, scars, and suffering in both mind and body.

So in the end I don't like looking at my 'failure'. I don't like him and everything he represents as the one who lost.

And I bet the feelings mutual.

And that's why I know not only will he try to say no to being my best man, but that he will leave Grissgom as soon as he can.

Unfortunately knowing him like I know me also means that I can expect him to be the best Best man possible next to my dad Coralmold. He would be perfect. He'd know what to say, what to do, it be like me doing it for myself.

It would be like being both the groom and best man at the same time if he were to do it. So yeah he's more than qualified to do it, I just really don't want to ask him.

Unfortunately perfect wedding and happy wife trumps my uncomfortable feelings about the guy.

So in the time I've had to debate this to myself I reach the door to Lanie's house.

"Haaaa, let's just get this over with." This time I knock on the door to avoid the same thing as this morning. I trust that they were being truthful about it being an accident. It really didn't seem like Lanie to go and sleep with some complete stranger and a kid his age to boot. It's not like it's unheard as far as age different couples go just that it doesn't seem like the thing Lanie would do.

But she has been married twice.

Nah! I'm just overthinking this.

…..

I knocked again.

Nothing.

I really hope I'm overthinking this. I knock again, and still no response.

"Da screw it what's the worst I could see? I already saw them naked together, as horribly as that was. Though I hope that's not why now."

Opening the door I immediately see them together. Hiccup was sitting on a chair while Lanie was in front of him applying something to his eye.

"Welcome back Chapskin."

"Hey Hiccup, Lanie. Whatcha doing?"

"Just applying some sealing salve to keep his injured left eye shut. I hope that this would help restore some of the vision lost in his left eye. I am unsure of the effectiveness for the eye but I see it better then leaving it as is."

"If it makes you feel any better it burns like really burns. She put some kind potion in my eye that really is bothering me."

"Actually hearing that does make me feel better."

"Thanks."

"Chapskin that's terrible!"

"What, it does."

"Chapskin why are you back?" Lanie asked.

"Oh right I have something I needed to ask you Hiccup."

"I am not making a move on your mother-in-law!"

"I actually haven't thought of it like that. Now I feel like killing you."

"Ok man what do you really want cause if you can't tell she has her fingers in my eye. I kinda makes me nervous."

"I only came here to ask I you would" I find myself stopping as I feel a presence behind me.

Turning around I see Cal one of the chattiest and nosy women in Grissgom.

"Uhh?"

"Ask what Chapskin?" She asks.

"….How you doing Hiccup?"

"Fine? Why?"

"Eh you know just wondering."

"Weren't you going to ask him something. Something important?" Does she know?

"Maybe?"

"What did you come here for you two?" Lanie asked us.

I look at Cal but she motions to me to go first. It's a bit surprising, I figured she would want to be first.

"I'm sure you want to go first Chapskin. It is important for you isn't it?"

"What do you know?"

"That you forgot about Coralmold until today, nothing."

"Of course." Don't know how but it's obvious she would know. "What are you doing here Cal?"

"Me, I'm just here to see what's happening. That's all."

Lanie had been watching Cal and Chapskin debate over who would go first. Surprising really since in a situation like this she always goes first. She still had that all knowing smile like she had a secret and wouldn't tell anyone but then again that's her normal look.

When I heard the name Coralmold I realized what Chapskin was here for which was just as surprising as Cal's patience. If I'm right he's here to ask Hiccup to be his Best man.

Mmm it might be a good thing for him to do. Could allow him to open up and relax if he involves himself in something lively and productive that isn't strenuous.

"Chapskin what is it you came here to ask?"

"Um yeah sure. Hey Hiccup you remember my little hiccup I mentioned earlier?" I can see everyone give him the same 'seriously' look.

"Sorry, again. Anyway yeah I don't have a Best man at the moment, so I was wondering if you'd like to do it?"

I could see the hesitation in Hiccups eyes. "Hiccup you should do it." I try to encourage him to do it.

"I'm sure I shouldn't."

"Don't be so shy young man, it's an honor to do." Cal joined me in the encouragement.

"Isn't there like a whole island of people you know that could do it?" Hiccup asks.

"Uhh yeah there is buttttt"

"Butttttt?"

"Please do this for me."

"….. Uhh ok sure but is there something I don't know. Like if there's a fight to the death or something I have to do? Like are you going to use me as some sort of human shield or sacrifice or something because it's tradition?"

"Do not worry Hiccup. There is nothing violent involved."

"But if you mess up Shazz might come after you for blood." Cal told us. She was probably right.

"I'm sorry but who are you?"

"Sorry, I'm Cal and in the trade negotiator of Grissgom. I just came here to see the boy causing a stir today."

"Cal did Shazz talk to you?"

"Yes she did, and so did the chief. I already sent my girls to spread the real story. I'm sorry if I almost started something against you, Lanie Hiccup."

"I surprised. Sounds like you gave up too easily for you."

"I resent that. I don't just go saying whatever to whomever. I have principles, especially if it's something scandalous like that."

"Are you kidding us Cal. You live on stories like this."

"True but that's cause you think I don't know much right?"

"What are you saying Cal?"

All she does is give a bigger 'I-know-something-you-don't" smile. I call out to her but before I could she tuned to us and said. "I'm not entirely sure what the whole story is with you Hiccup but I know one thing for sure, you're the loyal kind right?"

She leaves like that leaving us with a big riddle. What did she know? Was it about Toothless? No it couldn't be if it was then everyone would know about it by now. I look at Hiccup and see he had a similar confusion I had.

