The Rebellion

by KatieMarie999

Growing Up Haddock Story 9: After years of plotting his revenge, Brandyn Anderson is back. Welcome to The Rebellion. Join Hiccup, Astrid, Fearless Finn, Adrianna, Erick and their friends on the epic conclusion to the Growing Up Haddock series. Will they prevail against evil, or will their entire world be destroyed? Only HTTYD and R/DoB are canon. T for limes and mature situations.

4. Future Endeavors

Hello, hello!

Merry Christmas, friends! Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, whatever you celebrate :) So sorry for the lengthy pause in writing. I needed a break. I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I did though!

If anyone is frustrated or upset with how things were written last chapter, I'm sorry you feel that way. There have been some lengthy discussions about why things were written a certain way, but bearing in mind that Katie and I have certain beliefs, and we know our characters and how they respond to things, not to mention that their histories are all layered in much pain and tough circumstances, we do our absolute best to do their situations justice. All of this with the intention of shining light on real situations that realpeople go through daily. Infertility, self harm, depression-these are only a few of the very serious things that people struggle with, and our characters are no exception. It's very rare that we get complaints about this. We don't do it for funsies or political movements to make a dramatic scene; we do it to make our characters' lives real. If anyone disagrees with how the conversation went between Erick and Adrianna regarding their marriage, a marriage of equals, and their possible inability to have children, then we will have to agree to disagree. At the end of the day, a writer writes want they want to write with the message they want to convey; how the reader interprets that is up to them and they're allowed to do so. All we ask is that everyone remain respectful and kind as we all discuss it in the Discord servers.

And by extension, to the Guest reader who wrote that touching review about chapter 3, I just wanted to say a few things: Thank you for your courage in posting that in a review! I'm sure that wasn't easy to do, but your accomplishments in being two months clean is something to be proud of and cherished. I'm not sure how long it will be until this chapter is posted but I wrote this message on October 27, and I just want to say I am proud of you! I'm proud of you for being two months clean! I'm proud of you for having the courage to say it. Even if I don't know you personally, I'm thankful that Erick was relatable and was able to connect with you. His journey has been difficult with many ups and downs, but it is one of hope. Stay honest, stay true. Don't ever let the lies win (hugs & heart).

Have a happy and safe holidays everyone, and we will likely see you in 2022! :)

~Em

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Chapter 4: Future Endeavors

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The salty sea air tickled Genevieve Sullivan's nose with every flap of her dragon's wings. Max crooned at his son Thunder, who twirled in the air nearby. His navy scales sparkled in the sunlight as he leveled out and shook his head, ear plates flapping.

"Enjoying the sunshine, big boy?" Genevieve called.

Thunder pumped his wings harder, trying to outpace Max. Not to be outdone, her dragon growled and flapped harder, quickly pulling ahead.

"Now boys, you're both pretty." Genevieve said, but quickly tightened the straps on legs. Just in case they decided to start an abrupt race, which was likely. It was rare for Thunder to join them on a flight without some sort of shenanigans taking place.

Still, they'd been flying for eons and they must be getting close to Berk. A fast, direct flight to Berk was almost four hours, but if you took your time or took any side trips, it was easily five hours. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to speed the trip along. And what better way to exact her plan than to mention Thunder's idol?

"Thunder," Genevieve began, leaning close to meet Max's eye. "I heard Toothless is looking forward to seeing you." She had to bite back a laugh as Thunder's head snapped up and his eyes darted back and forth in search of the older dragon. "Yes, Toothless. In fact, since you'll likely be paired with a rider soon, the amount of time you'll have to learn from him is dwindling. We should hurry and get there before he gets too busy-"

With an excited yip, Thunder put on a burst of speed before tucking his wings and plunging into a steep nose dive.

Max gave a long, long sigh through his nose.

Genevieve laughed and patted his neck. "Come now, what's so bad about idolizing Toothless anyway? Or are you jealous that he has less time for his old man?"

Growling, Max flipped into a sudden dive, cutting off her teasing laugh. Grabbing the saddlehorn, Genevieve pulled herself low into the saddle, squinting to stop her eyes streaming as they dove, dove, dove. Her stomach swept up into her throat and she couldn't stop the thrilled cackle as they quickly caught up with Thunder.

Max roared as they rushed past him, cackling with delight at his surprised blink. She barely heard his indignant growl but soon was beaming with challenge as he flapped to catch up.

Waves collided on the surface not far below, spraying water into her face with cold prickles. Raising her head, a small series of black dots appeared on the horizon and she grinned.

"Last one to Berk has to kiss Finn!"

Max chortled. She was fine with this, of course, but he was still not very affectionate toward her fiance. Thunder, however, loved Finn almost as much as Toothless. If he wanted snuggles with his favorite boy, he'd have to come in second place…

And Max, knowing that she'd get her kisses either way, rushed forward with an eager flap of his wings. Thunder growled indignantly and rushed to catch up.

Grinning victoriously, Genevieve tightened her grip on the saddle. Perhaps thirty or forty minutes of flying would quickly be shaved off at this rate.

They were a pair of blue streaks in the sky, invisible to nearly all unless they knew what to look for. As Berk turned from a dot to a pillar of rock piercing the horizon, they began to see ships throughout the ocean. Fishing boats and sentries alike. A group of dragon riders paused mid-flight to scan their approach. Genevieve quickly raised her right arm where a white scarf had been tied tightly against her wrist.

The riders nodded and waved, then proceeded on their scout. Genevieve lowered her arm and resecured her grip on the saddle as Max and Thunder put on a final burst of speed. Berk loomed closer now. Smoke wafted upward from the lit braziers of the twin Viking statues guarding the entrance to the harbor. What was a blur of wood and buildings and ships now cleared into the colors of the Hatchery and the houses that lined the streets. Dragons and their riders flapped to and fro and paused to look up as they approached with an ear-splitting roar, both Shockjaws nose to nose before the Hatchery.

It was impossible to tell who'd won, but then they shot over the village to a chorus of cheers and waves. Everyone seemed to know it was her and she grinned. Just like that, she was home.

Home, she thought. That's what Berk was now. Home.

Panting, Genevieve waved with a wiggle of her fingers and urged Max to slow. He was breathing hard beneath her but looked thrilled at the chase. Thunder was no different, though his blue green eyes were already scanning the village. He hadn't forgotten her words about Toothless and Finn apparently.

Sitting back, Genevieve untied the white scarf from her wrist and set it firmly inside her saddle bag. It was a little cumbersome, but it was their unspoken agreement across the allied villages. Anyone who wished to enter the realm of another territory must fly something white. It would be much easier than stopping every rider or ship that wished to enter and question them, though most ships were still checked. So far, after nearly three years of doing this, they'd been able to pick out anyone not flying white and ascertain their reasons for entering. In almost all cases, at least in Berk and Hjart, their reasons had been innocent. They forgot to fly something white. They were selling goods. They had a meeting with friends. The list went on, none of them with malicious intent.

She wanted to think that it was all for naught and their enemies would know better than to pick a fight with any of them. So far, that seemed to be the case. But now… now she knew better. Now she'd seen some of the world on her adventures with Finn and understood why staying home and protecting it at all costs was so important to him.

Flicking her gaze east, Genevieve felt a surge of protection in her chest. Yes, she knew better now. There was simply no way their enemies had given up. Not now.

Thunder gave a sharp yip and then plunged down into the nearest street. A quick glance proved why and she and Max laughed; Toothless could be clearly seen weaving through the streets with Hiccup not far behind.

Max swept wide and then back flapped before landing in the square, kicking up dust and causing many Berkians to shield their eyes. The sun was hot in the otherwise cloudless sky. Now that she was no longer among the wind and sea, Genevieve noticed the scorching temperature and groaned.

"Do my eyes deceive me, or did the temperature just go up a few notches?"

Rolling her eyes, Genevieve turned to see her beloved striding up to them with a cheeky grin on his face. "I'm not sure what your eyes have to do with temperature."

"Don't they?" Finn's blue eyes flicked down to her body, wrapped in leathers and wool perfect for flying.

"Keep those eyes in their sockets, handsome." Genevieve warned, unbuckling her legs and standing in the saddle just as he'd once done long, long ago. Finn had to tip his head back to see her now. "You might make the ladies blush."

Because she'd noticed the few elderly ladies watching them from a nearby tea shop with knowing smirks. Cheeky little devils. They grinned and tittered, utterly unashamed.

"Oh please, those three? Nothing I could do would ever make them blush." Finn said, smirking. "Isn't that right, Mrs. Ack?"

"Indeed. However, there is very little by way of entertainment when you're as old as we are," Mrs. Ack said, her greying hair pulled back into a bun at her nape. A pair of needle sticks flashed in the sunlight. "Nothing is more entertaining than young love."

"Tis true," said another. Betsy was her name, Genevieve recalled. "And in a few weeks when you are wed, then we'll be watching very, very closely for any changes."

"Oh gods." Genevieve said, trying to ignore the rush of embarrassment that crawled through her insides. The old ladies laughed but it was Finn's knowing smirk that had her blushing.

Cheeky little devils, indeed. Ganging up on her, the lot of them.

Grinning, Finn held up his hands to help her down. She accepted them and dismounted, careful to bend her knees as she touched the ground. She tried not to think about it. She was excited that their wedding was so close-finally-and even though she was excited for all the changes married life would bring, she wasn't sure she was quite ready to have any babies just yet.

Max sniffed and raised his head, probably looking for Zap.

"She's at the Hatchery," Finn said, reaching out to scratch her dragon's nose. Max raised his head and tromped away, leaving a long trail in the dirt behind his tail. "I'll never understand why he doesn't like me."

"He does like you," Genevieve said. "He just doesn't adore you like everyone else."

"Like you?" Finn asked.

Well aware that the old ladies were still watching, Genevieve merely smiled. Turning to walk away though, she was careful that Finn's broad back was to them as she trailed her fingers across his abdomen and moved away. She glanced up at him through her lashes and trailed away, wandering through the busy street. Naturally he followed and they left the smirking ladies behind to gossip.

