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Chapter Text

Berk Island, home of the hairy hooligan tribe. 

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III isn't a viking like the rest of his village.

Even at the tender age of six, Hiccup still obviously lacks when it comes to the being-a-proper-Viking department. Hiccup was born early, and he thinks he has to suffer for it for the rest of his life.

His friends - you see, not really, they're not his friends, but he still likes to think they are his friends - started to use his physical weakness against him. His cousin Snotlout especially.

Hiccup had a friend once, he was nice. They used to play together.

But Winter came, and the cold took his friend away.

On some days, he could hear the villagers speak of him. Wonder if he would survive the cold. His father, Stoick the Vast, O Hear His Name And Tremble Ugh Ugh, would silent them if he did hear them. He would tell them how Hiccup is going to grow someday and be the strongest of them all.

Hiccup's previous heartbreak at being used as a bet between the villagers turned into pure delight at his father's words. Hiccup loves his dad. He really does.

His giant father can take on any dragon! He can punch a dragon in the face and wrestle it in the Arena and come out of the fight unscathed. Hiccup feels proud to have a father like him.

Someone with a good reputation. Someone vikings all across the archipelago fear and respect. He's the son of one of the best chiefs Berk has ever seen and will ever see.

But still, even if his father silences the villagers and tells the tribe that their fear is absolute nonsense, he still dresses Hiccup with extra heavy coats, made out of bear furs. And on the extremely cold and rough nights, his father would make him sleep in his bed, wrapping his furry cape around them along with the extra blankets.

Hiccup didn't mind, he liked sleeping in his father's arms. His dad has massive arms that can keep the cold and nightmares away. And whenever he hugged Hiccup, Hiccup felt safe and warm, knowing that nothing will dare to get to him with his father close.

So it became a routine.

Then, it became a tradition.

And then, it finally turned into a common occasion.

Whether it's during the harsh Winter's nights or not, Hiccup would sneak into his father's bed downstairs without an actual reason. Some nights, his dad will wake up and ask him what he's doing awake, Hiccup would be as blunt as possible; I missed you and his father, the invincible Stoick the Vast, the man who could crack mountains, would melt and lift up the covers.

On other nights, Stoick won't wake up, and Hiccup just jumps on his father's sleeping form and climbs under the covers. His father would wrap his arms around him with no thinking. Like it's an instinct engraved into him. Somehow his giant father doesn't crush him with his massive arms.

Hiccup slipped downstairs, his steps light and smooth. His father's snores coming from his room made Hiccup giggle quietly, throwing a hand over his mouth to cover it. He was still giggling as he made his way into his father's room, finding him asleep on his wooden bed.

His giggles must have woken his father up, for the man came awake with a disgruntled snort. Hiccup bust out laughing as his father made weird faces while wiping his hands down on his face. Stoick turned to look at him with his usual smile, even if he looked gruff and dishevelled from sleep.

"Son," Stoick called softly, offering Hiccup a hand. Hiccup practically leaped from his place and climbed the huge human boulder that's called his father. He sat on his shoulders, hands gripping his father's beard tightly.

"Take it easy on my beard, son," Stoick chuckled hoarsely. Hiccup huffed, still giggling as he flipped over Stoick's head and into his lap. Upside down.

"Peek-A-Boo!" Hiccup exclaimed with all his childish glee and excitement. He burst into giggles once more just as his father let out a hearty laugh.

"Someone's energetic," Stoick said with a tired but fond sigh.

"The Sun is almost up!" Hiccup said earnestly, sitting in his father's lap properly.

"The Sun will be out in four hours, Hiccup," Stoick said gently, resting a hand on the child's head.

Hiccup removed it from his head to look at it. He inspected it thoroughly, comparing his tiny hand to his father's large one.

"I'm small," Hiccup said, putting his palm against Stoick's.

"One day, you'll grow," Stoick reassured, sliding his hand from his son's to gently cradle his chin. "And you'll be the strongest of them all."

Hiccup giggled as his father tickled his neck, letting out screams of delight once Stoick started using both of his hands to tickle him in all of his weak spots.

"No Dad no!" Hiccup said with tears in his eyes, still laughing. He tried to kick his way through his cruel torture - in his opinion - but Stoick let out a battle cry and held him down as firmly as he could without breaking his small son's bones.

"Who's Dad?!" Stoick said in a fake angry tone. "I'm a dragon! And I'm here to tickle you to death!"

"No no!" Hiccup kicked and screamed, still giggling despite it all. "No tickling!"

"I only tickle naughty children who don't listen to their fathers!" Stoick said in the same tone as before, continuing to tickle him.

"I do listen to my dad!" Hiccup protested as passionately as he could with the continued assault.

Stoick stopped tickling him abruptly, raising one hand to his chin, pretending to think. His other hand still held Hiccup in his place.

"Hmm," Stoick hummed, looking from side to side as if deep in thought. "The father doesn't think you listen!"

With that, he let out another fake roar and started tickling his son again. Hiccup laughed again, still kicking wildly.

"But dad!" Hiccup whined. "I promise to listen!"

"Especially when I tell you to stop throwing the fish we freshly got from the sea into the water?"

Hiccup shook his head but then quickly yelled his agreement when Stoick tickled him once more. Even when Stoick let go of him, Hiccup still giggled, listening to his father's loud booming laugh as well.

He can't believe some people would fear his dad or say he doesn't smile. Hiccup's dad is always smiling and laughing! Hiccup never saw him without his smile.

When their laughter died, their smiles were still present on their faces. Hiccup raised his arms in the air, making his father chuckle but comply to his wishes in holding him in his arms.

"Now, how about we get some sleep," Stoick said gently, giant arms holding Hiccup securely.

Hiccup snuggled closer, nuzzling his face in his father's beard. Stoick laid down with Hiccup still in his arms, and covered both of them with the blankets once more.

"Goodnight dad, I love you," Hiccup yawned, shifting one small hand to put it over his father's protective ones.

"Goodnight son," Stoick replied with a hoarse voice. "I love you too."

Chapter Text

"Dad!" Hiccup called, hopping to where his father is. "Daaad!" he dragged the word, waving his paper filled hands around.

Stoick turned towards him, checking on the food one last time before turning his full attention towards his son. Hiccup reached his father with audible pants, stopping right in front of the large man. Stoick reached to carry him but Hiccup whined his protest, making Stoick himself kneel down.

"Dad!" Hiccup said brightly, shoving the papers in his face. "Look! I drew you! That's me! And that's you!"

Stoick leaned back, sitting on the floor to be able to look at the papers better. The papers were basically Hiccup and Stoick doing multiple different activities; fishing, milking yaks, cooking and most importantly; hunting for trolls. Stoick laughed as he saw the ugly green and large thing that his son decided is the shape of a troll.

"That's you!" Hiccup pointed to an obvious huge man with an equally huge red beard. Stoick thinks Hiccup captured his beard and clothes quite nicely for a six years old.

"I look amazing," Stoick said with an amused voice, making Hiccup giggle. Stoick smiled at the sound of his son's glee.

"And that's me!" Hiccup pointed to his tiny form excitedly. Small Hiccup looked adorable; reddish brown hair similar to his father's, green shirt and brown belt. Stoick noticed how his son added numerous freckles on his face, as if an afterthought.

"You look even more amazing," Stoick said with a genuinely impressed tone. Hiccup giggled again, climbing all over his father's lap.

"Thanks!" Hiccup chirped, putting effort into climbing into Stoick's arms. Stoick supported him with his left while carrying the papers with the right.

Hiccuped nestled comfortably in the crook of Stoick's left arm. "I'm good at drawing! Right Dad?" he turned his earnest eyes to meet his father's loving ones.

"Of course, son," Stoick said, pulling him close by the arm around him. Hiccup snuggled closer, putting one tiny hand on the massive one that's holding him.

"Hiccup," Stoick said after a while, gaining the boy's attention. Green eyes met green eyes. "I will have to leave for.. an expedition."

Hiccup's expression turned crestfallen and he let out a wail as he turned his face fully into his father's beard. Stoick sighed, dropping the papers gently on the floor before wrapping his other arm around his boy.

"Hiccup.." Stoick murmured, using his hand to cradle the child's head. "I will be back."

"No!" Hiccup exclaimed, raising his teary eyes to look his father in the eye. "No! I don't want you to leave! Please Dad?"

"Hiccup.." Stoick said again, stroking his son's hair with his fingers. "Son, I will be back. It will only be a week!"

"But-" Hiccup sniffed, nuzzling his snotty nose in his father's beard. Stoick held himself from recoiling in disgust.

"You'll get to spend time with Gobber!" Stoick said enthusiastically, shaking his arm a little to bounce the child.

"Yayy.." Hiccup said with no cheer. Stoick sighed, holding him against him tightly.

"It's alright son," Stoick consoled, still playing with his son's hair. "It's only for a week. I promise to be back."

"You promise?" Hiccup asked again to make sure.

"I promise," Stoick said gravelly.

Hiccup looked at him for a long moment, analysing his face, then nodded solemnly and returned to burying his face into his father's beard. Stoick pressed a kiss to his head, moving his hand down to the boy's back.

"Tell you what?" Stoick said, looking down into his son's eyes. "Why don't you plan an entire day for us. Just you and me, to go and do whatever you want."

"Even hunting trolls?" Hiccup asked with a gasp.

Stoick grunted a laugh. "Especially hunting trolls."

"It's good you're coming. Trolls are icky!" Hiccup said with absolute disgust. Stoick smiled at his adorable scrunch. "They steal your socks!"

"I'm sure they do, son," Stoick said gently.

"And only the left ones too!"

"Of course Hiccup,"

"I hate trolls!"

"I can see that,"

"They're ugly, huge and disgusting and..."

"Gobber!" Stoick called as he stepped into the forge, Hiccup in his arms.

Hiccup tried his best to braid the new hairs growing on his father's beard. By the time his father will be back, new hairs would come out. Hiccup would need to find ropes to tie his father's beard.

"Aye I'm here!" Gobber called, stomping his way to Stoick.

"Hi Gobber!" Hiccup waved, eyes bright.

"Hello laddie!" Gobber waved with his hook, smile wide.

"You told me you terribly missed Hiccup!" Stoick said, tickling his son under the chin, making the child laugh. "So here he is! He's yours for a week!"

Gobber audibly gasped. "A week?! By the Gods you have no idea how happy I am!"

Hiccup smiled widely when he heard Gobber's words. Finally! Someone missed him!

His friends don't really miss him. Maybe don't even notice he's not there. Hiccup would rather spend his days in the forge with Gobber rather than play with the others.

