Invited back to the island of Mala’s tribe to redo the trials for Hiccup to become King, Hiccup had to pause the ceremony for a few days due to a mission along with Heather and Snotlout. But rather than taking Ace, Thatch was chosen for the job of letting Hiccup ride his back.

Gone for more than two days, Ace decided to take a little visit to the island of Mala's tribe and finds Hiccup about to do the final trial, too confident and kind that he's unable to back down from the challenge.

How can Ace stop this?

fluff fluff

-

Finding out Dagur worked for the dragon hunters, Hiccup, Heather and Snotlout gaped behind their masks, except for Thatch. Heather was the angriest, and Hiccuo was the most confused. Why would Dagur sacrifice himself for the dragon riders, only to rejoin back to the hunters? It doesn't make sense.

Waiting for a right moment for Dagur to be alone, the group all gathered in an alleyway, except for Thatch, who, out of nowhere dragged the same hooded man along with the other dragon's help. Shocked, Hiccup shook his head and smiled. “Thank you Thatch, we'll take it from here.” he reassured and Dagur finally woke up. Heather pounced on him angrily. “Graah!! Alright, out with it! What are you doing here, why didn't you come back to the edge?!”

“Help! Robbery!!” Dagur quickly screamed panicked. “Please, I have no money! I'm but a poor vagrant living off the scraps of kind warriors such as yourselves!”

The group stared at Dagur in disbelief, especially Heather. “Is he serious- Are you serious?!” she questioned, exasperated as she placed both hands on her hip. Hiccup attempted to calm the female down, but she wasn't really listening, blinded by anger. “Isn’t it, brother?!”

“Hold on, I’ll make him talk.” Thatch stepped forward, At first, Heather frowned but she did let their cook be. Thatch pulled out his knife and immediately and almost pressed the tip of the weapon right at his neck. Shadow looming over Dagur, Thatch made sure he eyed the liar before speaking. “Let’s not scream or I'll make sure the second you do, the knife will cut through your throat you wouldn't be able to feel it.” he glared menacingly at the beggar wannabe. Dagur felt this guy's presence is much more intense and actually much more dangerous than himself, probably a new member of the dragon riders, and how did they managed to pick up this scary guy?

Contemplating, he decided to beg again, but before he can even holler for help, the dragon hunters to notice the dragon rider's presence and Dagur managed to escape.

At sunset, they found the said male back at the docks, awaiting for the dragon hunter ships but Heather angrily chased after him, only for the rest of the dragon riders including Hiccup to expose themselves and help Heather with cornering Dagur. The ships eventually arrived and windshear's tail was used to drag Dagur out of the island, if not for Hiccup begging everyone not to get involved in the fight with Dagur and they should bring him back to the edge to question him.

Dagur passed out thankfully, bt woke up minutes later after they're up at the sky. Panicked, he began to scream. “You have to put me down, take me back to the island!! Hiccup, Heather, Snotlout, and some new guys I don't know!!” he begged, and Heather rolled her eyes. “I thought you didn't know us, weird getting your memory back now!” the female spat. “I never lost my memories! I had to disguise my identity, or it would all be ruined otherwise!” he finally blurted out frantic. “What, what would be ruined?” Hiccup questioned as Thatch sat, riding with Hiccup on Snotlout’s dragon.

Surprisingly Snotlout agreed to let both Hiccup and Thatch ride his dragon considering he barely let anyone touch him.

“I am working for the hunters!” Dagur finally admitted, and Heather snarled at the confession. “But only because they have shattermaster!!”

The four of them, silent. Hiccup, Snotlout and Heather all glanced at each other. “Pardon my intrusion but I am new, so who is he, and who is shattermaster?” Thatch spoke up, but before Hiccup can even explain, it was Dagur spoke for him otherwise. “I’m Heather’s brother, Dagur the deranged, and shattermaster is my precious beloved dragon! He's with a large shipment of gronckles that are headed to port!” he explained and Thatch nodded in understanding, seeing the genuine look Dagur had expressed as he spoke about his dragon.

“I was just trying to save my dragon, Hiccup! And now it's too late, I’ll never see shattermaster again!” Everyone frowned, the way Dagur had bonded with his dragon back at the edge was indescribable and no doubt he has fallen in love with his dragon.

(Saying that as an expression 🧍💀)

.

“So, this was all to save his dragon..” Snotlout began. Along with Hiccup walking up behind. “He’s not really working for the hunters.”

