AN: It's so close to 100! That's… Wow, that's quite a feat—considering this is my stuff… Thanks to: MusicPeaceAndCheese, xxHaleinaxx, Caris L. Clearwater, LovingMyth, Candy-chama, Loti-miko, August Mayhem, mpkio2, YoukaiMassacre, ELMO-kibafangirl11, so X ma is awesome, InsanityRelapse, xXxPainxXxAlwaysxXxReturnsxXx, Kitsune Onna1, and those who may be following in anon! Thanks so much!

Sorry for the wait! I stayed up till 4 this morning to get this done but when I looked at the Internet connection, my mother, apparently, disconnected it. Needless to say, I was pretty pissed. LOL Not sure whether to be happy with it but I tried my best. Oh, to note, the most planned is 10 chapters… (Yes—almost done! O.O) Sorry if this chapter isn't satisfactory… This is, officially, the longest chapter I've ever done for anything. New record! MWAHAHAHA! XD

DISCLAIMER: I'll get them one day… Till then… -eats a pound of chocolate-

WARNING: Yes, this means a lemon; sort of. Run while you can anyway. –waits- Are some of you still here? Good! I need critique! It's my first time writing for two males so I'm really nervous posting. Nothing toobad I don't think. My usual syntax and terminology is different since the pairing's not heterosexual… Whoa, longest lemon too. Oh dear God… –hides behind a pillow- Kill me if it's crap…

I Love You

"How long?" she whispered, withdrawing from the warmth of his chest; the world was slipping. "How long has it been since you realized you don't love me as much anymore?"

"I do love you."

"But not like before—I'm not an idiot, Hiccup." Her brows narrowed, but there was no seething fury in her eyes. When she raised her hand, Hiccup flinched, expecting a blow. She surprised him when all she did was place it upon his cheek, stroking the skin with her thumb. She smiled and he felt more and more like an inconsiderate jerk. Gods, he owed her the truth—much, much more than the truth.

"Astrid… I—I… Gods, I'm sorry—really, really, sorry," That was all that registered completely in his mind: apologies upon apologies. He could think of nothing else.

Hiccup watched as her eyes slowly fell to the ground, his throat constricting at the sadness on her face. He licked his lips nervously; he was not sure why he was feeling like this—it's not as though she knew about…

Did she?

Astrid turned her face away, a prickling sensation in her eyes; she quickly blinked back the tears—because she was afraid of the emotions that would leak along with them. Would they be maudlin or would they be of rage?

Struggling to contain them, tears she was not even sure she should be shedding—he still had not said anything negative—she felt a sudden weakness in her knees. Fatigued, as though she had been running for days at great distances, Astrid plopped down on the ground; it was cold, and snow had yet to fall upon it.

"Astrid?" inquired Hiccup, his voice hesitant.

Brushing aside her long bangs, she glanced at him. "Well?" she croaked. "Is it still as before…?"

Hiccup fidgeted with the hem of his tunic, perspiration beading on the back of his neck.

Astrid smiled at him; it was weak but loving. "I'm not mad at you."

The look on his face was pure incredulity.

She giggled softly. "I'm not mad at you, Hiccup." And it was true; she couldn't be furious at him—even if she tried her best to find fault with him, it would all be for naught. She loved him too much to be angry at him for anything now.

"Then…" he muttered, meeting her beautiful cerulean orbs. "What…"

"Just explain to me. How has he gotten closer to you?" There, in that sentence, held all the bitterness the Viking thought would be for him. Hiccup was not only confused but fearful of how her treatment of Toothless would change.

"What do you mean? It—it's not like that."

"Don't lie to me—you're much too transparent for that to work," she remarked tersely, peeved that he would try, though he and she both knew that he couldn't—at least, not to her. "Hiccup, I believe I deserve the truth. The whole truth, if you really are sorry. I just want to know when he began to be more than just your best friend."

Taking a deep breath, preparing himself for the worst, Hiccup stated, "Recently, actually…"

She grimaced, but remained rigid and composed. "When did you realize he might mean more to you?"

Hiccup felt his face growing hot with embarrassment and shame; he looked away. "Since we went to the sea…"

Astrid's face did nothing more than raise a brow. "Really? That was barely a month ago."

He couldn't stand it anymore; his brain told him to beware but he was too perplexed to listen. "Astrid, just hold on—why aren't you beating me into a bloody pulp into the ground? Aren't you— Well aren't you angry with me? Why are you just taking this all in quietly?"

Astrid decided calmness can be damned, at least for the moment; he had asked—sometimes he can be so foolish, she thinks in an adoring fashion—and he will know. Rising in a near-blur to her feet, eyes flashing like raging waves, she yelled, "I told you! I am not angry with you! I am furious at that conniving, dirty little reptile you spend all your time with—that filthy damn dragon!"

"It's not his fault, either!"

"How can you love him? He— He's not one of us, Hiccup! Just because he's human now doesn't mean anything!"

Hiccup felt a sudden fear wrap a cold vice upon his heart. "He… He is human, though. Right now he's not a dragon. It's not as wrong as it sounds."