"Well, how about this laddie? You and I get to spend an entire week here! With all the fire, molten iron, nail-"

"Gobber!" Stoick exclaimed in both anger and horror.

Gobber paused, as if to think of what he just said. "Ahh, yes yes," he said after a few seconds. "Which you'll touch absolutely nothing from and just get to watch."

"Alright Hiccup?" Stoick asked, turning to the small child in his arms.

Hiccup nodded eagerly, the look on his face promising no good. Stoick sighed, sitting down the child and kneeling in front of him.

"Keep an eye on Gobber for me, alright?" Stoick said affectionately, ruffling Hiccup's hair.

Hiccup giggled. "Okay Dad!" then, as if realising this might be the last time he sees his father, he ran into the man's arms and held on tightly. "Love you Dad." he whispered.

"Love you too, son," Stoick whispered again, as quietly as he could, but his voice was still heard in Gobber's ears.

Stoick pressed one last kiss to his child's head before letting go. His eyes looked over Hiccup, hands still on his shoulders, once and twice before finally letting go.

"Gobber-" Stoick said as soon as he stood up, but words got caught in his mouth as he saw Hiccup staring at him.

If I don't make it back, take care of my son. His eyes conveyed what his mouth couldn't.

"Aye Chief, no need to worry." Gobber waved his hooked hand, laying his healthy one on Hiccup's shoulder.

"Bye Dad!" Hiccup called as he turned to leave.

"Goodbye son!" Stoick waved one last time, spotting his child waving in return, before he fully turned towards the pathway.

His heart begged him to run back to Hiccup. To let go of this suicidal mission and just be the father his son needs.

For him. Stoick thought as he walked towards the port. Do it for him.

Six years ago, Valka was taken away by dragons. Stoick would rather die than allow his son to suffer the same fate.

The first two days were a hazard.

Dragon raids occurred during both day and night since it's Summer. Berk snows for nine months a year and is as cold as the deep waters of the sea on the remaining three months. But even if the villagers did try to use the Summer for their advantage, the dragons decide it's better to raid the hooligan tribe during this time of the year.

Add to that, Berk doesn't have good soil. Their main source of food isn't vegetables or fruits, it's sheep, yaks and fish. And still, it gets extremely hard to keep the yaks and sheep alive in the drastic weather. And even harder to fish when it snows for nine months a year.

Berk suffers. It suffers far more than any other tribe; for they face the anger of dragons directly and suffer from starvation and loss. Many Berkians have lost their lives due to either the harsh Winter or the painful starvation.

Hiccup stayed in his room at Gobber's place. His whole body stilled as he listened to the raging screams of his people and the wrathful roaring of the dragons. Without his father and the village's most experienced men, the raids are spiralling out of control.

"Hello there laddie!" Gobber called from the doorway, giving his usual crooked smile to Hiccup. "You have to stay here! Okay?"

Hiccup nodded eagerly. As if he would ever get out of bed.

"Good!" Gobber said happily. "Now, I'll have to leave laddie, they need me out there!"

Hiccup swallowed audibly. Gobber is leaving. Hiccup will be alone here. With no one to turn to.

First Dad, now Gobber?

"You'll be fine!" Gobber waved his hooked hand, working on removing it. "The dragons will be too busy looking at the sheep!"

Gobber finally removed his hook and put a hammer in its place. Hiccup watched from his spot as Gobber ran outside, letting out the typical Viking yell of rage and war cry.

Hiccup gripped his sheets tightly as he heard the sound of the dragons again. He swallowed, tears already forming in his eyes, and ducked under the covers. He will be fine as long as he can't see what's outside.

But he can still hear it.

Hiccup tried to press his hands as much as he could to his ears. But even when he closed his ears with all of his might, he could still hear the screams and the sound of fire from the battle outside.

Vikings don't cry.

Hiccup angrily wiped away his tears, biting painfully on his bottom lip to stop his sobs.

Vikings don't get scared.

Hiccup repeated the words to himself. But still, despite his best efforts, his tears were running trails down his cheeks and his chest was seizing with fear. His heart beat loudly in his ears, scaring him even further.

Why is he so scared? He should be a Viking.

His father wouldn't even be afraid.

Hiccup sniffed, trying to stop his sobs from shaking his tiny form. It's bad enough that Snotlout always teases him for being small and weak. Hiccup is proving that he's weak by crying in his bed.

The sound of a mighty roar echoed through the night, accompanied by the shrill screams of pain and Hiccup could see the fire even with the covers over his head.

Sniffing again, Hiccup hid under his covers to try and stop the sounds from reaching him. Where is Gobber? Hiccup needs him.

Hiccup wants his dad. His dad would be able to protect him and keep him safe. His dad would kiss him and hold him in his strong arms. He doesn't want Gobber, he wants his dad.

"Please come home Daddy.." Hiccup sobbed, curling in on himself.

It rained terribly for the next three days.

Stoick tried his best to keep his people safe in the middle of a raging storm in the sea. Despite his best efforts, two of their five ships have disappeared underwater, leaving behind the broken pieces of wood to float in the sea.

This has to be the second expedition they went on, and they have lost most of their ships due to the harsh circumstances but Stoick is determined. He will find the nest of the dragons and finish it once and for all.

Three nights passed with a blur of shouts, death and lightning. By the fourth night, they have tried to travel further down the path they have taken last time. But there was no sign of life there.

It was empty. Deserted. Not a dragon in sight.

Perhaps if they travelled further North..

The sky clapped with thunder, and Stoick looked up at the quickly greying clouds. His eyes returned to his people, who looked hardened and exhausted. If they do take the path further North, they wouldn't make it due to the angry rainstorms.

And Stoick has promised his son to come back in a week.

"Turn around!" Stoick bellowed, not missing the relieved looks from the Vikings on the ships. "We're going back home!"

Though he loves his son and loves his home, he dreads going back to Berk if only because of the disaster he is sure would welcome him.

"Dad said he's coming home today," Hiccup told Gobber as he finished drawing the last plan for the day he and his dad are supposed to be spending together.

Gobber stopped his work in the forge, glancing down at the child from the corner of his eye. He does know Stoick is supposed to be back today. Supposed. These expeditions are like suicidal missions, it is guaranteed you will lose your life if you go on them.

The only reason Gobber stays is for Hiccup's sake.

"Aye, he is," Gobber replied at last.

"I think Dad and I will find giant ugly trolls! They're thieves!" Hiccup chattered, unaware of the danger his father may be in.

"Aye, they are. They steal your left socks!" Gobber chuckled, almost using his hook to ruffle the boy's hair instead of his hand.

"But they wouldn't dare to steal anything when I hunt them down!" Hiccup said, puffing his chest with pride.

"Of course laddie," Gobber replied.

"And when Dad gets home! We're gonna be hunting trolls together allll day long!" Hiccup giggled, throwing the small papers in the air.

Gobber didn't reply to that. He's not the best at talking and he knows if he opens his mouth to speak to the boy about his father, he would probably scar him for life. And Stoick would be back.

Right?

"The ships are back!"

Ah, maybe he should doubt his friend more often.

Hiccup gasped, abandoning everything in favour of going to see his father. Gobber practically ran after him, if only to spare the child from the sight of bloodied and cold Vikings atop ruined ships.

Hiccup was faster, he was a giggling mess as he ran towards the ports. He only stopped when he saw the horrifying looking ships. Or what remained of them.

Gobber finally caught up to him, panting but still put his hand on his small shoulder to steer him away from the sight. Hiccup struggled against his hand, trying to twist around and see.

"My Dad!" Hiccup cried, turning around to face Gobber. "I'll have to see my Dad!"

"We still don't know if he's on any of these!" Gobber argued. They were five ships when they left, now they're three.

Hiccup's eyes widened and Gobber could see the mist of tears forming in them. Oh boy, he shouldn't have said that. Hiccup broke into pathetic little sobs, making Gobber nervous.

He was saved from having to comfort the distressed child - by his own courtesy - by said child's father walking towards them. Stoick apparently heard what Gobber said and was sending him his infamous glare, looking terrifying even with how battered and tired he looks.

"I am back," Stoick said from behind Hiccup, glaring at Gobber.

Hiccup's head whipped around quickly at the familiar sound of his father. His sobs grew louder when he saw him and he flung himself at him. Stoick picked him up and made sure to hide his son's face from the gruesome view of the injured men behind him.

"Daddy!" Hiccup cried, fists clenched tight in his father's beard.

Stoick looked at Gobber in distress; Hiccup only calls him 'Daddy' when he is extremely upset or whenever he's terrified.

"I'm here son," Stoick whispered, exhaustion making his bones ache and his eyes threatened to close several times. The small feather like weight of his son in his arms gave him strength and comfort.

"I missed you," Hiccup mumbled, still clinging to his father tightly.

"As have I," oh if only Hiccup just knew how much Stoick missed him.

Tears long forgotten, Hiccup pulled back to smile at his father. Despite the heaviness in his heart that only seems to grow by day, Stoick smiled back, his grin tired but fond.

He lost so many men this week. Failed so many.

"You look tired Daddy," Hiccup said with a frown, small hand reaching to stroke his father's cheek. "Do you need an icecube?"

Stoick's throat closed tightly, and he raised a hand to rest it on his son's red hair. His wonderful child. His smart, perspective, caring Hiccup.

"Perhaps," Stoick said softly. "But I'll need to clean myself and sleep."

"Sleep." Hiccup nodded, face solemn.

Stoick grinned, finally turning his attention back to Gobber who was pretending not to notice the tender moment between father and son.

"Gobber," Stoick said. "Thank you for taking care of Hiccup."

"Aye Chief, you're welcome." Gobber waved his hook.

"Can we go home now Dad?" Hiccup asked suddenly, making Stoick's heart lighten at his use of the word 'Dad'.

"Of course, son," Stoick said, ruffling his hair. The air around them blew, making the hairs on Stoick's arms stand. Stoick used his somewhat damp cape to wrap it around his small son. Hiccup snuggled further into it.

"Have you planned what we will do together?" Stoick asked, turning to smile at the boy.

Hiccup nodded excitedly. "Yeah! We're gonna hunt trolls!"

"Aye," Stoick laughed. "Why not?"

By the time he did get home, Stoick felt the weight of the former events grow heavy on his shoulders and the skies have announced their fury. He barely made it inside before it started raining.

"Hiccup," Stoick turned to his child. "I'll need to clean myself and prepare something to eat. Can you bring me an icecube?"

