~HICCUP~

I was stunned into silence momentarily. Little Hiccup kept his eyes locked on mine, his jaw set. "I've only ever known about Night Furies, and that was all from Blueflame," I said casually, patting Toothless, known to others, save myself, as Blueflame.

Little Hiccup gave me a look. "Oh, yes, I'm sure you do," he agreed, his voice reeking of sarcasm. "I know you're hiding something." I tensed at the comment. Little Hiccup continued on, "But, I also know you're hiding... whatever you're hiding... for a reason, so I won't pressure you into telling me." He sighed, as if defeated. "I know you're a good person. I like you," he broke his gaze from mine, rising from his sitting position and walking, making large gestures. I followed him with my eyes. "The other recruits like you. The whole VILLAGE likes you!" Little Hiccup stopped at the edge of the rocky beach. "Even when you first met Dad I could tell he would-- he would rather..." he couldn't go on.

We were both silent for a moment. I stepped up behind him, hesitating putting a hand on his shoulder. That would be something Dad would do. Instead I moved to his side and looked over at him. He stood, staring out at the ocean, light from the sunset making the waves to sparkle. It was nothing short of beautiful. "I could tell he would rather have you as son," Little Hiccup finished, looking up at me.

I exhaled a short breath and turned my head ot study the horizon. "You know, I was a lot like you when I was your age," I started. Little Hiccup's eyes widened in suprise slightly. "I was a failure in everyone's eyes. No one believed I was good enough. It took a great sacrifice to change not just the way I was perceived, but the way our whole world was perceived, too." I returned my gaze to him. "Of course, I couldn't have done it with my best friend." I paused. "You have the ability to carve your own future."

Without another word, I mounted Toothless-- who was watching our exchange, curled up quietly-- and glided away, a black shadow against the orange sunset.

~~~

I walked through the mostly deserted village, with only the occasional "good evening" or "sleep well" from the few Berkians heading home. Ahead was Astrid, axe in hand, saying her goodbyes to the rest of the gang. She stiffened when she saw I had noticed her, and veered to the left, finding another path to her house. "Hey-- wait!" I shouted as loud a possible while trying not to disturb the sleeping villagers. I ran after her, trying to get a hold of her. She was quick, but not quick enough. "Let me talk for a second--" I yelped, moving out of range when Astrid's newly sharpened axe came swinging in my direction.

"I'm so sorry, Tufflout," she apologized, lowering her weapon. "I suppose it's reflex." As if putting on a mask, Astrid's mood completely changed. "What you want from me anyway?"

"I came because you've been avoiding me. It doesn't have to be this way. There's no reason to treat me like this." I stated, angered.

"Treat you like what?" she growled back.

"Like you kissed me and were embarassed so you wanted both of us to forget about it!" My breathing was heavy. She shifted her glance to her axe, which was clutched tightly in her hands so her knuckles went white. I had hurt her feelings. Astrid could be so aggravating sometimes, in both the past and the present.

I closed my eyes, calming myself. "I'm sorry. Look--" I knelt down slightly and lifted her chin with my hand, bringing her gaze up to mine, like a brother would do to his younger sister to comfort her. "There's no need for it, all right? I'm okay with it."

She nodded wordlessly. I didn't need to add that I didn't want to repeat the event. "Okay." I nodded, standing up and turning to go. "Have a good night... milady."

~LITTLE HICCUP~

I laid my head on the many Toothless drawings cluttered on my desk, repeating Tufflout's words over and over in my head. You have the ability to carve your own future, he had said. But how do you do that when everyone has already made up your mind about you? Make them change their minds. The little voice in the back of my mind pushed its way to the surface. Don't be the viking thy want you to be, be the viking you want to be. Impossible. No one would accept a viking who couldn't kill a dragon.

I jumped out of my seat, for a burly, red-bearded viking had entered my workplace. "Dad! You're back!" Trying to hide all my drawings and plans behind me. "Gobber's not here, so..." I drifted off, making a truly awkward pose to hide everything.

Dad became suddenly serious. "I know," he said solemnly, "I came looking for you."

I was utterly astonished. "You did?"

"You've been keeping secrets," he continued on with his chiefly sternness.

My legs could no longer support me. I fell, dragging all that was on the table to the wooden floor.

I asked as innocently as possible, "I... have?"

"Just how long did you think you could hide it from me?"

"I don't know what you're..."

"Nothing happens on this island without me hearing about it." My father's voice silenced me, for fear of what was to come next. "So." Dad paused. "Let's talk about that dragon." My face sunk. He had found out about Toothless. How? When? No, that didn't matter. The important part is that I have to get Toothless. Get him away from the villagers, away from Berk.

"Oh gods. Dad I'm so sorry. I was going to tell you. I just didn't know how to--" It was then that Dad started laughing, booming throughout the room. "You're not...upset?"

"What? I was hoping for this!"

"Uh...you were?" Really? Was my Dad actually accepting me ... for me?

"And believe me, it only gets better! Just wait till you spill a Nadder's guts for the first time." He was almost giddy with delight.

No. Not for me. Not for the son who couldn't kill a dragon, but for the son who was the best in dragon training. The best in beating dragons.

"And mount your first Gronckle head on a spear. What a feeling!" He smacked my shoulder with enough force to sent me into the wall. "You really had me going there, son. All those years of the worst Viking Berk has ever seen! Odin, it was rough. I almost gave up on you, and all the while, you were holding out on me! Thor almighty!"

He took hold of a stool to sit on, plopping his massive body down on it. "Ahhhhh. With you doing so well in the ring, we finally have something to talk about."

I stood there in silence, averting my father's gaze. He scooted closer to me on the stool, clearing his throat. The silence continued.

"Oh, I... brought you something." The held out a helmet to me. "To keep you safe in the ring."

"Wow. Thanks," I accepted the gift, observing in every which way.

"Your mother would've wanted you to have it. It's half of her breast plate." Smiling as he gave the helmet a little tap. "Matching set. Keeps her close, y'know?"

I glanced between the breast hat in my hands and the one Dad wore on his head,  attempting to hide my disgust.

His pride showed on his bearded face. "Wear it proudly. You deserve it. You've held up your end of the deal."

"I should really get to bed," I told Dad, stretching out my arms and yawning, to excuse myself from the uncomfortableness I knew we both felt.

We spoke over each other, saying our good-nights and good-byes. I thanked him for the helmet.

Stoick leaves the room awkwardly, leaving Hiccup looking more burdened than ever.

Once my dad was gone I started to clean up all my drawings and plans for Toothless. Oh gods, I thought, what have I gotten myself into?

A/N: Hey dragonites! In case you were wondering, the title of the is because Hiccstrid in the future is kind of starting the beginning of Hiccstrid here, with the arguement and stuff and yeah. Also, I've written 1350 words for this chapter, not including this! Yay!

I really love my Build-A-Bear Toothless. He's so cute and huggable and loveable and my cousin who got him for me said he has a purple heart.

Sleep tight, dragonites! Remember to comment, vote, and share!

-TGD