Again, I am so sorry these updates are not as fast as they used to be. Chalk it up to senior year and internships kicking my butt a little. But rest assured I'm not quitting on the story and I will keep writing and updating as soon as I'm able. I can't thank you enough for your patience and really hope you love the fluff and cuteness to come.

Hiccup bundled up in his brown leather coat as he walked Toothless. The poor dog was so ecstatic that Hiccup was home, he hardly let Hiccup go anywhere without him now. Hiccup decided to make it up to him by taking a walk every day, snow or sleet.

Toothless loved the snow so it really didn't matter to the dog at all, half the time he just ate the darn stuff and rolled around until his black coat turned into a white one. Then he'd shake it off and make a mess once he came inside. It was just the kind of chaos Hiccup always expected when he came home, so he really didn't mind, considering he really did miss his dog. Toothless was his best friend and always had been. When Hiccup was learning how to walk with one leg, it was Toothless who helped him, never judging him or making him feel like he was slow or crippled. Toothless had always been the one to stay by his side and comfort him when he was crying about his dad or his mom.

And when it came time to decide if he would give up the dog, he found that he couldn't. Toothless was a part of him and always would be, shoot he still needed his dog in times of need, and he just wished he could take him to college, but unfortunately that couldn't be so.

Toothless barked at something up ahead and nearly ripped Hiccup's arm from his socket as he lunged happily.

"Whoa! Toothless! Stay! Bad! Stop! Halt!" Hiccup cried over and over, hoping to get his dog to settle down and keep himself from tripping face first into the snow.

Toothless was wagging his tail and whining and Hiccup squinted to see a figure walking towards him. He squinted his eyes against the cold and he hugged his green wool scarf tighter around his neck.

He tried to make out who the figure was in the white coat with fur on the hood. The person had their hands in their pockets and was wearing a gray and white stripped hat that covered long blonde hair. Hiccup could tell it was a girl based on the fur boots she wore and then it hit him.

"ASTRID?!" he called happily.

The girl smiled and ran towards him, her arms outstretched so she could hug him. He practically spun her around, but remembered he was holding a dog leash and could slip on the snow, so he stopped in time.

"I missed you so much!" he cried, tears actually coming to his eyes.

She hugged him tighter and smiled, "I missed you too."

"How are you? What's Harvard like?" he asked her excitedly.

She frowned and shook her head, her hands going into her pockets again; a sure sign that something was wrong. Hiccup knew the pose after years of being her best friend. When she was scared or had nothing to say, her hands retreated.

Hiccup's face fell for a minute. He looked around and then smiled warmly at her, "What do you say we go to my house? My mom's making hot cocoa. And Jack will be over later."

She brightened at that and nodded.

They walked back to his house in silence for a while and Hiccup could definitely tell there was something off about her. He'd never really seen Astrid look so…defeated. Come to think of it, this was the worst he'd ever seen her look. Upon closer inspection, her eyes were baggy and she wore hardly any makeup to cover it up. There were black smear marks that were fairly visible at the corners of her eyes, a telltale sign that she'd been crying. On top of that, she looked as though she'd lost weight. Even her hair wasn't as vibrant as it used to be.

They walked into his house and shook off all the snow, Hiccup removing his green hat and scarf and hanging them up with his coat. He managed to shake off his boots without losing his leg and then helped Astrid with her coat.

He released Toothless who bounded to the kitchen to search for scraps of food wherever they be.

Hiccup led her to the kitchen where his mother stood at the counter, mixing batter and making cocoa with cookies.

Merida was helping her decorate them while the twins stayed locked away in the family room watching a show to keep them entertained for maybe ten minutes at a time.

"Wow! Hiccup they got so big!" Astrid gushed.

"Astrid Hofferson! Is that you?" Elinor cried happily, rushing over to hug Astrid.

"Hi Mrs. Dunbroch! It's so good to see you." Astrid smiled.

"Aye dear, it's so good to see you too!" Elinor replied, hugging her tight, "How's your mother and father?"

"They're good." Astrid said, shrugging, then smiled at Merida, "Hi Meri! How are you?"

