Jack spent the next day being nervous and excited and overthinking about Hiccup's surprise. It felt like ages before night finally fell and he could sneak from the house to meet his Viking. Behind Gobber's house all he found was the scraps he'd said and no Hiccup in sight. Am I early?

Arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him back against a chest. "Hey, right on time. Let's go."

"Go where?" He smiled.

"Come on," Hiccup laughed, dragging him towards the stable. "We gotta get Toothless."

"So this is a flying date? Those are my favorite!" He skipped alongside Hiccup. "Where are we flying to? Have I been there yet?"

Hiccup handed Jack the map and pointed to one island. "That's where we're going."

"I don't think I've been to that one, right? What's there?"

"You have to wait! That's part of the surprise."

"Gah! I hate waiting!" Jack hopped up onto Toothless' back, eager to set off.

"That's why you're going to tell us where to go."

"Huh?" He stared down at Hiccup in confusion. "I thought you said we were going to that island on the map."

"We are. You're going to be the map reader. And," Hiccup handed Jack a pencil and his dragon book. "If you see any new dragons, draw them."

"But- I don't know how to read! I'll get us lost." He stared down at the pencil and book in his hands.

"Look for the landmarks. A rock that looks like a Gronkle, a cluster of red trees, anything. See? I drew some, just in case."

"O-okay. I'll try." When Hiccup was sitting in front of him he wrapped his arms around him.

"Relax. For every island we pass, I'll kiss you."

"I hope we pass a ton then," he teased.

"Me too," Hiccup chuckled.

The trio took off into the night sky, the almost full moon lighting their way. Jack squinted at the map in his hands. "Turn...right at that stone thing. I think."

"You heard him, bud. Right at the stone thing." Toothless made a sound similar to the whales Jack used to hear and took off in the direction he was told.

Jack smiled at the sound, a brief pang of homesickness hitting him. He shook it off and looked at the map again. "There's so many places. Have you really been to them all?"

"Every single one that's on the map. There's so many places where we haven't gone yet, so many dragons I'm sure I've never seen."

"That's amazing. I've never travelled to so many places."

"I'll take you to them. Each and every one."

"I'll hold you to it."

"Shut up and tell us where to go." Hiccup laughed.

"Okay, okay. No need to get snippy, Mr. Grumpy Gills." Jack looked around them. "I think it says to go through those giant pillars over there."

"You heard him." Toothless nodded and soared between the pillars. "Jack, when we get where we're going, there's something I need to tell you."

"What could that possibly be? Don't tell me you're going to make me navigate the island too to find my surprise," he joked.

"Oh no, nothing like that. You'll know your surprise almost instantly. It's just...I need to be honest with you about something."

"What is it?" Jack rested his chin on Hiccup's shoulder to look at him better. "I don't like this mask," he laughed. "I can't see your face to tell if I should be excited or scared."

"It's nothing like that, I don't think. It's just a conversation I'd rather have on land."

"Okaaaaay then." He eyed him suspiciously. "Turn just a little bit left at the glacier and I think it's the next island. I think. I could also be very, very wrong for all I know."

"It's alright. We know the way. It's on the map for a reason, after all."

Jack smirked. "Then it's a good thing I have you with me or I'd be screwed."

"Yeah, good thing." Hiccup focused on guiding Toothless through the gathering mist, the dark shape of the island appearing through the haze. "There it is." Hiccup pointed at all the black masses moving around the island. "And those, cutie, are dragons."

"There's so many…" Jack gasped as he tried to take it all in. "What is this place, Hiccup?"

"I dunno, a haven of some kind. I've counted about three dozen types of dragons that come to this one island."

"I wonder why they are drawn he-" He lost his breath when a tiny dragon flew straight into his chest. "Hey there, little guy. Watch where you're flying." Jack laughed when he was given a strange look before the dragon flew off again.

"Watch out, that happens a lot when trying to fly through here."

"How can any of them see where they're going in this fog?"

"Instinct, I guess. Something inside them that tells them where to fly."

"And how can you tell where we're going?" He smirked.

"I leave it to Toothless. He's smart enough to know."

"Alright then. So he's the real mastermind behind all this. I see it now."

"Undoubtedly. I'd be blind as anything out "here without him."

Jack snuggled against the rider's back, pencil and papers in his hand and his staff in his lap. "Are we there yet?"

"Yeah, we just gotta get by the hideous zipplebacks and the gronckles and then we should be good for landing."

"We have to 'get by'? What are you up to?"

"There's a really pretty area of this island but some dragons also like to hang out by it. So we gotta get around them first."

"Alright."

"In the meantime, look around. Bet you haven't seen this many dragons before."

"I've never even seen most of these dragons."

"Welcome to my world."

"Your world is pretty amazing compared to mine."

"Will you ever tell me about your world?"