Hiccup walked over to Heather, along with Snotlout beside him. “That- there's anything you wanna say to Dagur? Or..” Heather grumbled something, unable even for Hiccup to understand while they watched Thatch and Dagur talking at each other, introducing and getting to know each other. After a brotherly love from Dagur towards his sister, he began with a bright grin. “Okay, so let's talk about how you four are going to make this up to me.”

Hiccup facepalmed, and not long before Snotlout was able to hold Heather back without even being asked by Hiccup.

“Okay Dagur, Heather, Snotlout, Thatch  and I are happy to uh, help you find your dragon, aren't we, Heather?” the brunette questioned and Heather elbowed his stomach, letting him fall back but he managed to catch his balance before he could land to the ground. “Sure, right after I get some answers.” the female sibling spat at her brother, who then promised her that he will tell him everything but his dragon is top priority.

Turning his head towards Hiccup, Dagur grinned again, walking up to him and headlocked the boy in his arms. “Now! Please tell me you have one of your 'Hiccupy' plans to get my dragon back?” he pleaded with enthusiasm and Hiccup attempted to escape his grasp. “There are a lot of Viggo’s ships out there guys.” he responded.

“I've been watching them like a hawk.” Dagur clasps his hands together, “I know what ships the gronckles are on. We just have to get aboard without being seen and grab my dragon! They'll never know we were there!” the man explained grinning, his hands now making their way to his chin. “Although, shattermaster is the most handsome gronckle of the group.” Dagur began mumbling while the dragons riders glanced at each other. “I mean, they might know he's missing..”

“I think the best thing to do is split up.” Hiccup spoke up, heading for hookfang to mount him before Snotlout. “We’ll meet at the cliff overlooking at the docks.” the brunette exclaimed and both Snotlout and Heather nodded.

The redhead stared at his 'brother' for a bit before piping up an awkward question. “Uhh Hiccup, where's your dragon?” he asked, and Hiccup stiffened, eyes slightly widening at the sudden question. Averting his eyes anywhere from Dagur’s, Hiccup scratched the back of his head. “He’s not feeling well, I decided not to take him out for flying for a few days.” Hiccup explained simply, but Dagur wasn't really convinced. After all, he knew the brunette was a bad liar, but there was probably something wrong to force Hiccup from flying his night fury.

“I’ll stay here, I think I found some greens to use for cooking.” Thatch excused, and Hiccup rolled his eyes. They left Thatch and the man did grab some greens edible for cooking before jumping off a cliff, transforming into his stormcutter form, flapping his two pairs of wings and headed for where he last saw the group flew off to.

As Hiccup noticed the bigger dragon trying to catch up with them, Hiccup hummed and smiled, before patting Snotlout’s back to get his brother-cousin’s attention. “Thanks for letting me ride with you, cousin.” he smiled at Snotlout, brotherly, as if looking like he's about to..

And he did, he did jump off hookfang. Snotlout, Dagur and Heather panicked, but before Snotlout can even urge his dragon to dive after the brunette, Thatch flew higher, to show Hiccup he was safe and standing at the bigger dragon’s back, balancing himself. Dagur gawked at the sight and Snotlout almost launched at Hiccup from his dragon for scaring him.

Back at the island with Mala and her tribesmen, along with Astrid, the Twins and Fishlegs, they all accompanied the woman, the queen hoping for Hiccup to come back sooner.

“Dagur, what would an iron mason do woth a bunch of gronckles?” Hiccup questioned as if giving out a riddle. Heather encouraged her brother while Dagur pinched his head for the answers. “Iron! They're melting it!” he immediately responded, grabbing Heather’s arms with a smile plastered on his face. “And making gronckle iron too.” she added.

“If we find the masons..”

“We find shattermaster!”

Hiccup smiled at the sibling interaction and their guesses. “The masons' last ship left port headed east. We’ll follow it, and hope it leads us to the main foundry.” Hiccup exclaimed, and they all nodded at the brunette, their dragons picking up the pace.

.

“Alright Hiccup.. Before you start yelling-”

“I’m not gonna yell.” Hiccup cut him off, landing on his feet from the stormcutter. “You're- You’re not? I had a great speech planned..” Dagur mumbled dejetctedly.

“You were trying to save your dragon, we all would have done the same.” Heather spoke for Hiccup, smiling at her reckless brother and wrapping her arms around his dragon windshear. “We all have done the same, many times!” Hiccup interjected and laughed, Snotlout had said something to his dragon, which resulted with the dragon grunting in annoyance and embarrassment and pushed his rider as gently as he could not to throw the boy off the cliff completely.

