Saying that Toothless was stressed, was a terrible misunderstanding. The truth was he was terrified, spending the whole morning cleaning the apartment, to perfection. His hands shook, no matter what job he got in his hands, breaking one of the plates, already.

In a few hours, a psychologist was supposed to come, chosen by the city hall, whose task was to check if Tobias was capable of adopting a child. From what he heard, the person will review his house, his behavior, and everything that has importance in parenting themes.

Eventually, while turning off the stove, he jumped at the sudden ring of the bell. His heart stopped and dusting off his clothes, looking around if everything was in its place, he rushed to open the entrance for his guest. Weakly, he smiled at the pair of green eyes, belonging to the brown-haired, older woman, shocked by his sight.

"Mister Night?"

"Yes?"

"Good," she grinned at him, embarrassed. "I feared I mistaken the flats," she glanced from papers to the number attached to a wooden door, comparing the information. "Well, I was told you're eighteen."

"I am eighteen," he crossed his arms, gritting his teeth inside his mouth.

"Right, however, you don't look like that. You look older, way older," she chortled and before he could've replied, she grunted. "Why don't we start?"

Nodding, Tobias moved from the door, making a space for her, letting her pass inside. Afterward, when she dressed out of her jacket and hung it, she turned to him, handing him her hand.

"Mathilda Ack, the MCs in psychology."

"Tobias Night," he shook her hand, lightly.

"Okay, Tobias," she stepped from the hallway inside the living room. "Is the neighborhood safe?"

"I think so."

"Have you ever met a burglar? Are there any suspicious people around?"

"No, and I doubt that."

"Any arsons?" She nodded, glimpsing him raise his brow. "That means no," she hummed, noting everything down on the paper.

"Wasn't the first question the answer for all of them?"

"I know that these questions might seem annoying, but that's the protocol I have to follow," she moved forward after he nodded, understanding. "It's really clean in here," she glanced around, inhaling soundly.

"Thank you."

"And cozy," she peeked through the door gap in the bedroom. "There isn't anything for the child yet?"

"I was advised to not buy anything, just yet. It would be a waste, if I would, without making myself sure it would be used."

"Very well," Mathilda shot him a short peek, before looking to the side and pointing at the photo next to her. "Who are they?"

"They?" He signalized with his head at the picture and she nodded. "They are my parents."

"They look very happy here," she smiled, darting at him. "Do you keep any contact with them, still?"

"It's not possible," he tensed his shoulder, invisibly. "They died."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay," he exhaled soundly, loosening. "After all, life goes on and I have to keep pushing anyway."

"They must be proud of you. I mean, not oy you provided yourself with a healthy life, but also want to share it with an orphan. It's very meaningful."

"I guess so,"

"That's the truth from me," she gazed at him, beaming, and then at the object behind his back. "May we continue? I have more questions," she pointed behind him at the couch when he chuckled, quietly. "Let's sit."

"Sure, but before, are you hungry, miss? I made dinner," he revealed his open kitchen on his side.

"My dear boy, I'm always hungry," she muttered, moving to the couch. "Bring it on."

Sitting in the armchair, she observed his movements, while his back shivered at the event. Eventually, he brought two plates and place one before his seat and one before hers.

"It is told that carbonara is one of easiest pasta to make, so my friend taught me how to prepare it," he encircled his fork with the meal, but before doing anything more, he glanced at her, ashamed. "Will it be rude if we eat, now?" He loosened, seeing her shake her head. "I'm not much of a cooker, so it won't be the best," he acknowledged, before chewing on the food.

"Tobias, don't you know, you don't have to cook?" She resembled his doings, eating her portion.

"Really?"

"What is important, is that the child has something to eat. I'm not worried about what he eats. It could've been even ordered food. Most important is that it's healthy and the kid isn't starved."

"Good to know, although I'm glad to learn. Cooking always is useful."

"That's true, and if you want any tips for now, I advise you to boil the pasta shorter. It's a little overcooked, but still great, as for beginner."

"Well, these are first steps, aren't they?"

"Of course. The practice makes miracles, however," she straightened. ", we must complete the protocol."

"Right. What do you need to know?"

"Do you drink any alcohol or smoke?"

"I'm training, so I mustn't."

"How are your friends? Is that a responsible group of people? I want to make sure you aren't in any bad company."

