I should probably apologize and explain that these updates will not be as frequent, but I am writing like a mad woman, I swear! I just started my senior year of grad school and will have my masters in May! Yay me! But that means that my internship just started and I am still taking classes, not to mention I am in the process of writing other fanfics as well on the side to post when I'm ready, so yeah, crazy stuff.

But don't worry, this is my top priority fanfic and it will be updated and finished, so bear with me. Thanks for all your reviews and patience, you guys are amazing and I'm so glad you support this story.

I really hope you enjoy more to come; I'm sending lots of love! ~Geminisonic

PS: I should probably mention that I brought Sandy and Snot back in this chapter and will do more with them later because I know you missed them as much as I did. Cheers!

Hiccup was bombarded the minute he walked into his house. It had only been less than two months and his house looked familiar and felt familiar, but boy the greeting felt as though he'd been gone for ages.

It all started with Toothless crashing into him and slobbering from excitement, licking his face so hard, Hiccup wondered if he had skin left. Once he managed to hug and shove his dog off to pet him playfully, he felt something knock into his legs, causing him to trip and fall again. This time he had a dog and a small red-headed girl on top of him.

"Merida!" he laughed as she bounced on his chest happily.

Before he could even get up, his eyes widened as an upside down view of three red-headed little toddlers came crawling over, faster than any babies he'd ever seen crawl. It felt like some kind of horror movie.

"No! No! Boys! Wait!" he cried out as the toddlers all climbed on top of him, tugging his hair, drooling all over the place, and babbling excitedly.

Thankfully his parents came rushing in, Elinor grabbing all three of the boys like a pro and Fergus picking up Merida and balancing her on his shoulder while shoving Toothless off of Hiccup.

He was officially covered in fur, red hair, slime, and drool.

"Oh Hiccup!" Elinor said happily as Hiccup managed to sit up and shake his now very dizzy head.

He stood carefully and she managed to put the triplets down and rush in for a hug. He was luckily prepared for it as she held him close, tears forming in her eyes, "Welcome home!" she whispered.

Fergus patted his shoulder happily and nodded. Hiccup nodded back.

"We will have loads to talk about at dinner." Fergus said jovially as he tossed Merida in the air and caught her gracefully as he put her back on her feet. She giggled happily and jumped up and down, tugging on Hiccup's arm while Toothless' tail was wagging at the speed of light. Hiccup was amazed as his tail hit some of the triplets, who tried catching it to no avail and instead giggled as it smacked them in the hands or face; apparently they were immune to such pain which was not a comforting thought to Hiccup.

He was led inside, his bags forgotten on the floor.

"I take it you guys missed me." He laughed as he found a seat at their table in the kitchen.

"Of course we did!" Elinor gasped, "And tonight we're having your favorite!"

"Liver and onions?" he smiled happily, gaining a look from Merida.

"No." Elinor sighed, rolling her eyes, "Smoked salmon."

Hiccup smiled. As much as he loved liver and onions, his mom always made the best smoked fish; salmon being his top choice, "Thanks Mom!" he told her happily.

She grinned and then turned to chastise the triplets about sneaking into cupboards.

Merida sat next to Hiccup at the table while Fergus sat on his other side. He immediately got to work asking Hiccup about the Theta's to which Hiccup was happy to tell him all about the rush events. Fergus' eyes lit up as Hiccup talked about his brotherhood. He knew Hiccup was already going to fit in well. It sounded as though Hiccup were a top choice which he remembered being very good, yet very trying position once pledging came around. But he knew he'd ruin everything if he told Hiccup about pledging. He wanted Hiccup to experience it for himself.

"Ah…" Fergus sighed once Hiccup had finished talking about the many rush events that were going on, "I remember my rush events. The bonfire is tradition, but some of the new activities have changed obviously. They want to keep with the times of course, and uphold laws, if you know what I mean…" he winked, chuckling.

"Lord, I hope they don't make you do anything dangerous." Elinor commented, "I've heard terrible stories of boys who've died or been severely hurt during those fraternity things."

"Ach!" Fergus laughed, waving a dismissive hand, "Nothing bad, Elinor, times have changed. Besides, it's what weeds out the boys from the men." He advised Hiccup.

Hiccup couldn't help but feel slightly confused and nervous at that comment but let it slide. Of course they wouldn't make them do anything dangerous to hurt them. There were laws in place now for that sort of thing…right?