"Don't give me that pile of crap, Hiccup! This is not a joke to me—I just want to know why and how he wound up being more important to you than me! Is that really too difficult for you to sum up?"

"But it just doesn't make any sense to me! You should be taking the entire thing out on me then—the person who actually screwed up everything—and not Toothless! Just leave him out of this!"

Astrid felt her heart sinking, a stone plunging to the darkest parts of the ocean. Weary once more, she put her fingers to her temple and dragged in a shaky breath. "But… I can't be mad with you. I just… I don't blame you. Don't ask me why, Hiccup, but I just hate him. Not you—I hate him."

Hiccup was at a loss, feeling worse and worse by the second. "Why not me…?"

"Because I love you too much." replied Astrid, her chest tight, staring straight up at him. "Trust me, I know deep inside I should hate you—more than I hate him—but I can't…" she barked a bitter laugh. "I'm so pathetic…"

"No, you're not," he spoke earnestly, cupping the side of her face. "If anyone is, it's me."

No words were spoken further. He watched as tears gathered, causing sky-colored oculars to twinkle. He wiped one droplet away from the corner of her eye and he unconsciously pulled her close, upset that he was hurting her and causing her so much grief. She was breaking right before his eyes and he was helpless to say or do anything. So he held her even tighter.

And she held him close too, drowning in the feeling of being in his arms again. Being in love was vicious, like a curse. She couldn't even hate him. But there was enough hate towards the dragon, and that spiked her heart, kept it going. Because she knew that if that one emotion wasn't growing within her breast, she would be completely comatose.

XXX

The sun was setting; orange and gold rays beamed like a halo within the bloody horizon, and it was not till violet hues painted the sky that Toothless felt much more than unnerved that Hiccup had not come back. Had he been too reckless with his words? Maybe he shouldn't have taken it so hard… After all, Hiccup was right; it was not just Astrid they needed to be wary of. He was quite certain no one would be ready—or even expecting—to hear that he loved Hiccup.

Besides… did Hiccup even feel the same? Of course, down by the shore, Hiccup himself had said he loved Toothless; but the dragon was not entirely sure whether it could form onto a similar level as his own.

Astrid still meant a lot to the boy…

Jealousy shot through Toothless and he sought for composure.

Twilight shimmered brilliantly, but the dragon remained in the same spot, eyeing the forest for any motion. Something shined dimly in the dying light; Toothless' brow rose as he caught sight of a slender figure emerging from the gloom. Astrid's slumped form came, finally, into vision. He bristled when Hiccup strode up beside her, her hand between both of his.

The girl gave him the sweetest yet melancholic smile Toothless had ever seen, from anybody, and when she stood on her toes, Toothless felt a burning anger; she kissed his cheek, which was odd to him, however the anger didn't extinguish.

Hiccup turned around and began to trudge slowly towards the house; Toothless noticed the hunching in his shoulders, the tiny mar between his brows. What had happened?

The Viking halted completely when he met fathomless beryl optics. Toothless' arms folded across his chest. There was nothing on Hiccup's face but a regret that hurt Toothless to see. Still, that had not explained the way the girl acted towards him…

Hiccup gave a tired sigh and walked up the steps; he almost lost his footing and Toothless immediately steadied him. Hiccup muttered thanks and simply kept limping towards his bed where he promptly collapsed, arms spread wide as he stared blankly at the ceiling.

Toothless was not sure what was going on and was too apprehensive to question. Hiccup did not seem in high spirits; of course, he had stormed off midday, withal, Hiccup looked as miserable as Toothless felt. He longed to patch things up with his rider but a pride and stubbornness he was born with kept him from doing so.

Hiccup glanced at the man beside his bed and propped himself up. "Hey,"

Toothless inclined his head slightly.

"About earlier… I'm sorry about it." Hiccup made an attempt to smile; all that seemed to come out of his mouth were apologies nowadays. It was getting quite redundant…

Toothless gave a nonchalant shrug. "It's all right,"

They remained silent for a few moments, listening to slight rustling stirred by the wind. Inhaling slowly he decided to tell Toothless now. And as he exhaled he told him, "She knows."

Muscles became taut with tension. "Does she now?" Toothless watched as his hands clenched the fabric of the bed.

"Yeah…"

"And? What else happened?"

"She cried… a lot." Toothless turned to look at him; Hiccup's voice had dropped to an almost incoherent whisper, as though he himself could not believe it all. Toothless scooted closer, not wanting to see Hiccup upset.

Hiccup unconsciously grasped the other male's hand, thumb stroking the russet palm. "She's not angry with me and she still wants to be friends."

"Is that right?"

Quirking a brow, the boy smirked lightly. "Jealous are you? Well, believe me, there's no need for it. That's all she wants."

"You've always been too trusting, however, Hiccup."

"Yes, but this is also Astrid. I hold her to her word because I know she'll keep them."

The dragon gave an exasperated groan and flopped down beside Hiccup; he felt immensely relieved that Astrid was not going to pose so much of a threat anymore. It was shocking how much he actually feared losing Hiccup to her and a ponderous burden lifted itself off his shoulders.

Turning onto his side, Toothless stared at Hiccup, meeting his gaze. "So… what becomes of us?"