Many people greeted her as she walked and she felt a rush of pleasure that had nothing to do with Finn. So much had changed in the last few years and while it still felt new and fresh, no one questioned her presence here. These were her people. Someday-someday soon-she'd live here and someday-hopefully less soon-she'd lead them with Finn.

It was so exciting she couldn't help but take his hand and give it a tight squeeze.

Finn laughed. "What?"

"I'm just so excited." Genevieve looked up at him and had to squint due to the sun being right behind his head. "Why are you so tall?"

Wrapping an arm around her waist, he easily turned them so the sun was in his face. "There, all the more light to see me better."

Genevieve clicked her tongue. "And here I thought you were being sweet."

"It's a buy one, get one free sort of deal today."

"Do the quips ever stop?"

"Nope." Finn said matter-of-factly. "I find they only grow in intensity when you're around."

"Not usually," Genevieve said, gazing up at him. "You're in rare form today." She squinted, noting for the first time that he actually looked rather tired. "Long night?"

Finn paused, no doubt realizing he'd been found out. "Let's get a cold drink."

Interested, Genevieve followed him to the nearest vendor. He bought two lemonades and led the way down a nearby side street cast in dark shadows. They both sighed in relief at the drop in temperature and slid onto crates.

"It's been an… interesting week." Finn said, sipping his lemonade. "Kind of all over the place actually."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

Finn went quiet as he gently swirled the lemonade, the ice cubes inside rattling against the mug. "Anna and Erick had a falling out."

Genevieve choked on her lemonade and coughed. Finn quickly leaned forward and rubbed her back, but she waved him off. "What? What do you mean?"

"I think they've made up now," Finn said with a sigh. "But apparently they've been having a rough time lately and she said some things… Gods, it was a mess."

Finn launched into the tale, everything from finding Erick in the arena to allowing him to stay the night at his house to his relapse and then to everything the following day, ending with dropping Darin off in time for Erick to return home.

"Erick's arms were both wrapped but he promised me it wasn't more cuts, and he'd show me today what it meant." Finn said. "But I didn't stay very long. She looked so miserable and… well, they both did. I haven't seen them yet today though so hopefully they've fixed everything."

Genevieve noted how stiff his shoulders were and took his hand. "I'm sure they did. Nothing can break those two."

"Still," Finn said in a forced light tone. "I didn't realize that was something people could fight over."

Genevieve gave an amused huff. "Unfortunately, yes. It's not uncommon, in fact."

"Well, I-" He broke off, biting his lip and then finishing his lemonade.

"What?"

His blue eyes flicked to her face and held. "I hope we don't have those problems."

Genevieve felt a warmth spread through her chest and stomach at that, but she squeezed his hand. "Only time will tell. One thing at a time, hm?"

That amused sparkle returned to his face but he said nothing, tipping a mouthful of ice into his mouth.

"Anyway, how was the meeting?" Genevieve asked, noting with no small thrill how his fingers trailed to the ring on her left hand and lingered.

"Actually, it was… different than usual. Alton and Johann's Terror showed up all panicked with no letter, so my dad sent Snotlout and the twins to investigate. That was a couple days ago and they haven't come back yet, so… hopefully it was nothing."

Genevieve frowned. It was very unusual for any Terror to abandon its messengers. "She wouldn't leave them unless she'd been forced to. I don't want to be negative, but it can't have been nothing."

Finn pursed his lips. "I know."

"Well, we'll see what they say." Genevieve said. "Anything else?"

"Well," he leaned back against the building with relaxed ease, a note of amusement returning to his voice. "Apparently Allie sent my dad a letter telling him that someone has been stealing slaves. She told him to back off, assuming it was him, but he obviously told her to leave us out of it."

"Obviously." Genevieve said, sharing a smile.

"They've apparently dubbed this individual the Night Rider." Finn said, reaching out to wrap a long curl around his finger. "Kinda catchy, huh?"

"Sounds a bit pretentious." Genevieve replied, fighting a shudder as his calloused fingers slid around the curve of her neck and into her hair, his thumb caressing the skin beneath her jaw. "Don't they know that if they give the person a name, they're only encouraged to keep up their vigilante ways?"

"True." Finn murmured, leaning closer. "To be honest, I think it's kinda sexy. Almost makes me wish it was you."

"You would." Genevieve said, grinning against his lips before he kissed her.

The sound of footsteps sounded before they ground to a halt. "Hey Gen, you're- oh, well that's awkward."

Finn groaned as she pulled away, laughing. "Hi Cliffie."

Cliff had his hands folded behind his back as he looked up at the sky. "The sun is quite bright today, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes. Perhaps don't look straight at it," Genevieve warned. "Or else you'll go blind and be quite unable to set sights on that beautiful baby coming soon."

"Ah, that is a very valid point." Cliff said, dropping his eyes. "As long as you're both decent."

Finn choked. "I don't recall stripping-"

"You didn't have to."

"Good gods, boys." Genevieve said, raising a hand to her chest and trying her darndest to not blush. "Calm yourselves."

"Married life has done a number on our local Cliffie."

"Local Cliffie?" Cliff demanded. "Does this mean there are more Cliffies in each village?"

"I pray not or the next Convocations will be even worse than the last one."

"We can have a duel of the Cliffies to see who is the best!"

Genevieve sighed. "Focus, now. Did you need me for something, Cliff?"

"Oh right," Cliff said, his brown curls bouncing as he nodded. "Are you coming to the party tonight?"

"Of course! That's why I'm here."

"Excellent." Cliff clapped his hands and bounced on his heels excitedly. "It's not the same as most baby showers. More of a housewarming/baby shower bonanza!"

Finn rolled his eyes. "Will there be banana-themed desserts?"

Cliff gasped, eyes and mouth going wide. "Oh… my… gods, did you just… Did Fearless Finn just say a pun?"

"I think we're stretching it," Genevieve said, giggling. "It's a very bad pun, but a pun no less."

"Aaaand I hate myself."

"No, I'm impressed! Look how far we've come-"

"Let's not-"

"But your puns are so appealing!" Cliff said, waggling his brows.

"Now that was low hanging fruit, even for you."

"Genni, no."

"You started it! Now you have to deal with the whole bunch-"

Finn groaned as she and Cliff cackled, pointing and slapping their knees. "Don't you have a party to prepare for?"

"Fine, I'll leaf you alone." Cliff playfully wiped an eye. "Yes, I do. I just wanted to see if Genni-bear was coming after I saw her fly in, that's all. I'll see you guys tonight!" He spun on his heel and promptly tripped on a barrel that he either forgot was there or didn't see. "Oh gods, sorry."

Finn raised his hands and shook his head as their friend flounced away. "Why does he apologize to inanimate objects?"

"I'd say he does it for a laugh," Genevieve said. "Except he broke one of my teacups last year and nearly cried as he tried to put it back together, all while lamenting its demise. When he set a napkin over it and began looking for matches to light a funeral pyre, I wondered if he was actually being serious."

"What a nut."

Smiling, Genevieve glanced over at him. Noted the ruddy, freckled skin and red hair and blue eyes dimmed in the shadows of the alley. Noticing her stare, he looked over and raised his brows. She shook her head and asked, "Any plans for your birthday?"

Finn shrugged. "Just wedding plans. How many invitations are we at?"

Genevieve sighed. "Well over three hundred now. I helped my mother count more before I left this morning."

He set his head back against the wall with a sigh. "This is going to be huge."

Normally he sounded so excited and now he looked nervous. This was normal, she reasoned, but… "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Finn said. "I just... " He suddenly grinned and shook his head. "I always knew my wedding would be huge, and I'm excited. But everywhere I go now I hear about it. The decorations, the food, the attendees... " He paused. "It's exciting, don't get me wrong, but… am I horrible for just wanting it to be over already?"

Genevieve gave him a gentle smile and took his hand. "No. Not horrible. We've waited a long time. Too long, really." She snorted. "Not more than once I've thought we should just elope and be done with the whole thing."

Finn's brows shot up. "You would do that?"

"I would, but I do want my family to be there. And you're the Heir to Berk, so-"

"That doesn't matter."

"It does though. It sets a precedent."

He barked a laugh. "I couldn't care less what everyone else thinks."

"No, but if we have a daughter one day and she uses our own eloped marriage as an excuse to elope herself, would you like that?" Genevieve grinned as he seemed to pause on the word daughter. "You know I'm right."

Finn blinked and sighed. "Yeah, I know. Still, it would make it a Hel of a lot easier." He suddenly smirked. "Then we can really celebrate for my birthday-"

"Oh you are surely the naughtiest of them all."

"Not unless you hang all the rules and regulations and precedents and just marry me already."

She noted his sly grin and fought the flurry of butterflies in her stomach. Ignoring this, she slid a hand up his chest to hook a finger in his collar, noting the way his breath shook slightly as she pulled him closer. She kissed him slowly, intentionally, noting how he went boneless even as his fingers rose up to twist in her hair. Her hand slowly slid from his collar to his chest where she could feel his heart pounding wildly and wilder still as her hand slid lower to his stomach-

He broke away with a sharp inhale. "Better stop that or you'll have your way with me in a rather public setting."

Genevieve laughed, the sound huskier than usual. "Would you complain if I did?"

"Now who's naughty?"

Pecking his lips, Genevieve pulled away. She ignored the pit of frustration, reminding herself firmly that their wedding was only a few weeks away. Next week was his birthday and then preparations would begin. Berk would begin decorating the village. Visitors would begin arriving. The event was to be so largely attended that it would take nearly a week to prepare all the housing. It was almost as if they were hosting another Convocation.

Except this time, it had nothing to do with treaties and balancing budgets and economic welfare. This time, it was everything to do with them. Their wedding. Her marriage to Fearless Finn Haddock.

A burst of excitement rushed through her and she swiftly kissed him again. He laughed and slid an arm around her shoulders, easily pulling her into the warmth of his embrace. Despite the heat of the outdoors, she wrapped an arm around his waist and settled in. Together they watched the bustling activity of Berk just outside their little shelter from the sun, from prying eyes.