Hiccup nodded eagerly, rushing off to the back the moment his father put him down. Stoick watched him go for a moment before lighting up the fire, then took off his cold cape and draped it over the hanger near his room. His feet ached and his head was killing him but he forced himself to move and put water above the fire.

There's no way he's cleaning himself in cold water.

Stoick sat in his chair with a deep groan. Hiccup came back seconds later, icecube in both of his hands. Stoick tried to smile at his son but it came off as a grimace. He really doesn't want to his son to see him in such weakness. Hiccup didn't seem to care about his father's newly stoic face.

"Thank you, son," Stoick said as he took the icecube from Hiccup's hand. The effort to put the icecube against his forehead was too much, his arm strained.

Hiccup climbed into his lap wordlessly, taking the cube from his father and putting it himself over his father's forehead. Something in Stoick's heart broke. His small, clueless son who knows nothing of selfishness or greed. So full of compassion and kindness.

As a thanks, Stoick held Hiccup a little closer. With time passing, Stoick took the icecube from Hiccup's hands to press it himself to his forehead. The weather is cold already, and he doesn't want to get his son's fingers cold.

"Warm your fingers," Stoick said, laying a kiss to each hand, making the small child giggle. "It is cold."

Hiccup nodded, raising his hands to face the fire. It was a while until he felt better, and by that time, the icecube has melted. Stoick stood up with a heavy groan, placing his son in his place and warning him not to play with the fire, took the warmed water and went to clean himself.

When he was done his energy had all but dissipated. Apparently cleaning yourself with warm water makes you cozy and comfortable. Despite his body and his mind screaming at him to rest and not make dinner for today, Stoick forced himself to go back to where the fire is and prepare making dinner.

His heart told him he has a son who needs to be fed before going to bed. Stoick would never allow his Hiccup to sleep without eating a full meal. Would never allow his boy to go to bed hungry.

Hiccup mindlessly chattered to him about his adventures when he was away, making exaggerated hand movements and his voice so full of awe. Stoick listened carefully while preparing the stew on the stove.

When dinner was ready, Stoick sat Hiccup in his chair and made sure to cut off the meat for him. Hiccup waited patiently, humming the song his father always sings to him.

"Dad?" Hiccup asked.

"Yes son?"

"Don't leave again."

Stoick paused, stared at his plate then turned his gaze to his son.

"Why not?"

"I missed you," Hiccup said, looking his father dead in the eye. "And I was scared when you were away, I was afraid of dragons."

Stoick's heart melted, he still kept his composure and tried his best not to seem intimidating. Not that it works with his son anyway, Hiccup would see him in the worst states of his anger and would simply tug on his robes till he noticed him and demand to be held.

"I'll have to leave, Hiccup," Stoick said as gently as he could. "Our future depends on my travels."

"No!" Hiccup cried, slamming his tiny fist down. "Don't leave!"

Stoick's eyes widened as he looked in bewilderment at the heated glare his son is sending him. Hiccup is a usually calm child, Stoick knows that, so it's both concerning and shocking to see him angry.

"You don't go!" Hiccup opened his fist to point his finger at his father. "You're tired! You're cold! Don't go!"

"Alright." Stoick said after a while, amazed at the way Hiccup immediately relaxed and smiled at him. "I won't go."

"Good!" Hiccup chirped, continuing to eat his food like nothing happened.

Stoick shook his head, turning back to his plate, amusement colouring his mind. After dinner, Stoick could see Hiccup become drowsy. Good. Stoick doesn't have the ability to stay awake and watch a six years old play around.

"Sleep time?" Stoick asked hopefully.

Hiccup stubbornly shook his head, fighting to keep his eyes open. Stoick sighed, removing all the plates before returning to find Hiccup asleep in his chair. Stoick chuckled, held Hiccup and went upstairs.

He changed Hiccup's clothes with Hiccup still out cold. His small son dosed off with his thumb in his mouth, snuggling close in his covers. Stoick smiled, smoothed his hair back one last time before he went to his bed.

It was a really, really long week.

Chapter Text

Hiccup knew he wasn't wanted.

Of course, he's a child. And children his age don't really have the mental capability to fully grasp or understand emotions or situations but he does feel one thing; unwanted.

And of course, being a six years old child, he knows fully well that whatever he is feeling is true. And feeling unwanted? Then yes, it is true. Everyone around him were playing with each other, and that only left out Hiccup.

Tuffnut and Ruffnut.

Fishlegs and Helga.

Snotlout and Astrid.

This leaves Hiccup alone. Playing in the dirt. Drawing. Digging. Whatever it is.

Frustrated tears made their way into his eyes, but he bit on his bottom lip and blinked hard enough for the tears to dry and keep from falling. He will not let a single tear drop from his eyes.

Helga is nice. She is usually the nicest to Hiccup and so is Fishlegs. They are cousins, and mostly are the ones to play with Hiccup. Snotlout? Well, let's just say Snotlout likes to push Hiccup around and kick him rather than play with him. Hiccup dreads going to his house.

The twins are the twins. They were busy hitting each other with the dirt. And from the looks of it, Tuffnut is shoving dirt down Ruffnut's throat. Hiccup doesn't want to be next. He looked longingly at Astrid and Helga. Maybe just Helga. She was shy and sweet and she always sat with Hiccup during playtime.

Astrid is.. Astrid. Hiccup can't find another word to describe her. She's not nice to him. Astrid isn't nice to anyone. She plays with him when they're all playing together and doesn't really bully him nor does she hit him like Snotlout does. But she doesn't smile and laugh with him like Helga and Fishlegs.

Hiccup heard screams and turned just in time to see Ruffnut burying Tuffnut in the soil alive. Snotlout noticed and laughed, pointing and howling with laughter. Helga and Fishlegs looked just as uncomfortable as Hiccup and Astrid looked angry. Like usual.

Hiccup sighed. Maybe he should try and ask them if he could join one more time.

"Hey Helga?" Hiccup asked quietly, trying not to draw Snotlout's and the twins' attention. Helga snapped her head towards him, blonde braided hair swaying. "Can I join you and Astrid?"

"Sure!" Helga said brightly, gaining a glare from Astrid. Hiccup noticed it, though Helga didn't, but despite his hurt at not being wanted by someone he thought tolerated him, he still sat down with both the girls.

Astrid ignored him for most time, but Hiccup still played with Helga. For sometime. Then Snotlout noticed him and smirked, making Hiccup gulp.

"Look it's Hiccup!" Snotlout said, moving closer. Hiccup gulped again, looking for a way out. "What are you doing? Playing with the girls? Are you a girl?"

Hiccup flushed, looking at his dirt covered hands. He's not a girl. But he likes playing with Helga. She's nice and warm. Astrid? Not so much. But Helga is nice.

"Helga is nice.." Hiccup said quietly.

"And Astrid isn't?" Snotlout asks.

"I never said that." Hiccup said quieter.

"You didn't have to!" Tuffnut said, finally getting out of Ruffnut's choke hold.

"Yeah it's obvious!" Ruffnut backed him up.

"I.." Hiccup stuttered, getting up and walking backwards slowly. "I.. I- I never meant-"

"I- I-" Snotlout mocked. "Terror got your tongue?"

"I think so," Ruffnut said, squinting at Hiccup's mouth.

"Yeah I can't see it." Tuffnut said, moving closer to Hiccup, closely followed by his twin.

Hiccup backed away slowly, but they still advanced on him. Snotlout came closer too, and all three of them were on him in no time. And as usual, no one saved him from being pushed around.

"Stop! Hey- Stop it!" Hiccup said, trying to stop them from pushing him towards each other.

"This is more fun than burying Tuff alive!" Ruffnut said, pushing Hiccup roughly towards Snotlout.

"Yeah! And I know it because I was there!" Tuffnut said proudly, shaking Hiccup roughly when Snotlout threw him towards him.

They continued throwing him around, ignoring his pleas, until Snotlout held his arms back and let Hiccup fall instead of catching him when Ruffnut pushed him towards him. Hiccup cried in pain when he fell, his knee throbbed with extra pain from the cold. When he looked down on his trousers, his left leg was torn on the knee and there was a mild scrap there.

It was deep enough to scar, since he fell on a rock, and bloody as well, but despite the despairing pain Hiccup felt, he still refused to allow a single drop to fall from his eyes. Around him, Ruffnut, Tuffnut and Snotlout all looked scared.

"Is he going to tell the Chief?" Tuffnut asked quietly.

"Of course he will! He's his dad!" Ruffnut yelled, crossing her arms.

"If the Chief knows, he's gonna kill us!" Tuffnut gasped, hugging his arms.

"Us?" Snotlout asked, glaring at them but still not managing to hide his fear. "You're the one who pushed him! He will kill you!"

"Hey! You're the one who didn't catch him!" Ruffnut huffed, glaring at Snotlout.

"Tuffnut threw him roughly!"

"So what if I did? You're the one who started it!"

"No I wasn't!"

"Yes you were!"

"No I wasn't!"

"Yes you were!"

Hiccup looked at them helplessly, then looked back at his scraped knee. He's really hurt and he wants to cry, but Vikings don't cry. Vikings don't feel pain. Vikings don't show weakness. Not in front of anyone. That's what his dad always told him.

He wiped the blood as best as he could with his hands, resulting in covering them all in blood, and stood up, ignoring the nagging pain in his knee. No one seemed to pay him much attention, they were all busy fighting or watching the fight. Hiccup seized the chance to leave.

He doesn't want to play with them anyway.

Where is his dad? Hiccup needs him.

Chief or not. Needed by the village or not. Duties or not. Hiccup wants his dad now.

Maybe he's in the Great Hall. Hiccup ran his way there, not looking down to the bloodied mess on his left knee or the warm wet spot it left behind. His knee hurt with every step he took, but he still ignored it.

Those guys were so mean. Why were they mean? Hiccup only wanted to play.

To his horror, his eyes swelled with tears once more and he closed his eyes as best as he could to stop the tears from flowing down. In his attempt to both run and stop his tears, he fell once more, injuring his knee further and ripping his trousers more.

Gritting his teeth, Hiccup stood up shakily, and continued running while limping to the Great Hall. He stood in front of the stairs, taking a couple of breaths before running up to the doors. It took him longer than usual due to his injured knee but that doesn't matter, what matters is that his dad is there.

With the back of his hand, Hiccup wiped his snotty nose and stared at the blood there. It's dried now, and it has a metallic smell.

"What happened to you lad?" one of the villagers asked, gaining Hiccup's attention. "You look like a mess!"

"I'm fine!" Hiccup said defensively. "I'm looking for my dad."

"Oh he's in his chair," the villager answered, waving a hand towards the line of people. "He's busy, as you see."

