Toothless and Hiccup set out for the food stock. They continued to go further and further down until they took a sharp turn into a cave. They went down the small path that lead into a large room where they kept all the uneaten food.
Hiccup had found this area early on and noticed that it was noticeably colder than the rest of their home. Making it the obvious choice to keep reserves.
Hiccup sat down on a rock while Toothless nosed the fish pile finding ones that he liked. He pick a good helping and set them near Hiccup as he went to search for more. As he searched Hiccup started to ask him questions.
"Toothless how did you know what to do in that situation? Like, how did you know what to say to them?"
"Hiccup I just said what you did without hesitating or second guessing myself. You were on the right track you just needed to say it."
"I still need to work on my confidence, huh?" He asked quietly. Toothless dropped another fish in front of Hiccup and sat.
"No… Well yes, but also no. You have to at least be somewhat confident to be able to lead people, not to mention competent, which you are as well. But you second guess yourself a lot. The problem is that you come up with more than one solution more often than not. Which is in fact good, if not amazing. The problem comes when you say we're going with option A, oh wait no, option B, no A, no B. That's the problem, you think too much sometimes. Which is not a bad thing, don't think for a second that's what I'm suggesting. What I am saying is you're more tactician and decision. You're able to see the whole picture, look at a whole battle, look at all of the problem all at once. But you don't stop there, you're also able to look at individual issues inside the larger one and deal with those as well.
Honestly Hiccup you're what this community needed. So now you just need to work on making decisions or handing that responsibility off to someone who can make them for you."
"Like you?" Hiccup smirked
"Listen Hiccup I'm not trying to undermine your ability to lead. What I am saying is that you want me to be more of a presence in our position. I don't really want that, but I know why you do. I thought that making you lead by yourself would help more than it has. And while I do think that you've grown tremendously as a leader, I don't think that there will ever be a point at which you'll be comfortable enough to truly be able to do this by yourself.
I know that was a little mean, I'm sorry but let me explain.
From what You've told me and what I've seen, I believe everything you've said. From the abuse, name calling, bullying, there is no doubt in my mind that it's all true. Unfortunately I also think that it's cause some sort of permanent damage. Which I know is true because you still flinch when I move to fast near you.
"You notice that? Really? Is it that bad?"
"It's more subtle but yes I do notice it. It's hard not to when I all want to do is look at you all day." Toothless smiled. Hiccup laughed.
"Okay, okay, do you think that we should do that thing? Where you make the decisions."
"It's not up to me Hiccup. If you think that you can learn to act on your ideas and not second guess yourself than no. But if you think you can't than yes. I know that's a hard decision to make. Unfortunately we have to make this choice by guessing since we can't see into the future."
"That's fine, I think we should do it. I know that you'll do a better job of acting on my ideas than I could."
"If that's what you want."
"I think it is, yeah."
"Okay than. Now tell me why you want to go to Berk." Toothless scooped up one of his fish.
"I think that my dad can help us out."
"With what? You do realise that he doesn't like us right?"
"I know but I'm going to him as a chief and not his son. I'm just hoping that he'll give me some advice."
"What do you want to learn from him?"
"Well with our population so large now and the potential that we may not exactly have enough food to feed everyone properly. I was hoping that he could give me some insight into how to help keep morale up, and how to deal with a lot of people in general. He's been doing this type of stuff for longer than we have."
"Do you really think that he'll help us?"
"I don't know. I'm really just hoping that he'll forget or overlook everything that's happened for a few minutes. I don't plan on being there long just in case."
"Hmm, okay. We'll go once I can fly well enough again."
"Good. Don't push yourself too hard though, I don't need you re-hurting your wing."
"You know me."
"Yes I do. That's why I said that."
"Shut up." Toothless grumbled. Hiccup chuckled. He watched his dragon eat methodically. "What?"
"Nothing." Hiccup smiled.'
"Hiccup."
"Nothing."
"Hiccup seriously what?"
"It's nothing I swear."
"Than just tell me. If it's nothing than it doesn't matter if you tell me."
"Fine. You're not the only one who likes what they see." Hiccup blushed.
"You like watching me eat? Do you want me to go slower? Is this something you're in to? And you just never told me?"
"No, shut up!" Hiccup huffed. Toothless laughed.
"I know what you mean Hiccup. I was just messing with you."
"Yeah, sorry. I just have myself worked up right now. Stressing out about everything. You know how I am."
"You're right, I do. Maybe all you really need is to relax for a little every one and a while. You have yourself so worked up over something that we currently have no control over." Toothless was trying his best to comfort his human.
"It's not just that."
"Than what is it?"
"I don't know, I guess it was just weird not having you around. I guess I'm just trying to get used to it again."
"Hiccup, I thought I was out for a few days, you're making it sound like I've been gone for years."
"It felt like it. Ever since we started our adventure together we haven't been apart for more than a day maybe. It felt really weird being on my own again. I didn't like it. I felt completely naked without you there. Do you think that's a bad thing?"
"I wouldn't know. I suppose if you think it is than yes. Maybe some people need their partner around more than others. I don't really know. But if I'm right then it's nothing to worry about."
"Yeah I guess. I'm really messed up aren't I?" Toothless chuckled at that.
"I don't think so. I think that you have something now that you didn't previously, and now you're trying to play catch up with everyone else."
"What do you think that thing is?"
"I think it's having people who don't question your every movement. Having people who aren't out to make your life miserable. Having real friends. Not to mention the sexy black dragon who would lay down his life for you." Toothless smiled.
"You always know what to say don't you?"
"It's my job."