Hiccup gave a tired smile but Toothless recognized the happiness beneath it. He was stock-still as he felt the boy's lips brush tenderly on his. Hiccup then proceeded to snuggle up against him, arm wrapped possessively on Toothless' waist. His mind was still churning but Toothless remained quiet; it was not long before soft snores indicated that Hiccup was asleep.

Toothless drew a bearskin over them and curled closer against Hiccup; he was content.

XXX

The world looked brighter and more cheerful than ever, despite the ominous grey clouds in the distance. Toothless felt as though he must've swallowed bottles of euphoria because that was all he could feel. Hiccup smiled calmly behind him, watching Toothless skip ahead.

"Toothless has been acting very peculiar," came a deep brogue.

Hiccup hastily looked up into the face of his father, who was eyeing the dragon suspiciously. "Oh, he's just… deliriously happy. That's all."

"Hmm…" Stoick the Vast grumbled, pensively stroking his beard. "I heard about your quarrel with Astrid."

Damn. Hiccup gawked at his father, "What—? How did you hear about that?"

"Ruffnut actually; she was bellowing at the top of her lungs when she first found out and was calling you names even I had never heard."

"Oh…" Hiccup murmured, "That was a while ago." His father had known that long and hadn't even bothered to confront him about it. Now that it was happening, withal, he wished his father had not said anything. His palms began to sweat…

"Son, tell me, and be honest about it…" he said seriously, his face void of all ease. Hiccup waited with baited breath. "Does this have anything to do with Toothless?"

The young Viking wrenched his deep green eyes from his father's. That was as loud a proclamation as shouting it from the highest mountain. He heard his father breathe out a heavy sigh.

"I don't approve."

Hiccup's eyes widened and whirled around to retort; he stopped short at the hard look his father gave him, a hand raised to stop all questions. "I don't approve. But I'm not going to stop you." He had tried stopping his son before and he was not going to risk losing him again… He prayed the gods would give him strength to allow their relationship to grow.

He should've seen it coming. There had been tiny little signs everywhere. Toothless' eyes seemed to never leave his son's form, always vigilant. He would give Hiccup a look; it would be the simplest gaze in the world, but something always flickered beneath the surface, a burning affection that was typically kept well under guard. And Hiccup had begun to return them in his own surreptitious manner.

He didn't approve not because he hated Toothless; but, for one… he really was not a human. What would happen if Loki wrought hell once more? And there was the matter of Astrid. He was worried for her well-being—the utter depression and pain masked beneath that beaming façade was awful to look at. It reminded him of how he had felt when his wife had died.

Astrid had that expression when she thought no one was looking, a vision of everything lachrymose.

"Dad… You're mad at me aren't you?"

Stoick shook his head, hands upon his child's shoulders. "No, I just want to know if this is your choice."

Hiccup gave a firm nod; he'd never been surer of anything in his life.

Smiling at the temerity in his son's gaze, he gave Hiccup one final pat. "All right then." Stoick saw that his son meant it… And if that was what he wanted, his son had his blessings. He began to walk away when he felt a hand holding him back. Hiccup was staring up at him, grinning from ear to ear.

"Thank you Dad."

Stoick ruffled Hiccup's hair and left with a smile on his face.

Hiccup felt intensely delighted that his father was not totally opposed to it. He had expected much more antagonism than a simple 'I don't approve' so Hiccup considered he was very lucky indeed. Sprinting to where Toothless had paused to wait for him, the dragon watched curiously as Hiccup's expression became positively radiant.

As Hiccup told Toothless what happened, the two were completely oblivious to the young woman who had rounded about a hut, carrying a pail of water for the trough of the Terrors. Astrid looked up and watched the pair walk by. Her heart ached and her mind swam with hatred for the dragon. Still, she was glad that Hiccup was happy in his choice. That did not mean she enjoyed the throbbing, the times when she dazed out in her musings and people would have to shake her back into their world—she was not a masochist and certainly didn't enjoy losing herself within her own mind. The weak did that when they needed to get away. She was not weak.

At least, she was not supposed to be…

Astrid loathed herself for feeling so drained, caught up in something that felt surreal. Withal, she could not help looking at the pair and realizing—albeit painfully—they just seemed to…connect. The way the dragon stared at Hiccup was interesting in itself—a love so profound she was, sometimes, in awe of it. In those eyes, she saw that he would love him infinitely, risk his own life just for Hiccup, just as she would have done for him…

She also knew that if she came within distance, Hiccup would stop gazing up at Toothless adoringly. It's not because he would be uncomfortable; maybe guilty, but mostly because he cared for her still. He was sensitive to her feelings and even now did not ignore her. There were awkward moments, many in fact, but Hiccup was still the same boy she fell in love with. He treated her no differently, just without the romantics.

Astrid relished the fact that she was considered a friend to him. That was fortunate in itself. She could continue to smile at him and he would grin back; they could still joke and play around, a platonic affection that dulled the pain. She would get looks from the dragon and she would return them with her own hostile stare. She may be in love with Hiccup, but she was far from the act of stealing him back. If Hiccup was content, she was too.

"Astrid?"