His mother came over and set down some cookies and Hiccup had to make sure to snag at least three for the triplets before Merida and Fergus gobbled them all.

"Oh!" Elinor said at the kitchen, "I almost forgot; Gwen called to see if we wanted to join them at the harvest festival tomorrow. Hiccup would you want to go? I know you and Jack may have plans, but-"

Hiccup shook his head as he swallowed his cookie quickly, "That's okay, Jack doesn't even know that I've come home. I'm going to surprise him. What better way than tomorrow right?" he grinned.

Elinor chuckled, "You boys." She then turned and continued, "Jack has been such a blessing to me. Taking care of Merida and Toothless, keeping in touch with you and telling me all about how you're doing…"

Hiccup frowned a little. He was still unsure about how he felt knowing Jack was really taking over things down here without him. It sort of felt…strange. He was so used to helping around here and all of a sudden, he was thrown into a whole new world, it was almost like he was slowly being excluded from everything.

He tried not to let it bother him when he suddenly remembered what he'd wanted to talk to his parents about.

He cleared his throat, "Say, Mom…Dad…uh…can I talk to you about something…private for a sec?"

Fergus and Elinor gave one another a worried glance and then nodded.

"Merida, dear," Elinor said as he picked up two of the boys, "You can use the computer now."

Merida was off the chair in a flash and running to her dad's office. She was only allowed to play on the computer for a certain amount of time and usually under supervision.

Elinor managed to put the twins in the family room and set up the gate so they wouldn't escape.

She came over and sat down next to Fergus and Hiccup put his hands on the table, taking a breath.

"What is it lad?" Fergus asked softly.

Hiccup finally looked up at them, "I want to change my last name." he said firmly.

They gasped and looked at one another, quite at a loss for words.

"I want to be a Dunbroch." He said as well, "Like you."

"Hiccup…that's a big step…are you sure you want to?" Elinor asked him.

Hiccup nodded, "I've really thought about it and…I'm ready."

Fergus smiled, "You know son, you've always been a Dunbroch; names don't mean anything necessarily."

Hiccup smiled as well, "I know, and I can't thank you both enough for everything you've done for me…but I just…I'm ready."

They nodded and Elinor took Fergus' hand, smiling warmly at Hiccup, "Very well, we'll help you with that."

"It may take a while, lad." Fergus said, rubbing his neck, "I'm not sure how all that works, but it could be months. Can you wait that long?"

Hiccup nodded quickly, "Yes, I'm even willing to wait until the end of this school year if that makes it a little easier."

Elinor nodded, "Then we'll shoot for that, yes."

Hiccup felt a sense of relief as he took a breath.

"Have you spoken to your father any?" Fergus asked him.

Hiccup shook his head.

Fergus simply nodded, "I know he cares about you, and he'll love and support you no matter what you decide."

Elinor finally stood and brought Hiccup's head to her chest warmly, "My brave boy." She sighed.

Hiccup wrapped his arms around her chest and smiled as he breathed in the smell of cookies, baby formula, and for some odd reason a strange scent that had always enshrouded Elinor since the day she wrapped him in her arms. Hiccup never did figure out what that scent was, but it always reminded him of earth. She hardly went outside being cooped up with children all the time, and yet, she smelled as though she belonged to the world outside, free and regal. He loved it. He missed it.

She let go and put his face in her hands to look at him lovingly. All he could do was grin at his mom, the only woman he ever really remembered being the one to support him through all of his ouchie's and bad days. He missed his real mother, but over time, he just came to love Fergus and Elinor as his parents, never really battling with the decision to make them his. It just…felt right.

The oven beeped and she jumped a foot in the air, dropping his face and rushing to the oven. Hiccup chuckled at the normalcy of it all. It really had felt like ages…

…..

Jack was so relieved he'd brought headphones. He sat in the back seat next to Punzie who was singing along with Max and his mother who were both up front singing 'Down by the Bay' terribly.

He pulled his blue hood up and groaned, turning his music up.

"Come on, Jack!" Max laughed, "I used to sing this with you!"

"I don't remember that." Jack commented as he turned his volume down.

"Did you ever see a whale with a polka-dotted tail?" Punzie shouted.

"Down by the bay!" Everyone shrieked, causing Jack to flinch.

