Another week had gone by and Jack received only two messages from Hiccup in that time frame. He understood he was busy, but after everything that had happened, he just really needed to see him more than anything. He gathered what he could and decided to take a drive to visit his boyfriend. He couldn't seem to stop smiling at the thought of just seeing Hiccup again.

As he drove he smiled, remembering how his mom actually high-fived him after he confessed to beating up Pitch. She however, understood that it was serious and Jack probably really needed help for dealing with everything. He refused counseling however. He honestly thought just talking to Hiccup would work. It always worked; they got each other through it all. He just needed to sit down with Hiccup at a nice diner or somewhere private and talk about what happened. He needed to hear Hiccup's voice.

He was relieved when he reached the school, seeing students milling around and some gathering their things to go home for the weekend. It looked like just an average Friday on campus. He found a parking spot near Hiccup's dorm and couldn't wait to surprise him. He knew Hiccup's schedule so chances were he'd be in his dorm now. He waited for some students to let him in and then hiked up to his floor. He got to Hiccup's room and adjusted his coat a little and took off his hat, grinning like a love struck buffoon.

He knocked quickly and waited. Nothing happened. He tried knocking again a little louder, but once again nothing happened. He wondered if maybe Hiccup was still in class or doing something else. He frowned a little and then decided that the jig was up and texted him.

"I'm on campus, where are you?"

He pocketed his phone and leaned against the wall outside Hiccup's room. He was glad when it vibrated and he looked at the message quickly.

"You serious?! Why didn't you tell me?"

Jack chuckled and answered quickly, "Surprise!"

He waited with a smile until he received the next message, "Oh man, this is not a good time."

Jack frowned and wasn't sure how to take the message but Hiccup quickly texted him back, "You know I'm in the middle of pledging. Why did you come?"

Jack was not expecting this kind of a response and grew angry, "If you don't want me here, then just say it Hiccup."

"No! Jack, I'm happy you're here just not now."

Jack held back tears and walked out of the dorm, "Forget it. It was stupid to come. I'm going now."

He put his phone in his pocket and walked outside to the chilly air and bumped into someone and recognized Tuff right away who stared at him, looking exhausted but with a sudden recognition, "You Jack?"

Jack nodded, wiping his face.

"What are you doing here?" he asked curiously.

Jack narrowed his eyes and then walked away, "Nothing." He mumbled as he walked back to his car.

He felt his phone vibrate multiple times and he had a feeling Hiccup was calling him.

He was about to answer when he heard a knock on his car window and noticed Tuff looking nervous banging on it. Jack sighed and got back out of the car.

"Come with me." He said secretively and walked back to the dorm. That was the last place Jack wanted to be but out of curiosity he followed in spite of himself, ignoring the call from a frantic Hiccup.

Tuff had to use the stairs, which surprised Jack a little but he followed him none the less. Once back in Tuff's room he noticed how bare it was, like they hadn't been living there for some time. It kind of scared him a little.

"We've been staying at the Theta house during pledging." Tuff said quietly as he removed his coat and got out a bag, "I need to repack some things." He mumbled.

Jack nodded, not sure why Tuff wanted to speak with him up here when Tuff looked at him carefully, "Don't take any of this personally, but…pledging is a big deal and…well…you showing up out of the blue can get Hiccup into trouble is all."

Jack stared at him and almost laugh, "Why would I get Hiccup into trouble?"

"Because there are rules and the pledge master is a homophobe that can hurt Hiccup if he finds out." Tuff said quickly, staring Jack dead on, "And from what I hear, you've had experience with that."

Jack's stomach dropped as he stared at Tuff. He then grew angry and pulled out his phone, dialing Hiccup's number as he stormed out, "Thanks for the heads up." He spat.

"Jack!" Tuff called, but Jack was already down the stairs in two shakes.

"Jack?!" Hiccup yelled over the phone, sounding out of breath, "Jack! I'm so sorry, just listen-"

"No. You listen." Jack said in a dangerously low voice, "Why didn't you tell me that pledging could get you hurt for being gay?"