"I...I can't." Jack's smile fell. "I wish I could share with you as much as you have with me."

"Well, let's see. Do you have brothers or sisters?"

"Brothers. Lots of them."

"So I assume you have a large clan?"

"I guess you could say that."

"Do you have dragons?"

"Not like yours." He shook his head. "Only a few."

"What kinds?"

"Thunderdrums...seashockers…scauldrons...I saw a shellfire once. That's about it."

"A lot of water dragons. So you must live near the sea. Do you live in a small village or a large one?"

"It's sorta large. But not many people know about it and even less have been there."

"Ah, that's why you can't say anything. A secret clan, right?"

"Sure. Something like that," Jack laughed nervously.

"Hey, relax. You've told me a lot- I suppose more than you should have. That's good enough."

"Thank you for understanding." He gave Hiccup a tight squeeze.

"Berk can be your home now. We can be your family, Toothless and me."

"I'd like that very much."

"So don't leave."

"I promise. I don't plan it."

"You plan to stay forever?"

"If I can."

"I'd like you to."

"And so I will do my best to stay." Jack smiled.

"Good, cause me and Toothless would miss you."

"I'd miss you more."

"Good, I'm glad to know I wouldn't be the only one devastated over you leaving."

He waved his hand. "No more depressing topics. Are we there yet now?"

Hiccup pointed down. "There. The pretty spot."

"Wow. You weren't kidding. Hiccup, it's beautiful…"

"I thought you'd like it." Toothless landed on the edge of the glade, shaking his body. Hiccup hopped down and helped Jack down. "Welcome to your kingdom, your majesty."

"Uhhhhh. Hiccup?" Jack stared at him from where he stood, immensely confused. "What in the seven seas are you doing?"

Toothless shot small fireballs at the torches surrounding them, filling the small valley with firelight. "I have decided that you are a prince, not a shepherd. And so...your kingdom." He gestured to the valley.

"Please tell me you're joking." His hand gripped his staff harder behind his back. "I'm hardly the princely type. Nobody would want me as a prince. I'd never get anything done."

"You shall be prince of the dragons, and I will be your protector." Hiccup bowed, giving Jack a sly look. "In this kingdom, your only command is to fly and have fun."

"I suppose it wouldn't be too hard to fulfill my duties then..." Jack knew he couldn't resist that face for long and relaxed. Fingers tapped his chin in a thoughtful pose. "I accept your proposal, good knight."

"Then may I make a request, your majesty?"

"Anything for my loyal subject."

"Dance with me?"

Jack snickered. "I only just learned to walk. What in the seven seas is dancing?"

Hiccup moved closer and took Jack's hand, slowly leading him into a simple dance. "It's something that people do when they're wooing."

"So dancing is just...walking in odd directions with someone?" He raised an eyebrow, stumbling when he took his eyes off his feet.

"I suppose." Hiccup pulled Jack closer, choosing to sway from side to side so that Jack wouldn't have to concentrate so hard. "So...what I had to say."

"Oh yeah. What was that mysterious thing you wanted to say and then made me wait for?"

"I said something before that wasn't entirely honest."

"What is it? Is it that you actually don't think my nose is cute?"

"It's not that. Your nose is adorable. No, what I have to say is...there was someone, once, that I would have considered wooing."

Jack pulled back to look at him suspiciously. "Why would you lie about something like that?"

"You seemed so happy to be my only one. But I guess he didn't really count. I saw him for only a moment and then he was gone."

"Gone? Did he leave Berk or something?"

"No, nothing like that. There was one day we were sailing, and something made me look over the edge. There, looking back at me with the bluest eyes, was this boy. He disappeared, and I've never been able to find him."

"B-blue eyes? So you don't know anything about this mystery boy of yours?"

"Nothing. I went back again and again to look for him, but I never found him."

"I guess that leaves me with only one question then."

"Ask it."

"What would you do if you saw him again?"

"I dunno, marvel at how he survived out there I guess. But I've moved on. I've met someone I really like."

"I hope that someone has brown eyes instead of blue." He looked into Hiccup's eyes hopefully.

"And the cutest nose ever." Hiccup brushed his thumb along Jack's lower lip. "And the most kissable lips I've ever seen."

"Then you should kiss your prince, already."

"Yes, your majesty." Hiccup leaned close and kissed him. "You don't have to be jealous. I'm yours."

"Oh, I'm not jealous." His arms wrapped around the rider's neck. "As your prince I have your complete and utter loyalty. Now teach me some more of this so-called 'dancing.'"

"Of course." Hiccup continued to dance with him, slowly adding moves as Jack gained confidence. "So...you really don't mind? I thought I should tell you, because I want to be honest with you."