Although their laughter and joyful momenta with their dragons all went downhill when the rest of Viggo’s fleet came to view. Hiccup demanded they should leave immediately, although they might never be able to keep the gronckles in formation then get them to safety as soon as possible. However Dagur spoke up, “They won't spot you, they'll be too busy chasing me.” he exclaimed confidently, and Heather frowned immensely. “Dagur, no.. I- I..” the female sibling stammered.

The said male sibling approached Heather and held her hand, promising her to come back to her to explain everything and wouldn't dare to break his berseker style king of promise. And with that, he took off and so did the dragon riders while they led the gronckles to their own paths of islands they call home.

Thatch spoke to Hiccup whole travelling back to the tribesmen island, and the brunette agreed at the idea. “Gang, we should return for the same cliff we left Thatch. He should be waiting for us by now.” the leader of the dragon riders quickly reminded and they all headed for the cliff. They landed and called out for Thatch and Hiccup was the last to land on his feet from the stormcutter’s back, until all of them noticed the gigantic dragon folding his wings and dived down the water. From what Fishlegs observed while Thatch was nowhere to be seen in the edge and the same magnificent and gigantic dragon appeared, he seemed to like to chill on sturdy tree branches, napping most of his days and his head freely spinning around like an owl. The question was, why would he dive down the waters?

Only Hiccup knew the answer.

To return back into a human underwater and somehow surprise the team from behind. As soon as half of the gang with Hiccup was about to ask questions regarding the dragon, Thatch reappeared half wet, which only the brunette noticed his sudden presence. The cook snuck up behind the dragon riders and startled the other two by hollering an enthusiastic 'hello', which was unnecessary considering the Jorgenson was the most spooked. After getting a few laughs and giggles from one another, they all decided to head back to pick up the rest of the dragon riders and head home, while Hiccup had completely forgot about something else.

And because of that he couldn't get any rest as they arrived back at Mala’s island, for the brunette has trials to do, unable to postpone them due to how long they have waited for his arrival. Hiccup is too kind for his own good.

First test was that he had to run across a path of rocks; with how fast his reflexes and legs can get, the brunette managed to get through the other side flawlessly.

Second test was to run through a water filled maze, with eels swimming around them; with his pipe as his weapon and his reaction time for the incoming eels launching themselves at him and he swatted them away, spinning his pipe to protect himself before their fangs could pierce into his skin, then encounter the three eels times four the size of a normal eel blocking his exit, not long before all were defeated, letting Hiccup climb up the ladder and win. Another flawless success.

The third and final test however was for tomorrow and a feast was prepared, with loads of fruits and unique but delicious meat for the hero and his dragon riders, and Thatch on the other hand helping the tribesmen prepare food and clean up when they are done. Astrid and Fishlegs had to talk Hiccup out of the trials, and the brunette couldn't agree more with their advice, and approached the queen of the tribe to confront her. But Mala insisted the third and final trial will determine if he would pass or lose. So whatever this final trial was, Hiccup will be to make sure he's going to lose and go home.

.. Or might not.

As he can see, the final test is unlike the first and second tests. Nothing treacherous except for the fact he has to race to the queen and take the arrow for her to pass. Unable to back down because of his ego, he had to take the test. He couldn't really determine if the queen would let the arrow hit her, and that's what urged him to keep going despite wanting to go back home. Speaking of home, Ace must have been dead worried. As the arrow been flung forward, the brunette hopped in front of Mala, blocking the arrow’s way from reaching and piercing her. However, somebody else bravely stood in front of Hiccup, earning gasps from the audiences and the arrow neither hit either Mala or Hiccup, but him.

-

Ace noticed his human keeping a distance between him and the raven-haired. Whenever Ace returned into his human form, the fire fist swore he spotted red tinting Hiccup’s cheeks and his gaze directly at him before looking away as soon as Ace glanced right at him. The brunette was even more awkward and stammering whenever they spoke at one another, the raven-haired in his dragon form or not. As if the boy was acting embarrassed and would frantically apologize for whatever he did that wasn't even wrong.

What was most that stood out, was whenever Ace brought up the mention of nights. As if Hiccup would flinch at the topic and avoid it as possible, waving his hands and glancing around like he had done something guilty and would deny whatever was accused of doing.

Hiccup definitely remembers the certain night he was drunk and Ace singing a song for him that was meant for couples in a way of proposing, to marry.