Almost there. So close she could almost taste it. And the way his fingers slid across the skin of her arm, she knew he felt the same.

---

Cliff Smedley remembered the worst day of his working life like it was yesterday. After Horst had retired, leaving Erick in charge of the leather shop and Cliff as his assistant, they'd had a rough time of it.

It had been a bitterly cold day in November when orders were flooding in for the upcoming Snoggletog and tempers were running high. Due to the cold and their lacking organization, they'd been yelled at by not one, not two, but three irate customers. It had left them both in foul spirits and made the work day absolute torture to deal with.

When Cliff had slipped with a pair of shears and cut himself rather badly, Erick had finally called it quits. Enough was enough for one day. He'd sent Cliff to his aunt's to get patched up and insisted on cleaning up the shop on his own before going home himself.

Aunt Mara had given him stitches, which was a painful experience. He wasn't prone to injury like his friends, so the entire scenario had been painful and exhausting. There'd been a sparkle in his aunt's eyes and even a knowing look on Inga's face that he found rather irritating, but they shooed him out of the house without preamble. It was just as well. He wasn't in the mood to talk, which was really something. It was rare that he, Cliff Smedley, had a bad day.

As soon as he arrived at the little house he and Taryn called home, he'd paused on the threshold at the sight of Taryn's red, tear-stained face.

"You too?" Cliff sighed.

She'd been utterly surprised and quickly wiped her face, but more tears seemed to fall despite her best attempts. Then she… laughed.

Cliff had blinked and said, "I was about to offer you a hug but I'm not sure if you need one."

Taryn approached and then noticed his wrapped hand. "What happened to you?"

"Cut myself. It was a bad day."

"I'm sorry." She quickly pulled him into a hug, which he gratefully accepted. He couldn't quite enjoy it though because she was shaking.

"Taryn, what's wrong?"

She pulled away and stared up at him, her eyes bright with excitement. "I'm afraid… there's something in the oven."

Cliff blinked, looking over her head and found the stone oven dark. The coals inside were black as pitch and yet there did seem to be something inside it. Reaching inside, he pulled out… "A roll."

"Well," Taryn said with a leading tone. "Not a roll, exactly."

"Oh, it's a sweet bun." Cliff said, smiling at last. "Is it for us to share or just me? Because I could definitely use a few sweet buns after this crappy day."

"Oh, I think one bun in the oven is quite enough to be dealing with for now."

Cliff blinked, confused by her tone. She was staring up at him with an expectant expression, as if waiting for him to say something. Or… understand something, maybe.

He set the sweet bun on the counter with a frown. A sweet bun… in the oven. Why would there be a bun in the oven?

He blinked again. Wait. Wait, that meant something- Women said this all the time.

"Why... is there a bun in the oven?" Cliff asked slowly.

Taryn's smile grew teasing. "Because you put it there, silly."

"I… I did not."

"Oh you certainly did."

"Taryn, you're being really weird." Cliff said. "Why would I put a bun in the-" He broke off as he found her staring up at him with her hands on her stomach, a growing grin on her face. "Wait."

"Cliff." Taryn whispered. "I have something to tell you."

His aunt's excited expression, Inga's knowing looks. Taryn was beaming and crying.

There was a bun in the oven.

"Oh gods." Cliff said breathlessly, shoving his hands into his hair. "Taryn."

"Cliff," she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks again. "I'm pregnant."

His heart gave a wild flop in his chest. No, it couldn't be true. But no, it had to be true. She'd never make this up. She was… pregnant?

Taryn set her hands on his arms, breathing a choked sort of laugh. "Did you hear me?"

Oh, he did. He most definitely did. Taryn was pregnant. Suddenly he was so happy he thought his heart would explode.

Swallowing and fighting tears of his own, Cliff said hoarsely, "Hi pregnant, I'm dad."

And eight months later, he could still hear Taryn's joyful cackle, still feel her arms around his neck as he'd picked her up and spun her around the house with mad giggles of his own.

Looking at her now, it almost seemed like nothing had changed. She was still petite, still beautiful, still his Taryn. Facing away from him now, he almost couldn't tell anything had changed. That is, until she turned and he got a perfect view of her belly, small, round and beautiful.

Adrianna called him out on his doofy smiles on the regular, but he didn't care.

She was utterly adorable.

Adrianna also called Taryn out on how unfair it was that she'd stayed small and petite during her pregnancy. Cliff and Erick had learned more than a few things than they cared to in the last few months as the women compared details of their pregnancies. Oh, how things had changed.

Anytime anyone said the words son, daughter, or baby, Cliff's insides would effectively turn to goo. The fact that he was soon to become a father was utterly mind-boggling. He was no less excited though. His little family was soon to grow from two to three, and he couldn't be more excited to meet his baby boy or baby girl.

Now that they'd finally settled into their new house set on the hillside on the eastern side of Berk, they were starting to get things in order. The baby room was all set up, quickly filling with all manner of things they needed. Probably more than they needed if he was honest.

Adrianna and Erick had quickly given them advice on what sorts of things to stock up on. Toys were nice, but it would be some time before their little one would be able to play with them. So cleaning cloths, clothes, burpee rags, blankets… these things could never be in short supply. And as Cliff had been around much of the time that Darin was an infant, he was quite inclined to agree.

Now Cliff glanced around their new house bustling with activity for their housewarming party and baby shower. Both sets of parents were there, all four talking excitedly. Hiccup and Astrid, as well as Finn and Genevieve, Adrianna and Erick, Thorein and Rosie, Inga, Helga, Evan and Morgan, Grandma Ingerman, and more. He'd never seen his house so packed full of people.

The only one who was missing was Alton, who was supposed to come home soon for Finn and Genevieve's wedding. When, he wasn't exactly sure. It was difficult to keep up with the traders' schedule, distant as they were. Besides, most of Alton's letters went to Inga.

Inga herself was sitting alone in a chair nearby, her cup of lemonade untouched beside her. Her blue eyes were like glaciers, cold and distant. A far cry from the teasing grins she'd given them a few days ago as she'd given them instructions for the birth.

Cliff sipped his own lemonade as he took a seat next to her. "Hey, you okay?"

Inga blinked, her dark mood disappearing almost instantly. "Oh hey. Yeah, I'm alright. Just… thinking."

"About what?"

Inga pursed her lips. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Cliff raised a brow. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." Inga said, eyes level across the room. "This is a party after all! Nothing's going to break the happy mood, not even me."

Implying there was something wrong. He gave a swift look across the room before she looked away and found Finn's eyes darting to his glass. Cliff frowned. They were hiding something then, if Finn was eyeballing her and she was changing the subject.

"Inga, what's-"

"Taryn!" Inga launched up from her seat as his wife approached wearing a white dress. "You look gorgeous!"

"Aw thanks, Inga." Taryn said in surprise. It wasn't every day Inga was so jovial. "I'm curious, have you heard from Alton?"

Inga went still, her smile freezing on her face. Cliff watched as her eyes flicked to Finn, still listening nearby, and darted back to Taryn. "No. I haven't." She sounded slightly breathless, which only made him wonder. "Sorry."

Taryn shrugged. "It's alright, I just wondered. Maybe they're finishing up their last bits of business before coming home. They'd better hurry up or they'll be late for the wedding."

"Yeah." Inga said.

It was so strange, Cliff thought. He wanted to ask more questions but suddenly Darin toddled into the group, pushing through the sea of legs and effectively providing Inga with a distraction, considering he had a tall glass of lemonade in his hands.

"Oh, careful!" Inga quickly disappeared after the toddler.

Cliff frowned. She seemed far too eager to escape their questioning. A pair of fingers brushed through his hair and he looked up at Taryn, who was giving him a concerned smile.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah! Just thinking." Cliff turned his face to kiss her palm and then leaned forward to kiss her belly. "Adulting is the worst because I'm always looking for problems now, but it has its benefits."

Taryn laughed deep in her throat and turned away as another guest called her name. Cliff watched her go with a smile, watching her slight waddle with an amused grin. His gaze settled on Erick and Adrianna sitting at a table nearby, talking quietly. Both of them looked tired but her hand was in his, her fingers tracing over-

Cliff blinked. His bestest bruh had gotten tattoos? And he didn't care to share the news?

"Excuse me," Cliff said, promptly shoving himself into the empty space between them moments later and pulling up a chair. "When, exactly, were you going to tell me the happy news?"

They blinked in surprise. "What news?" Adrianna asked carefully.

Cliff grabbed Erick's wrist, belatedly realizing his sharp wince, and flipped it over. "What is this? Since when did you get so modern?" He raised a brow. "Also, what does vertias mean?"

"Veritas." Erick said with a slow smile. "Truth."

"Ha! Likely story. It probably says 'lies', because what else would it be other than a ruse so that you remember to not tell your Cliffie all of life's greatest updates?"

"I only got them yesterday!"

"Uh huh, likely story." Cliff sat back with a mock scowl and dramatically sipped his lemonade. It burned on the way down and he choked. "Finn, got anything stronger?"

Finn paused in his nearby talk with Genevieve and Helga. "Why do you always go to me for the stronger drinks? I'm not a drunk. I don't carry it wherever I go."

"Yes, but you have a stash nearby, no?"

"You're about to be a parent, if I may remind you."

"Exactly. So I need to brood over my losses before my time runs out."

Finn rolled his eyes and returned to his conversation with Helga and Genevieve, both of whom were grinning in amusement.

Adrianna patted Cliff's arm. "I am so sorry we didn't think to tell you earlier. If we had another form of communication other than face to face or Terror Mail, perhaps we would have told you instantly!"

"Alas, we're stuck in the twelfth century." Erick mused with a long suffering sigh. "Life sucks."

"Laugh all you want," Cliff said with a sniff as they chuckled. "But I'm still mad at you."

"The next time I get tattoos, I'll invite you along."

Adrianna frowned. "But I thought you said you weren't going to get anymo-" She belatedly noticed Erick slicing a hand across his throat. "Uhh, I mean-"

Cliff clicked his tongue. "What is happening? Secrets and lies! Lies and utter deceit! I think I need new friends-"

"Oh please, you couldn't abandon us if you tried." Erick said. "Who else will give you baby advice?"