He prayed they would get to the festival soon. They were meeting up with the Dunbroch's and Jack had been dragged along, his mother insisting he help with all the children. She even promised to pay him just so he'd come. He had a feeling she just wanted to spend time as a family. Jack couldn't say no of course to his mother's wishes.

He was relieved when they finally got to the field designated for parking. Once he got out, he was impressed to see games and rides out as well as booths set up for fall crafts and snacks. He even saw a petting zoo sign. He hadn't been to one of these in ages and he smiled remembering a time when he had come here with his mom and dad. He'd ridden ponies and eaten candy apples and kettle corn until his stomach burst. His dad always managed to win him and his mom some prize at a game, his dad showing him a few tricks.

He looked over only to see his mom getting her purse ready while Max lifted Punzie onto his shoulders, smiling up at her.

Jack couldn't help but smile at his family. Sure he was still getting used to Max but he always managed to make his mom happy and Punzie laugh. And even Jack felt he was someone he could go to for advice. He never once felt that Max was taking over his family, but rather becoming a small part of it.

Jack took a breath, plastered a smile on his face and then walked over to stand by his mom, his hands in his pockets.

She looked up at him, first puzzled, and then grinned, giving him some cash, "I expect you to have fun today." She ordered.

He nodded and then walked with his family to the festival. They were just starting to take a look at some of the art displays when he heard Merida's usual shriek.

"Merida!" Punzie yelled, her rump going up and down on Max's shoulders. He winced as she clutched his hair, nearly tearing it out.

"Punzie!" Merida yelled back, rushing forward.

"Merida! Get back here!" Elinor yelled as she carried one of the twins in a carrier and two more in a stroller. Fergus followed behind her, obviously designated to carrying bags and looking disgruntled.

Jack grinned at the sight as he ran to meet Merida halfway and pick her up, giving her a piggy back ride, "Squirt one of these days you're gonna get lost!" he warned.

She giggled, obviously ignoring him.

He shook his head and chuckled as he waited for the Dunbroch's. He put Merida down so she could be properly scolded by her mother about running off.

While everyone seemed to catch up, Elinor of course giving Jack a hug first, he stayed off to the side, preparing himself for a day of watching kids until he felt someone poke him from behind.

He turned and actually jumped back in surprise as his boyfriend stood there grinning in a dark green hoodie.

Hiccup laughed at Jack's expression and then smiled, "Surprise!"

Jack stared at him as though he were dreaming. Hiccup was actually here?!

Hiccup seemed to be enjoying the look on Jack's face as he kept grinning. Little did he expect for Jack to rush to him and pull him in for a kiss. Hiccup gasped in surprise, his eyes wide as Jack's hands held tight to his face, his lips on his own, looking content for the entire world to see.

They broke apart very quickly of course, due to children being present as well as other people.

"Hi." Jack smiled, breathless.

"Hello yourself." Hiccup muttered, still in shock over the sudden kiss.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Jack asked suddenly.

Hiccup grinned, "I wanted to surprise you. We are celebrating our one year this weekend after all."

Jack looked puzzled for a moment, "But you said you were busy…that we'd have to wait…" he said.

Hiccup shook his head, grinning, "How could I pass up coming to see you on the anniversary of the day we first met?"

Jack was obviously still recovering from the fact that his boyfriend was standing before him, "You little snot!" he laughed, "I get dibs on surprising you for our December anniversary." He warned.

Hiccup rolled his eyes; Oh his boyfriend, ever the one with spoiling surprises.

"Okay you two," Gwen said, coming over, "You both go on and enjoy yourselves; we'll be meeting back here in two hours for lunch."

"Mom, did you know Hiccup was coming?" Jack asked her.

She grinned, "I don't know what you're talking about." She shrugged innocently, walking away with the others, "Be good!" she called over her shoulder.

"Call if you need anything!" Elinor called as well.

"Wait…so I don't have to babysit?" Jack asked himself out loud.

Hiccup snorted and then took his hand, walking towards the game area, "Something tells me you didn't have any coffee this morning."

"Hey! That's a staple in my diet!" Jack defended, entwining his fingers with Hiccup's as they walked, his shock slowly ebbing away and his initial morning gloom. He was now grinning happily as he walked with his boyfriend, almost as though no time had passed between them.

"I don't know about you…but I could really go for something fried." Hiccup commented.

And with that, the search for the best deep friend concoction began their journey at the fair.

….