"We're making cookies! Want one?" Merida asked happily, holding up a blob of icing towered on one cookie.

"Maybe a little later." Astrid laughed, "But they look fantastic."

Merida smiled proudly and got back to work.

Elinor ladled some homemade cocoa into some mugs and Hiccup carried both out of the kitchen, "We're gonna go catch up in my room." He told his mother.

She didn't ask questions, considering she knew how close he and Astrid were as friends and that most likely personal topics would be brought up. Instead she nodded in understanding and went back to work.

Hiccup led her to his messy room, filled with luggage he was packing and unpacking off and on and homework he had yet to finish.

Hiccup found his desk chair while she sat on his bed, still looking forlorn.

"You wanna tell me why you look like Eeyore?" Hiccup chuckled as he sipped some cocoa. She did the same and then finally smiled weakly, shrugging her shoulders.

"How's school going?" he finally asked her.

She sighed, "It's not what I planned, that's for sure."

"Oh?" he pegged.

She nodded sadly, "I dropped out of Harvard." She finally admitted.

Hiccup actually choked on his cocoa, "What?!"

She looked up and he could see how frustrated and upset she was by this.

"Astrid you were so dead set on Harvard Law. Why?" he asked her.

She wiped her eyes and then shrugged, "It's just…the workload by itself was just so stressful and then I just realized how much I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life."

Hiccup nodded and got up to sit beside her.

"I stopped eating, I wasn't sleeping, and all I did was cry every night as I tried studying. Not only was I failing, I just had no passion for it. And the whole time I just kept thinking about how disappointed my parents were going to be and how embarrassed I was that I'd be the loser who had to quit law school."

"Why didn't you call me?" he asked her.

"Hiccup, I didn't even have time to call my own mother on her birthday." She sobbed, "Not to mention how distant Clyde and I became."

"Are you two still together?" he asked.

She shook her head, "I told him that it was better for us if we separated. The distance was just too much and I was such a mess."

Hiccup felt terrible. Astrid and Clyde were amazing as a couple and it really just hit home all the talk he'd received about distance killing relationships. It was a thought that always worried him and here Astrid was proof that it happened even to the best of couples.

She wiped her eyes again and took a breath to calm down.

Hiccup shook away his own selfish thoughts and put a hand on her leg for support, "What happened when you told your parents?" he asked her.

She choked on a laugh at that question, "Well," she started, "Mom was relieved, but Dad just thought I was being a baby."

Hiccup felt bad for her. He knew how stressed she must have felt inside, "I'm really glad you came home." He said firmly, "No matter what. If you're making yourself sick doing something you don't love then it's better to find what you actually love doing and go from there."

She smiled and nodded, "Yeah. My parents are slowly coming around. I've been applying to other places so I can start over."

"Where at?" Hiccup asked her, "And more importantly, what do you want to do?"

She chuckled, "Well…I had to take this Psychology course at Harvard and I really loved it. But I kind of just want to start over fresh so I'm looking at Nadder University."

"That's not too far from Changewing." Hiccup smiled, "You'll be close to home."

She nodded, "Yeah, I heard their Psychology program is really good. I don't know, maybe I'll find what I want to do there."

Hiccup nodded, happy for her, "You're gonna do great Astrid."

"Thanks Hiccup, I really missed you." She admitted, hugging him.

He hugged her back and smiled, "You have no clue how much I missed you."

"God of thunder! I'm such a dunderhead; I didn't even ask how you've been."

Hiccup laughed and smiled, "Well…I'm actually really having a great time."

And with that, he began regaling her with all of his experiences since they'd left for school. She listened intently as he talked about the Theta's, his friend Heather, his professors, even how his parents and siblings were doing. But once he started talking about Jack, Snot, and Sandy, she began to get nosier and asked tons of questions.

"So how are you and Jack doing?" she asked curiously.

"You could ask me yourself, Blondie." A voice said by the door.

She turned and both saw Jack leaning against the doorframe, smiling at Astrid.

"How long have you been eavesdropping?" Hiccup asked him with narrowed eyes. Jack looked at his wrist, pretending he had a watch on, "Oh…not long…I guess since you started talking about how wonderful Changewing is." He teased, "Oh Changewing! You're so glorious! I'd make love to you if you weren't a school! Smooch!"