Hiccup can see that, but he doesn't care.

"Thanks!" he said as cheerfully and politely as he could even with his knee screaming at him to stop the pain.

He scurried off to find his dad bored as he usually is whenever he listens to the daily complaints of the Berkians. Hiccup ran to the front, climbed on the stacks to get to the chair and tugged on his father's robe.

Stoick looked down immediately, as if recognising the tug itself. His face changed from bored to surprised to happy to shocked to worried in few seconds and Hiccup would have laughed in any other circumstances if it weren't for his hurting knee.

"Son!" Stoick exclaimed softly, softer than people would think he is capable of. "What on Midgard happened to you?"

"Snotlout and the twins were pushing me around!" Hiccup said, trying to sound angry instead of upset. "Then I fell and scrapped my knee and then I fell on my way here!"

His dad's look turned angry, and Hiccup thought he did something wrong, but his mind and heart told him no. His dad would never look at him this way even if he did something wrong. He must be angry for him.

"I'll handle it," Stoick said after he smoothed his expression, his face once again stoic. He stood up, picked Hiccup up, and then got down from his chair. The line dissipated, giving room for the Chief. "Someone bring me warm water and a clean cloth! And new trousers for my son!"

Hiccup snuggled closer to his father's chest, yawning a little even. Here and now, he doesn't have much to worry about. His dad will take care of him. Wipe away the blood and wrap the small scratch. Dress Hiccup in fresh clothes and hold him in his strong arms until everything feels better.

"Now, son," Stoick said gently, sitting Hiccup on one of the tables away from everyone. "Let me take a look at that."

Hiccup extended his left leg, pouting as he looked at his father. Stoick chuckled a bit, ruffling Hiccup's hair.

"Look at my little warrior!" Stoick said, keeping his hand on the boy's head. "Taking the pain with no fear or pain!"

Hiccup giggled a bit, his smile drawing on his face without warning. His knee suddenly didn't hurt as much as it did before.

"You're the strongest eh?" Stoick said again, holding Hiccup's small hands in his. "And you'll grow to be the strongest warrior the archipelago will ever know."

 "Really?" Hiccup asked.

"Aye," Stoick said. "Of course you will be! Remember what the other Hiccups did?"

"The first found the island and the second stopped a war!" Hiccup said proudly, puffing up his chest.

"Aye!" Stoick agreed, moving his hands to move the ripped fabric away from Hiccup's injured knee. "And you'll be greater than them!"

The warm water, cloths and new trousers arrived. Stoick immediately set to work, gently running the drenched cloth with warm water over Hiccup's scrapped knee, cleaning away all the dirt and blood. Hiccup bit his lip to keep from crying out in pain.

"It's alright." Stoick murmured, cleaning Hiccup's injury. "My small Viking can make it through this one tiny scratch! Nothing can stand in his way!"

Hiccup smiled, reaching his hands out to hold on his father's arms for comfort. Holding his dad always made him feel safe, especially when he's scared or in pain.

"All clean!" Stoick said after a few more rounds of cleaning. "Now, give me your hands."

Hiccup did as he was told, watching the warm cloth get rid of every single drop of blood, even those under his nails. Stoick wiped away the small drops that landed on Hiccup's face from his constant touching to it. Using his cape to hide his son away from others, he took off Hiccup's ripped and dirty trousers and wrapped a clean, dry cloth over Hiccup's knee, and then got him dressed into the new trousers.

"See Hiccup?" Stoick said, smoothing Hiccup's hair down. "It's alright! You're alright!"

"It doesn't hurt anymore." Hiccup said, moving his leg.

"Aye, of course it won't." Stoick said, taking his son's clean hands into his. "It wouldn't dare to hurt you when I'm here!"

Hiccup giggled, holding his arms out. Stoick carried him with no hesitation, told someone to take away the supplies and headed towards his chair again. Spitelout appeared in their line of vision, his face displeased as always.

"Don't you think you were too soft?" Spitelout asked quietly so he won't draw attention. "You said he will be chief one day, and a chief takes on pain!"

"He's six, Spitelout." Stoick spat the name like it was venom, making Hiccup grip his beard tighter. Realising this, Stoick patted his back reassuringly and when he spoke again, his voice was less harsher. "He's a child, worry about raising your own child."

With that, Stoick left Spitelout behind, sitting on his chair with Hiccup snuggled close to his chest. The villagers formed in line again, seemingly once more ready to complain about whatever is happening in their lives.

Hiccup snuggled closer to his dad. He doesn't need stupid Snotlout and the twins anyway, he has his dad.

"You think we can make stew for nattmal today?" Stoick asked as he moved around their house with Hiccup in his arms.

Hiccup hummed, looking at the food stored in the cupboard. Stew? It sounds nice. He likes yak stew best.

"Stew." Hiccup said firmly and solemnly.

"Aye," Stoick chuckled at the serious look on his son's face. "Boar or yak?"

"Yak." Hiccup said, this time looking at Stoick and using his hands to make sure Stoick looks into his eyes.

"Alright." Stoick replied easily, preparing to cook with Hiccup still in his arms. "Want to invite Gobber for nattmal?"

"Yes!" Hiccup said happily, hands grabbing his father's beard tightly in excitement.

"Alright then!" Stoick said, plopping Hiccup on the floor. Hiccup blinked up owlishly at the man. "Go get him."

Hiccup's face brightened at the thought of finally having some sort of a mission to occupy his time. Determinedly, he ran off towards the door, struggling to open it for a few moments before finally managing to pull it open and ran outside. He hopped down the stairs, grinning to himself as he thought of having nattmal with Gobber.

When he reached the forge, the familiar smell of iron and smoke reached his nose trills and the sound of metal hitting metal broke through the air to his ears. Hiccup walked inside, looking around for the one legged, one armed Viking.

"Gobber!" Hiccup called loudly. "Gobber!" he shouted, louder than before.

"There you are laddie!" Gobber said after a few moments, appearing in Hiccup's line of sight. "You're so small I barely saw you! Almost stepped on you there!"

Hiccup huffed, crossing his arms angrily. "That's rude, Gobber!"

"Aye," Gobber agreed, kneeling down. "But anyway, what are you doing here? And where is your giant mountain sized father? Never seen him leave you out by yourself!"

"He told me to come get you so we can eat nattmal!" Hiccup said proudly.

"Ahhh, and what is the Chief making?"

"Stew!"

"Yak or boar?"

"Yak!"

"Eh, I prefer boar but yak works."

"Yak is way better!"

"Nah, these boar stews are something else. Let me tell you laddie, you only like yak stew best 'cause you never ate a good boar stew!"

"Yak is still better!"

"Aye, whatever you want little Chief."

Hiccup grinned, former defensive stance abandoned. Gobber returned the grin, albeit a bit more amused than Hiccup himself.

"Let's get going, if we stay any more late, your father might turn this village upside down looking for you."

Closing the forge, Hiccup and Gobber both made their way to the Chief's house. Hiccup practically running up the stairs while Gobber walked at a much slower pace. It wasn't a surprise that Hiccup reached the house first.

"Dad! I'm back! And Gobber is here!" Hiccup kicked the door open with all of his might - which wasn't much - and ran to his father's hunched form over the cauldron on the fire.

"Aye, you did well son." Stoick said absentmindedly, but Hiccup still beamed at the praise nonetheless. "Now, how about you go and prepare the plates eh?"

"Okay!" Hiccup chirped, apparently not tired out even after all the running and moving he did.

"Tiring him out on purpose I see," Gobber said as he finally reached the door, closing it behind him.

"Aye. You know the lad is a walking ball of energy." Stoick said as he took his gaze off of the stew.

"Feel bad for you if you actually believe he would be tired by the end of the day." Gobber said as he brought a chair and sat down.

"It is worth a try, Gobber." Stoick grunted, refocusing on the food.

"How long until it's ready? I'm starving." Gobber complained.

"An hour and half." Gobber groaned dramatically. "Oh don't give me that look Gobber, you're starting to sound like Spitelout." Stoick said with a roll of his eyes.

"You take that back!" Gobber slammed his mug hand on the table.

"Spitelout!" Stoick exclaimed, not backing down.

"Take it back!"

"Spitelout!"

"Oh you didn't-"

"Spitelout Spitelout!"

"Spitelout Spitelout Oi Oi Oi!" Hiccup ran into the room, chanting his uncle's theme with wooden plates and forks into his small arms. As soon as he reached the table, he put them on a chair and then fell onto his bottom and laughed.

Stoick laughed heartily, argument with Gobber forgotten as he left the stew and went to pick his son up. Hiccup, still giggling, tugged on his father's beard as he laughed harder. Gobber joined them a moment later, when he seemed to declare the argument between him and Stoick unnecessary.

"One thing for sure, that man is an idiot." Gobber said after their laughter subsided.

"Of course he is." Stoick agreed, smoothing Hiccup's hair back.

Stoick sat Hiccup on the table and left to continue the cooking. Gobber walked over him, telling the boy that they should play a game while they wait for the food. The Haddock household was soon filled with laughter and joy. Later, when the atmosphere quietened with comfortable silence as they ate, Stoick told them a story about the idiotic chief who thought too full of himself which resulted in embarrassing himself during one of the cheifs meeting.

The night fell, and soon, Gobber was gone, and Hiccup was yawning in his place by the fireplace, still denying that he is tired and is in need of sleep. Stoick just sighed and changed the boy's clothes while he was half asleep, and then carried him to his room upstairs.

As joyous as the night was, his heart still felt hollow. Hollow with the loss of a wife and a mother who wouldn't be able to witness her son grow nor will she be here to join them during their happy nattmals.

"Johann is here with a letter." one of the villagers informed Stoick.

"I'll be off to see him." Stoick said gruffly, looking at Hiccup who was holding his hand and looking around in boredom.

"Wanna go see what Johann has to say son?" Stoick said quietly as he knelt down to his son's level.

Hiccup's face brightened and he nodded excitedly, making Stoick chuckle. Together, they set off towards the newly built port. Today's raid has once again ruined their port, and Stoick has spent his whole day making sure everything is taken care of.

"Master Stoick!" Johann greeted in his usual annoying and high pitched voice and Stoick resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I've got a letter for you from Osvald the Agreeable."

"Osvald?" Stoick asked in surprise. Their yearly visit isn't due any time soon.

"Yes," Johann said, handing him a parchment. "Said it's urgent. I heard his daughter has disappeared."

"Disappeared?" Stoick asked again. How can she disappear? Dragon raids?

"Yes!" Johann said in fright. "One day they woke up, and she was gone! Not a trace of her! And there were no signs of breaking in their home!"