"Well you know what they say." Cliff said, slurping his lemonade again and nearly inhaling ice. "Experience is the best teacher."

"Hear, hear." Genevieve said, taking a seat across from them. "We're heading to Finn's after the party if anyone wants to come. We're trying to figure out how to organize the furniture."

"It's already organized, woman." Finn said, sliding into the seat beside her with a sly smile. "I keep telling you-"

"And I'm just saying your way of organizing a house leaves something to be desired. Who wants to walk into the house to walk directly into a couch?"

"Not unless you're really good at parkour." Cliff raised a glass.

Erick snorted. "What do you know about parkour?"

"I'm pliable as a wet noodle. 'Course I know all about parkour!"

They all rolled their eyes, snickering. Cliff was, of course, totally joking. He knew better than anyone that he was a klutz. A very real fact that made him nervous, considering he was about to become a parent. What if he hurt his new baby because wasn't steady on his feet on a good day without holding anything precious that relied on him for safekeeping and protection?

Suddenly nervous, he set his lemonade down and found Taryn talking to Helga. She was the most precious thing to him and soon he would have two precious beings in his life. Now he knew how Erick and Adrianna felt.

His friends seemed to sense his change in mood because Adrianna's hand suddenly squeezed his. "Don't worry. You can do this. You can't possibly be as terrified as I was."

"Not that we're minimizing your fear." Erick added quickly.

"Right. Sorry."

Cliff shook his head and gave her a grateful smile. "No, it's okay. I just… sometimes I wonder if we're really ready."

"You won't be," Genevieve said, drawing his attention. "But you will be. You've got all of us here to help you."

Touched, Cliff gave them all a smile. "Thanks."

Still, he wondered…

"But I wonder," Cliff said, turning to Finn. "What it's like to be an uncle? Surely Alton feels just as nervous as you did."

He didn't really care for the answer to the question, just as he knew Finn saw right through it. By the way Finn held eye contact and then suddenly looked at Genevieve, and the silence of the others, he knew something was up.

"What's going on?" Cliff asked quietly.

"Nothing." Finn said. "Your party-"

"Is apparently a distraction." Cliff said, leaning forward. "Inga was acting weird and I can tell you're holding something back. What's going on?"

Erick exhaled slowly. "Cliff, we don't have a definitive answer to that question yet."

Cliff stared at him. "What are you talking about? What are you not telling us?"

"This isn't the time for this conversation," Genevieve said gently. "Not while you have guests-"

"No, apparently it's not the time until the rest of you deem it appropriate."

"The orders came from my dad." Finn said firmly but clearly doing his best to keep his voice down. "We don't want to cause you or Taryn or her parents to panic when everything could be perfectly fine-"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Cliff asked, his heart rate picking up speed.

Genevieve took Finn's hand and gave him a warning look.

Erick raised a hand. "Calm down. If you want to know, then let's go outside and I'll tell you. But really, we don't want to cause a scene and ruin your party."

Biting his tongue, Cliff took a deep breath through his nose and let it out. If they wanted that so much, they weren't doing a very good job of keeping their suspicious behavior to themselves.

"Fine."

Erick led the way to the door and Cliff followed him outside. Though they did their best to be inconspicuous, he still felt Taryn's eyes on him as they slipped out the door.

The snores of Edna Louise Sacramento the Third echoed from inside the barn as Erick led him around the back of the house where they had little chance of being disturbed. Still the sounds of laughter could still be heard as they finally stopped at the back and Erick paused.

"Alton's Terror Maybelle showed up at the healer's," Erick said, crossing his arms over his chest. "She didn't have a letter and she was panicking. Inga took her to Hiccup and he agreed it looked fishy, so he sent Snotlout and the Thorsten twins to check on him and Johann."

Cliff's mind whirled with the information. "When was this?"

"Two days ago."

"And when the Hel was everyone going to tell us?"

"We didn't want all of you to panic, as Finn said." Erick said calmly. "Hiccup and Astrid agreed that was best-"

"You know, that's the crappy thing about people who give the orders." Cliff snapped. "They always think they know best."

"Why should you and the Brands worry when it might be nothing?"

"Because they've already lost a son!" Cliff nearly shouted.

Erick stiffened.

Cliff huffed, remembering who he was talking to, what had happened to Curt. Who'd tried to run inside that burning building to save him and his own sister.

"I'm not blaming you," Cliff said, trying to reel in his frustration. "But this is my wife's brother we're talking about. She's already had to watch her father light the pyre of one brother."

"Cliff, we don't know anything is wrong." Erick pleaded, dropping his arms. "I get it. We wouldn't want Taryn to go into labor early-"

"Stop. You're overthinking it, and gods know you can't help it." Cliff said. "But Taryn and Clyde and Joan… they'd want to know. So they can pray, so they can hope, not… Not be given bad news. Not like that. Trust me, I would know what's best for them, and hiding it? Waiting for days to even hear about it? That's not helping anything. Even if it was just a scuffle or something and they're fine now, how do you think they'd feel if they found out there was this big secret mission to check on them?"

"I know. I'm not disagreeing with you."

"Then you won't mind when I tell my family what's going on."

Erick exhaled and shook his head. "No, I don't. Believe me, I get it."

Cliff shook his head, still fuming. "I just don't understand why you of all people decided to hide this from me."

"I didn't decide- I had other things going on besides, I was distracted-"

"How convenient."

Erick's expression turned guarded. "I'm not going to fight with you about it. We all do what's best for our families and I wouldn't expect you to do any differently. If you want to be upset about what was decided, fine. But please don't take it out on me." As a quiet afterthought, he added, "I've had a hard enough week without you yelling at me, too."

Instantly Cliff felt guilty. He sighed and rubbed his face. "Sorry. I just… I don't like secrets. Not like this."

"Don't apologize." Erick said firmly. "I'd feel the same."

Cliff observed his friend's distant expression, his tired eyes and bandaged arm. "Are you alright?"

Erick met his eyes and seemed to think through the question. "I'm getting there."

He felt sad, suddenly. Sad that it felt different. That they'd both grown up in the last few years and moved on with their married lives with their own problems and situations and stress and happiness. Most of the time it was like nothing ever changed, and yet… yet it wasn't the same. They used to tell each other everything and now… now they didn't.

To his surprise, his eyes suddenly burned. Suddenly he missed the days when they were kids and they could tear up the village without worrying about caring for a house and bringing in enough money to put food on the table. Even though they still worked together and saw each other almost every day, it wasn't the same.

Erick was on the council and knew things about their village and the Archipelago that he didn't. Normally he didn't care, but his bruh… all of his friends really, played important roles in protecting their village. And he was… just Cliff.

He was happy to be a husband and soon a father. He had no doubts about that. But it was strange. He'd never felt set apart from Erick and Finn and Thorein and Evan before. Even Adrianna and Genevieve had their roles. Somehow he felt like he wasn't doing his part. Good for a laugh, not much else. They didn't even feel the need to inform him about the situation with his brother-in-law. Why would they tell him anything else?

"I can't read that frustration." Erick said distantly. "What are you thinking?"

Cliff shook his head. "Everything's different now. We have our families, our own lives really. It just feels like something's changed between us. Maybe I'm just now realizing it, but… it feels like there's a gap here." He gestured to the space between them. "And I don't know if it was just life or kids or what, but… suddenly it feels different."

Erick's expression was downcast. "It doesn't have to be. Maybe it'll just be harder now that we're older, but it doesn't have to be different."

"Maybe."

They were quiet for a long moment. He wasn't sure what else to say.

Then Erick smiled. "Those pregnancy hormones, huh?"

Cliff chuckled and rubbed his face. "They're the worst. I think I stress eat more than Taryn." After a moment, he asked, "Did you figure out what was going on with Anna?"

Erick exhaled a long breath. "Yeah. I'll tell you about it at work tomorrow though. Otherwise we'll both be emotionally drained and your party isn't over yet."

"Okay."

"And I'll tell you what we find out when the twins and Snotlout come back." Erick promised. "I don't enjoy hiding things from people, you know. But… we were given orders."

"I get it. Just… don't hold back the truth, whatever it might be."

"It could be nothing."

Cliff didn't reply. He'd do his best to not overthink the entire scenario, but it didn't feel right. This wasn't like Alton.

A pair of footsteps approached and a moment later Adrianna appeared, looking nervous. "They're bringing out cake."

"Perfect!" Cliff clapped his hands together and rubbed them, but the excitement felt forced. "I could use a slice of cake."

Adrianna's green eyes narrowed in concern but he merely patted Erick's arm and led the way inside. He plastered a smile worthy of the Smedley name onto his face, ready to indulge in sugary delights and enjoy the rest of the shower with his Taryn.

But a dark cloud was still brewing over his head. He was worried about Alton. He hoped Erick had told him everything, that there wasn't more that he'd withheld. But more than anything he wondered if his friends actually trusted him as much as they claimed. If he'd somehow taken second place to their priorities. If he really meant as much to them as they claimed.

The thought was nearly enough to corrupt his smile, his laugh, his joy.

Only Taryn seemed to notice his change of mood. Only she seemed able to tell whether his laughs and obnoxious jokes were either genuine or forced. She took his hand and gave him a kind smile. She understood, even if she didn't know what was happening yet. What was on his mind and in his heart. That her brother was possibly missing.

But he was enough here, for her. He didn't need to prove himself to her or be on the council to be good for her. She was all he really needed.

He just hoped that was enough to forget everything else.

---

Genevieve pushed open the door to Finn's house-soon to be their house-and gestured everyone inside. Erick and Adrianna were quick to follow Darin, who ran straight to a box of toys under the stairs. Cliff and Taryn followed hand-in-hand, looking around at the furnishings and boxes strewn throughout the living room. Her belongings she'd yet to unpack. Finn brought up the rear and closed the door.

Despite the lateness of the hour, Taryn had insisted on coming. Because she was due soon, she declared that her nights of fun were soon coming to a close, and she had enough energy to survive a tour of the house.