"How can I mind? You've never even talked to the guy, and I've kissed you too many times to count. I appreciate the honesty though." Jack smiled genuinely. He wasn't lying about his jealousy; that would be silly. He would only be jealous of himself. Could he really blame the guy?

"I would like to meet him again, just to make sure he's alright. He was out in the middle of the sea with no other ships in sight. I'd hate it if he drowned or froze."

"Maybe another ship picked him up. I'm sure if you liked him so much the gods will make sure he's safe."

"I guess you're right. That's why you're the prince and I'm not."

"Indeed." His chest puffed out in cockiness. "So what does a prince order his knight to do? What would this knight like to do?"

"You can order me to do anything you like. What I would like to dois spend the night with you. Here."

Jack feigned shock and used Hiccup's own words from their first flight against him. "You mean we'd be staying here for the night? Together? Alone?"

"Yes. Just you and me. Alone. All night."

"I like that. Very much." His lips pressed against Hiccup's firmly.

"I've decided that, if you had said yes, I want to make us official. Tell people."

"A-are you sure? I thought you said Berk doesn't approve of people like us."

"I don't care. I like you, and they can accept that or not. After tonight...I want everyone to know that there's only one person for me and that it's you."

"Thank you, Hiccup." Jack stopped his dancing to pull Hiccup into a long hug.

"I'll take care of you, my prince. I promise, I'll always take care of you." Hiccup kissed Jack's cheeks, his forehead, the tip of his nose, his lips. "After tonight, you will be mine, and I will be yours."

Hiccup smiled down at Jack, his naked back glowing under the light of the sunrise. "Good morning."

Jack looked up at him through bleary eyes. "It's too early. Why am I so tired?"

"Because we didn't really sleep at all." Hiccup brushed his fingers down Jack's back.

"Very true." He shivered at the touch. "And yet you don't seem tired at all."

"I'm actually ready for more, but I want you to wait. The waiting is sometimes more enjoyable." Hiccup snuggled down and kissed Jack. "What we did...was fantastic."

"I think it was one of the most amazing things I've ever felt. I've heard tales, but none of them really prepared me for it." He buried his face against Hiccup's neck.

"I'm guessing that this means you would be willing to do it again?"

"Definitely yes. When I'm not so tired," he laughed.

"Definitely. We still have to ride back, after all." Hiccup brushed his fingers through Jack's hair. "You were my first, you know."

"You were mine too." Jack sighed, leaning into the touch. "I'm scared to go back."

"We can wait if you want. Sneak into each other's rooms at night but continue in public as we have been. It'll give us a little more time."

"No. I won't make you back out of the promise you made yourself."

"I don't mind. I just want you to be happy and secure in knowing that you aren't some secret."

"You know your people better than I do. I'll trust your decision."

"I'll tell my Dad. He needs to know why I will refuse anyone but you."

"I think that is a good choice." Jack sat up with a groan. "Boy, does that leave you sore."

"Sorry," Hiccup chuckled, sounding anything but sorry. "I'll be gentler next time."

"Don't be sorry. How were we supposed to know?" He leaned down to press a kiss to his rider's chest. "Next time it's my turn to show you what it feels like."

"I don't think so. I like the look of you when you really get going."

"Oh? Alright then. But in return…"

"Yes?"

"Your prince demands you help him stand up," he laughed.

"Of course, your majesty." Hiccup stood and gave Jack a hand up, holding him close when he stumbled into his arms. "Hi."

"Hi there, handsome. Think you could help me dress too?"

"Yes, but reluctantly. I admit I like you like this."

"You shush before you get carried away again. It's time to head back, remember?"

"Yes, my prince. Of course." Hiccup helped Jack dress and let Jack help him in return. "We should come back here."

"As often as we can." Jack tightened the last strap on Hiccup's armor. "Are there any other new places we can see on the trip back?"

"Plenty. Shall we see the island of timberjacks? There's also the skrill cave."

"Yes. Yes to all of the above."

"And I'll kiss you at each and every stop."

"Perfect!" Jack twirled his staff before using it to hop onto Toothless' saddle. "Let's go!"

"Yes, my prince." Hiccup hopped up behind Jack, wrapping his arms around him. "Front row seat, cutie."

He leaned back against Hiccup, settling in for the long trip. "My favorite place."

"So we saw the timberjacks, the skrills, the thunderdrums, a few hideous zipplebacks, and that one gronckle." Hiccup sat at his work desk in his room.

"Don't forget the typhoomerang."

"At Black Sand Island…" Hiccup scribbled down the numbers in his book, keeping track of the sightings.

Jack watched the scribblings in fascination from where he stood behind the viking. "So what do you do with all this information?"

"Keep track mostly. I know where to go to find particular dragons and how many. If a type of dragon goes missing, I can check to see if it's happening everywhere."

"You're really good at what you do, Hiccup." He rested his chin on his shoulder with a smile.