She blinked thrice in rapid succession. "Huh, oh, hello Snotlout,"

Snotlout eyed her quietly. "So… what's up?"

"Not much," she told him, continuing on her way towards the trough for the Terrors. Upon reaching them, she was immediately swarmed by the little dragons. She giggled as one licked her ear, and she petted it gingerly. They really were the cutest ones, in her personal opinion.

While she filled the trough with water, she could not help thinking it odd that Snotlout was eyeing her intensely. It was not a total uncomfortable feeling—he used to do it all the time when he sought her attention; but this gaze was different. Inclining her head to him, Astrid raised a brow in curiosity. His gaze was softer, almost; the softest she'd ever seen his eyes go.

"What is it?" she asked simply.

"Oh, uh," he stumbled over his tongue, "Nothing really… Just… Do you want to come over to my place?"

She couldn't help but smile; it was a kind offer however she was not ready for him to try anything. Still, Astrid politely asked what they would be doing at his house—if she agreed to go, that is.

"Train," Snotlout replied smoothly. This always seemed to cheer her up; blowing off steam was what she needed.

Withal, she has heard this line before and sighed. "Snotlout…"

"I don't mean it like that," the young man hastens to add, "I mean as friends—just friends."

Tilting her head back to look at him, she saw that was all he meant. Just as comrades, as friends. Trusting his word, the girl nodded and they walked together side by side, talking of old times and battle techniques. She felt better. Not healed—that will take a while; but most definitely better than she has been in the past fortnight.

XXX

The cove was tranquil, iridescent white specks painted the deep azure canvas; the surface of the water was just as still, a mirror image of the sky. Toothless was sprawled contentedly on his back, looking at the different possible shapes. Hiccup had told him about it and began to show him a few Nordic constellations.

"Amazing…" Toothless breathed. "You humans sure do enjoy giving names to everything…"

Hiccup's brows rose at that. "We do?"

"Yes," Toothless said conversationally, "In the brief time I've known you I have learned all sorts of names. Your tribe has even given the ocean a name. Next, you'll be trying to decide what to call the sky, and maybe the trees if you feel like doing so."

Hiccup laughed. "That's silly, Toothless. Naming every tree in sight would difficult, let alone an entire forest."

Toothless gave a soft snort. "Of course,"

Wrapped in a comfortable silence the two young men continue to watch the sky. Toothless could not be any happier. Everything was piecing itself perfectly. But there was a void inside he would remember in the most serene of times. The dragon inside him was still desperate to soar again in its kingdom, but he would push it down. He knew what else it wanted—to claim what belonged to it.

Warily, he tipped his head all the way back till Hiccup's crown came into full view. He blew on it and Hiccup rolled over onto his stomach, giving him his full attention.

"Yeah?" the boy inquires in a buoyant voice.

Toothless just kept his eyes on Hiccup, observing the way the moonlight hit the alabaster skin, the silver tinge in the auburn hair. Tentatively, he stroked the other male's cheek and was delighted at how Hiccup leaned in, kissing his palm. He studied the younger man's face, the proximity so close he could count every freckle, noticing—not for the first time—the minute white scar near the right side of his chin; Toothless' heart rate pounded madly as he leaned in, already thinking of how the sheer sensation of kissing Hiccup would drive him over the brink.

And it was just as he remembered it—losing himself and not caring about anything else. Toothless moved in closer, tongue sliding over Hiccup's lips, demanding entrance. It was given quickly, and Toothless felt fingers twine themselves into his hair, the other pressed against his back. Drawing him nearer, Toothless let out a heady moan, dizzy from lack of air. He felt Hiccup's mouth trail along the nape of his neck, lightly trailing across the collarbone; the gentleness was just as maddening.

Pulling back, Hiccup captured his lips again, a hunger he never felt before clouding every thought. The taste of him was warm and salty, real and alive; the desire was overwhelming—more so than he had ever recalled it. Sliding hands down Toothless' arms, they moved seamlessly to the edge of the tunic; pushing it upwards, knuckles grazed the taut abdomen, a light gasp coming from the recipient. Once the shirt was off, Hiccup sought the other's lips again, wriggling his arms out of the fur coat; the heat was absolutely ludicrous, despite the atmosphere's chill. Roving hands pressed against the broad chest, kneading the skin with circular motions. The familiar, tantalizing musk made his mouth water, causing him to inhale deeply.

Toothless was pleasantly bewildered at how the body was reacting to every little contact. A combination of a whine and a growl emanated from him. He could feel Hiccup smiling against his shoulder. Awkwardly, he then reached over to take off the younger male's shirt as well; his hands were shaking and Hiccup calmly removed it by himself. Toothless grinned apologetically, though the Viking didn't mind; Hiccup merely endowed him with a loving smile of his own.

Once that was settled, Toothless couldn't help but stare. He'd been thinking of this moment for so long, wondering how he be affected when he finally was with Hiccup, like this. It was just as he thought—he'd gawk, tongue gone lame, pure vivacity permeating inside. Again, he put both hands behind Hiccup's head, though the tenderness of before was almost fleeting. Their teeth were clashing now, instead, the nibbling of delicate flesh causing it to sore, bleed.