"You're such a moron." Hiccup grunted as he rolled his eyes.

Jack laughed and winked as he came barreling in to hug Astrid, managing to pick her up and spin her around happily. She squealed and giggled as he put her down.

"God, you always make me feel like I'm five years old." She muttered, chuckling.

"That's my job!" he mock saluted her and then sat next to Hiccup, scooching closer, "So…what's the gossip ladies, I want the scoop!" he said dramatically.

Hiccup shoved him off the bed and threw a pillow at him, "No! My friend, get your own!"

"Boys, boys!" Astrid chimed in, picking up her own pillow, "You can both be my friend. But the loser has to suffer! Hiya!" she shouted as she threw her pillow with deadly force at them.

"Crap! We're dead!" Hiccup shouted, ducking for cover, "Astrid is a nightmare with pillow fights!"

"You started it!" she laughed, picking up more ammo, leaving both boys defenseless.

"What are you guys? Seven?" Hiccup joked, trying to shield himself and using Jack's leg as defense.

"A pillow fight!" A tiny voice cried out, interrupting the teenagers at play. They turned to see both Merida and Punzie looking excitedly into the room.

"Oh no…" Hiccup groaned, going pale. If they thought Astrid was deadly with pillows…

"Get 'em!" Merida charged, Punzie giggling right behind her.

Jack quickly rolled and trapped Punzie around the legs, sending her toppling down onto him.

Merida pounced in the air and was caught by Astrid who lifted her onto her shoulders kicking and flailing.

Hiccup was safe… until Toothless came charging in; barking and drooling as he bounded onto his master happily, licking his face and wagging his bushy tail.

Everyone was pretty satisfied with the outcome and finally settled down so the girls could go play and the teens could head out.

Back at the front door, Jack was helping Astrid with her coat before Hiccup came over to give her a hug, "I'm glad you're back, Astrid." He told her, "I know you're gonna do great at Nadder."

She nodded and hugged Jack before she opened the door and walked out.

Jack smiled, "You're right, she's gonna do fine there."

"I don't remember telling you about-"

"Clyde calls me off and on." Jack told him.

Hiccup's eyes widened, "He knows?"

"He knew from the start." Jack nodded, "Apparently they're still friends, but not together anymore. Poor guy's pretty broken up about it, but he's staying where he's at so chances are we won't see him for a long time." Jack admitted sadly.

Hiccup felt badly about that as he put his hands in his pockets, "Boy that sucks. For both of them."

Jack nodded again and then wrapped his arm around Hiccup's waist, smiling encouragingly, "They're gonna be fine and so will we." He told him confidently.

Hiccup smiled at that and then realized that tonight Jack had planned to take him out to dinner, "So where's this special place?" he asked excitedly.

Tonight was indeed special, considering that one year ago today, Jack had asked Hiccup to be his boyfriend and Hiccup had first told Jack that he loved him.

"Get your coat and come on, slowpoke!" Jack teased as he ruffled Hiccup's hair and grabbed his blue coat and wrapped a badly made silver and white scarf around his neck. Hiccup used to tease him until he found out that Jack's mom had attempted to crochet it so he never mentioned it again.

Hiccup followed him out, shouting to his mom that he'd be back later.

Once in the car, Jack gave him a small pink cloth. Hiccup stared at it for a moment, wondering what on earth he was doing.

"It's Punzie's scarf." Jack chuckled, "Put it over your eyes, because it's a big surprise."

Hiccup groaned, "Seriously?"

"Yes! Don't you trust me?" Jack teased.

"No." Hiccup deadpanned.

Jack's mouth shot open and he was about to tell Hiccup how hurt he was by that when he saw Hiccup's mouth quirk up at the corners and he put on the blasted thing.

Jack waited until Hiccup had secured the scarf around his eyes and decided to quickly give him a peck on the lips before he drove off. He kind of liked Hiccup blindfolded. It made him a little sexier for some reason.

"Will you just drive?" Hiccup whined.

Jack laughed and took off. He had to admit that he too was getting excited for the big surprise.