That's disturbing. The girl has to be about Hiccup's age, if not a year younger or older. Where would she go? Was she kidnapped? Or perhaps ran off in the middle of the night? But how can she disappear without a trace? And if she was kidnapped, why would they kidnap her and who would do it?

"What a tragedy," Johann continued, seemingly unaware of Stoick's conflict. "And she is young! Almost as young as master Hiccup here!"

Stoick's heart squeezed as he looked at his small son, who clung to his side in fear. The thought of Hiccup being lost, somewhere in the wild with no one to protect him or care for him, made Stoick want to tear his heart out to rid himself of the pain of just the mere thought about it.

He can't begin to understand what Osvald must be going through at the moment.

"They say he's gone Berserker!" Johann dropped his voice to a low whisper, leaning in close and waving his arms for extra dramatic effect. "Started to blame everyone around him and think they were the ones to hide his daughter away."

Stoick can't blame him for this. He truly can't. If he ever lost Hiccup this way, he'd probably do more. He'd surely do more.

"Thank you Johann," Stoick said before the man could continue, noticing how tight Hiccup was holding onto his robe. "I'll be reading the letter, see what Osvald needs."

"Please do, master Stoick." Johann said as Stoick turned around. "Poor man. Poor poor man."

Stoick heard him, he just pretended not to.

Osvald wanted his help.

He wanted a few ships to help him look for his daughter. And from the way he wrote, he did sound Berserker, as Johann said before. But Stoick can excuse that. He truly could.

But is it worth ridding his village of much needed defence to help the Berserker chief?

Looking at Hiccup, who looked back at him with a frightened gleam in his eyes, Stoick felt his heart ache once more. He put the letter down, picked Hiccup up and held him close in his arms. The poor lad clung to him as tightly as his fragile arms could, burying his face into his father's beard.

"There there, son," Stoick whispered gently, wrapping one hand around Hiccup's form while the other supported him from his bottom. "I'll never allow this to happen to you. Never."

"You promise?" Hiccup's voice was small and scared.

"I swear it to you, by Odin himself." Stoick replied firmly, wrapping his arm tightly around Hiccup. "I swear it."

Hiccup relaxed, his hold loosening a bit but still so tight. Stoick kissed the top of his head, moving his hand to cup Hiccup's head to keep the boy close.

Taking a parchment and a quill out, Stoick wrote his reply back.

Yes, it is worth it. Because if Stoick was in Osvald's situation, he would be asking for help too. Their children are always worth it.

Chapter Text

Berk desperately needed extra help.

Stoick couldn't see his way out of this one without asking any of the other tribes for help. The dragon raids have gotten worse the past few days and have taken too much of their storage. With Winter coming soon, Stoick feared he wouldn't be able to feed his people or keep them alive.

It doesn't help that during the Summer, their supplies are getting less and less. He had sent a ship with the best Vikings of the village to go help Osvald the Agreeable find his lost daughter. The man seemed more than mad when Stoick saw him, to the point Stoick started believing that Osvald the Agreeable may not be so Agreeable anymore. He might follow his Berserker heritage soon.

But then again, the man lost his daughter. If Stoick lost Hiccup, people wouldn't speculate whether he turned mad or not, they would be sure he became mad. How could he not? His child was lost and gone without a trace. Like a drift in the wind.

But enough about Osvald, this is about Berk. Berk is struggling, and Stoick fears the children in his village will not make it this Winter. Their bodies are too small and too thin to survive through this harsh icy cold. His mind drifts to his own small and thin boy and his heart squeezes at the possibility of Hiccup not making it through to see the next Summer.

He is a survivor. Stoick scolded himself harshly, delivering a clean punch to a Nadder's jaw. Hiccup has always survived through the worst. He is Hiccup. The boy made it through all of those years, he can make it through this Winter.

Stoick would do anything, and he means anything, to ensure that his child will be both warm and fed. Even if he has to put him before the whole village, Hiccup will always come first to him.

Stoick would have to share his bed with him again. It's not really an issue. Honestly? Stoick enjoys the moments where he gets to hold his son close. At least he will know he's safe and sound, where no one or no dragon can get to him. Overprotective? Maybe. But at the end of the day, his boy is still alive and well.

With a final strike of his axe, the Nadder he fought fell dead, and Stoick watched with satisfaction as the spelt blood of the dragon scared away many others. Good. That should keep the lot of them.

"Winter is only two weeks away!" Sven said in the Council meeting. "We don't have enough food nor clothes to keep us fed and warm!"

"I have already sent a letter to the other tribes." Stoick said, letting Hiccup play with his hands whilst he continued speaking through the meeting.

"And what if they don't reach us before Winter?" Sven asked.

"Then we're lucky it starts to snow a week or so later after Winter starts." Stoick said, gently but firmly trapping Hiccup's hand in his. The boy huffed in frustration, putting all of his might into getting his hand out.

"Three weeks should be enough time for our supplies to arrive." Phlegma the Fierce said.

"Aye," Gobber chimed in from his place.

"And we will have to make less amounts of fur this Winter." Stoick said, finally letting go of Hiccup's hand almost making the boy fall to the ground if it weren't for his father's hold on him. "We don't have much resources, and we need the sheep to stay alive to make it through the other snowy months. We don't have much of sheep around anymore."

"Survival mode?" Spitelout asked from his place.

"Survival mode." Stoick confirmed, holding Hiccup a little bit tighter.

The boy in his arms seemed to be oblivious to his father's distress, or perhaps he just didn't care about the tight hold. Stoick always held Hiccup tightly and firmly but also gently. The boy brought a side of him even Stoick himself didn't know existed. Valka had made him smile and dance, even sing. But the love he held and still holds for his dead wife pales in comparison to the love he holds for his son. While a part of his soul died with Valka, his soul still lives on to make sure its anchor is alright; Hiccup.

"Alright," Stoick said, standing up with Hiccup in his arms. The boy immediately giggled and started to climb all over his father's shoulders. "We have summed up everything?"

"Yes Chief." Sven said, standing up as well. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll have to check on my babies."

Gobber rolled his eyes at the man, knowing fully his 'babies' are sheep. He gave a glance towards Stoick who seemed to have his hands full with making sure to keep Hiccup from falling into the ground. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Spitelout make his way towards the chief and he immediately knew it won't be a pleasant talk. Hurriedly, he started chatting loudly about a story he made up just know, purposely walking towards the doors while making it seem causal. Every Viking in the vicinity listened and eagerly followed him.

"Spitelout." Stoick said, voice tensed. Hiccup immediately stopped giggled at the way his father spoke, then made his way down to keep himself in the crook of Stoick's arm. His eyes looked at his uncle for a moment before they hastily hid behind his dad's beard.

"Stoick." Spitelout greeted him with the same tone that was used at him. Stoick's stare hardened a little.

"Anything I can help you with?"

Spitelout spared Hiccup a small glance before turning his attention back to the lad's father upon noticing the way Stoick's arm tightened around the boy.

"I was wondering who would be the heir," Spitelout said, crossing his arms. "You know? Since both of our boys are growing-"

"I thought it is a known fact that Hiccup is my heir because he is my son." Stoick said firmly, still not fully angered, but definitely on his way to be.

Spitelout's lips twisted and an ugly expression morphed on his face. Stoick, not one to be intimidated, turned his hard stare into a glare, giving his brother the look of the infamous Stoick the Vast.

"My boy is far a better heir, Stoick," Spitelout said with arrogance dripping from his words. "He is far stronger, bigger and-"

"It is not his birthright, Spitelout." Stoick said quietly. Darkly. A cold gleam has graced his previously warm eyes. "And my son will be my heir. No matter what you or anyone else thinks. No matter how strong everyone else is."

Stoick took a step forwards, his face now red with anger and nose flared. Spitelout backed away only a few seconds later of being right in front of the chief's fury.

"And I will not tolerate or hear any more of this nonsense you speak of, Spitelout. Is that clear?" Stoick dared, his free hand forming into a fist.

"Clear as water, Chief." Spitelout said after a tense moment, giving his brother a glare of his own.

"Good." Stoick said quietly, still glaring right into the man's eyes.

For a few seconds, no one spoke, they just kept on glaring at each other until Spitelout backed down at last, realising that the chief is to not be messed with. And now, he knows the same rule applies to the chief's son. With one last heated glare sent Stoick's way, Spitelout walked away, muttering angrily to himself.

Stoick still stared at the direction Spitelout left with something akin to vindictiveness in his eyes. Something dangerous. The sheer audacity of his brother! Put Snotlout in his son's place? HA! Good joke. As if Stoick would ever allow Spitelout's offspring to ever rule Berk. Spitelout still had the nerve to come after his son. His Hiccup.

A small tug on his beard tore him out of his vengeance, and he glanced down to see Hiccup looking at him with a scared look on his face. Spitelout had even frightened his boy. Oh Stoick will definitely punch him for it later. Just you wait.

"Daddy?" Stoick's heart dropped as he realised just how scared Hiccup is.

"Yes son?" Stoick asked gently, former anger forgotten as he focused on his son.

His hand had a mind of its own, for it flew to run his fingers through Hiccup's hair, undoing the knots. Hiccup relaxed at the touch, his small body losing its tense posture. Not all of it, but some of it.

"What if I don't become strong enough?" Hiccup asked quietly, tears misting his eyes. "What if everyone is right?"

Stoick's heart squeezed and he quickly wrapped both of his arms around his son to envelope him into a fierce embrace. Hiccup buried his face into his father's beard, tiny hands clutching at it desperately. Stoick allowed his son to sob his heart out, his fist itching him to go and punch Spitelout already. But not now, Hiccup needs him now.

After his boy calmed, Stoick pulled back to wipe away his tears. Hiccup sniffed, nose scrunched up adorably. Stoick gently ran his fingers through his hair.

"Look at me son," Stoick said gently, looking into Hiccup's eyes. His boy raised his head, face still red from crying. "There is no way, and I mean absolutely no way, any of the things these people say is true."

"But I'm small!" Hiccup cried, frustrated tears gathering into his eyes again. "And thin! And weak-"

"And a child." Stoick said, his hand cradling Hiccup's cheek, resulting in cradling all of the side on his head. "You are a child. My child. And these people don't know you. They don't know your brilliance and your strength. I know you, I know how strong you are and how you will one day prove them all wrong."

"How do you know that?" Hiccup shot back.

"I'm the Chief." Stoick said simply.

Hiccup stared at him for a long moment before a slow smile started to appear on his lips gradually. Stoick smiled back at him, moving his hand to ruffle his hair. Hiccup giggled, catching his father's hand in his.