"Besides," she'd added upon throwing a shawl over her shoulders and throwing Cliff a cheeky grin. "I have a husband to keep me warm all night."

Finn's cough was direct enough, but the rest of them didn't care.

"It always amazes me," Adrianna said. "How much stuff you don't realize you have until it's time to move it all."

Taryn groaned. "Yes."

"Indeed, but imagine having it flown or delivered by ship from another island entirely." Genevieve said, raising her brows. "We still have so much to move. I feel bad you have to live with all these boxes."

Finn waved her words off as he poured water into a kettle, warming her heart at how well he knew her. She'd just considered making some tea. "It is a sign of good things to come. Mainly, our impending nuptials."

"Whoa, Finnegan using big boy words." Adrianna said, earning herself a smile from her husband. "What's next?"

"I can think of a few," Finn said. "How about bothersome? Aggravating?"

"Vexatious is a particularly handsome word." Genevieve said, nodding the girls toward the washroom.

"Genni, that one is too big for my small brain."

"We'll grow your brain-ceps one day at a time. Right Cliffie?"

Cliff merely nodded as Taryn followed her. Genevieve thought it was strange how he didn't have a comeback, but it was rather late. And he was probably rather stressed. She pushed it from her mind and gestured to the washroom.

"I haven't been here in an age," Adrianna said. "Naturally Benen thought it was much too big, but daddy insisted on giving him a proper washroom."

"Too right." Taryn said. "Everyone should have access to one. My parents' house doesn't have one and the small house we used to live in has a tiny one-"

"I remember it well, that old broom closet." Adrianna said with a nod.

"So I'm grateful for the one we were able to build in the new house."

"It's bigger than mine!" Adrianna said.

Genevieve nodded in agreement. "I was surprised as well. It is quite large, though I suppose having a storage pantry in there was suitable."

"I like having it out of the way." Taryn said. "Less clutter in the actual kitchen. Besides," she leaned in with a conspiratorial grin, her hands on her belly. "This is only the first Smedley baby to come. We'll need a big washroom for all that laundry."

They all giggled, though Adrianna's was muted slightly. "A dozen Smedley babies sounds wonderful."

Taryn beamed.

Adrianna quickly returned her attention to the task at hand. Genevieve kept a close eye on her, but was thoroughly distracted when she said, "This tub needs replacing though, Gen. You'll need a bigger one."

"Oh?" Genevieve asked, observing the one built into the center of the room. "Why?"

Adrianna smirked as she met Taryn's eye and then her's. "You'll want one big enough for two, of course."

"Oh dear." Genevieve said, ignoring the rush in her stomach at that. Her face flushed as they both cackled madly. "You girls are worse than the boys."

"Boys are crass," Taryn said. "Girls are realistic."

Adrianna grinned. "Besides, I want nieces and nephews post haste. So we have three weeks to get this place in order-"

Genevieve cleared her throat. "Were you both teased so mercilessly before you got married?"

Taryn thought for a moment. "I don't remember."

"Nor I." Adrianna said. "But as Cliffie said earlier, experience is the best teacher."

Genevieve didn't want to entertain such thoughts. And yet, try as she might, she couldn't quite hold off the small grin. The girls snickered at her side and she promptly ran a hand through her curls.

"You two are wee devils."

Distracted by the sound of moving furniture, Genevieve promptly left the girls to investigate. Finn and Cliff were moving the couch to another side of the living room while Erick gave directions. She almost asked why Cliff had been tasked with moving furniture, clumsy as he was, instead of Erick, but quickly held her tongue at the sight of his wrist still wrapped a few inches above the new tattoo.

"Left, Cliff. Left-"

"My left or your left?"

"We're facing the same direction!"

"No we're not, my left is this way," Cliff did an awkward sort of crab walk toward the far wall as Finn stood across from him with pursed lips, the couch between them. "Your left is this way!" He began dragging the couch backward, but unfortunately Finn wasn't paying attention and was nearly dragged off his feet.

"Whoa-"

"Caref-"

The couch fell to the ground with a loud crash, setting Genevieve's teeth on edge. A small shriek sounded from the washroom and soon Adrianna and Taryn appeared in the doorway, their brows raised. Taryn's hands were fast over her heaving chest.

"I said be careful!" Erick said.

"Too late!" Cliff said, throwing up his hands. He promptly flopped onto the couch with a huff. "I quit. Gen, the couch is staying here."

"In an awkwardly diagonal position in the center of the room?"

"Sure! It will be off kilter for everyone else, but you'll get used to it quick enough. Remember what I said earlier? Parkour!"

Finn sighed. "Up, you lazy bag of bones."

Cliff opened his mouth to retort but was soon deposited onto the floor as Finn angled the couch and hauled it across the room himself.

"You'll scuff the floors!" Genevieve cried, rushing forward to grab the other end.

"Oh no," Finn said, raising a brow as she raised the other half. "It's almost like they're meant to be touched!"

"Walked on and such, yes," Genevieve said, following his lead to the wall. "But deliberately scuffing them when it will show later- we'll have to pay to have someone fix it!"

"How about we request a nice rug for Snoggletog instead?"

"How about we just be nice to the things we have?"

"Genni, it's a floor!"

Genevieve huffed. "Never mind." She turned and found their friends all sharing knowing smirks. "If someone says one word about our first fight in our new home, I will slay you all."

Adrianna promptly closed her mouth as Cliff raised his hands, still seated on the floor.

"Mama, yook what I found!" Darin's voice suddenly cut through the silence from the top of the stairs, a metal helmet on his head. They all cooed at how cute he was with the very large helmet with tall curved horns on his head. His little hands could hardly keep it upright as he came down the stairs.

"Wow, that's a big helmet!" Adrianna said. "Where did you-"

Her words were cut off in a sharp gasp as Darin tripped, unable to clearly see the stairs. Half of them started forward as he nearly toppled down, but Erick got there first. His hands caught him around the middle long before he fell too far and quickly scooped him up. The helmet clattered to the floor and they all breathed a quick sigh of relief, but it was all enough to make Darin's lips tremble.

"It's okay." Erick said, holding him close. "I've got you."

Sighing, Adrianna brushed his hair back. "Daddy saved you. But you have to be careful!"

Finn exhaled a long breath. "Good catch."

Darin seemed quite content in Erick's arms after his small bout with gravity and dropped his face onto his daddy's shoulder.

"Well," Taryn said. "Is there anything else you wanted help with?"

"No, that was pretty much it." Genevieve said. "We'll have everyone over after things really get settled in."

Finn nodded in agreement.

"Okay. I think it's time then." Taryn said to Cliff. "It's a bit of a walk back and I'll be tired by the time we get there."

"We should go, too," Erick said, gesturing with his eyes how Darin hadn't moved his cheek from its restful spot on his shoulder. "He's also getting tired."

"Yeah." Adrianna agreed.

Genevieve and Finn followed their friends to the door and thanked them for coming, even though it had only been for a short visit. Still Taryn gave her a wink as she took Cliff's hand and left, careful of the narrow porch steps. The Larsons also bid them goodbye and soon disappeared into the night, quiet as specters.

Finn made a dissatisfied noise and turned away.

"What?" Genevieve asked, shutting the door.

"It still feels off, that's all. They're both still acting weird."

"I didn't think so." Genevieve said. "Maybe they're just lacking confidence right now."

"That's what I mean." Finn huffed and dropped onto the couch. "It just feels weird."

"Well, it probably feels less weird for you than it does for them." Genevieve said softly. "They're working through it."

"I guess."

Genevieve dropped her hands onto his shoulders and leaned down to meet his eyes. "You're cute when you care."

"Hey, I always care."

"A fact that most people are unaware of and that I love most about you."

The smile she wanted to see finally emerged as he reached up to tug on a long curl. "What did you want to show me?"

"Hm? Oh!" Genevieve leaped back and ran to the door where she'd hung up a large bag. "I'm glad you remembered. I'll be here for a few days, of course, but I wanted to show you today." Suddenly nervous, she pulled out a large folded piece of cloth. "I made this for you. Well, for us really. For this place."

Finn sat forward, his blue eyes flicking over the tasseled edges of red and blue material. "What is it?"

Excited, Genevieve turned it toward herself and began to unfold it. Making sure it was facing the right way up, she turned it around so he could see the tapestry she'd been making for the better part of the last two years.

Finn's mouth dropped open. "Genni… you made that?"

"Yeah," Genevieve breathed, holding it to the side so she could look it over herself. "It's customary for a Hjartan bride to give her future husband a tapestry for their home. I toyed with the idea of not making one, mostly because it's a lot of work and for so long I had no idea what to make, but… suddenly one day I had a picture in my head of exactly what I wanted to make. And here it is."

It was massive, nearly five feet long and three feet wide. Red and gold and blue threads woven together to create a picture, each thread symbolizing something about them. The red represented him and his fearlessness; the gold represented her light, though she was loath to admit it. It had been her mother's idea, not just to make the tapestry for him, but to make it about them, which of course included herself. She was his light, so she should add something light.

The two blue dragons bound in a never ending circle around two green and brown islands in the center. Two homes. Two dragons. Two people.

One tapestry.

And stitched along the edges, a single word that she knew meant more to him than anything.

Fortis.

To the love she'd found, with him, for him. That she'd have with him. To have in their home for every moment of every day, as a reminder of the promises they would make to each other. For every good day. Every bad day. And every day between.

Finn's eyes were bright as he stood and took the edges in his hands. He was quiet for a long, long moment, and then he whispered, "I don't deserve you."

Genevieve folded her hands atop of his, effectively crumpling the tapestry, but she didn't care. "Stop. Yes, you do."

"How long-"

"Don't worry about that. That's not the point-"

"No, but-" He suddenly laughed. "Gods, this had to take months to make. I feel like I should-"

"If you say you think you should pay me, I will slap you." Genevieve said with raised brows, but she couldn't quite help the grin as he quickly closed his mouth. Then she leaned up on tiptoes and whispered, "You can pay me in other ways someday."