"What?"

"You know what happened to me, you were there and you still put yourself through that? What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"Please just listen to me-"

"I needed you and you choose this stupid pledging shit over me?! People who would hurt you for being who you are?"

There was silence and Hiccup moaned, "Where are you?"

"Gone." Jack hissed and hung up.

…

Hiccup stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and stared at his phone, not sure what just happened. It rang again and he answered it quickly, "JACK?" he yelled.

"It's Tuff."

"Oh God, what happened?" he practically sobbed.

"I am so sorry, Hiccup! I shouldn't have said anything until you got here but I-"

"Tuff, what happened?" Hiccup practically roared.

He heard Tuff sigh and explain to Hiccup what he'd told Jack, "I was just trying to protect you, I didn't think it would-"

"No, it's okay." Hiccup said, rubbing his eyes. They were all exhausted, not thinking clearly, and Tuff was only trying to look out for his brother. He understood that now going through two weeks of pledging hell. Jack on the other hand, didn't.

"Tuff, I need you to do something for me." Hiccup said quickly, "I need you to stop Jack's car, no matter what happens, he cannot leave Campus or…"

"On it." Tuff said, hanging up.

Hiccup put his head in his hands and as fast as he could without tripping on the ice, he sprinted.

….

Jack wiped his eyes as he sat in the car he'd just turned on. He had to take deep breaths to calm down and was about to call his mom or Max when he heard a loud bang next to his car. Tuff was back, practically banging on the car, nearly denting it.

Jack glared at him angrily and rolled down his window, "Would you stop wrecking my car?" he yelled.

"Don't leave!" Tuff gasped, looking out of breath. He wasn't even wearing a coat. This guy was officially insane in Jack's book.

Jack was about to put his car into drive when Tuff actually got on top of his car hood and held on, banging on it. Jack stared at him like he was a loon, which he probably was and forced himself to turn off his car and get out yelling at him, "What is wrong with you?!" Jack roared at him.

Tuff still sat on the car, crossing his arms and shaking his head, "I'm not moving."

Jack rolled his eyes, ready to sock the guy when he heard another voice, "JACK!"

He turned and his stomach clenched at the sight of Hiccup limping quickly towards him, looking beet red and out of breath.

"Hiccup! What the hell? Your leg!" Jack gasped, reaching out, "What are you doing?"

"You…you…" Hiccup gasped for air, hands on his knees.

"Okay, okay." Jack said softly. He hadn't wanted to cause Hiccup to hurt himself, he freaking loved the guy.

"I'm-I-I'm…s-sorry." Hiccup gasped as he looked up at Jack.

Jack's look softened and he realized he had been acting very angry these past few weeks with Valentine's Day approaching, "No…I'm sorry…" he mumbled, "I just…I…"

"Come here." Hiccup said as he grabbed Jack's hand and pulled him back to his dorm, Tuff following them and keeping a lookout.

"Hiccup is it really not safe that I'm here?" Jack asked him, "Cause I can leave, I-"

"No…" Hiccup said, "I owe you an explanation at the very least." He sighed.

Jack wanted to lead him to the elevator but was shocked they took the stairs, "Hiccup, you're leg."

"It's fine." He said quickly, but he was limping so bad, Tuff and Jack had to help him up one by one.

"Seriously, the elevator works." Jack said angrily to them.

"We can't use the elevator, Jack." Hiccup said, his face clenching in pain, "Just get me up and we'll explain."

Jack sighed and was relieved they made it back to his room, closing the door and depositing Hiccup on his bed. He sat up and Jack helped him with his prosthetic while Tuff looked through his drawers to find some painkillers.

Jack massaged Hiccup's leg like he used to when it bothered him and Hiccup reached over to touch his hair, "Jack, I'm so sorry…this is all just…it's so messed up."

Jack nodded, biting his lip, "Don't freak out over it okay?" he smiled sadly, "I'm just being a baby this week is all."