Ragged breathing filtered the air, bodies quivering with suppressed need. Taking the initiative, the Viking slowly reached out, thumbs hooked into the waistband of the trousers. There was the sound of fabric shuffling against skin, the ghost of a rustle on the ground. Toothless flinched when the cool night air swirled about the manhood. He took in a shuddering rasp as he felt fingers curl over it…

Beryl eyes instinctively shut, brows drawn together; the gestures were leisurely, placid, caring; small pants came from Toothless' parted lips, beads of perspiration gathering briskly on his forehead. Most cognizances were receding, drifting away, and he knew the member was pulsating from a fluid pyre. A loud moan broke from his vocal chords, color scintillating beneath lidded eyes. Hands flexed then became fists, his head resting upon the Viking's slender shoulder, lashes actually brushing the exposed skin.

The tingling ceased.

Gasping, Toothless' eyes gradually opened. "What?"

Hiccup's face became a bright crimson, a smile gracing his lips. "You're almost there."

"Oh," Toothless murmured breathlessly and he raised his head, cheeks flushed. "Did… I do something wrong again?"

"No," said the Viking, still blushing, "But… Well, I've never done this before but you're supposed to…" he faltered, searching for the right words. Explaining things was more awkward than it appeared.

"Um… Take you?" suggested Toothless, wondering if that's what he meant. When Hiccup confirmed, Toothless was suddenly struck by the question: how? As much as he loved Hiccup, more than he could ever express, the Viking was not of female origin. If that were the case, there'd be a semblance of what to do. Toothless hesitantly inquired this and the boy clarified. Toothless nodded in acknowledgement, withal, his fingers were starting to shake again.

He watched Hiccup rise to his full height and slide out of his trousers, taking extra caution with his prosthetic leg. Toothless kept staring, in awe of how handsome Hiccup really was. Before, like everyone else—shamefully, he admits this—he would never have given the Viking a second glance but every ounce of love for him poured through all the fibers of his being. Bathed in the light of the moon, the slim countenance was amazing, a tinge of red in his pallid cheeks, the smirk so endearing it tugged at Toothless' heartstrings, he found no anomaly on this boy—he was perfection.

He found himself grinning up at him, too.

Then Hiccup knelt in front of him and Toothless was immediately anxious once more. There was a quiet laugh and he was told nothing will go wrong. Still, while moving closer, he felt scared and completely unconfident. He could not help but find this ironic—he used to be a creature that was revered and feared by everyone; he faced the Queen Dragon head-on; even when he had stared death directly down—even mocking it and its so-called power—he had never felt this intimidated. He had felt fear when Hiccup's life was at stake but this was entirely to the contrary. Hiccup was not trapped in a huge perilous encounter—the apprehension, hence, was not similar. Withal he could not draw comfort from that fact.

Taking a silent, deep breath, he did as he had been instructed. He was aware of only a few things that took place—Hiccup had hissed in a gasp, the world appeared to have spun off its axis, and the erection was in pain. Groaning, Toothless' almost doubled over from how tightly it was encased. Trying to gain some bearings, he also became aware of a cloying scent—rust and salt; a steady, sticky trickle was what alerted his mind of it and he looked down, alarmed that scarlet ribbons were hitting the greenish silver blades on the ground.

Hiccup, having claimed his senses much quicker, sensed the other male's distress and glanced over his shoulder. "You're okay,"

"There's…" he did not dare finish that sentence.

Hiccup simply gave him another simpering grin. "It happens. It's only once though—after this, you won't deal with that again."

Licking his dry lips, Toothless hesitated doing anything further. But that was the human moiety. A basic drive was steadily emerging, almost an animalistic register of what needed to be done. Creeping out, the understanding extolled the unsettling pit in his stomach, and he began to move. The first thrust was awkward, a sharp sting shocking him for a moment, but he attempted it again, trying to find a suitable rhythm. With each impetus, it became more natural, growing bolder in the exploration. His fingers traced along the curvature of Hiccup's spine, one hand gripped tightly on the hip, nails digging into the flesh as he sought trying to regain a bit of function. Each time he pushed in, the torridity increased; not just by a margin. These were waves of pleasure crashing upon him, burning him alive, and he didn't mind at all.

Hiccup grunted again, auburn hair matted to gleaming snowy flesh. He held himself upright, but barely. His arms felt weak, not from strain, rather from the seemingly endless ecstasy, this insurmountable high. He had lost his mind long ago yet not. He couldn't tell where Toothless began and he ended. He could never tell anymore—they were always connected at the hip. He was a pool of emotions, regard that ran furious and strong like lava; he couldn't recognize the realm which he dwelled in anymore—he simply knew he was not alone; he was with the only person who had taken the time to know him, loved him irrevocably and completely—despite how he could be.

He was grateful to know Toothless; he used to regret the circumstances which brought him to the dragon, but he embraced them in the end. Without the mistakes, he might never have found his best friend; without Toothless he could never have known or be himself. He'd still be hollow, reaching for a place he never really belonged in.

Toothless is everything—more than a friend, more than a lover; he was his other half.

