Congratulations for rising to my challenge and earning another chapter! More at the end.
Tired and still mildly frustrated, Hiccup pushed open the doors to his room, and just stared. Someone had completely transformed the room.
The table he usually used as a desk was no longer covered in papers. Instead a fine linen tablecloth edged in lace covered the surface. Cast iron candlesticks rested on either side of a huge bouquet of wildflowers, white candles standing elegant and still unlit. Two places were set with fine dishes and goblets, silverware and napkins, and beside each plate was a small box.
Mark stepped out of the shadows. "We heard what happened this morning, with the king and the rug competition, but we didn't want it to spoil your anniversary." The cook also stepped forward balancing two small platters. "Do you like it?"
Hiccup let a smile split open his tired expression. "We'll tell you after dinner." Mark laughed and took the trays from the cook, transferring the deliciously seasoned fish onto the plates and adding a few other dishes to Hiccup's plate.
He lit the two candles and receded from view. "Call us when you're ready for dessert."
Hiccup smiled at his friend. As much as Mark liked to tease, the boy did have a few kind bones in him. The prince pulled out a chair for Toothless and she fluttered down into it from her position beside him. After he took his own seat across from her, both dug into the meal, frequently exclaiming over the delicious food. After the fish was about half finished, Hiccup sat back and noticed the box beside his napkin for the first time. Funny, he'd been keeping his gift for Toothless in one just like it. Was it…
Hiccup cracked open the look and peaked inside. There sat the gold pin on a bed of fabric fragments. Well, no time like the present. He picked up the small box, stood up out of his chair and walked over to Toothless' side of the table. "Happy anniversary," and set the box down on the side of her plate that wasn't already occupied.
He held his breath as she knocked off the lid with a wing tip and examined the tiny pin. Why did I have to make her a pin? Where's she going to put it? I should have gotten her a necklace. But that would have gotten tangled with her wedding one! I should have- the sensation of scales against his cheek pulled him from his mind and he looked down. Toothless was kissing him. He blushed bright red and froze where he stood until Toothless did something that sounded far too much like a laugh for his liking. The sound jolted him out of the love-struck daze and he unclasped the pin, winding it through the links on her marriage chain so that it hung beside the ring.
She picked up the unopened box that rested on the other side of her plate with both front paws. Hiccup realized what it was a moment later when she held it out to him. "Really, you got me something? Well, that's, uh…" she made that amused snort – or was it a huff mixed with a small roar?- as he took the box with a sheepish expression and opened it, setting the lid on the table. A beautiful green scale was strung on a bit of blue silk. "Toothless, I…" She flapped up from her chair, sending the candle flames dancing. She reached into the box, picked up the loop in her moth, and dropped it on top of his head.
Hiccup laughed at the bit of jewelry dangling over his nose as Toothless landed back in her seat. He untied the string and retied it behind his head so the silk encircled his neck, letting the beautiful pendent rest just below the hollow of his throat. "Thank you, Toothless." He laid a gentle kiss on her cheek, just as she had done and returned to his seat to finish the meal.
When they finished with the fish, Mark came forward and removed their plates, replacing them with two small ones and a platter of chocolate covered strawberries. But these were not the sorts of treats children make for some fun. These delicacies were covered in rich milk chocolate with white and dark chocolate drizzled over the top in elaborate swirls and patterns. The green tops had been removed for ease, and the firelight glistened off the candied tops, as pink as, well, strawberries. Hiccup eagerly grabbed one and was about to put it in his mouth when he got an idea.
He reached over the table and offered the berry to Toothless. Instead of taking it and putting it on her plate, she extended her neck forward and bit right into it. Hiccup laughed. "That works." Toothless seemed to think so too, because she hopped onto the table, grabbed a berry between her paws, and held it up to Hiccup. He leaned down and took a bite out of the offering. Then he decided to have a little fun. He took another bite, and this time, he just nipped the tips of her toes.
Toothless pulled back, chirping in both surprise and delight. Hiccup laughed at the movement and held out a chocolate confection. Toothless returned the favor and somehow fit the whole thing in her mouth at once, nipping at his fingers with her little gums. They finished the whole platter that way, teasing, biting, and generally having a splendid time. Mark removed the tray as the two got ready for bed, Hiccup changing into his night shirt and Toothless working the chain off her head. Soon the couple was fast asleep and those watching headed for their own rooms and blankets.
Toothless rose out of the bed, leaving her green dragon skin in between the sheets. She crossed the room in two strides and opened the door to her wardrobe, searching again for the loose floor board. Within minutes she'd popped it out and retrieved a black dragon skin from the small compartment. She opened the largest window in the room, something bigger than most people's doors, and wrapped herself in the black leather. Her ear plates twitched as she checked the magnificent wings and tail, ensuring that everything from her green eyes to her tail fins was in order. With a look over her shoulder at her sleeping husband, she dove into the night, determined to solve their rug problem in such a way that Stoick couldn't possibly find fault with either of them.
Did anyone notice the friend I brought back for this chapter? I wrote this because I think it helps develop their relationship from a friendly sort of thing to something more romantic. Did it work? Don't worry, plot kicks into gear again next chapter.
Congratulations for earning this! I love being able to do this, because the fewer chapters I have in reserve, the more this pushes me to write. You also get to read more. And please, feel free to criticize and ask questions.