"I've been dying to call you and see you." Hiccup said as Tuff gave him the medicine, "But...we have rules during this thing and we all just wanna make it through alive." He chuckled.

"Why are you both doing it if it sounds that horrible?" Jack asked.

"Cause in reality, it is a lot of fun, once you get past your embarrassment and all that." Hiccup smiled, shrugging, "In the past two weeks, me and Tuff and the others, we've gotten closer, and even the other Theta's and Phi sisters have shown us that deep down, we don't have to be alone. Sure some of them are mean but so many of them have gotten us through a lot."

"So…does anyone know you're gay?" Jack asked, "Besides Tuff?"

Hiccup nodded, "All of my pledge brothers know and a couple of Theta's. But we don't want Dagur finding out."

Tuff nodded at that.

"Once pledging is over, I'm in the clear, but for now, it's don't ask don't tell." Hiccup explained, "And I'm really close to finishing this, Jack." He smiled, "I've worked my ass off with these guys and I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Jack found himself smiling as Hiccup described it. His eyes lit up and he heard the fondness for his new friends in his voice. He sounded tired but passionate, like he was becoming a stronger person and it made Jack happy to see him that way. He found himself nodding, "Okay."

Hiccup leaned over and hugged him, "It's almost done, Jack." He sighed, "I promise you I'm okay."

"You sound okay to me." Jack chuckled.

"Yeah, but you don't." Hiccup commented as he sat back on the bed. Tuff went back to his packing and Jack found a spot next to Hiccup and found himself telling Hiccup about his encounter with Pitch. Tears came to his eyes as he remembered the feeling of anxiety and pure unbridled anger as he whaled on the guy.

Hiccup watched him closely, holding his hand. And in truth he was worried about time, but Jack needed him right now. He squeezed his hand and leaned into him a little.

Jack finished talking and took a shuddering breath he'd been holding in.

"Sounds to me like the guy had it coming." Tuff commented, acting as though he wasn't listening.

Hiccup and Jack gave him a look and he shrugged at them.

Hiccup smiled and nodded to Jack, "I'm just glad you're not hurt."

"Yeah, but I feel like shit." Jack commented, "Mom thinks I need a shrink and all that."

Hiccup nodded, "They aren't so bad, remember when I needed one?"

Jack nodded, wiping his eyes.

"Will you do something for me while you wait for me to get through this crazy month?" Hiccup asked, knowing his time was almost up.

Jack nodded as he looked into his eyes.

"I want you to see a counselor. And then, I want you to come up in the beginning of March to spend the weekend with me. Can you do that?"

Jack was shocked at how directive Hiccup was, almost like a leader. It impressed Jack to see this side of Hiccup coming out, taking charge when Jack needed him to and giving advice. Usually Jack was the one who had to be there for Hiccup but in this instance, Hiccup was finally doing it for him. He had a strange feeling he'd be bottoming soon and that thought actually brought a chuckle to his lips, "Yes sir." He mock saluted and Hiccup elbowed him playfully and sat up, getting his prosthetic back on.

"We need to head back now. Can you drive okay?" he asked Jack.

Jack nodded, "I'm okay now."

"Text me when you get home." Hiccup ordered, "And don't ever hang up on me again like that." He narrowed his eyes dangerously.

Jack actually retreated a little and chuckled, "You got it."

Hiccup merely smiled, holding himself up proudly and standing up, nodding to Tuff, "You ready?"

"Yeah. I texted the guys, they're waiting for us. Big night cause all the Theta's are in mood." He laughed.

"Tell them to keep their cool and wait." Hiccup directed, taking charge once again, "Especially Dingwall, I know he gets anxious."

Tuff nodded and texted the group while Hiccup turned to Jack and hugged him tightly, "I love you." He said softly, finally leaning up to give Jack a kiss.

Jack held him and kissed back, relieved he could drive home knowing he'd gotten this moment with his boyfriend and saw this new side of him, "I love you too." He whispered back, "You really are a true Viking, you know that?"

Hiccup smiled and nodded, "I'm starting to come around to that idea, yeah."