"Hey what's that mean?" Chapskin asked confused but not as much as we were.

"Don't know." Hiccup responded to Chapskin's confusion.

"Alright. Anyways what do you say?"

"About?"

"Being my Best man? You said yes right."

"Really, you think I could do that? Cause I still don't know what that is really."

"Hiccup it the right hand man to the groom during the ceremony. Simply put they support the groom by bringing the ceremonial swords and offering a congratulation speech and several other things to ensure the smooth procession of the ceremony."

"Ok so now I know what it is, but as my answer; take a good look at me and tell me what you think!"

"Hiccup, stop yelling and say yes." I calm him down.

"Why?"

"Because it would be the kind and thankful thing to do for Chapskin who found you in the forest."

He hesitated while he was thinking then like he was struck with inspiration he answers. "Sure I'll be your wedding wingman. Truthfully I've never been to wedding so I might as well go to one at least once in my life."

"There's an interesting thought. First wedding and you're my emergency Best man." Chapskin comments.

"The emergency Best man is your double, oh yeah and he looks like some kinda half dead bandage monster. Oh yeah this'll be good."

"Hiccup I cannot believe you said that wingman comment, too obvious for you." I tell him while thinking about Toothless.

"Just a question but have you thought this thru? Seriously why don't you take a good look at me and say what part of me is 'best' about having me as your man for your holy end of bachelorhood? It still would be better to find someone else you know."

"About finding someone else this was Shazz's idea, I can't back down and neither can you. And mini me, you call it end of something but I call it glory to the future and gateway to wonders."

"You mean how you two are already having sex and all that wonder? I got the impression you do that a lot back when I first met you in the woods and from you mom. I mean you two are" I cut Hiccup off worried he was going to tell them they were pregnant. I plan to tell them later probably after the wedding. I believe that that would be the best time to tell them so as not to distract from the ceremony.

"Hiccup that has nothing to do with now!" Chapskin tried to deny it.

"No Hiccup you are right. They have been doing it for two years now and they do it excessively."

"MOM!"

"You cannot call me your mother yet. So will you just act mature it's not that embarrassing. Everyone already knows it."

Chapskin tries to leave with his face all red but Hiccup calls him back.

"Hey wait full metal man."

"Really that's the best you got stick man."

"I will acknowledge that names are not my thing. But seriously I was wondering if I could get your help. You're the blacksmith in Grissgom right. Well I was wondering if you could let me use your forge for something."

"Really you think I'm just going to let you use my forge, especially like that?"

"I'll use my mouth if I can't lift my hands I just need to use it. So what do you say? Best man in the forge?"

"Eh only if I'm there. How about later today if you can at least stand?"

"Perfect. Thanks Winner."

"Winner huh? Well then Loser, I can pretty much tell you I'm going to be doing all the work, cause you look like you couldn't lift a tuning hammer let alone holding clamps."

"I can work around that. So will you pick me up or should try and meet you there?"

"I'll send Shazz."

"To kill me?"

"Doubt she would really do that. Think of it as a harmless joke."

"I don't care what you doubt. I can feel she's still got it out for me because of her mom."

"Hey you would too if you were in her boots with slander about your mom."

"True."

And so Chapskin runs out less red. I know he and also Shazz still have work to do to prepare for the wedding it'll probably take them all day and maybe some of tomorrow to finish preparing. Which reminds me, I still haven't got them a gift.

"I hope you have no objections to that Lanie."

"Don't worry Hiccup."

"Yeah sorry."

"No need to apologize. How do you feel? I was worried when Cal came here, it rarely ends well with her especially if she does know something. But what she said was ominous even for her. Do you think she knows anything?"

"About Toothless, I don't think so. I think she knows or thinks she knows something just not sure what it could be."

"What do you think that would be?"

"I don't know, but I'm not too surprised. Lot of people lately know more about me than I do."

"Are you not worried?"

"A lot really, but it's not like I can do anything about something I don't know."

"Will you do something about her?"

"If she is as bad as you think then I'm sure it'll happen without my doing anything. If I try to actively press her for answers it would make me suspiciously paranoid like I was trying to hide something. I do that and she may stumble on something that may lead her to Toothless. For now I'll just focus on what I want to make in the forge later." He's acting like what Cal may know has nothing to do with him. In reality she would not say something like that unless she did know something, and then theirs her willingness to just give up a story and even apologize about something she may not have even done yet.

She must think she knows something big and that she didn't say anything is like an unknown in a chest, it may be something good or bad but we can't be sure without knowing the chests content. But I should try to find out, I can ask one of her daughters to see if they know anything about what their mom knows.

"Hiccup, you still have not told me what you want to make in the forge."

"I want to make a special cane for me to use, you said that I'm going to have trouble walking for a while and recommended one remember."

"Yes I do. You do know I have canes here right?"

"I want to make a custom one that I can use with Toothless's saddle. I already got an idea of how it should work, just need to make it. I'm sure it won't involve too much straining work so I sure I can handle it. I also need to make something that I plan to give to someone as a thank you. I don't know what yet but I'm sure I can make something she'll like. Or at least won't throw away."

"She, now who could that be?" I nudge him with a subtle implication.

"It's not like that."

"So what's it like? You're going back to the one place you shouldn't just to deliver a present. Sounds very personal to me."

"What is it with adults and getting in my face about girls? Gobber was the same."

"It is very fun."

"Not for me."