He turned on the mix tape Hiccup had made for him and Hiccup smiled, "Does this mean I converted you?"

"Nope." Jack smiled, "But it is a special day, so I'm spoiling you. But just for today!" he told him.

Hiccup crossed his arms, "I'm still determined to make you a Flogging Molly fan."

"Yeah? Well I'm still hell bent on getting you hooked on my music." Jack smiled. That was the other surprise for Hiccup. He hadn't told him about the movie he would be starring in at school. His friends were all doing their part and Jack was almost done with his song. By winter semester, they'd be ready to film it.

Jack smiled when he reached the parking lot of the zoo. It was evening time and growing very dark. Luckily he'd preordered tickets for the event so they could go right in.

He parked and then told Hiccup to remove the blindfold. Hiccup took it off, but all he saw was dusk and a bunch of parked cars.

"Umm…" he thought aloud, "Please tell me we aren't at a mosh pit or something."

Jack elbowed him playfully, "No, doofus! Get out and make sure you bundle up."

Hiccup got out and squinted to see the main gates up ahead and finally recognized the setting, "Are we seriously at the zoo?!" he gasped, "What is this? A field trip?" he laughed.

Jack grabbed his hand and pulled him along to go ahead of people waiting in line. He showed the teller their tickets and they walked in. Hiccup suddenly noticed that lights were being turned on and he remembered that the zoo had light shows all over the exhibits during Christmas. They called it the Burgess Zoo Lights, and to be honest, Hiccup had never gone before.

"I forgot they did this." he whispered as he squeezed Jack's hand through his brown gloves.

Jack had managed to pull his white cap out to cover his hair and keep his ears warm while Hiccup stared around at the crowds of people getting prepared to watch the lights turn on.

Jack led him to a spot in front of the pond and they squeezed together so they could be the first to see the lights on the water.

Hiccup took that time to put on his brown and green checkered cap. Truth be told he could handle the cold, but it never hurt to bundle up.

Jack rested his hand on Hiccup's waist and brought him even closer. Hiccup couldn't help but put his arm around Jack as well and lean into him.

As soon as the sun fully set, the lights on the water shimmered to life, sparkling in different colors and making the lake look almost like a mermaid's dream. It was incredible.

And sure enough, all the light displays covering trees, in shapes of different animals, lit up as well, some animated and moving. People clapped as Christmas music played and the lights went off in different colors to the beat of the music. Jack grabbed Hiccup's hand again and both began their long walk around the zoo to look at the different exhibits.

Hiccup was in awe of all the lights. All the work that must have been done was incredible and well thought out. And not to mention there were so many. The animals that were still awake and walking around in their exhibits didn't seem the least bit phased by the display. Hiccup had a feeling they were used to it.

All the time, Jack kept his hand entwined with Hiccup's and stared in amazement around him. He'd come here before years earlier with his mom and sister and he remembered loving it. But when he saw all the couples so happy and in love, the lights giving their night more of a romantic feel, it made him wish he had that somebody to share a moment with. And now he could and he was definitely glad that it was Hiccup.

He finally reached the bear exhibits and both leaned on the gate to see if the bears were out and about. Jack finally looked over at Hiccup whose mouth had hardly closed since they got there. He was smiling in wonderment at atmosphere around them. Jack found he couldn't take his eyes off of Hiccup's face. His eyes were glowing from the excitement and curiosity, almost like a child who discovered a magical creature. Jack loved how happy Hiccup was and couldn't help but feel proud of himself for picking such a great place for their anniversary.

"Jack this is incredible…" Hiccup said breathlessly.

Jack smiled and nodded, "This isn't even the best part." He said and took Hiccup's hand again and prayed the spot was still there.

He and Punzie had come across it while waiting for their mom to get them some snacks and hot drinks. Because the lines were so long, they did a little exploring and promised to come back in ten minutes. Only they'd found a part of the zoo they were surprised no one had stumbled upon before. Of course, the walkways were all lined up with lights leading the way to exhibits and Jack had a feeling that because there were no events in the area he and Punzie had found, no one really took notice of it.