"I can't believe you let my sister paint your face." Jack laughed as Hiccup was forced to walk around with a rainbow on his cheek. They had gone over to the kid's area to see their sisters and Hiccup's brothers for a bit and they were actually letting kids paint faces and pictures, so of course Punzie was in her element. Jack would have warned Hiccup not to let Punzie choose the picture, but he was too busy laughing his ass off at the irony. And they both knew Hiccup wouldn't take it off until he went home because he was too nice.

Of course, Hiccup was ever helpful when they visited the petting zoo and the goats wouldn't leave Jack alone, nipping at his hoodie. Little did Jack know that Hiccup had planted crumbs in Jack's pockets when he wasn't looking. So for nearly ten minutes Jack was running around the petting zoo avoiding the flock of animals that seemed to have it out for him.

They'd only been there for a few hours when Jack decided he was going to win his 'maiden fair' a prize.

He stepped up to some whack a mole game and seemed a little too into the game as he pounded the thing angrily. Those damn critters mocking him got his dander up for no reason.

Hiccup was snorting as Jack's face contorted in anger and frustration once the game got trickier. His not so patient demeanor paid off however and Jack was pleased to present Hiccup with the ugliest stuffed turkey he'd ever seen.

Hiccup took it and grinned up at his boyfriend, he was about to kiss the brave and noble knight who'd managed to whack moles in his honor when he suddenly felt a fist collide with his back, knocking him into Jack.

"Ow!" he grunted, turning angrily to face whoever had thrown the punch.

He was surprised to see Snot standing there, grinning broadly, "Surprised to see me, dweeb?" he laughed, "Nice rainbow."

"Ha ha." Hiccup muttered, rubbing his now sore back. He grinned however when Sandy came up and chastised Snot in sign. He grinned sheepishly at her and nodded.

Jack then ran up and picked her up for a fierce hug. He'd seen her off and on around town, but because of their school schedules both were pretty busy and she was working more at the deaf school these days. They didn't get to see each other as often as they'd liked, so he was ecstatic to see her here today.

Hiccup hugged her just as fiercely. He'd missed her sweet smile and sometimes it was just so hard to find a person as kind as Sandy. She looked incredible. Her long flowing hair had grown quite a bit so it waved gracefully all down her back. She'd managed to put it in an orange headband for the occasion to match her bright orange knitted cardigan over a cream colored shirt. Hiccup wasn't quite used to seeing her in snug jeans, due to the fact he'd always seen her in skirts, but today she looked like a fall goddess. And Snot looked as though he were the luckiest guy on the planet the way he stared at her. He hadn't changed much, but he'd obviously shaved and gotten a haircut since he'd last seen him, giving him a more gentlemanly appearance. His black t-shirt was the only evidence that he was still a thug at heart. Hiccup also noticed he'd put on some muscle and he could only assume it was the police academy training.

"You guys here on a date too?" Snot asked them, his hand going protectively around Sandy's waist. She seemed to relax into his side as she beamed at them.

Jack nodded and pointed to Hiccup's new turkey, to which Sandy giggled silently at, her hand going to her mouth to hide her smile.

"Nice pet." Snot commented as he gave the thing a look, "Man I hate turkeys. Those suckers are mean."

Sandy elbowed him softly and he smiled at her.

She suddenly signed excitedly, "WE, ALL-OF-US, TOGETHER, GO TALK, LET'S-GO."

They agreed and decided to find a picnic table to sit at and catch up.

As Hiccup and Jack caught the other two up to speed on their doings, Hiccup couldn't help but notice at one point Sandy look off at something and actually tense up a little. No one seemed to catch it but him it seemed, because she was quickly back to her usual and smiling self in no time. Snot's arm was around her in seconds though and Hiccup wondered if he felt her tense up. He was curious to ask her what was wrong but decided against it.

Snot quickly caught them up to speed about how he'd managed to take some tests and get into a police academy school while Sandy was still tutoring at the deaf school and taking classes to become a teacher. They were still happily going out however and saw one another every week to go out and do something as a couple.

They seemed very happy and comfortable with one another, more so than ever. Hiccup thought about how nice it must be to be able to just be together and not worry about distance.

It was starting to get a little late and the fair lights were turning on, brightening up the whole place. They decided to head their separate ways to finish their time at the festival.