"They are good people, all of them."

"From what I see, you never had any psychological issues. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that is."

"Although, you didn't see your doctor in a long time. The last visit was almost ten years ago," she gazed at him, furrowing. "These problems might appear, with time."

"Honestly, I never noticed any."

Raising her brow at him, she sighed when he shrugged. "Alright, I'll let that one, over the promise you'll visit the doctor any time soon. I'll check that!" She threatened him with her fork.

He raised his in defeat. "Okay," he swallowed, moving away his empty plate and leaning against the couch's back. "What's more?"

Humming, Mathilda looked at him and back at the paper, before placing it on the table beside her blank plate. "The last question I'll ask you, personally, and because my personal opinion is the most significant, formally," she frowned seriously and he straightened, focused. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you applying for adoption documents?" She crossed her arms, sinking into the material of the armchair. "From here," she pointed at the laying paper. ", I learned you are a great student, with big chances for college. I doubt that you're striving for any financial support since your bills show you don't need any of it."

"Because I don't have any financial problems."

"Then why eighteen years old boy would like to adopt a child? Before you is a great future! Don't you know adoption might cross out your chances of college?"

"I know, but I'm not going to college."

"You're not? Why's that? You have incredible scores, and without a problem, you could get some kind of scholarship. Don't you want a good job, matching your abilities?"

"You're going to be first to find out about this," he muttered, inhaling. "I got such a job, already."

"A part-time job. I saw your documentation of employment."

"Right, but my boss offered me that after graduating, instead of wasting a time on college, I'll get a full-time position," he shrugged, smirking. "I'm on the good thing at the moment."

"I see, but even so, as a young man, wouldn't you want to use a life? Of course, you could while having a child, but from where does that rush?"

"Well, for most of my life, I was working. The little jobs in an orphanage, and my teenage years were spent as a waiter in cafes and newspaper delivery, and my current life is no different, because of that I never got to like these normal things. Besides, having a family is dear to me," he scratched his neck and suddenly tensed, looking to the side. "Actually, that's a lie."

"A lie? Why is that a lie?"

"Well, maybe not exactly a lie, but an understatement. Having a family wasn't a thing I thought of important. When you live alone, you get used to it and don't require company much. I never had a girlfriend, also despised any romantic contact, thus I doubted I'll ever create a family, and it was okay. However, recently, my feelings have changed."

"Why? Define changed."

"I met him."

"Him?"

Opening his mouth, Tobiad closed it after a slight moment. Afterward, he stood up, signalized her to stay, and went to his bedroom, just to be back with a little, polaroid photo. Leaning to her, he passed the picture to her, pointing at the infant in the foreground.

"Him," he smiled at her weakly, before going back to his spot.

"Who is him?" Mathilda gaped at the image, peeking at Tobias a couple of times.

"His name is Henry, although he prefers Hiccup and reacts only to it. I found him on the streets in the storm a few days ago," he nodded sadly when she gasped, shocked. "Hypothermia and lack of leg."

"Oh no," she hissed, squirming her eyes. "What a poor boy," she passed him the photo, sighing. "He's the reason you want to become a foster parent? You want to adopt him, so he won't end up in an orphanage."

"It's not only that," he stared at the photo, stroking the place in which Hiccup's figure was visible. "Hiccup woke new feelings in me. The care, worry, and concern. It's because of him, I want to create a family, now. I want him to be my family. It might be a too strong word, but I love him and need him," he narrowed his eyes when his sight got blurred, and shocked, noticing they swelled with tears. "I'm sorry. I got a little emotional," he wiped his face.

"You got emotional?" She barked and glancing at her, Toothless had to keep himself from laughing, noticing her teared-up eyes and sniffing nose. "It's beautiful, dear. Not many kids of your generation think that way, so I'm glad you remained at least."

"Well, thank you."

"You're welcome," she exhaled shakily, before taking the papers back to herself and straightening. "Summing everything up, I have no further concerns about your character, consequently I might, with great pleasure, say that I'm giving you my permission for the adoption," she stood up, handing him her hand. "Congratulation."

Hearing that, Toothless exhaled soundly in relief and leaned into his sofa. Eventually, noticing her furrowed sight at him, his eyes widened as he jumped upright and shook her hand.

"Thank you," he beamed, brightly. "Thank you very much."