He smiled as he recognized the vending booth selling hot food and drinks with a line that seriously looked like it took forever. He then led Hiccup back behind a thing of lights and then into some trees and bushes that blocked off a part of the zoo no one seemed to know about.

Hiccup was curious as to why they were breaking zoo rules when he stared in awe at the most beautiful display of lights he'd ever seen.

It was a frozen pond that had a gate surrounding it; lights were covering the trees, some trickling down like icicles. Other lights were scattered around and gave off an incredible reflection in the water, surrounding the enclosed scene completely. The ice on the pond reflected all the twinkling lights making the whole place look like a winter wonderland; an enchanted ice forest. Hiccup was fully aware that in this magical spot that Jack was showing him, it was just them; together.

Jack kept a tight hold on Hiccup's hand and walked him down to get a closer look. He found a small bench covered in snow and quickly wiped it off so he and Hiccup could sit and stare at the scene before them. It was absolutely enchanting; Hiccup seriously couldn't think of a better word to describe the scene before his eyes. All he could do was sit next to Jack and feel completely removed from the world, his worries gone for the moment as he felt safe and secure with the love of his life.

Forget distance, forget pledging panic, and forget friends warning him about the impending doom of relationships ending. Jack was the one Hiccup loved. He couldn't imagine anyone better.

Jack put a hand in his pockets and seemed to be fiddling with something in there, but Hiccup didn't really notice, because at that moment, he had eyes only for Jack's face.

Jack could see those emerald eyes gazing into his sapphire ones, tears forming but refusing to fall. Hiccup's freckles were being covered by the blush from the chilly air. And yet, Hiccup was strangely warm and smiling one the most sincere smiles Jack had ever seen him give.

Jack couldn't resist grinning back and finally pulled something out of his pocket.

Hiccup looked down and his eyes widened when Jack held a small black box in front of them.

Jack swallowed and finally took a breath, "Hiccup…I know we've only been together a year and the distance has been…well…not fun…"

He was suddenly panicking as he tried forming the words. Hiccup stared at him; whether it was from shock or patience Jack had no clue, but he had to keep going.

"Hiccup…I love you, so much." Jack continued, "And I cannot imagine my life without you."

"Oh God…" Hiccup moaned worriedly.

"Relax it's not a marriage proposal." Jack chuckled.

Hiccup sighed with some relief but couldn't help but wonder what he was doing.

Jack got down on one knee suddenly and opened the box.

Hiccup could see a simple silver band that had a dragon design engraved into it.

"I thought you said this wasn't a marriage proposal?!" Hiccup gasped.

Jack merely smiled, "It's not. It's a promise."

"Like a promise ring?" Hiccup asked.

"Hence the ring…and the word promise." Jack laughed.

Hiccup stared at the band and then took off one of his gloves to look at the ring. He looked inside the band and could indeed see the words "This I Promise You" on it.

Hiccup looked up and smiled at Jack, putting the ring on his right ring finger and nodded. He knew that the conventional method was the left hand, but it would have felt too soon and he really didn't want people bugging him about it. Jack understood and nodded happily as the ring seemed a perfect fit. More than anything Jack was just relieved the freaking thing fit.

Jack grinned and finally got up, his knee soaking. He held out his hand to Hiccup and pulled him up.

Hiccup clasped his hand tightly and smiled back at his boyfriend, waiting for the kiss that would seal the deal.

Jack leaned down on cue and Hiccup clasped his neck to bring him in closer. Jack nearly stumbled, but righted himself quickly and put his hands around Hiccup's waist. Hiccup felt every single doubt and worry leave his mind completely this time as their lips entwined.

And Jack had never felt more alive than in that moment with Hiccup. He broke from the kiss, feeling a need to just hold Hiccup instead. Their foreheads touched lightly and Jack closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of knowing that Hiccup was his. It was a very scary feeling, wondering if Hiccup would even accept the damn ring, but Jack knew from the minute Hiccup had told him a year ago that he loved him that he was the one.

"Jack…" Hiccup whispered softly into Jack's neck.

"Hmm?"

"Meet me in two days at our spot."

"Why?" Jack asked curiously.