"Let's not worry about what Spitelout says, eh?" Stoick said as he made his way outside, making a mental note to thank Gobber for taking everyone out. "He's a muttonhead."

Hiccup giggled again, nodding at what Stoick said.

"Spitelout is bad." Hiccup said firmly. "Just like Snotlout."

"It runs in the family." Stoick said in amusement as he made his way down the stairs, trying to remember who's turn it is to keep guard tonight.

Was it Gobber? It's definitely Gobber. But as payback, Stoick is making Spitelout be the one to take over the night shift. He can complain all he wants, Stoick is the chief.

Stoick woke up to screaming and someone banging on his door.

Years of hardships and leading wars have made him accustomed to such situations, and he it only took him a few seconds to put on his helmet, shoulder plates and gather his axe. His second reaction wasn't that of a war general, it was that of a father; he ran upstairs to Hiccup's room to ensure that his boy is alright first and foremost.

He pushed the door open, axe in hand, and looked around frantically until his eyes fell on the blurry eyed and messy haired form of his child. Stoick sighed in relief, dropping his attacking stance and made his way towards his boy.

"What's wrong?" Hiccup asked, yawning.

"Something happened, son," Stoick said gently, holding his hand out. Hiccup whined, refusing to take his offered hand. Stoick, who's already used to his son's stunts, instead carried Hiccup with his free arm.

"Dragon raid?" Hiccup asked in fear, eyes wide.

"I'm afraid so." Hiccup said grimly, holding Hiccup more securely. "When we go downstairs, you'll have to stay in my room."

"Can't I go out?" Hiccup asked, not wanting to be separated from his father.

"I'm afraid not, my boy," Stoick said regretfully, making his way down the stairs. "You have to stay safe."

"I'm scared." Hiccup whispered, gripping Stoick's beard tightly. "I feel safe with you."

Stoick resisted the urge to ignore the calls of his people and keep himself in the house with his son. But his people need him. And the sooner he fights these dragons off, the sooner he will return to his son.

"I will be back," Stoick promised, sitting Hiccup in his bed and covering him with the blankets. "I swear to you."

Hiccup looked like he wanted to protest more but he stayed silent, his breaths shaky and his knuckles turning white from gripping the sheets tightly. Not for the first time, Stoick wished Valka is here to keep their son safe and give him the comfort of a mother that Stoick cannot give to him.

"It will only take a few moments." Stoick reassured, already turning back towards the door. The banging hasn't stopped one moment, but Stoick had put Hiccup first in that moment. He briefly thought of spending a few more moments with his son but decided against it; he has already ignored his people enough.

Taking his cape, Stoick draped it over his shoulders and finally opened the door to see the panicked look of Spitelout. Stoick has never seen the man so panicked and stressed since they were children. What kind of dragon raid are they dealing with?

"Took you long enough!" Spitelout huffed, hands on his hips.

"What is it?" Stoick chose to ignore the unnecessary comment.

"Flightmare." Spitelout said grimly, his lips pursed into a thin line.

Stoick felt his heart drop at the mention of that particular dragon. Somehow, once every several years, the Flightmare visits Berk and targets it for a whole night. Luckily there hasn't been a dead case because of it for quite some time, but the only way to avoid being killed by the dragon is to simply hide away inside houses.

"I want everyone inside their houses. Now!" Stoick yelled, eyeing the gatherings around the town square. At the command, lots of the people started running to their homes, and Stoick finally heard the dragon roar before its brightness almost blinded him when it came near. Almost dazed, the dragon looked around the running people and started firing at them.

"Oh no you won't." Stoick said coldly, throwing his axe at the dragon with a war cry, grazing it slightly. The Flightmare cried out in pain and turned its attention towards him, ready to aim. Stoick waited until it finally shot before moving out of the way.

"You shouldn't have agitated it!" Spitelout said as he ran next to him. "Now it's going to kill us."

"Going to kill me." Stoick grunted, ducking just in time. "It's either me or my people."

And Hiccup's last parent.

The thought almost made him pause if it weren't for his fast reflexes. He had promised his son to return to him by the end of the night. Even made an oath to return back. But he's a chief. And a chief protects his own.

Hiccup is his as well.

Stoick separated himself from Spitelout, looking around to see where his axe fell. The Flightmare was still hot on his tails, firing without any real aim now with the pain of the wound Stoick left on it. Stoick eyed a few barrels and ran towards them, threw a couple of them before the Flightmare hit the villagers nearby.

"I said everyone inside!" Stoick yelled in anger. "Doesn't anyone listen to me on this blasted island?!"

People around were scrambling to get back to their houses, for it was either the Flightmare's wrath or their chief's wrath. Stoick finally spotted his axe after running a few laps around the village with the Flightmare still following him. He noted to himself that Flightmares do hold a grudge.

He rolled on the ground between two houses to get to his axe which was laying on the ground, but by the time he turned, the Flightmare had already reached him, mouth open wide and ready to shoot. Stoick was almost ready to surrender to his fate if it weren't for the sudden rock that hit the dragon from behind.

Both dragon and man turned to see the Fearless Finn Hofferson standing a few meters away from his house, axe in hand. Stoick felt his heart drop as he knew what was coming without even having to guess. Fearless Finn is crazy. He will engage this dragon on his own.

"Finn!" Stoick yelled, already on his way to make it to the man before the Flightmare did or at least draw its attention away, but the dragon has already faced Finn, who didn't help his case by challenging the dragon with a war cry and his axe poised to strike it down.

Before Stoick could blink, the Flightmare already shot at Finn, and then moved back to Stoick. Stoick stared at the dragon before he threw himself behind a few barrels that weren't destroyed during the raid. The dragon roared, scanning the area a few times before it left. Stoick watched head away from the village but still on Berk.

Doesn't matter, what matters is...

Fearless Finn Hofferson who was frozen in his place, axe still poised to strike but his previously hard expression was replaced by one of complete utter fear, mouth open in a silent scream. Such expression didn't fit on his face. Stoick watched in shock as not a single muscle moved in Finn's body. He didn't even blink. He could still remembers his pained scream before...

Stoick heard the sound of the Flightmare, and knew that it would come back. Quickly, he took Finn and got him into his brother's house. Stoick saw a flash of blonde hair and the glint of an axe from the corner of his eye but didn't pay it much attention.

"Is he alright?" Finn's brother asked frantically, his eyes pleading with Stoick to say something.

Stoick shook his head. "We will have to see Gothi. But for now, I do think he's.."

"Thor no.." Finn's brother said, hands clutching at his own blonde hair.

"Astrid!" Mrs. Hofferson screamed suddenly.

Stoick whirled around to see the small girl - Astrid - already out with her axe poised at the Flightmare. Stoick could already see it, the small girl getting killed by the same dragon that killed her uncle, all while trying to avenge said uncle.

Before she could get the Flightmare's attention, Gobber appeared out of nowhere and snatched her inside, holding her from the back of her shirt with his hook and her axe with his good hand. The Flightmare thankfully didn't seem to pay them much attention, and so they managed to hide just in time to avoid its anger.

Stoick heard Gobber and the Hoffersons speaking to the small lass, but all he could do was stare at what he is sure is Finn's body. Finn's cold and frozen body.

Dragons are truly a curse.

Once this dragon leaves for the second time, Stoick would head straight to his house. The village looked as empty as it usually would at night, and he sees no use to stay here and leave his frightened son by himself at home.

"Gobber," Stoick called. "Is everyone inside?"

"Aye Chief." Gobber answered.

"Good. As soon as this dragon leaves the village for the second time, we go back to our own houses. And not anywhere else." Stoick said gruffly, listening to the cries of the Flightmare. "And no one goes outside. No one."

He has failed enough tonight. He has failed to protect one of his own. Failed in his duty as chief. Oh Odin, how did it even happen?

The Flightmare kept on screeching and roaring all night long. Sometimes, the night will light up with blue and then it will return to darkness again. Neither Stoick nor Hiccup could sleep, even with the boy in Stoick's arms. Hiccup is afraid of the screeching, and all could Stoick see when he closes his eyes is the sight of Finn's body with the cut off scream that accompanied it.

Gothi declared him dead the next morning, and the village was soon swarmed with gossip rather than sympathy with the family of the deceased man. The Hofferson name that was once filled with honour and respect quickly turned into dishonourable and their reputation was lost in the mud. The Hoffersons who would freeze from fear at the sight of the Flightmare.

Finn's body was sent away in a ship, still frozen and still holding the axe in a tight grip. Not even Stoick could take it out from the literal death grip Finn has on it. As he watched the ship sail away, burning in the distance, Stoick dreaded the idea that the Flightmare will be appearing on Berk in several years once more.

Chapter Text

The news of the Fearless Finn Hofferson being killed by the Flightmare spread like an illness among the cruelest of storms during the Devastating Winter. It seems that wherever Stoick goes, he hears of several different stories of how Finn has been killed. Or rather, frozen to death. After only several weeks of the incident, Finn has a different name in his death than the one he has in his life, and Stoick is sure the man would prefer the former name, for now he is called Frozen Finn Hofferson.

Everywhere he goes, people are only talking about how cowardly it was to die with freezing of fear at the sight of the dragon. How the Fearless Hoffersons aren't so fearless after all. All kinds of names, insults and degrading comments have been made whenever any Hofferson man enters the battle, several men joking around even during the nightly raids to not be near a Hofferson, for they might freeze to death at the first glimpse of a dragon. Whenever women of the Hofferson house try to engage in conversations or daily visits between neighbors the other women will shun them and say they would prefer to do their work somewhere else.

As the Winter started, coating the land with only a mist of the white blanket it usually possesses, the Hoffersons have started to isolate themselves away from everyone else to the point they wouldn't even open their windows. Whenever one of them needs something essential, they would be sending their children. Stoick remembers only catching glimpses of Astrid moving around the village to get her family whatever they need only a few times, perhaps lesser than five. But even with the child out, the insensitive jokes didn't stop.

After checking with Hiccup - more like after listening to Hiccup babble all about his day; how he annoyed Gobber, how he hunted trolls with Gobber, how he killed a troll for Gobber, how he taught Fishlegs Maces and Talons like Stoick taught him, and finally, how he tripped over his own feet while trying to hunt what looked like a troll but was, in fact, Gobber - that Astrid hasn't been playing with their group since her uncle died. The boy even shrugged and said it's for the best, since Astrid is so scary and mean, I don't think she likes me.

