A/n: Wow. I expected a couple of views and maybe a follow, but five favourites and nine follows? That's amazing!
(Edit: I can't believe I managed to get Meatlug's gender wrong! Thanks to guest for pointing that one out...)
Toothless stood in the forest just outside of Berk, watching a group of nadders fly past. Being the alpha dragon brought on a sudden influx of responsibility, mirroring his rider's own as chief. And, as neither had ever had any guidance, they were both trying to create a system that worked for them. Luckily it was easier for Toothless; dragons were far superior to and much less needy than the Vikings his Hiccup had to deal with.
Hey, Alpha!
I've told you Meatlug, it's Toothless. corrected Toothless, looking at the excitable gronkle, 'What is it now?'
I'm bored! Meatlug complained, Fishlegs is being boring again!
Toothless sighed. As part of his job as an alpha dragon, he accepted that he needed to help all the dragons under his care, but this? This was just ridiculous.
Go find another rider. Astrid'll probably go for a fly. Toothless suggested. He knew Hiccup's mate was willing to help from experience; despite his and Hiccup's best efforts, they sometimes failed to synchronise their free time. If Toothless was left without a rider, Astrid was always there to fill Hiccup's place.
You don't even need a rider... Toothless muttered, already knowing the response to that. It was common knowledge, even with the Vikings, that dragons much preferred to fly with someone; they all wanted to share the joy of flight with another. Meatlug was one of the many dragons impartial to one rider in particular, and she sometimes refused to let others on.
I'll go ask Hiccup! Meatlug decided to ignore Toothless's advice, bounding away into the forest. Toothless followed on foot as Meatlug began a slow hover over the trees.
He's too busy! Toothless yelled after the gronckle. And he's mine... he added privately, a surge of jealously flowing through him just thinking of another dragon enjoying Hiccup's company.
The shouts fell on death ears, and Meatlug continued straight into the village, where she found Hiccup and promptly squashed him.
"Hello... Meatlug..." Hiccup said weakly, arms twitching slightly under the gronckle's weight. The villagers that had previously been asking him of his plans for the next part of rebuilding laughed, shook their heads and left Hiccup to deal with the dragons.
After all, the first thing to know about dragons is that you never take their toy.
"Hey bud," Hiccup managed to peer out from his current captor to see Toothless. He could hear him too, crooning softly in equal parts concern and amusement. "I'm fine. Well, I would be if Meatlug would get off me."
Toothless took the signal and glared at Meatlug appropriately.
But... the dragon started, eyes pleading silently.
Get off him. Toothless ordered. He threw in his sternest glare for good measure, and Meatlug - however hesitantly - finally moved off Hiccup.
He was soon replaced by Toothless, hovering over his rider and checking him for injuries while Hiccup drew in deep breaths. After deciding that Hiccup would be fine once he managed to get enough oxygen again, Toothless gave him an affectionate lick.
"Ew!" As usual, Hiccup didn't much appreciate the gesture, "It still doesn't wash out, you know!" he reminded Toothless, who looked exceptionally pleased with himself.
Toothless gave a quick nod before crouching down, and Hiccup forgot his anger as he switched his leg and prepared to take to the skies.