"Just do it." Hiccup grinned, "I'll have a late anniversary gift for you by then."

Jack smiled and nodded, "Anything for you."

Hiccup looked up and kissed Jack's lips once more.

Jack held him tighter and then realized how much Hiccup was shivering. He rubbed his arms and then kissed his forehead, "I don't know about you, but a seriously hot drink sounds amazing right now."

Hiccup tried to keep his teeth from chattering, "S-sorry I'm s-such a wimp." He chuckled.

"It's okay, as long as you're my wimp." Jack smiled, leading him back up the path. Hiccup stared down at his right hand to look at the shining ring on his finger. He wondered where Jack had found it, or if he made it.

They reached the path again full of people filing around and it seemed Jack had read his mind, "My friend Ana is in fashion at school. I'd asked her if she did jewelry and lo and behold she did. She just instructed me to find the band and she'd do the rest.

"It's…incredible." Hiccup smiled, looking back down at his hand, "I love it, Jack."

Jack smiled, "I told her you liked dragons so she did that part. She's pretty talented."

Hiccup smiled and nodded, "I'm never taking it off, tell her she did a fantastic job."

Jack laughed and then paused in the middle of the walkway to pull Hiccup closer and look down at his rough and freezing hands, the tips were turning pink from the chill. He brought the hand to his lips to try and warm them and Hiccup blushed.

"It does look good on you." Jack admitted, "Even if it's not on the left hand yet."

Hiccup frowned worriedly, "Is that okay? I just-"

"No!" Jack interrupted, "It's totally fine, I honestly think it's a good idea. Less drama and less of a marriage proposal feel to be honest."

Hiccup was relieved and nodded, "It just feels right on this finger."

"You might as well save the other hand for the engagement ring anyways." Jack chuckled.

Hiccup smiled and looked up at his boyfriend happily, putting a hand around Jack's neck. Jack practically yelped from how cold his hand felt, but didn't get a chance when Hiccup leaned closer to him. He was so close they could feel one another's breath in the dark, "You better like the one I'm getting for you."

Jack chuckled when Hiccup broke from him and then frowned as he was suddenly pulled along. He realized that Hiccup was seriously going to get him a promise ring too. As excited as he felt about the whole thing, he didn't really want to show it. He hadn't intended on getting a ring as well, but Hiccup was going to get him one. It was honestly one of the best presents he was going to look forward to.

Jack was so lost in thought he didn't realize that Hiccup had led them into the reptile house part of the zoo. It was much warmer inside and there were spots for them to sit down and catch their breath.

They found a bench next to an exhibit that held chameleons and Hiccup finally looked up at Jack, holding his hands and trying to warm up, "Jack…I'm not gonna lie, I've been really worried about us breaking up."

"Why?" Jack asked, frowning.

Hiccup sighed and leaned into him, "It's just the distance aspect. I've felt so apart from you and then everyone tells me how it never works out and I was just so scared that…"

"That I wouldn't be able to handle it anymore." Jack finished.

"Yeah and same for me." Hiccup admitted.

Jack tightened his hold on Hiccup's hand, not sure what to say to this sudden confession.

"But after what you did for me tonight," Hiccup continued as he looked up at Jack, "I know now that I don't have to be afraid, because you will be here, waiting for me."

Jack smiled, "Does that mean I don't have to worry about you either?"

Hiccup shook his head, "No, you don't. I promise you that you are the one for me; the one I come home to."

Jack felt relief in hearing those words, he had to admit. He leaned in and put his head on Hiccup's shoulder and turned his head to whisper into his ear, "I will never stop being here for you."

Hiccup almost cried when he heard those words. He knew how true they were. Jack had always been there for him, he would always be there for him. It was comforting to know that even through the hard times, he had Jack ready and waiting to get him through it all.

"Jack…" Hiccup whispered, closing his eyes, "I love you."

"I know." Jack grinned.

Hiccup elbowed him playfully and then Jack laughed, "What do you say we go somewhere to get some coffee, maybe get warm."

Hiccup nodded and stood up; holding out his hand for Jack who took it without a moment's hesitation, "Take me home."

"Already?" Jack frowned.