He smirked and brushed her hair back. "Maybe with those babies everyone keeps talking about."

"Oh gods." Genevieve dropped her forehead onto his chest, smothering her laugh. "They're all more eager than we are, I think."

"Yeah, it's kinda weird actually." Finn said, sliding his arms around her back. He was so warm, so tall and comforting, she couldn't help the sigh. "I think I tell at least three people a day to get their mind out of the gutter."

"It's a sign that Hjartan traditions need to go down the tubes." Genevieve sighed again, this time with mute frustration.

"Hey."

Genevieve turned her face up and froze when his hands slid around to cup her face.

"Frustrating as it is, we can make it a few more weeks." Finn said, kissing her forehead and lingering. She closed her eyes, savoring him. "And then," he added, and she opened her eyes in time to see his smirk. "You can have me anytime," He kissed her nose next, then her lips. "And anywhere you wish."

She swallowed hard, her heart flapping wildly in her chest. "Remember when I said we should just elope earlier?"

Surprise cut though the desire on his face. "Gen-"

"I'm serious." Genevieve said. "Because I'll gladly have you tonight if you want. I won't have to stay at your parents' house, but we can get married tonight and we can still have the ceremony in three weeks."

"And… how would we explain to my parents when we knock on the door that we want them to marry us tonight?" Finn asked. "That would be… kind of awkward."

"We can go to Brawn. We'll ask Kara."

"And then both our parents won't be there. Plus we wouldn't have witnesses-"

"Maybe we could ask Raine and her husband!"

Finn opened and closed his mouth for a few seconds. "Gods." He finally laughed. "You're serious?"

"Very serious."

"But you wanted your family here."

"I did. I do." Genevieve huffed, looking down at the tapestry still in her hands. "I should have waited."

"For what?"

"To give you this. I was supposed to wait until the wedding night to give you this, according to tradition." Genevieve huffed again. "But I was so excited that I ignored that, because it's just a stupid tradition anyway. Now I wonder if that tradition isn't in place for a reason, to keep people from making rash choices."

"We've been waiting almost three years." Finn said carefully. "It makes sense why we'd be tempted to make rash choices, and ignoring an old tradition made by difficult old men centuries ago isn't a bad thing."

"Maybe." Genevieve said, hating the way her eyes burned. "But it's made me discontent."

"Genni." Finn's voice held a note of admonishment in it. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to get married now! You don't have to feel bad about being discontent, not after all this time."

"But you don't think we should just get married tonight?"

"Of course I want to-"

"That doesn't answer my question, Finn. You don't think we should."

Finn took a deep breath and let it out. "I want to. More than anything. If it was up to me we'd have been married a year and a half ago. But after all this time I feel like… if we were to just quit now, three weeks away… I'd feel like I betrayed our parents or something, after everything they've done, after everything we've done to stick to their rules."

Genevieve nodded. "And making them happy is more important?"

"No. I…" Finn sighed and looked away. He looked so torn and she knew why. He wanted to please everyone, to do the right thing. But she was so, so tired of waiting and doing the right thing.

It wasn't just sex, that much she knew. That was definitely part of it, but it was the traveling the long distance to see each other, the stress he carried on his shoulders every day, the eyes of their parents and others, the desire for their new life to begin. She was ready to move to Berk today. She'd been ready to move to Berk for months, in fact. For a time she'd been grateful for the wait so she could get her affairs in order. She'd done everything her parents required, the ceremonies and banquets and prayers and all the ladeeda her culture required. But she was ready. In her soul she'd been ready since the day he proposed. Since before that really. She was ready to be his wife and prepare to be the future Chieftess of Berk.

It wasn't bad to want these things… but she wouldn't force him. He was right. It was only three more weeks. They could make it. Maybe her exhaustion from the busy day was just making her more emotional. Maybe all the constant teasing and comments were making matters more difficult.

He wanted to be selfish. She wanted to be selfish. Maybe it wasn't wrong. But at the heart of it, he knew there was always a cost to selfishness, even something as trivial as upsetting their parents for missing their marriage, especially when Hiccup and Kiev were both set to play parts in their wedding, to make it special. It just wasn't worth it. And she knew that was why he'd hesitated.

Sniffing, she held up the tapestry. "Let's find somewhere to hang it for now."

Finn met her eyes and seemed to read her expression for a long, long moment. Then nodded.

They worked in silence to find a spot and clear a space so they could hang it. They finally settled on a spot over the fireplace where it would be seen by anyone who came in. Finn stood on a chair to hang it up, the clatter of the nail and hammer loud in the otherwise quiet room.

As he stepped down and took a spot next to her, they looked up at it hanging there with a critical eye. Then he nodded.

"It's perfect." He looked down at her, still looking sad. She hated that he looked like that. She hated that she felt like that. "Genni."

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I ruined the moment."

Finn gave her a small smile and slid an arm around her waist before pulling her closer. "You could never ruin anything."

"Kiss me." Genevieve whispered. "Make me feel something other than this… sadness."

Finn's smile was full of nothing but understanding, even as he said, "So you're essentially asking me to kiss it better?"

Despite the temptation to smile and laugh, she fought against both. "If you can find it in yourself to do so."

"As my lady commands." Finn whispered before capturing her mouth with his and sliding his arms around her waist.

Genevieve stood on tiptoes and pushed her hands through his hair. Though it was meant to be a single kiss, it only made her want more. He seemed to know it too because even though his breath grew short, he kept his hands firmly on her back, instead of letting them roam like he usually did.

Slowly he pulled away, his nose beside hers. "It'll be worth it," he whispered. "Every minute of every hour of every day will have been worth it. I promise."

Touched and feeling more hopeful than before, she wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight. "I know."

Finn seemed to breathe her in, nose buried in the hair at her neck. "Three weeks and you can ravish me from sunup til sundown."

Genevieve snorted and pinched his shoulders. "Or sundown to sunup, if you prefer."

"Ha!" Finn said, slowly setting her down. "We'd better go before we think of more naughty ideas."

"I blame Adrianna."

Finn paused in grabbing her jacket from the hook. "What's Anna got to do with this?"

As Genevieve shoved her arms into the sleeves, she smirked at the tub through the open door of the washroom across the house. "Oh, I'll tell you later."

---

The Larson house was eerily silent and dark. Seeing as it was the middle of the night, this was perfectly normal. Except Adrianna couldn't sleep.

She'd been lying wide awake, blinking in the darkness, for what felt like hours. It couldn't have been that long. And though Erick was silent as the grave beside her, she had a feeling he was just as wide awake.

They'd discussed things. Spent the night and entire day together. Gone to the Smedley's party and Finn's house. And yet things still felt… off.

Maybe it would just take time for things to feel normal again. But with the weight on her heart, she couldn't help but feel like she was kidding herself. He said it wasn't her fault that he'd hurt himself, but that couldn't be true. At the heart of it, she'd said some horrible things to him. At the heart of it, she still doubted.

Maybe the gods knew how horrible and spiteful she was inside. They knew her character and decided after all these years of her doubts and poor behaviors, this was to be her punishment. She wanted more children and it just wasn't meant to be. Perhaps it was never Erick's fault at all. Maybe it was hers.

She didn't deserve him.

A pang went through her chest at that. No, maybe she didn't. Maybe she never had.

She looked down through the darkness to the slight glimmer of silver and diamond on her left hand. The ring he'd made her was as beautiful as it had been the day he proposed. And yet staring down at it, she felt like she didn't deserve it. After everything he'd ever done for her… every bit of compassion and kindness and friendship, she'd rattled him down to his very foundations. Made him doubt everything. Their marriage. His relationship with his son. Their future. Everything.

The sheets hissed as Erick turned over and suddenly his chest was pressed to her back, his arm sliding around her waist. For a moment she thought that maybe he really had been asleep after all. And then he spoke.

"What are you thinking about?"

Adrianna said nothing.

"Annie, I know you're awake. You're tense as a board." His fingers skimmed her wrist. "Talk to me."

She closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't know what to say."

He was silent for a long minute while his thumb traced her fingers in the dark. "A thought for a thought then. I'll go first." He was quiet again, which only confirmed her suspicions that he'd also been lying awake, plagued by too many thoughts. "I'm frustrated with myself for making it all about me."

Adrianna frowned. "You have a right to have feelings."

"Yes. But because we were so focused on me, we didn't even talk about why we fell out in the first place."

True. Maybe that was why she felt so unsettled. Maybe there was still too much left unsaid between them.

"Your turn."

Adrianna shook her head, watching as his fingers strayed to the ring on her left hand, almost like he could read her mind. "Sometimes… sometimes I think you deserve better."

"I deserve nothing. The fact that you chose a screw up like me at all is a miracle."

"I'm the screw up, not you."

His arms slid around her waist to cradle her closer. "That's not true."

"No?" Adrianna asked. "You were the first one, you know."

"The first one to what?"

"To want more kids."

Erick breathed a small laugh. "I don't think that's necessarily true. Maybe I vocalized it first, but you've always wanted kids."

A lump began to form in her throat. She swallowed, but it did little to help. "I have, but… but I wanted to give you what you wanted so badly, and… maybe I can't."

"Annie, come here. Turn around."

Though she wanted to be stubborn, he sat up to allow her space to turn. Sniffing, she turned onto her back so she could look up at him.

"All I ever wanted was you." Erick said, his voice both soft and pleading. "The kids will come, and if they don't, then what am I left with? You."

"Oh," Adrianna said, choking on her tears slightly. "How flattering-"

"Gods, woman. It's a compliment!"

"I know. Sorry."

Erick sighed, leaning on his elbow above her. "You know the day of our fight, when I was still at work, Cliff and I were talking about you."

Adrianna sniffed. "Yeah?"

"Yeah. We were trying to puzzle out why you were acting so weird after going to Mara's." Erick's eyes lowered to her shoulder or maybe the pillow beneath it. "He guessed you might be pregnant."

Adrianna blinked, trying to ignore the raw emotion that rose in her chest.