"Formally speaking, the information about this will be electronically available in a few hours, although the documents won't come until a couple of days."

"Right. Sure. Of course."

"It's over, Tobias. Don't stress so much," she patted his shoulder, lead her way to the hall, and dress herself up in it. "Thank you for the meeting. The food was delicious and great just like the host."

"Pleasure is mine."

"I'm glad," Mathilda grasped a doorknob, but before doing anything more, she froze. "One more thing," she turned to him, glancing up at him, seriously. "You do realize it's just halfway to your target, right? Nothing is told, yet."

"What do you mean?" He frowned sadly, tensing his jaw. "Are you doubting that-,"

"Of course not! I wish you could've made it. You deserve it! I'm just saying, you must be prepared for eventual failure," she opened the doors behind her back and smiled, while Tobias peeked at the floor, troubled. "Well, however, you have a high chance of succeeding, in my view, so don't concern yourself much," she glanced at her phone and gasped. "I must go," she waved at him, swiftly. "It was great meeting you, and I keep my thumbs for you," she winked at him. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye," he chuckled when she ran downstairs and closed the door after she disappeared.

Afterward, standing before them, stunned when the events rearranged in his mind, Toothless leaned his forehead at the wooden structure, smiling brightly. He did it, and he giggled, loosening his body. He's closer than farther and that was important.

"Who do we have here," Atali beamed, while Tobias stepped inside the familiar room, with a smile. "Aren't you too early, today?" She came over to him, narrowing her eyes.

"If you want, I can go," he pointed behind himself at the door and chuckled when she shook her head. "Should I come at another time?"

"No, it's alright," she hummed, glancing at her phone. "Hiccup's about to take up, so stay quiet until that."

"Of course," he nodded and followed Amaya, who moved to the hospital bassinet, in which he glimpsed the napping baby. "How was the night for him, today?"

"Well. There was no issue with it, nor any complaints from nurses."

"That's good," he sighed and gazing down at Henry smirked. "I got adoption permission, just this morning."

"Really?! That's amazing. The only thing you have to do now is-,"

"-convincing his guardian from city hall," he frowned, peeking at her. "Why have I never seen him? Isn't Henry his responsibility? Shouldn't he be here at least once?"

"She, actually."

"Do you know her?"

"Formerly, she was my student, back when I was a professor at a local college."

"You were a professor?"

"Yes. I have a medical and a psychological degree, plus ten years of experience in each of these fields."

"Fun fact, isn't it?" He chortled and straightened to gaze at her, tsking. "I didn't know."

"How could you? Anyway, it's not like she wasn't here, because she was. Somehow, you two always pass each other. However, the reason might be also the fact that she comes when Hiccup's sleeping, while you come, well, any other time."

"Okay, but I have to meet her, in some way. What is she like?"

"From what I remember, she's ambitious, stubbornly ambitious. Besides that, she's a nice and smart person. Without any problem two of you will get along. If you want to impress her, let her know you're capable of being a parent, about which I ensure you that you are, and everything will be good. So," she snorted, shortly. ", I wouldn't be worried if I was you."

"If you insist," Toothless rested his hands on his hips, sighing. "How may I contact her? Is there some kind of number I have to call under?"

"There is no need for that. Since you said to me you were interested in adoption, I asked her to come here."

Tobias's eyes widened. "T-Today?" He cracked while his throat knotted.

"Amazing, right? If everything goes well, you could take Henry to his new home even this evening."

"T-This evening?" His body tensed.

Atali noticed that and shook her head. "There is no need for stress. You are ready, I know that," she patted his shoulder and while he loosened, through the door gazed the nurse, waving at Amaya to come. "I must go," she walked backward, in meantime showing her thumbs to Toothless. "It's going to be okay. Stay here, and if Hiccup wakes up, you know what to do and have permission to do it," she rushed through the door, closing them behind herself.

Eventually, Tobias stood motionless, throughout the whole time. If everything goes well, you could take Henry to his new home even this evening, Amaya's words repeated themselves in his head. His heart raced, but in the same way, encircled with strange happiness and excitement.

Glancing at the infant, his eyes softened at the few of his body being raised with each breath. If everything goes well. if everything goes well. Nothing is told, yet, he recalled Mathilda's words, hissing.