Hiccup chuckled and shook his head, "No Jack…you're my home."

…

They walked into Jack's house. All the lights were off and Jack had a feeling his mom was still out with Max. Punzie was staying at a friend's house for the night, so his mom and Max had taken that opportunity to have a date night.

Jack helped Hiccup take off his coat and hung up their things, kicking off their wet boots to collect with the muddy pool of water surrounding all the other boots in the doorway.

Hiccup and Jack both had red faces that were slowly going back to a normal color as the warm air in the house permeated around them.

"This is good, cause I wanna show you something." Jack said, leading Hiccup upstairs.

Hiccup followed him, blowing into his fingers to get some feeling back into him. He still couldn't stop admiring his ring. He had a feeling the shiny thing would be the focus of his attention for a few months.

Jack's room was still as messy as it usually was, but Hiccup was surprised to see his guitar out, sheet music and crumpled paper were scattered by a trash bin, and books for school littering his desk.

Hiccup found a seat on the bed and watched as Jack got out a small notebook and held it in front of Hiccup's face proudly.

Hiccup raised his eyebrows at the slowly withering blue notebook, "That's…nice…" Hiccup said awkwardly.

Jack laughed and then opened it up to show Hiccup what was inside. As Hiccup flipped pages, he read what appeared to be song lyrics, each with titles.

"Forbidden Friendship…Romantic Flight…Dreamsand Miracles…Test Drive…Wind Take Me Home…" Hiccup muttered as he read the titles, "Jack these are incredible!" he smiled.

Jack suddenly showed Hiccup another page that had stars drawn around it.

"Jack's Center." Hiccup read, "Why is this one starred?" he asked.

Jack smiled, "I'm going to perform it for a music video my friends and I are making for a school project."

Hiccup beamed up at him, "For real?! Jack this is awesome! I'm so excited! When will it be on YouTube?" he said happily.

Jack laughed and then pointed to something written on the page, Hiccup looked closer and saw that it read 'this song is for Hiccup'.

He looked up at Jack who sat down next to him, "My uncle once told me a story about why he feels he was put on this earth. He says that there is something deep inside of all of us that gives us that drive and motivation to be who we are. He calls it a center. He used to tell me my center was fun…and trust me I believe him." Jack laughed, then rubbed the back of his neck and looked at Hiccup, "But when I met you…so much changed, some good and bad, but through it all, I became a better person. Someone who doesn't feel guilty anymore…that's because of you, Hiccup. You are my center. You are what keeps me going, what drives me to be the best I can be."

Hiccup did not know what to say as he stared at Jack. Jack was looking slightly awkward as he waited for Hiccup to respond. Hiccup leaned over, dropping the notebook and kissed Jack firmly on the mouth. When he broke from Jack, he smiled, tears forming in his eyes, "You don't need me to be your center Jack…you're amazing being who you are…but I'm not gonna lie…that makes me feel really, really amazing."

Jack wrapped his arms around Hiccup and pulled him down on top of him so they could kiss once more.

Jack's knee came up and Hiccup yelped, looking down.

"What?" Jack asked.

"Your knee is wet Romeo." Hiccup laughed.

"Oh?" Jack gasped looking down, "I almost forgot about that."

"You know what that means, right?" Hiccup said, raising his eyebrows.

"Why, I don't believe I do, please enlighten me." Jack smirked.

Hiccup unzipped Jack's pants for him and pushed them down without breaking eye contact with Jack. What he didn't realize was that Jack was already pulling up Hiccup's shirt for him. It was a bit of a tangled mess as Hiccup tried getting Jack's pants off while Jack removed Hiccup's shirt, but once the damage was started, they decided to just finish the job and remove all their clothes, giggling like maniacs as they did.

"Boy we suck at this." Jack admitted.

"No, you do." Hiccup laughed.

"Take it back mister!" Jack teased and Hiccup realized that Jack had his hand in a very…intimate spot.

Jack squeezed a little and Hiccup gasped, "You wouldn't dare." Hiccup challenged.

"Oh, but I would." Jack smiled mischievously, "Now, you were saying something about me sucking?"

Hiccup glared at Jack playfully, "So you want it like that, huh?"