"And for a second, I was…" Erick chewed his lip and shook his head. "So caught off guard and excited and hopeful that I could hardly breathe. But… I made myself calm down, just in case it wasn't that, because…" He broke off.

"Because you didn't want to be disappointed?" Adrianna asked, her voice thick.

Erick said nothing.

She wiped her face, though the tears were falling fast now. "All I've wanted is to give you that happiness. I'm sorry."

"No, Annie, that's not-" Erick took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm not disappointed in you. You don't have to apologize to me for not 'giving me what I wanted'. It's not about giving me anything. This is something we're meant to share. It's not the same as a birthday present or Snoggletog present-"

Adrianna choked on a sudden giggle, mortified at how slobbery and blubbery it sounded. "Or both?"

"Or both." Erick amended, wagging his head back and forth at her with a grin, but it didn't last as she quickly wiped her face on the blankets. "But this is something that's ours to share. It's not about expectations. This was why I was afraid to tell you that I wanted more kids after Darin was born. Because I didn't want you to think I expected anything from you."

"No, and I never thought you did." Adrianna said quickly. "I wanted more, too. I wanted them with you. More than anything. I guess after so long, I just got so frustrated that I lost sight of what was important. I never meant to get so… obsessed, but... I guess I let myself get carried away."

Erick smiled. "I'm flattered by your devotion, if I'm being honest."

She smiled and took his hand, twisting the ring on his finger. They were quiet for a long moment as she realized some dull edge inside her had been smoothed. "I think I need to get better about talking, like we used to. Clamming up has only made things worse."

He nodded. "And I need to start trusting you more. I've… tried so hard to bury all my insecurities that they've become easy to ignore."

"Me too." Adrianna whispered. "I had this… crippling fear when you left the house that maybe this time you'd never come back. Maybe I broke you for good this time. Maybe this time I deserved it."

"If I could carve my very heart out to prove to you that I'd never leave you, I'd do it."

"Well that's gruesome. And wouldn't you leave me if you did such a horrid thing, seeing as you'd be dead?"

Erick huffed, though the dimples gave away his amusement. "Gods, Annie, I'm trying to be romantic and use flowery language and here you are injecting logic into it. Can't you just accept the analogy for my undying love?"

"Okay, okay!" Adrianna giggled as he flopped his head back onto his pillow. "No, get back up. I promise not to take you so seriously."

Instead he took her face in his hands and said, "My heart is yours, Adrianna Haddock Larson. I'm not going anywhere. I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it." His thumbs swiped away the tears creasing the corners of her eyes. "I mean it."

Adrianna slid her fingers around his wrists, thumbs sliding over his new tattoos. "Thank you. And for the record, you're perfect the way you are. Don't put yourself in an early grave for stress. Not for me."

He pursed his lips as if he wanted to argue. Because he wanted to do better, be better, give her and Darin everything.

"You've already done everything you need to." Adrianna insisted. "We have a home, we have food and more than enough money-"

Erick scoffed. "That's not strictly-"

"Listen." Adrianna interrupted and he shut his mouth, grinning slightly. "We have everything we need. Truly, we do. All we need is each other and Darin."

"And hope." Erick said. "We can choose to be happy and… content. Hard as it is."

"I am happy though." Adrianna said. "I think that's why I've been so miserable the last few days, my screw ups aside. Everything I ever wanted is right here. I have no reason to be ungrateful. It's not bad to want more kids, but it's not as though I can't be thankful for what I have now. Like you said, they'll come, and if they don't… then how bad is it really? It's not."

He brushed his fingers through her hair. "You're right."

"Are you happy?"

Erick's eyes flicked up to meet hers. "Yes. I think with all the busy-ness of life these last few years, I've forgotten what it was like just a few short years ago. Watching you date someone else and being so wretchedly jealous."

Adrianna giggled. "And now look at us."

"Mhm. Married with a son and a house and all the things we always wanted." Erick bent down to kiss her forehead and lingered. "So, you're right. It's not so bad. Not really. Things could be a lot worse right now, for both of us."

It was true, Adrianna thought. There were so many avenues of life that could have happened. Erick could have been killed in the accident with his leg. Or he could have never walked again. She could have stayed with Brandyn, allowed him to bully her into submission. She could have married him and moved away from Berk entirely, and then how hellish would her life really be? Erick might have settled down with someone else, but… maybe not, if his circumstances were so different. Maybe they would have both been painfully alone and sad.

Gods, she really did have so much to be thankful for.

Adrianna leaned up to kiss him. It was soft and gentle, and he deepened it as she began to pull away, but it was what they needed. They'd said everything that needed to be said. In her heart, everything felt right again. Just as it should be.

"I love you," Erick whispered. "More than anything."

Adrianna smiled against his ear as he buried his face in her neck. "I love you t- eek!" She suddenly thrashed against his fingers digging into her waist. "No, no, no, stop- PLEASE-"

The rest of her pleas were lost to cackles as he didn't relent, hovering over her as she struggled to get away. She tried to grab his wrists but found she had more success with her legs. Locking one leg around his and planting her knee into his hip, she pushed up with her hands and gave a sharp twist-

She was partially successful in throwing him off, except she miscalculated both the distance and the strength of his grip on her arms.

With a mixed yelp and shout, they both went tumbling over the edge of the bed with a crash that nearly shook the house. She quickly recovered and straddled his chest before locking his hands down to cease his relentless tickling, but he didn't seem to care as he was lost in laughter.

"Gods, I always forget how strong you are now."

Adrianna tried to blink the tears out of her eyes and catch her breath. "What can I say? My brother taught me well on how to throw off assailants."

Erick choked. "Assailants? Is that what I am?"

"Well you were when you had the upper hand," Adrianna said slowly, grinning as his eyebrows went up while she leaned forward, still pinning his hands down. "But now it's my turn."

His shaky breath had just caressed her lips when they heard it. A soft wail from down the hall.

Adrianna sighed. "Well done, Mr. Larson."

"Hey, you're the one who tossed us off the bed."

"You started tickling me first!"

"Not my fault you're so dang loud."

Adrianna smirked. "Well now you get to suffer alone."

Erick huffed. "Well that's just... really cruel."

"Don't sound too disappointed." Adrianna whispered onto his lips and quickly sat up. "I'll come back to you."

"Hmph."

Grinning, Adrianna stood and promptly left the room as Darin began to wail in earnest. She rubbed her aching ribs as she went and began to plot her revenge. Erick had his ticklish spots too.

Creeping into Darin's room, she found him sitting up in his bed with a stuffed Toothless toy wrapped in his arms. She stepped over toys that were scattered across the blue rug and bent down to kiss his forehead. "Shh don't cry, baby. Did you hear something?"

Darin hiccupped and nodded. "I hear a loud sound."

"Yes, I'm sorry." Adrianna whispered. "The tickle monster came to get me, but daddy saved me."

"Is it gone?"

"The tickle monster? I sure hope so. He didn't go without a fight."

"You say daddy saved you," Erick said from the doorway and she looked over her shoulder in surprise. "But really you saved yourself from the tickle monster."

"Ah well, this is true." Adrianna said. "I threw it right over the edge of the bed and then he scurried away like the coward he is."

Erick's eyes narrowed in the dim light but he said nothing as he approached and sat on the edge of the bed. "Yup, the tickle monster is gone for now."

Darin looked from him back to Adrianna. "Are we safe then?"

Adrianna blinked in surprise. "Of course, we're safe!" Crawling onto the bed beside Erick, she pulled Darin into her lap. "We won't let any tickle monsters-or anyone else-say otherwise. Not while we're around."

Darin looked up at Erick, his blue eyes surprisingly bright. Almost as if looking to him for confirmation.

"Mama's right." Erick said. "You're always safe as long as you can find us. Tickle monsters or no, you'll always be safe with us, buddy."

This wasn't the first time they'd told him this in his three years of life. After all, he was their entire world. They knew what dangers lay just outside their borders. And though he didn't understand this, they still kept his imagination and his innocence pure. So even if all he ever faced was something as insignificant as the tickle monster, but he knew he was safe, that was all that mattered.

He was sharp and clever for three years old. Adrianna loved watching him puzzle things out and speak to people with more intelligence than she thought possible. Some people saw three year olds and saw a tiny body with no brain at all, only capable of playing and crying. She'd always seen children as something to be treasured and molded.

But her Darin was the most treasured of them all. She'd give her body and soul to protect him from the horrors she had faced as a child. So would Erick. She hoped and prayed Darin would never have to understand what sort of fears and responsibilities they carried. With any luck and grace by the gods, Darin would never have to face the challenges they feared.

But gods help them, he would know he was loved. That they loved him. Every breath of every minute.

Erick's fingers skimmed her arm and she realized her eyes were filled with tears again. She quickly brushed them away and patted Darin's hair down, though he was still looking at her with big eyes.

"Is mama sad?"

"No." Adrianna whispered. "I just love you so much."

Darin blinked first at her, then at Erick. "Mama's sad. We have ice cream?"

Adrianna snorted into laughter as Erick grinned. "You know," He gave her a sideways glance. "I think we should have ice cream." He stood and lifted Darin into his arms, Toothless plush and all. "And besides, we've got to make up for our losses in some way."

"What losses-" Adrianna gaped as he smirked and turned from the room. "I swear, husbands and their single-minded ways."

Erick laughed as he led the way down the stairs. "All I have to say is thank goodness for Darin and his excellent ideas."

"Mhm."

Adrianna was quite sure they would regret this late night ice cream spree in the morning, but she suddenly felt excited at this random prospect. She set about lighting candles throughout the house as Erick set Darin at the table and pulled bowls out of the cabinet. They had a small tub of ice cream hidden away in their ice box.

Soon the sound of giggles and clinking spoons filled the Larson house amid the glow of candlelight. Though Adrianna had no way of capturing time, the image of her boys laughing as Erick tried to stick a spoon to his nose knit itself onto her heart, forever etched into her memory.

Yes, she had much to be thankful for. She'd do anything to protect this, her family. Meeting Erick's eyes, she saw that same love and devotion reflected there. And together they set their eyes on their chocolate ice cream covered son, blue eyes bright as a cloudless sky.