Ace was thinking hard, it was the second day the dragon riders were all gone and had taken a trip back to Mala's island because of a letter. Ace had to admit, he snarled at the mention of the woman again but nonetheless Hiccup decided on taking Thatch so Ace can cool off. Which was completely different from Ace’s perspective, disliking the woman for deeming the boy hers. It was only then the freckled man noticed the sun is down and the dragon riders hadn't come back home since usually they are back a day or two before the third day. Something was wrong, Ace could feel it, his body stiffening at the thought of his human captured by the hands of their opponents, or forced to go into another of those stupid trials for him to be the king of the tribe and to be taken away from him.

He wouldn't let that happen.

Stomping his way to the docks, he hopped in a yellow boat, similar to the boat he often used to ignite his flames and get it moving. Hiccup had made him the said boat day and night before his birthday and presented it, putting all his blood, sweat and hardwork filled with effort into his gift. Ace appreciated it and even crushed-hugged the brunette that day. Too appreciative to the point the raven-haired didn't wanna use the boat for fear he would damage it, and either way, it had no purpose to be used considering the last time he used a boat similar to Hiccup's was to search for teach all across the grandline seas and avenge Thatch. But now it has a purpose, and he needs to depart now.

Ace’s memory is perfect, well, at least at times whenever he want it to work. He headed north where the queen's island is, and travelling by boat meant it'll take him a while before getting there, but with his flames, he would arrive at sunrise.

.

Hit on his arm, Ace hissed painfully. Hiccup had fallen to the ground, confused where the arrow had gone since he never felt something sharp around his body part. His heart skipped a beat, face paled. He could have missed the arrow and Mala was shot- no, she could take care of herself. Did that mean he lost? If so, it was great news, and they can get home! But hearing the familiar voice groan had his head shot up to find Ace standing in front of him, taking the arrow instead. “What- Ace!?” he yelled worried.

“That moron!” Thatch hollered, facepalming. Ace glanced down at Hiccup with a stern look. “You remembered everything from that night, didn't you?” he questioned, and Hiccup knew exactly what night he was talking about. Guilty, the brunette nodded softly, lowering his head as he quivered his lip. That confirmed Ace’s suspicions. It was the first time to see Hiccup lie and get away with it, considering the boy is known for being bad at lying. But overall the raven-haired trusted his guts, his instincts, and as if on cue Hiccup glanced back up at his dragon-human. “How did you know?”

“I had my suspicions.” Ace grinned smugly, reaching a hand out for his hunan, and Hiccup rolled his eyes, accepting his offer and stood up.

“That was a fail.. But epic!” Snotlout hollered and Mala approached Hiccup with a sad smile. “You almost had what it took, my Hiccup, could have been my king. But suppose you are still needed for your leadership in your own village and to your dragon-riding friends.” She exclaimed, now understanding the whole situation why Hiccup had been prevented from completing his trials before he could even finish his final task. “You lost, Hiccup Haddock.” she declared but Hiccup was nowhere sad about this. He smiled back at the queen and the two of them hugged each other, making Ace huff and Throk helped him taking out the arrow and to bandage him. As they broke out of the hug, Hiccup chuckled. “I’m definitely not the kind of guy to be the king for you and your tribe but I know you'll find somebody perfect someday.” he reassured and Mala chuckled as well. She nodded and patted his shoulder. “I suppose. But thanks to your bravery and valor, you're still going to be our guest of honor.” She glanced up at Ace who took the arrow for Hiccup. “And you too.” she exclaimed, and Ace blinked, confused.

“Kings for a day, that's great!” Fishlegs happily explained, and Hiccup rolled his eyes with a smile. Glancing up at the taller freckled male, he eyed him, his expression turning poker. “We’ll talk, later.” he mumbled and Ace smiled nervously before he watched the brunette head for the feast table. “Who’s hungry!” he questioned his friends and they all raised their hands followed by a cheer.

.

His arms crossed, his gaze completely focused on his dragon in his human form. They both stood a few feet away from each other, them outside of the houses, huts, further from any of the others to hear, yes, they are at the edge of the island, again. Hiccup nor Ace hadn't said anything to begin a conversation, both of them awkward, completely anxious on what to say considering the two of them now know what Ace almost did to Hiccup that night and the brunette hid the fact he remembered and knew about it the whole time.

Coughing at the memory, Ace cleared his throat before nervously opening his mouth, deciding it would be him to fill the awkward silence hovering at them.

“Confession, you know the time I leaned in and you kind of pushed me back? I did that to try to.. Kiss you.” Ace mumbled the last two words, nervousness expressing his face and a flush of red immediately tainted his freckled cheeks. But Hiccup had heard the mumbling from Ace incredibly loud and clear.