It was suddenly when little eyes had been opening and time arms wriggled around. At the movement, Toothless remained still, waiting for Hiccup's reaction to his presence. Finally, glimpsing the older boy Henry's eyes shot wide and Tobias giggled, melting at the act.

"Good noon, buddy," he grinned, when Hiccup squealed, surprisingly loudly. "From what I see, you slept pretty well, didn't you? Although, I wonder where that joy comes from?" He beamed when Henry grimaced happily at him. "I'm glad to see you, too," he mumbled, letting Hiccup grasp his pointing finger. "Wouldn't you like to wake up like this, together, every day? Because I would love to."

Eventually, while hearing another of Hiccup's sweet squawking, he bit his knuckles, hard. Snapping, he looked around and glimpsing no one around he smirked at Hiccup.

"Since Atali left me the responsibility and I am in charge, I guess I don't have another choice," he muttered.

Subsequently, he lowered his arms to Hiccup and took him into his arms. Holding him tightly, he kept him against his chest, while their eyes met. Amazed, Toothless observed the little, tense body in his hold and its excited state.

"I have good news for you, buddy. I may become your dad," he stroked a small head with his palm. ", or brother. It's your choice. I have no problem with either of those titles. Also, I need to say something to you, so listen, okay?" He leaned over him, so his forehead almost touched Hiccup's. "You know that you're one of, like not the best, things that ever happened to me?" He peeked at the door and kissed his forehead, swiftly. "Listen. If it won't work, if all my work will be a waste, please, don't you ever blame yourself for what occurred to you. It's your parents who are monsters, not you," he tightened his embrace carefully, pressing his cheek against the infant's head. "You're innocent for everything, and you didn't deserve such cruelty. Although, if everything will be alright, and that's just my stupid doubt, I'll make sure that you'll be happy. I swear."

Suddenly, the moment was interrupted once the door opened wide, revealing two newcomers. One of them happened to be Atali, while the other one at the sight of him halted herself suddenly, crossing her arms over her chest. Her blue eyes narrowed, while she furrowed from underneath the messy strands of her auburn hair.

"Is he allowed to hold him?" She peeked at Amaya, snarling.

At the question both Toothless and Atali grinned, awkwardly. Consequently, she rushed to him, and carefully, he passed Hiccup to her, who was rather unsatisfied with the circumstances. Instantly, Henry began whimpering, but observing the rocking Amaya, Tobias could only grimace, before focusing on the young woman before him.

"Tobias Night," he handed her his hand.

"Minden Razor," she shook his hand, strongly. "Henry's legal guardian and the city's worker. I guess that you're the one interested in adoption?" She grinned weekly as he nodded. "I'm glad we're meeting so early."

"Pleasure is mine."

"Alright, then, when would you like to discuss this?"

"Discuss?" He scratched his neck, anxious.

"Adoption, of course," Minden glanced at her watch and hummed. "Are you have time for it in an hour?"

"Hour?"

"Well, yes. I have to come round to the city for documentation, yours and Henry's."

"Right," he straightened, tensing his shoulders. "I have time. It can be in an hour."

"Great," she clapped her hands and inhaled, soundly. "However, remember it's only discussion. The official adoption must happen in city hall. Yet, notwithstanding the fact of it, furthermore Henry's state, the adoption might be an arranged even today."

"Today," he mumbled, biting hard his lip. "Great."

"Awesome," she peeked at the Atali with Hiccup in her arms. "He may be yours even today."

"Today," he repeated, sighing. "Alright then. On that note, we'll see in an hour."

"Brilliant," she passed to him a piece of paper from her front pocket. "My number, just in case," she tsked and smirked. "I am tempered for coffee. Would you mind if we met in a café? I heard the nearby one has a great rating."

"Not at all. That's fine."

"Perfect," she peeked at her watch once again and moved to the door. "I'll go now, but see you soon," she waved at Amaya, who returned the favor and left.

Staring at the closing door behind Minden, he jumped while Atali grunted, soundly. "That's it, Tobias," she whisper-shouted, as not to startle eating Henry in her hold.

"That's it," he nodded, inhaling soundly. "I should go too, probably," he glanced at her, pointing at the door.

"Sure," she beamed at him, while he went to the door. "Good luck, and see you soon, again."

"See you soon," he waved at her in the door frame and gazed at peaceful Hiccup for a moment, before disappearing behind the wood.