"It helps when I have someone like you along." Hiccup turned and pulled Jack closer to kiss his cheek. "I really am crazy about you."

"I wasn't much help." His cheeks turned red. "Just doing what I do best: moral support."

"You're adorable." Hiccup turned Jack's head so they could kiss properly. They broke apart when someone cleared their throat. Hiccup looked at the door and stiffened, green eyes wide. "Hey, Dad," he mumbled sheepishly.

The large man had his arms crossed over his chest. "Hiccup. Kitchen. Now," he ordered before turning and leaving.

Hiccup sighed. "Guess I better tell him now rather than later," he whispered to Jack. "Don't worry, everything will be okay."

Jack gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before taking his staff in hand. "I sure hope so. I'll...be at the beach if you need me."

"I'll meet you there."

"Good luck." The prince silently left the house, unable to look at Stoic on the way out.

A couple hours later, Hiccup silently flopped down next to Jack on the sand.

"You don't look like it went well." Jack reached over to take his viking's hand. "Want to talk about it?"

"He has demanded I give you up," Hiccup said, looking straight ahead at the horizon. "I am to wed Astrid. She is to be my wife, and I am never to see you again."

Jack pulled his hand back. "So it's just as we feared it would be." He used the end of his staff to doodle aimlessly in the sand.

Hiccup nodded. "Yeah."

"What are you going to do?" The prince couldn't bring himself to look up, curling his legs to his chest.

"I don't know. You will not run, I cannot stay. I don't love her, but I can't be with you while my Dad lives. I don't know what to do."

"I want to help...but I don't know how." Jack's hand reached out a hand to brush against the incoming tide. Nothing compared to the ocean against his tail, but he'd found that he very much liked the feel of the tide and sand between his toes. He stared at the surf, watching the foam edging each little wave. He watched a little hermit crab as it struggled between the incoming waves. "You know...the ocean has taught me a lot. Sometimes the world beats us down. It feels never ending like there's no escape, just one thing after another like the waves against the beach. Maybe there isn't an escape," he watched the hermit crab finally make it's way to safety. "Or maybe you just have to hold out until the tide recedes."

"If you were me, would you wait for the tide?" Hiccup looked at Jack then. "Would you marry her, if you were me?"

Jack shrugged. "I can't say. I'm not you and can't claim to know what you're going through. But to quote a wise viking: 'you're worth it.'"

Hiccup blinked and took Jack's hand. "I don't like you, Jack."

"Then you have an interesting way of showing it." He glanced at their joined hands.

"I don't like you. I love you. I love you, Jack."

"I love you too, Hiccup." Jack squeezed his hand, unaware of the tears running down his face.

Hiccup shook his head and brushed Jack's tears away. He leaned in and kissed him, pushing him to lie back against the sand. A few hours later, they lay on the beach, naked and happy, their clothes tossed all around them. "I can't give you up, Jack. I can't. If I lose you, I don't know what I'll do."

"You won't lose me. And we'll figure out how to deal with your dad."

"They think I haven't noticed the way she looks at me. It's not the same as when you look at me."

"And how do I look at you differently?"

Hiccup smiled and ran his fingers through Jack's hair. "You look at me as if you can't wait to take our clothes off and be together."

"I should probably work on that, I guess," he sniggered.

"Don't you dare! I like when you look at me like that. I probably look at you the same way."

"Won't the rest of Berk catch on if we keep it up?"

"Yeah. But what else can we do? We have to be together; you know that. Maybe...maybe we could go and live with your clan? Or go to a different one? Start our lives over and begin anew."

"That's running away, Hiccup. I told you how I felt about that. Can't we at least try to weather the tide? Maybe, given enough time, we could convince your father to at least not hate the idea."

"You don't know him like I do. He gets what he wants, and he wants me married to Astrid." Hiccup sighed and pulled Jack closer. "I would weather anything if it meant I could be with you, but my Dad will not relent. He expects my marriage in three days."

"How is it possible for him to change his views on dragons but not on his son's love life?"

"I told you before that kissing boys is not a viking thing to do. This is not a viking thing to do. Accepting dragons makes him look strong. Accepting this...does not."

"Three days is not very long…" Jack's lips turned down into a frown.

"I know. And in those three days, I am to publicly woo her. I will be forced to do with her what I did with you; what I still want to do with you."

"I'll understand. And I'll try my best not to get jealous." He gave a small smile as he started pulling his clothes on again.

"The jealousy will drive you mad, Jack." Hiccup kissed the back of Jack's neck. "I know you. You'll overthink everything and wonder if I actually mean what I do or say and by the end, you'll be going mad with doubt."

"I promise not to. Or I promise to try not to. I'll do what it takes to buy us time to convince your dad."

"I love you, Jack."

"And I you."