Stoick would have reprimanded him for his words if he hadn't witnessed the girl's obviously shown dislike towards his son. But he in no way condemning that a child should be shunned because of the tragic and somewhat strange death of her uncle. Sure he thinks that Finn's death didn't truly suit him at all, but he saw the man fight the Flightmare and was ready to strike, the man saved Stoick's life. He's the reason Hiccup has safe arms to return to at the end of the day. The reason the village still has their chief. Had Stoick died that night, he would have been the one to disgrace his family's name. Or maybe they would see it more as a chief's sacrifice to his people, and would write his name down in history books on how he died a heroic death protecting what's his.

Vikings, Stoick learned long ago, judge situations based on how they think they are supposed to be. Nevermind that there could be double standards or injustice measures. And certainly not based on what's wrong and what is right.

For whatever it is worth, Stoick is selfishly glad that he is alive and breathing today.

The ships Osvald has taken have returned. Stoick stood at the main docks, watching as the ships he had given away returned with little to no damage, and while his people were starved and cold, they looked well enough. Stoick set route for the main ship, helping each one of the men out. Several of them let out Thank Thor, finally home at last and Odin's ghost, I've never been happier to see Berk which were all exaggerated but Stoick knew from experience that sailing for so long in the seas will only leave you with homesickness greater than Thor's hammer itself.

"Any serious damage to the ships or the men?" Stoick asked in his usual gruff voice.

"None Chief," Mr. Ack said. "Your friend has loaded our ships with food good and big enough to last us months. He said it was a way to show his gratitude for helping him."

"That's very generous of him," Stoick said genuinely, internally relieved at the prospect of finally having enough food to last them through the storms. "Did he find her?" Stoick didn't need to say who her was.

Mr. Ack shook his head mournfully. "Unfortunately, the young girl remains lost."

A somber sort of ghost passed over both men, the Berserker chief's failed attempt washing over them as chilly as the breeze of the Devastating Winter's wind. Stoick briefly thinks of Valka, taken away by that cursed Stormcutter, never to be seen again. Thinks of their shared love and hopes and dreams to have a family of two children, perhaps three if the Gods allowed. But the Gods didn't, and no matter how much time Stoick has spent looking for her or for that Stormcutter to at least kill it, Valka remained lost. Remained dead.

His heart twists at that very fleeting second he dared to think of his long lost wife, and so he quickly banished any thoughts of her away, instead focusing on the here and now. It was no use wasting time mourning the death of who Odin has taken.

"I'm glad everyone made it alive." Stoick said, breaking their silence. "Bring the men to the Great Hall to warm up and eat, then go home and rest."

Grunts of approval met him, and he watched as each one of them ascended into the village, greeting their families with guffaw of laughter and happiness. Stoick thinks again of Osvald's children, or rather, the only child he has now. Dagur came last Summer with Osvald, and though the boy could be no older than ten, Stoick could already see the madness that surrounds him. Berserker madness that doesn't run through his father. He was only there for three to four days and has already killed wild boars, put some houses on fire for the fun of it, and had even used Hiccup as a throwing target for his knives and even tried to drown him. Of course, along with the other havoc and violence he caused to the other children in the village, Stoick had to put his foot down.

As far as Vikings go, this crosses the line.

Hiccup kept on throwing up water for hours after he managed to escape Dagur's clutches. Gothi even said there might be a risk of lung infection, and with the cold, there is a higher chance of it actually happening. Osvald has apologised profusely for his son's antics and even made Dagur stay with him at all times, refusing to let him go anywhere without him. Of course, the boy had to fix everything he broke and made handmade gifts to every person he wronged while he stayed on Berk, which is to say the least, quite the long list.

Hiccup had begged him after they left to never ever bring Dagur back. Stoick reassured him they wouldn't be back any time soon, only after ten years to renew their peace treaty. Stoick chose to ignore the relieved sigh from Hiccup then.

His train of thoughts were quickly cut off however, since he has more things to tend to. Being a chief, especially with no one to help, is a really hard job. Especially when your people are a bunch of stubborn and yakheaded Vikings. But Stoick will never trade his duty for another job, never.

"Watcha doing Gobber?!" Hiccup asked as he stopped running around the forge and causing a mess wherever he goes and stood on his tippy toes to be able to see what Gobber is doing on the old tree trunk better.

Gobber stopped hammering the sword in making, just barely missing Hiccup's small head. "Meh, making a sword!" Gobber said with a crooked grin, his jaw sticking out more than usual. "I'm working really hard on fixing everything in here, we need it during dragon raids!!"

"Oh," Hiccup said quietly, standing back on his feet typically. "How do you do it?"

"How do I do what?" Gobber asked in confusion.

"Make a sword." Hiccup answered, craning his neck to look at Gobber better.

"Ahhhh," Gobber said as he seemed to realise what the small boy said. "Oh well, you use fire and molten iron and-"

"Teach me how!" Hiccup said, throwing himself at Gobber, though he barely reached the man's waist. His small held tightly on Gobber's pants.

"Uh, lad, I don't think it's a good idea-"

"Please!"

A pull on the pants as Hiccup slid down a little.

"No no no-"

"Pleeeease"

Another pull, this time stronger than the last.

"Listen, laddie, there is so many dangeorus things here-"

"We're Vikings! We live dangerously!"

"No no! Not you!"

Another pull as Hiccup once again insisted, this time managing to pull Gobber's pants a little bit. Gobber put his good hand on his pants to keep them from completely falling off.

"Stop pulling on my pants! I don't think they can handle another pull!"

Hiccup immediately let go, making icky's and yuck's as his expression morphed into one of pure disgust, then had the audacity to wipe his hands on Gobber's pants.

"Your father will kill me if I let you work here with me!" Gobber huffed as he adjusted his pants.

"I'll convince him!" Hiccup said, eyes earnest. "I promise!"

"Convince Stoick the Vast?" Gobber said before he barked out a laugh. "HA! Good luck on that lad!"

Hiccup pouted in anger, crossing his arms. Gobber once again almost hit him with his hammer on the head by mistaking his hammer for his good hand. Quickly switching hands, the blacksmith ruffled Hiccup's hair.

"Aye cheer up lad! You still have long days of sleepin' and relaxin'! No need to rush! Plus, you gotta put some meat on your bones! How else would you be able to work with me huh?"

Then, the man moved to continue his work, whistling one of his many tunes. Hiccup still pouted and had his arms crossed, even kept the act for some time before he got bored of the act when no one paid him much attention. Well, if Gobber can't entertain him, he will find a way to entertain himself.

Determinedly, Hiccup walked out of the forge, looking around a few times before he ran across the plaza to the woods' path. Maybe he could find a few birds to play with. Or maybe he could climb the highest tree without his dad knowing about it. Or climb the cliffs a bit and sit somewhere where he can view the ocean. He's just so bored. So so bored.

Hiccup strutted in the path, jumping and twirling around as he got distracted by some things, forgetting about his plans for the moment, then would remember them and run again down the path. Once or twice, he would see a snapped twig and would gasp in awe, grab it and pretend it's a weapon and start hitting the trees as if they're dragons. Then he thought of the highest tree he ever climbed and remembered how amazing it was to sit upon the highest branch and started running down the path again, stick in hand hitting rhythmically against the ground.

The birds chirped above him, and the sound of waves crashing against each other made him hum a little as he walked at a more sedate pace, listening to the background noise. When he focused more on the sounds of nature, he could hear the faint sounds of the villagers, yelling orders at each other, and the sounds of sheep and yaks adding to the mix. He could hear all of this if he sits at the cliff where he and his dad always spend their time.

Just a place reserved for them. Where they can oversee the village and the ocean. Where the breeze is cold and it hits Hiccup's cheeks just right. Where the air is fresh and damp. Thoughts about climbing quickly forgotten, Hiccup changed the route, knowing it like the back of his palm.

When he finally reached the place, his feet already hurt and there was plenty of dirt in his shoes and on his hands, but it doesn't matter. Hiccup set the twig aside to look for a rock suitable enough to sit at, then spotted one just perfect. He ran to get it, struggling to push it towards the spot he wants, but still made it there anyway. Took him lots of time and effort and his chest was heaving by the end of it but it's worth it.

Sitting on the rock, twig back in hand, Hiccup let out a gasp of awe as he stared at the scenery. Berk, in all of its might and glory, sat before him, the unmistakable shouts of angry Vikings coming from bellow, mixed with the sounds of yaks, sheep and chickens, sprayed with the ocean waves crashing against the island and sprinkled with the songs of the birds behind him on the trees. The air was cold as it usually is on Berk, the snow is falling a little bit harder today than any other day, but Hiccup for once, didn't mind the freeze.

He can't think of the cold when to him, this place is like Valhalla. The noises is quieting his mind and giving him peace, his cheeks are moist from the cold but all Hiccup could think about is how it's better than playing with the other kids or staying in the forge with Gobber. Though he would never tell that to Gobber.

Twig clutched tightly, Hiccup closed his eyes and sat there, feeling a little bit more comfortable than he should be. He could stay here forever.

Hiccup isn't awake.

But he isn't asleep either. Well, not completely at least. He felt huge burly arms hoist him up and hold him tightly to a chest full of beard. Without even needing to see, Hiccup knew it's his dad. It's his dad's hands that carried him and his dad's arms that hold him tightly now. It's his dad's beard he's clutching onto and burying his face into.

It smells like his dad. It feels like his dad. Even with his eyes closed, Hiccup can sense that it's his dad.

He was being carried somewhere, but he didn't care. It's his dad. Whatever his dad does or wherever he goes, Hiccup will be safe. It's his dad.

Suddenly, his dad stopped carrying him and he was tucked into a warm bed. Dad's bed. Again, Hiccup just knows. You know, sometimes, he thinks he has some superpowers, he can know that it's his dad just by his touch and just by his footsteps. Even just by his coughs and sneezes.

Hiccup whined, arms reaching out for his dad even with his eyes closed. He heard faint murmurs of things he cannot comprehend at the moment, but dad's hand was back on his chest and belly above the covers, causing Hiccup to relax and cease his whining. He felt more covers thrown above him, and then, dad was next to him, laying him on his chest.

Relaxed, Hiccup snuggled into his father's beard, tiny hands clutching it tightly. His father's hands on his back and head, covering his entire body completely.

It's all warm and cozy. It's all safe. And most importantly, dad is here.

"Hiccup," Stoick said, shaking the boy gently. Hiccup whined, burying his face further into Stoick's beard. "Son, I have to leave."

It's still early in the morning, and Hiccup isn't an early riser. In fact, he's the furthest thing from. But Stoick is, and he needs to be up and about in the village with Winter finally ringing the bells. The fire has only hot coals in it, but it's still considerably warm in the house. Warm, comfortable, nice...