Ears were more acute than ever but all they wished to catch were the moans humming in the Viking's throat, the way his name was spoken, an almost desperate plea and a venereal song cascading together. This caused him to increase the speed, the deepest of carnal drives fueled and excited by the call. The colors were bursting sporadically again, fervor was heightened when his thrust was met eagerly by Hiccup's, sending another delicious wave of euphoria. The precipice he was falling over was unbelievably lofty, matching the rush and adrenaline he felt when he flew…

A voice told him this was much more glorifying and he agreed. The rush was not the same either. He had known much trial and error, known a variety of aches and joys—both seen and experienced; however nothing came adjacent to this moment. Time was freezing, though the feeling did not wane in the slightest sparse. Every happy memory combined was outmatched, daunted by the fire which consumed the human body, warming mortal blood, touched the, essentially, human heart; what lied in the center was a dragon's soul. It was dormant, almost in a catatonic sleep, but it would continue to yearn, stir when that which was its possession was within distance.

It was fully awake.

He was awake.

Toothless never felt more alive, more whole than now. A dragon's soul lived and breathed off of flying, that first necessary impulse it needed to survive. Soaring in that expanse of blue and white, almost godly themselves was what should mean more to the dragon above else—flying was life. Toothless knew this truth well, engrained forever inside his core. Yet the passion and devotion he had for Hiccup, a mere human, rivaled and defeated that which made a dragon what it is. He gave up himself, his own soul, for love, allowing it to nurture and amplify.

Love was not meant for dragons, not when they had so many prowesses already. Love, compared to flying, was not supposed to be grander, just a little emotion that showed the sensitivity they did have.

Toothless could feel himself getting closer, their pants harsh and shallow. Leaning forward again, but not decreasing the rhythm, two pairs of green oculars dilated. A cacophony of a sudden wrenched the air, exploding the quiet. Drawing away, Toothless tried not to collapse, barely managing it. Continuing to inhale the cold air, he turned his head to look at Hiccup; he was on his back, gulping the inhales, chest rising and falling. Opening one eye, Hiccup stared up at him and grinned tiredly but thoroughly satiated.

Toothless returned it and settled himself beside the Viking, the dew on the grass a relieving thaw to his sweltered flesh. Though he was much more than warm, he pulled Hiccup closer, the boy's head cradled between shoulder and chest. Hiccup listened to the heartbeat, one hand drowsily skimming along. Toothless sighed contentedly, stroking away hair that clung stubbornly to the Hiccup's neck.

Hiccup's digits suddenly came across a part of skin that rose a little higher than the rest, uneven and, by the course of it, disfigured. The way scars felt. Opening his eyes, he stared for a few quiet moments at the angry jagged line on Toothless' thigh, snaking from there to mid-calf.

"Your scar…" he finally murmured.

Toothless blinked away the drowsiness, having been lulled by the touches. "Hmm?"

"The scar you had; it's right here."

Craning his head down to see it, Toothless eyed it for a minute then said. "Funny. I didn't really notice it before."

Hiccup withdrew his hand and placed it back on Toothless' chest, though continued to look at it. It was not long however that his lids began to droop, and his light snores met Toothless' ears. He stared at Hiccup's sleeping face, and then slowly brushed a chaste kiss upon his forehead. Arms wrapped protectively around his frame, Toothless found peace, a serenity soaring never offered.

Love did mean the world to him. It meant Hiccup.

And if giving up that up was all it took to be at Hiccup's side forever, as a mortal, so he could die when his beloved died… he was more than willing to sacrifice it, fight anyone to make sure it happens.

One being was more than willing, too, to take up that challenge.

XXX

Small, dazzling rays hit Hiccup's slumbering face. Scrunching them tight, he timidly opened one, turning iris to an even brighter shade of pine. Aware of Toothless' warmth, he carefully, though reluctantly, detached himself. Stretching his arms upwards, his joints gave puny pops, though his muscles didn't feel raw. He felt more pleased and exhilarated than a human being should be capable of feeling.

Even his prosthetic appendage wasn't bothering him this morning.

Sighing happily, he turned to watch the form snoozing away. Somehow, Toothless' features appeared much younger. The human body was given aspects that dwelled on individuals within their earliest twenties. It was so interesting to see him dreaming, tepid skin still glowing. Brushing away sable strands, Hiccup just looked on. He wished he could have watched that glorious body, tawny and vigorous from the exertions.

He couldn't help but smirk to himself; there will be plenty of opportunities for that later…

A light contact on his back brought him from his musings. Toothless was blearily beaming at him and Hiccup reclined back.

"Morning," Toothless yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Glad to see you're not too worn out," Hiccup teased, chuckling when russet cheeks were sent aflame.

Toothless swept back his onyx hair, though the leer he gave Hiccup sent another thrill coursing through the Viking. "If you're eager, I'll gladly show you just how much I'm not tired."

As tempting as that offer was, Hiccup's mind was back to more sensible matters. "I'd love to, but we're going to have to head back at some point. We've been gone all night and I'm pretty sure my dad's ready to scout ahead and kill me himself."