For Darin, anything, everything, so long as they had breath to give.

---

Worn metal hinges screeched as the cell door was thrown open and Brandyn stalked through. A limp form lay on the table on the other side of the bars, still as death. Unconscious for now. Succombed to the pain of torture, both emotional and physical.

On the other end of the cell, slumped against a wall, was another prone form. Except, unlike the first, this one didn't breathe. No, the stillness of death had taken over his bones some time ago. Minutes. Hours. He didn't know. He didn't care. All he cared about was getting what he wanted. The information that he needed if he was going to pull this off.

Now he had it.

Years of scraping by, of skulking in the shadows like an eight legged spider weaving its web. He'd had enough of shadows and darkness. He was ready to step into the sun and take back what was rightfully his. No one else would stand in his way.

Not even a pair of Traders.

A worthy sacrifice, Brandyn thought. Perhaps the one had found solace in his death, knowing that he'd kept his promises to the Chieftains of Berk. He'd kept their secrets, even under pain of torture.

But the other… stout-hearted and stubborn though he was, even he was no match for the pain of loss. The death of his friend followed by another bout of pain had been the final straw.

And try as he might, Alton Brand was no match for Slaver Anton. Not when he was patient and knew exactly where on the body to draw out the most pain without killing a person. Despite Alton's threats that if they hurt Johann or worse then he'd never tell them anything, the slaver only smiled. As if those were the words he'd wanted to hear. As if he knew exactly what it would take to cause the boy to bleed most.

"The boy put up a fight," a voice crooned from the darkness and a pair of footsteps echoed not far behind Brandyn. "I'm surprised he didn't break sooner."

"Stubborn, like his father." Brandyn muttered. "Clyde taught him well."

The voice chuckled. "Berkian fathers teach their sons how to endure torture? My, my, Hiccup has been busy."

Ignoring this, Brandyn turned into his office and took a seat behind his desk. He glanced up at the broad-shouldered man with greying dark hair as he ran a finger along the top of a half-empty bookshelf and inspected the dust collected.

"Perhaps you should hire a maid."

"I'll take it out of your wages if it matters that much to you."

The man's lips curled into a smirk, stretching the savage burn scar over his left eye. Though he was blind in that same eye, it did nothing to dull the spark of intelligence in the other.

"I wasn't aware that I had wages. After all," Viggo Grimborn said with a slow turn about the room, hands held behind his back. "I'm only promised the dragons, which I cannot receive payment for until they are captured and sold to the highest bidder. Only then do I receive my wages, as you say. And by then I suspect neither of us will care about your lack of cleanliness."

Brandyn sat back in his chair. He still wasn't sure what to think of Viggo. It had taken months… no, years to track him down really. He had to admit that he hadn't anticipated that one of Hiccup's arch-nemeses to be so… unreadable.

Viggo was like a worn, burnished coin on both sides, flipping in the air over a fire. Light flashed over one side, drawing your attention, while the other was shrouded in darkness. Always calculating. Always plotting.

And, from what he'd been told by Allie and Grey and many others, Viggo was dangerous. Brandyn wasn't afraid of him, or anyone for that matter, but he understood what they meant. For some reason, he got the sense that if Viggo was offered something better or if the other side suited his own benefit, then he'd switch sides in a heartbeat.

Which meant he was a commodity and a danger to his plan. Brandyn was taking a massive gamble, one that he hadn't considered when he'd started searching out the man. But he'd had to make sacrifices.

If he wanted to take back what was rightfully his, he needed to stop controlling every single little thing that happened. Hiccup was smart, there was no doubt about that. Indeed it had been very difficult for them to do much of anything these last three years since the Convocation because of the Chieftains, all headed up by Hiccup and his blasted strategies.

Well, what better way to counteract that than to surround himself with as many of Hiccup's enemies as possible?

Still, it made him uneasy. Having Viggo Grimborn in his midst.

"What will you do with him?" Viggo asked, eye skimming over the map on the desk with a well-trained eye.

"Alton?" Brandyn shrugged. "We got what we wanted from him."

"He may know more."

"I doubt it. Johann and Alton had their uses," Brandyn said, leaning back in his chair. "But I doubt they knew much more than that. All we needed was the key to the Archipelago. Now we have it."

"So you'll kill him then?"

Brandyn shrugged again. "I don't care either way."

Viggo blinked and smiled in disbelief before leaning against the desk with both hands. "He may have more uses than you've foreseen."

"Such as?"

"People have value."

"You want me to make him a slave."

"That's not what I meant, but he could be your maid if you wish-"

"Viggo, I don't have time for your useless jokes." Brandyn snapped. "I've already gotten what I want from him and that's all that matters. What's it to you if he lives or dies?"

"This is what Slaver Anton meant when he called you rash, impetuous and impatient." Viggo said calmly.

Brandyn grinned. "Right, but Anton has a right to his opinion. May I remind you of the sorry state I found you in? How long has it been since you were last in the Archipelago? You could have finished Hiccup off anytime in the last thirty years, but where were you? Oh yeah, bowing and scraping on the continent for a king who was about to put your head in a basket for debts you haven't been able to pay-"

Viggo's smile turned icy. "Dragon hunting is not as easy as it looks. The continent has dragons you've never even seen before. They're not like the dragons in the Archipelago."

"Which is exactly why you leapt at the chance to work for me." Brandyn said, hands braced against the table as he stood. He didn't blink as he stared into the scarred face. "We have much to gain by working together, but last I checked I am in charge here. You want Alton? Fine, take him. I don't care. But I say dump him overboard because he's useless cargo now."

Viggo stared into his face for a long moment and then slowly straightened. "If there's one thing Hiccup and I have in common, it's this truth: No one is useless."

Brandyn burned with anger as the man turned away, the low light shining off the shoulders of his sleeveless leather tunic. "Why do you do that?"

Viggo paused. "Do what?"

"Talk about him with this… reverence." Brandyn spat, nearly choking on the word. "If you hate him so much-"

"Hate him?" Viggo turned, a smirk on his face. "I don't hate him. I have much to gain from him, yes, but I don't hate him. No, I respect him."

Brandyn's hands curled into fists. "Why."

"Why else? Because he is my equal. A better strategist I have never found." Viggo said primly. "I am looking forward to our next game of Maces and Talons."

With that, he strode from the room and disappeared. Brandyn stood in his office alone for a moment, pondering this information. He had a lot to gain from Viggo's involvement. It was another large facet of his plan that he'd been weaving for years. He'd put in a lot of time and effort to find him, and expected it to be difficult to sway the man to his cause.

And yet Viggo had merely smiled and agreed, not five minutes into their conversation over cheap ale and stale bread way out in the countryside of the mainland. Miles and miles and miles he'd had to travel to find him, to receive a positive response so quickly, so willingly…

To this day Brandyn still couldn't put a finger on it. To know if he'd perhaps made a mistake in bringing in Hiccup's most calculating enemy.

No, he was Hiccup's most calculating enemy. And he'd done most of everything on his own, up until Hiccup… up until his own mother ruined everything. Until he'd lost Adrianna, the key to his whole scheme.

Viggo was just a pretentious old man trying to fit in with the big dogs again. He'd sniffed a crumb, like a little mouse did, and was now sniffing around for the cheese, hoping to find more than a mere morsel.

Brandyn rolled his eyes and dropped into his chair again. "Dana."

She emerged in moments from her post outside the door. Her hair was still cut at a razor sharp angle at her chin, almost as sharp as her smile. "Yes, dear?"

Flicking his eyes up to meet hers, he said, "Send the letters."

"All of them?"

"No, half of them." Brandyn snapped. "Of course, all of them!"

"Okay!" Dana said, holding her hands up. "I'll send them."

Brandyn scribbled down a pair of notes on his ledger before glancing up at her. "Preferably now."

Yet she didn't move. Not for a long, long pause until she kicked the door closed with her toe and moved around the desk. He knew that look, that walk.

He huffed. "I really don't have time for this."

"Really?" Dana said, perching on the edge of his desk and running a finger down his arm. "Not even… ten minutes?"

Brandyn fought a smile. "That's a little below the belt, even for you."

"Hm. And you never do anything but drive yourself into the ground with all your ceaseless revenge." Dana said, leaning down until her breath warmed his neck. "So… take a break."

He should tell her to go away, to send the letters like she was told. There was too much to do and so little time. But… she had a point. And it had been a while.

Brandyn dropped his charcoal with a flick of his fingers. "Fine. But we'll do it in five."

Dana's victorious smirk was the only thing he saw before she clapped her lips onto his.

Though a small part of himself cared for her... deep, deep inside, and he was glad she was there, he also knew what she really was. She was only a distraction. Perhaps one of the few people he allowed himself to be even slightly vulnerable with. Even after all these years of their flings and long nights and short trysts, he was quite sure that she was more attached to him than he was to her. He couldn't allow himself to be so weak as to bind himself to someone else. Not while he had a greater purpose in mind. A real relationship… love… even with Dana, it was a horrid thought. He didn't want it. So he endured their little moments, let her have the satisfaction of thinking she'd won for now.

But somehow he didn't have it in him to be so cruel to tell her these things. To tell her that he felt nothing. Sure, she made him feel something for a few minutes, but… not much. Nothing concrete. After all, he only ever really had one goal in mind, and at the end of the day, she was a distraction and an employee. He'd trained her well in gathering information. She was one of his top spies now.

Still, if she wanted to risk heartbreak, that was her problem. She should know better.

He was, after all, nothing but a monster.

---

I am 2 projects away from my bachelor's degree! Then maybe I'll have more time to write. And I just played World's End Club. Talk about a game that direly needs some love. There's practically no fandom and it was fantastic! I kid you not, some of the most brilliant plot twists I've ever seen in any video game, and I have a degree in game design so I've played quite a bit. Play it if you can, it's on Steam and the Switch. Oh, and if you have a Switch, I'd love to see your Animal Crossing islands!

Yep, that's all I really wanted to say. Here's to a much better 2022!

~Katie