"So how did that happen to your leg?" Stoick asked.

Following introductions at the park, they had opted for a different venue to talk at, when the heavens opened. And so, wetter than before, they were now in a booth at Gobber's bar. It is worth noting that the older Haddock looked rather pressed to find out what he wanted to know if his white-knuckle grip on the table between himself and Hiccup was any indication.

He no longer seemed to register the fact that Astrid and Gobber were also present, with how intensely he was regarding his younger counterpart.

Hiccup leaned forward and placed his hands on the table between himself and his older counterpart.

"Got hit by an IED while driving through Afghanistan. My leg was trapped. They had to amputate when they got me out of the Humvee. The rest is history as they say," Hiccup summarized, then leaned back, taking his hands off the table to instead place one on Astrid's shoulder. "Now, where are your manners? You didn't let me introduce Astrid here. How rude."

Stoick nodded at her, his eyes never really leaving Hiccup's gaze. "I apologise. How are you Astrid? And how did you come to know Hiccup? I believe you made it clear that you wanted nothing to do with boys, back when you were in highschool."

"Yeah, well times change. Just so long as I don't need to talk to Snotlout."

"Oh don't worry, Astrid. I'm sure your fists do the talking quite well, even if my cousin never did get the message."

"Yeah… uh, can you excuse us for a moment?"

"Of course. Whatever you need."

"Thanks. We'll order some drinks for everyone. Beer all around?"

…

The answer to Astrid's question had been 'yes' four times over, and so she and Hiccup were in the queue at the bar, where Gustav was working in Gobber's place.

The queue was found to be slow-moving, however, so Astrid took the opportunity to punch Hiccup on the shoulder, making him look at her. "What are you doing?"

His brows knit together. "What am I doing?"

"'Now where are your manners'." She quoted his earlier words. "I get that you're not a big fan of your Dad, but why are you trying to make things harder for yourself with this?"

There was a significant pause on his part. "…Force of habit."

"Then break the habit. Don't antagonise your Dad. You've managed it before, with me."

Hiccup shrugged. "Well you're not him. Or Cami. Or Snotlout. Or the twins. That's kinda why we get along at all."

"Then pretend you're not talking to him. Instead pretend you're talking to me and go from there."

"Alright. But if it doesn't work I'm blaming you."

"It will. Trust me," Then, leaning close to whisper, she added. "If you succeed, there'll be a reward."

Her tone made it rather clear what reward she had in mind if the hand that swatted at his behind didn't clarify things by itself.

…

"You're leaving? You haven't even got your drink yet," said Hiccup, getting back to their booth to find Stoick standing, putting on his coat again.

He glanced at Hiccup. "I have a job to do."

"So why did you agree to come here? Who orders a drink at a bar then leaves before they get it?"

"Especially when it's mah bar," Gobber mock-huffed.

"You're not leaving, I've decided. Sit down."

"Hiccup."

"SIT DOWN. You don't get to leave just like that. You will sit and we will talk."

Stoick and Gobber both stared at Hiccup. Then at each other, while Hiccup became aware of the attention he was getting from the other customers, including Astrid in amongst the queue, at the same position as when he left her there, and Gustav, standing behind the bar.

Finally, Hiccup noticed the smile that tugged at Gobber's lips, which was quickly gone. "Do as he says, Stoick. The mayor's office can wait."

Sighing, Stoick conceded.

He sat, then looked at Hiccup, who had become speechless all of a sudden.

"Well what are you waiting for? Sit. Let's talk."

Hiccup smiled and sat down. "I want to tell you a story. Can you hold all questions until I'm done?"

"Yes," Stoick nodded.

"I'll hold him to it, laddie," Gobber added.

"Good. Right. Well, here goes…"

…

"It was Camicazi who stole the picture?"

"Yes."

"Well that's a serious accusation to make of the daughter of a mayor, but I suppose you knew her best. Or better than me at any rate. Do you have a way to prove it?"

"Besides committing a crime to find it, no. And that assumes she still has it at her house."

"Hmm," Stoick scratched his beard. "Well, I can ask Bertha about this next time she and I meet. I'm curious to know if she was involved, or not at all, according to your story."

Thunk!

All three men looked over at the noise to see Astrid having returned, and looking ready to launch one of the four bottles of beer in her grasp at Stoick's head. "It's not a story. Nobody makes up something like that and then lets it slide for ten years when they hate the person. People have lied about people for less, so I don't appreciate your insinuation about my boyfriend's trustworthiness, sir."

Stoick looked bemused and Gobber looked amused, with a grin threatening to split the Scotsman's face in half. "Careful now Stoick. Don't want to anger the young lass any further."

Astrid's face went up in flames. Then she resembled a tomato when Hiccup added; "Should make for a lovely night in bed later then."

"I hate you."

"Not while trying to hide that smile, milady."

"You got me there."

"Congratulations, Son!" Exclaimed Stoick. Then he remembered where he was, and coughed, ducking his head. "Erm, when did you two get together if I may ask?"

"Well that's a story that's not for me to tell. Astrid, you want to tell him?"

She made a show of thinking. "…Nah. He can wait for some other time. I believe he should get back to work."

Stoick sighed, but stood, nodding. "I'll hold you to that. You owe me."

After he left, Gobber stood. "I would quite like to know sometime as well. Now I should get back to work. It's clear Gustav cannae keep up."

"You know some of it already, Gobber, remember? You called me when she was beaten up."

"Aye, but I want to know it all. See you two lovebirds later. Gustav! What are ye doing to me bar? Pick up the pace laddie!"

Hiccup snorted. "Classic Gobber. So, milady, you mentioned something of a reward?"

She gave a wry grin and took his hand, tugging him in the direction of the bar entrance. "This way, babe."

"Yes ma'am."