Holding back a disgruntled sigh, Toothless decided that Hiccup was right. Stoick was very concerned for the well-being of his only child nowadays, ever since the battle against the Queen Dragon. While he was extremely pleased to see Stoick wanting to get closer, at the moment, he desired Hiccup all to himself. Hiccup was already pulling his trousers up and he looked over his shoulder to see the slightly piqued crease on Toothless' forehead.

"The day isn't going anyway," said Hiccup, his mood on a whole new level of blithe. He then added, "'Sides, I'm pretty sure we never got around to my turn…" Toothless' head snapped up; Hiccup gave him an innocent visage and then smirked broadly when he turned around to pick up his discarded tunic. He could practically feel Toothless' spirits escalate.

Fully clothed now, the two of them set off for the village of Berk, Hiccup resisting the urge to tackle Toothless to the ground and wrestled playfully. The other male's jubilant mood was near tangible and radiated to him. He knew what would occur if he did so and then they'd never get home. Not wanting to delay, Hiccup just strode up next to him, the two young men in a comfortable silence.

Toothless glanced up, noticing the wisps of gray in the sky. Shrugging it off as a sign for rain, a deeper sense admonished him to pick up the pace. He couldn't cast aside the warning, the way his body was tensing and increased his steps, grasping Hiccup's hand to pull him along. Hiccup took note of the hurried walk but didn't question it, having guessed rain will start soon.

The wind stirred, a soft breath washing over their faces.

Hiccup seethed, hand flitting immediately to his forehead. Toothless stopped quickly and his eyes widened at the gash on the right side of Hiccup's face. Fresh panic seized his thoughts and Toothless hurriedly had removed his own tunic, pressing it against the wound. The cut, from what he could tell, was not deep though still poured profusely. He tried to rationalize, say this was just because it was a slit to the head, but it didn't work.

"Keep this pressed tightly," Toothless uttered quickly, swiftly picking Hiccup up, minding the prosthesis; urgent to reach Berk, he broke into a full sprint, fear making him agile while he firmly held Hiccup close, not wanting to jostle him too much.

Hiccup was worried—the cut had come from nowhere. He looked at the swirling clouds, impending overhead. His heart was polluted by horror, and his eyes widened when a flash of light whipped through the sky, the resounding crack echoing inside, deafening the pounding of his heart in his ears.

Violent gales pelted the pair, the air accumulating heavy amounts of dirt. Toothless' eyes were slits, then shot completely open when a bolt of white and blue scorched the earth a few feet away, throwing him back. He held tighter onto the boy but found with a sickening awareness that he no longer was carrying him. Rising quickly, the dragon scanned the vicinity, landing anon on Hiccup's frame; he instantly took a step forward but dithered just as quickly.

The sallow face—contorted by unmistakable rage and loathing—was scowling; the god held no sword, no weapon of any kind—his own hand was wound tightly around Hiccup's neck and Toothless could feel his heart racing.

Loki smiled pleasantly, though the pale eyes glistened with acerbity, voice just as derisive. "So… you found a way to show him you loved him. Ah, you truly are an intelligent creature, drache—but I will not be defeated by you… You or that frivolous thing you call 'love'." He spat the last word contemptuously though his air remained bored.

Toothless swallowed nervously, looking from Loki to Hiccup and back. "Loki, please…"

The god laughed a severe sound that cut the atmosphere—the toll of a knell. "You had your chance. If you had simply done what you should have, then the boy would not have to die."

Toothless' felt his skin become clammy, but he bristled at the god. "That was not part of the bargain! You never said I had to say it—"

"You dare to speak to a god like that?" he roared, the wind howling a long, keen note. Toothless didn't notice that—he heard the agonized scream that ruptured forth from the Viking's throat, head thrown back in affliction; Loki was tugging harshly at the artificial leg, the skin a sickly yellowish white as it was stretched—

"Stop it! Please!" Toothless hollered, forgetting he must stay put. He was thrown back, the very air sparking alive with torturing heat. Dazed, skin tingling from the electrocution, he slowly propped himself up. A barrier…?

The expression on the god's face was one of full superiority. "You didn't stay where you were supposed to—like a good little pet." And his hand locked completely around the Viking's throat, choking noises and sputtering spewing weakly forth. His hands moved to try and pull away the invisible chokehold, though the asphyxiation was near-paralyzing.

"Let him go!" Toothless cried out, desperate, heart withering away; the dragon, however, was enraged and he mindlessly yelled, "Are you so cowardly you have to kill him to prove how strong you are against me? What kind of god are you?"

Hiccup's throat was released instantaneously, as though the hand had been injected with fire; color streamed back into the young man's face, coughing and gulping down air. Loki slowly turned to face the dragon, every feature blank, save his eyes—they glittered like translucent gems, frenzied by hate and incredulity.

"You are not stronger than I. I believe we had established that fact a long time ago. You have allowed yourself to fall from your throne, all for love and this… disgusting human." answered Loki, tone casual, ghastly orbs hardening into chips of ice.

"Only a god like you would regard love as a weakness," Toothless countered, eyes changing to an oxidizing beryl flame, a furious desire for vengeance ringing in his ears. A powerful force propelled him against a large tree, splinters penetrating the flesh, scraping roughly. He continued to glare as his skin chafed, a putrid scent in his nostrils. Loki was directly before him now, eyes red, voice menacing.