Jack's eyes widened when Hiccup smiled victoriously, realizing that Hiccup's hand had managed to find Jack's tender spot as well.

Jack finally smiled, "Well played."

"The only question is…" Hiccup said, lowering his voice to a soft gravelly sound, "Who's gonna finish first?"

"Only one way to find out." Jack said as he lowered his head faster than Hiccup had seen him ever do and proceed to mess up his smart ass little boyfriend to the brink of the abyss.

…..

Hiccup's eyes opened groggily. He heard soft snoring and realized that his boyfriend was lying naked next to him, his arm wrapped around his torso.

Ah! That's what woke him up; Jack practically squeezing him to death.

"Jack!" Hiccup grunted in a whisper, "I'm not a pillow!"

Jack let go sleepily and then rolled over.

Hiccup's turn to play the big spoon now! He smiled feeling victorious about it all. He nuzzled Jack's neck happily and was thinking of waking him up when he heard sounds coming from down the hall. It then registered that Hiccup was still at Jack's house…in his bed…with Jack…NAKED!

"Shit!" Hiccup muttered, but stopped himself from getting up when he realized what the sounds were; and considering he and Jack were just making those noises hours earlier, he was pretty positive that was what he was hearing.

And since it couldn't possibly be Punzie Hiccup had a pretty good idea that it was most definitely Gwen and Max.

"Jack…" Hiccup whispered, shaking Jack.

Jack groaned sleepily, "Ignore them…they usually go to Max's place, but sometimes forget I still live here too."

"Jack, I need to go…" Hiccup said worriedly.

"No you don't." Jack mumbled, turning so he could bind Hiccup to him using his arms, "She doesn't even know you're here."

"Jack-!" Hiccup moaned.

"Just go back to sleep." Jack whispered tiredly and fell back into a deep slumber.

Hiccup rolled his eyes and realized he was indeed trapped considering Jack was his ride home.

He sighed and tried ignoring the sounds from the other room. He slowly untangled himself from Jack and considered borrowing his car to get home, but gave up. Jack would drive him home in the morning.

Hiccup sighed and closed his eyes, hoping nobody castrated him come morning time.

"Yo!" A voice said loudly, interrupting his sleep.

He was about to tell Jack to go back to sleep when he opened his eyes and realize it was morning. Very early considering the faint glow outside the window.

Hiccup looked up to see Max standing in the doorway of Jack's room. He was fully dressed and staring at Hiccup and then motioned for Hiccup to get up.

Hiccup turned beet red and untangled himself from Jack carefully.

Max left the room to give Hiccup privacy, considering his clothes were scattered on the floor.

Hiccup could feel himself getting more and more embarrassed by the minute as he finished dressing himself.

A knock on the door startled him and he turned around to see Max again, his keys in his hand, "I'll take you home." Max whispered through the door, "I didn't even see your car out there so I figured mutton head here stranded you."

Hiccup stared at the cop before him and saw a smile creep onto the man's face. Hiccup actually found himself chuckling and shaking his head in relief.

Hiccup turned to see Jack still asleep and couldn't stop himself from going over to give Jack one final kiss before leaving.

Jack was still sound asleep, snoring softly as Hiccup smoothed the hair from his eyes and bent down to kiss his forehead softly. Hiccup smiled as his lips touched Jack's skin, "Thank you." He whispered quietly and then got up to follow Max out the door.

The air was too brisk and Hiccup yawned as he climbed into Max's truck. Max was rubbing his eyes but turned on the car quickly to warm it up.

Hiccup was still feeling awkward as they drove, but Max seemed relaxed. Hiccup figured he was still happy about spending the evening with Gwen, not that Hiccup needed that image in his head.

When Max pulled up Hiccup's driveway, he turned to him, "Thanks Max." he smiled.

Max smiled back, shrugging, "Just be careful next time, Gwen won't be as nice as me." He warned.

Hiccup had to nod at that. Before he closed the door Max made one more comment that practically turned Hiccup a bright shade of magenta.

"Thanks for doing the walk of shame with me this morning, buddy."

It was official…Max was a true Overland. Gwen had found a keeper.