The brunette widened his eyes. He did remember the fire fist leaning closer to his face but his drunken mind swatted his face thinking he was too close. “Wait, that was-?!”

“It was tempting, I know!” The raven-haired interjected, “But thank you for snapping me out of it because I didn't even know if you wanted that, drunk or not!” Ace blurted out.

“Hold on, so you were-”

“An idiot for thinking that, I know.”

“Ace let me finish, you tried to kiss me because you were-”

“Tempted. And it's not a good thing to take advantage of those who are drunk and vulnerable.”

“ACE!”

“I’m sorry, I'll shut up now.”

Hiccup sighed loudly, facepalming and rubbing his hand down his face. “You tried to kiss me because you are in love with me? Is that why you ended up singing for me instead and found ourselves cuddling and fast asleep on the same bed, my bed, together with your human form?” he questioned, and Ace nodded guiltily. “Only because you dragged me back because you wanted me to stay. I couldn't deny either way.” he confessed yet again, and Hiccup gaped.

“Since- Since when did you fall- I mean, that was practically the same thing but- well, since when did you begin to have feelings, for me?” the brunette stuttered, completely appalled about this new information he's receiving.

“Since the zippleback experience. I got quite jealous they were taking you away from me and I shrugged it thinking it was just because I'd lose you forever because of some kind of double headed dragon.” He exclaimed, no hesitation as Hiccup gawked.

“Okay that was unexpected. I was expecting you would admit you did sing that song for me as you tucked me in bed and even cuddled with me, but to try to kiss me? That's a whole different story.” Hiccup stated and Ace almost whimpered. If he had dragon ears right now they would have been seen flopping down.

“Crazy right.” Ace questioned rhetorically and nonchalantly. “Fun fact, I was so angry whenever Mala called you hers. And that bastard Viggo holding you close, it boils me. Whenever Dagur was so close to you during his visit in berk, the feelings I am feeling right now never occurred back then. Turns out I was jealous and I don't know how much damage will affect our three years of friendship.” the freckled male explained, eyebrows furrowing every word that escaped his mouth and Hiccup stood in front of him listening attentively.

“Oh, wow. I.. I never really thought you'd begin to feel that way for me. I always thought of us as best friends you know? Like, brothers.”

“Which is why it would affect the bond we have! I’m so sorry if you ever feel disgusted. I am pretty ashamed right now.” Ace lowered his head guiltily, but Hiccup hadn't said a word. Rather, he approached the raven-haired.

“Hey, look at me.” Hiccup called out to him softly, his hands quickly reaching for Ace’s, while the said male glanced up at the boy smiling at him. “You know, I don't mind. It won't affect the bond we have and I will always stay with you. Besides, it’s adorable to think you're jealous because I was with people you dislike.” Hiccup chuckled, and Ace managed to smile small. The brunette’s laughter eventually died down and sighed, lowering his head for a brief moment and continued. “But, about the kiss and stuff, I'll, I’ll need more time to think about that.” he mumbled, his hands gripping on the raven-haired’s hands a little tightly, but did the fire fist ever mind?

“Take your time. It's not everyday you find out your, 'dragon-human hybrid' friend like-likes you.” Ace remarked and the two of them had laughed to their heart’s content.

Urged to do something for the smiling boy, Ace raised his hand, patting Hiccup’s head and the brunette paid no mind and relaxed at the sensation of Ace’s hand running down his head repeatedly. He glanced up at the taller male however, confused as to why he had stopped. “Can, can I?” he questioned, asking for permission and the brunette doesn't even know what the raven-haired wanted to do right now. Hiccup’s heart raced while Ace patiently anticipated for an answer. Meekly nodding and giving permission, Ace smiled warmly and pulled his head closer to his, pressing his lips right at Hiccup’s forehead. It took him more than three seconds to pull away and pressed his forehead the next.

Hiccup’s heart fluttered at the action, and it was forever since he had felt something like this since three years. The last time he did, it was when Astrid had kissed his forehead two times, their first flight with Ace and the time he had awoken from his coma after the battle against the red death. He had already gotten over his crush on Astrid, but bits of his feelings for her never strayed.

But he had never felt this flustered and shaken up in a good way towards Ace’s gesture right now than towards Astrid’s gesture before.

Another and last pat from Ace's hand on the brunette’s head and the taller man was off. “Goodnight Hiccup, see ya tomorrow.” he exclaimed with enthusiasm, his goofy smile plastered on the raven-haired’s face and eventually was back to munching on meat and other feasts prepared and displayed on the tables.