Snot shook their hands and then led Sandy off, his face showing how happy he was. Hiccup was glad to see it. After all those years being tormented by Snot, it was nice to know that they were friends now and he was happy and doing well for himself. It just went to show that you never can just judge a person until you get to know them.

Jack led him off to walk around some more, both sharing a giant bag of kettle corn; of course Jack was hogging it.

"Hey…" Hiccup started, "Did you notice Sandy get nervous about something at one point?"

Jack nodded, "Yeah."

Hiccup stared at him, "What was that about?"

Jack narrowed his eyes and looked around quickly, "You can't say anything to anyone." He warned.

"I would never do that." Hiccup promised, his own eyes narrowing.

Jack sighed, "I've known about this since that time we all went dress shopping with Astrid." Jack admitted.

Hiccup thought back and remembered that day when Sandy had been crying and signing to Jack about something. Jack had looked concerned but didn't say anything to anyone.

"What happened?" He asked.

"You remember Damien?" he asked Hiccup.

Hiccup nodded, "Yeah, they dated for a while. He was a nice guy."

Jack glared and shook his head, "No he wasn't. Total wolf in sheep's clothing."

"What?" Hiccup gasped.

"Sandy told me that he'd been stalking her. He was still texting her and she'd had to change her number and contact information. She was too afraid to go to the cops because he wasn't threatening her or anything, but I guess he was insulting her a lot and showing up at random places she was at. It could have been coincidence but she didn't like it."

"Does Snot know?" Hiccup asked.

Jack shook his head, "She was too afraid to tell him about it. She could have told him since then, but something tells me she hasn't."

Hiccup blew a breath, "Man." He muttered, "That really sucks. Poor thing."

Jack nodded, "I saw him as well, but didn't say anything."

"You mean he's here?" Hiccup gasped.

"Yeah, but she doesn't get as scared anymore because she has Snot now and she's been pretty independent."

"But still…you don't think he'll hurt her or anything do you?" Hiccup asked with concern.

Jack shrugged, "I told her she should still go to the police but it's up to her at this point."

"I hope she's okay." Hiccup commented.

Jack nodded, "I've been keeping in touch about it, making sure she's okay and all that. She seems fine."

Hiccup nodded sadly.

"Don't worry about it. He lives in Burgess, so she's bound to see him off and on, but she texted me a month ago saying she was feeling better and not seeing him as much." Jack said as they walked towards a gaming booth.

"Good riddance." Hiccup muttered. Jack couldn't agree more.

Jack simply leaned against the booth considering no one was playing the game. Hiccup got a chance to admire him a little as he looked up at all the lights. Hiccup could see a hint of worry in his blue eyes, and yet, there was a sense of rightness and Hiccup knew it was because Jack was happy to have Hiccup with him again. He almost dreaded leaving tomorrow.

"Hey, let's catch that Ferris Wheel!" Jack smiled as he grabbed Hiccup's hand and dragged him along.

Hiccup got a look at the rather beat up ride and felt hesitant, but with Jack pulling him along carrying a goofy smile that showed his cockiness with a hint of bravery, Hiccup somehow felt less scared.

The line was thinning due to people heading home, so they got right on as it took off. It was just the two of them inside a caged carrier that began taking them up. Granted it wasn't that high, but Hiccup was still able to see a lot of the fair still going on below them. Jack came over to squeeze next to him as they began to hit the top. Hiccup knew that they'd be stopping soon. He turned to look over at Jack who leaned in and kissed him deeply. Hiccup smiled through the kiss as Jack's hand began wandering up Hiccup's leg and into his hoodie. Hiccup's hand found Jack's hair as they kissed. It was becoming so familiar and yet every time seemed to feel better than the last.

They broke for a minute and Jack smiled, "I'm so glad I met you Hiccup."

Hiccup smiled and leaned into Jack, resting his head on his chest and wrapping his arms around him, "Happy one year, Jack."

Jack didn't need to say a word as he wrapped his arms around Hiccup and watched the world around him as they came back down to earth in the Ferris wheel. It felt almost real, the feeling of coming back down to earth. It was a dreadful feeling when the ride was over, reality coming back. But that was life, making room for the next riders and moving on to the next ride. Hiccup had to leave tomorrow, but Jack had at least had this moment, this day with him. It was all he needed.

"I love you." Hiccup said as the ride came to a halt.

Jack stood up and reached out his hand for Hiccup, smiling at him, "I love you."