"You are the weak one. You have nothing left—"

"I have everything I need!" snarled Toothless, the dragon within roaring madly, "Because he is mine!"

"A love that won't last," Loki said, almost in a disappointed tone. "You've seen how fickle humans can be, how greedy and foolish they are. You've seen how love can be thrown aside, mere rubbish when they've had their time with it. Look at the girl who used to be your mate's lover—she is suffering because he stopped loving her. He'll do the same to you."

"You're lying!" he spat, using anger to hide the sudden thought of Hiccup actually leaving him.

Loki was not fooled. "You know this—deep down you understand it perfectly, as clear as glass. Do you truly wish to risk all that you are for the sake of a pathetic human?"

The dragon's soul recoiled at the barb thrown about his mate. "He is not pathetic… And yes, I am willing to give up my life for him. There's nothing I won't do for him—even you know this, Loki."

Loki grimaced at how the dragon addressed him—as though they were on the same level of power. The beast was being absurd. He should know better by now that nothing ever truly lasts. Only power and immortality was what the divine needed—yet he was completely willing to forsake all he knows.

"You are a fool."

"And you are a cowardly cur."

His head impacted hard upon the trunk, bark biting into the flesh. "Cowardly to you I may be. But cowards are not afraid to kill."

Hiccup, who had been watching helplessly, was suddenly levitated into the air and tossed high into the air, body falling rapidly towards boulders—

"Wait!"

Hiccup was now only a centimeter from the surface of the rock, confusion and fear etched onto his features. Toothless turned hastily back to the god. "I want you to leave him alone. And you know I'll do anything."

Loki pretended to ponder; he'd been waiting for this moment. "You know what you have to say."

Toothless' teal pools widened a fraction. But… that would mean… Cursing the god with all his heart, he slowly nodded. Loki dropped him unceremoniously and Toothless quickly rushed over to help Hiccup up, ignoring the throbbing in his skull.

"Toothless, what's going on?" whispered Hiccup, hands roving over him, searching for wounds.

"Hiccup…" he murmured, stroking his face. Then he turned back to Loki; the smirk on his face made him want to claw it off. "If I tell him, what will happen?"

"Of course you will become normal again, but you will also have the chance to prove your power against me. If that is the case, you are allowed to go back with your… lover. I promise this—a god is bound to their word."

Hiccup's head snapped up to look at Toothless. "What does he mean? What are you going to do?"

A forlorn look was what he received as he was pulled into a tight, loving embrace. "I have to change back, now. That's all I know for sure. He says I have to battle him, but I'm not sure what else he wants—Loki is very devious."

"Don't go…" breathed Hiccup, heart beating hard and fast, "You don't have to do this..."

"I do," the dragon murmured, inhaling the uniqueness of Hiccup's scent, "I have to, for you."

"I forbid it," Hiccup commanded, the words actually taking Toothless by surprise. "You're not going to fight a god."

Toothless smiled gently and leaned in, kissing him tenderly, and recalling the heavenly fire they shared. Then he walked away, a good distance to keep Hiccup safe but also so the boy could hear. The Viking stared and tried to move, but the air about him seemed to chain him to where he stood. Then, for a moment, the god revealed himself to him, watching in sadistic glee. Hiccup felt cold.

Slowly, Toothless turned, staring at the boy straight in the eyes. His eyes were sad but bright. It was all for him after all. Despite the circumstances, he could feel his heart and soul emerging into one delighted blend, having been waiting for this release.

"I love you."

Hiccup's heart leapt into his throat, the words sending bliss into his being. Withal, he knew this was what Loki wanted and, immediately, his mind was gripped, only one word formulating dully.

No…

"Toothless!"

Brilliant white beams now swirled about Toothless' twitching frame, crackling in the air, and his body was arched suddenly, the flashes seeming to delve in and sear through tissue and bone. The sound of cartilage breaking and reattaching made Hiccup's stomach reel in nausea, his chest constricting as he listened to the painful lament. The spine was crouched over low, dark, gleaming stones slinking up the bronze skin; a long, dark tail erupted, breaking the skin.

Appendages grew larger in width and length, becoming as black as soot. Toothless continued to howl, and Hiccup saw fangs protruding, hair shortening by the second.

When red spurts went into the air, black against the white canvas, followed a second later by Toothless coughing up blood, Hiccup found his voice again, shouting for Loki to stop, "You're hurting him! Please leave him alone!"

The wind just picked up the speed, and the human body continued to deform, retracting in on itself.

Hiccup went deaf to the world—all he heard was that scream and his heart pound in fear.

Then the world shattered into deafening silence.

Moments later a voice said, a sneer in its tone, "I won."

AN: HOLY CRAP WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT? Yes, people, I still can't decide how to wrap this up. Meh, I'll figure something out—I usually do. –nervous laugh- Anyway, I hope this was okay! This is quite a lot to take in for just one chapter—at least for me. XD Oh! And this is almost TWELVE pages of words in 10-SIZE FONT. I kinda feel accomplished, although pardon grammar mistakes. I'm pretty sure I didn't get them all… LOL