Stoick would give anything to close his sagged eyes and just sleep for a few more minutes. Maybe an hour or two. His son's feather like weight in his arms. Everything is perfect if he manages to forget about the Valka-shaped hole in the bed. Maybe she would wake before him and be already up and about, destroying the kitchen with her disastrous cooking while she attempts to surprise Stoick with dagmal as she usually does. But oh Stoick loved her too much. Even her awful cooking skills and her feral gaze sometimes when they spent their days out in the woods. Even her crazy ways and thoughts. Every flaw about her was something he adored.

Still does. Even after her death.

"Son," Stoick rasped, his hand rubbing Hiccup's back up and down gently. "Come on, Hiccup. Daddy has to go."

"Stay." Hiccup grumbled, snuggling closer. "You have to stay."

He really, really shouldn't listen. But Stoick patted his son's small back once and thought how bad would it be if I just stayed with my son? and then his inner mind told him to be with his son and forget everything else for the time being. He could catch a few hours of sleep too.

Still, his mind told him he has a duty to do and it's his job to make sure everything is fine. The Stoick that knew better kept on telling him to get up.

In his arms, Hiccup mumbled something, thumb flying to his mouth before he shot his free arm up to touch Stoick's hand that's on his head. Any resolve or protest Stoick had before crumbled and he found himself sighing in resignation, holding his boy a little bit more tight, and closing his own eyes.

A few hours wouldn't hurt.

It did hurt. Quite a lot too.

Mildew had even more complains to say than usual. Probably since Stoick hasn't been up and about while everyone did their morning routines. Sometimes, Stoick thinks of Gobber's suggestions of throwing Mildew into exile or just banish him to Outcast Island with Alvin the Treacherous and the rest of the men with him. But then again, the man did work hard on the tasks Stoick has given him, and whatever help is needed in this time. Even if it's from Mildew.

It's the complaining day of the week, which means more irritable and brash Vikings to deal with than usual. More angry complaints. More aggressive remarks. Stoick has half a mind to just yell at everyone, tell them to leave him be and threaten whoever comes close to him to maim them with his axe. Alas, he has done that more than enough times this week.

"Stoick!" one of the women stepped forwards, in her hands a small boy with brown hair. "My boy keeps on playing in the dirt and feeding it to his sisters! You have to help me find a solution!"

Is this really what being a Chief really is about? Nevermind it, Stoick will trade any job in the world for his job.

"That's because you bury the food in the ground whenever he eats too much. Maybe if you didn't he wouldn't be thinking that dirt is edible!"

The woman deflated, the boy in her arms waving a little to the chief. Despite his anger and exasperation, Stoick found himself deflating a little as well, thus resulting into a gentle smile with a wave towards the boy. The boy's face lit up as if the Chief told him that he will be getting new boots for Snoggletog.

Perhaps there are perks to his job. Even if dealing with stubborn, grumpy Vikings made his headache grow by the second, these are his people. His kind of people. And that's the only way they know how to do things around here. The Viking way. Stoick is a very proud and traditional Viking.

The woman left, the boy in her arms turning around to see the chief better. The children in the village seem to hold Stoick in some kind of a high regard. Almost like he is Odin in Midgard. It's amusing, to say the least, the children will stare at him awestruck but also fear him as if he were a wild boar starved for days. The only child who isn't afraid by his anger or shouting is Hiccup, who sometimes even mocks his father's angry yells.

Speaking of Hiccup...

A tug on his robe. Stoick already knew who it was without even looking down. Wordlessly, he turned his attention to his son, outstretched his arms, held Hiccup, sat him on his lap, and then turned his attention back to the line. He felt tiny hands play with his beard, sometimes pulling a little bit too hard, but Stoick doesn't really mind. No one in the crowd seemed to spare him a second glance, already used to this.

Hiccup listened and watched with intelligent eyes, head on Stoick's shoulder. He didn't even flinch at the sound of his father's raised voice the way others would, or cower away from him when he tightened his fists in anger. To the six years old boy, it is weird to see his father in such a foul mood, those villagers must have done something really bad to annoy his dad so much. His dad isn't usually frowning or loud like that, quite the opposite, Stoick always has a wide smile on his face when he's speaking to Hiccup.

"He stole three of my yaks! I demand for him to return them!" one man said as he glared at his brother next to him.

The brother in question, turned his blue gaze towards the chief. "I didn't steal them Chief! They were mine! When our old man died he left those yaks for me!"

The other one - who has the same blue eyes as his brother but his hair is brown whilst his brother's is blonde - scoffed and clenched his fists. "Left them for you?! HA! Our father never trusted you to put food for those yaks when he was alive! What makes you think he will trust you with them when he is in Valhalla?!"

"So I'm the one who can't be trusted?! I leave you to plow my filed for two days and come back to see it in ruins!!"

"Because dragons attacked!"

"Excuses! I told you to plant everything back yourself and you refused! I was only taking the price of my field!"

"Playing the victim as always I see!"

"I don't have to play the victim because I am the victim!"

"Oh you will be alright when I send you to meet Thor myself!"

Swords were drawn out, the loud iconic Viking battle cry was heard, and both brothers charged at each other. Stoick slammed his fist down on the chair, making it and the whole stands under it shake.

"Enough!!!"

At the shout of the Chief, everyone and everything stopped. The two brothers gave each other one last glare and sheathed their swords back to where they were, taking a few steps away from each other without even giving one another a glance. The children ceased their laughter, women stopped their side conversations and men stood in their places without their previous cheer at the sign of a fight.

"Every time there is a problem between you two you come to me screaming like Terrible Terrors! What you both need is a Monstrous Nightmare frying you and eating you afterwards! This is the last time I'm solving this problem between you two! I'm not your mother! If you ever come to me again I'm gonna chop your heads with my axe and give them to wild boars!"

The former mighty and raging Viking men were frozen in both fear and shame at being reprimanded by their chief in front of the whole tribe. Though it is an event the village will definitely laugh at later, no one dared to show their amusement in front of the chief. Amidst it all, Hiccup was the only one who still looked unbothered. Maybe it's because he's in his father's lap, unable to see the man's full expression.

Hiccup had been entertaining himself by half listening to the complaints of the villagers and half watching the fire over his father's shoulders cackle. The moment he heard the screams and saw the weapons, he turned his attention back to them, just in time to listen to his father's scolding. He won't deny it, hearing his father shout and threaten others like that is kind of funny.

Unable to suppress his laughter, Hiccup giggled. At first, it was quiet, but then the sound grew and it filled the Great Hall. Everyone stared in surprise and shock at the one who dared to laugh in the presence of the chief. Stoick turned his attention towards his boy, stern and stoic, but Hiccup still paid him no mind and giggled.

"He's laughing at us!" the blonde haired brother said in an outrage. "This is-"

"Is what?" Stoick said in a deadly tone, low and quiet.

The man shrank back, fighting stance forgotten. "Nothing Chief."

"Enough!" Hiccup mocked the tone his father used, though high pitched and much less gruff, making it seem more adorable than threatening. He even slammed his fist on the chair the same way Stoick had.

The boy then burst into giggles once more, loud and joyful, still no one dared to join him. Though Stoick spotted a few hiding their laughter, but his attention was more focused on the chuckling mess in his arms.

Stoick ruffled Hiccup's hair fondly, his hand sliding to rest on Hiccup's chest and remained there. The boy put his hands over his father's hand, calming down only a few minutes later. The air in the Great Hall seemed lighter than before, even the chief himself seemed to be in a better mood. He solved the problem between the two brothers, listened to the various complaints from the villagers with a rare patient silence. It's all thanks to little Hiccup, who somehow made his father's day by giggling.

Secretly, Hiccup hated how his dad didn't yell at more people, but he will get to see him doing that another day.

Chapter Text

Winter finally settled in. The snow has coated Berk fully, piles of snow covering the rooftops and the paths. It took them weeks of work to clear the paths from the heavy snow. Hiccup hated these first few weeks of Winter. His dad is too busy tending to the village and stacking the food supplies along with the armory to actually spend some time with him. Sure, they don't usually spend their days together but at least when Hiccup needs his dad or wants to sit in his lap, his dad will be available.

Now, his dad doesn't even sit so Hiccup can't really sit on his lap. Nor can he ask him for anything because he is met with I'm busy son, I have an entire village to tend to which will make Hiccup angry and then storm off to throw rocks in the water. Later on, his father had came back home with papers and new colours in hand.

Hiccup gasped in shock as he looked at them. Papers and ink were hard and rare to get, they're so expensive to the point that only Hiccup's dad and a few other families in the village who are well off have it. His dad not only brought him new papers, but coloured ink as well. When Hiccup looked up at his dad, he was met with an apologetic look.

"This is a way to make up to you, you know, for..uhh" Stoick looked to the side, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

"Ignoring me?" Hiccup humphed, not taking the papers and coloured ink from his father.

Stoick shrank back at the accusary tone, momentarily forgetting that he is a giant of a man and not only the father of this child, but also his chief.

"I wasn't ignoring you!" Stoick was quick to defend himself.

"You were!" Hiccup pointed at him, face scrunched in anger.

"I.." Stoick stared at his son's adorably pouting face and sighed. He knew this is a battle he cannot win, not when Hiccup is so insistent on something. The boy could argue forever if only to prove his point, and while Stoick has his own fair of stubbornness as well, he does not have the patience for arguments.

"Why don't we leave it behind us and be friends again?" Stoick asked at last, holding back out the gifts as a peace offering.

Hiccup glared at him for a moment too long and then opened his arms, Stoick moved to put the gifts in his arms when Hiccup yelled his protest. Stoick raised a brow.

"Hug." Hiccup demanded, as if his order is not to be refused.

Stoick grinned, gently sitting down the papers and inks to kneel in front of his son and open his arms. Hiccup went into his arms, nuzzling against his beard before he pulled back to stare at his father solemnly.

"I want a kiss." Hiccup demanded again.

Stoick laughed, throwing his head back but gently cupped Hiccup's head and pressed a firm kiss on his hair. He let his hands fall to pull his boy into his arms again.

"Another." Hiccup's muffled voice came from Stoick's neck. His breath warm against his skin, a gentle comfort.

Stoick pressed another kiss to Hiccup's hair, holding him just a little bit more tight. Hiccup melted against him, as if deprived of this contact for weeks. Guilt welled up inside of Stoick as he realised that his son hasn't been given proper love and affection for the past weeks because Stoick had been too busy tending to the village.

"Are we good now?" Stoick whispered gently as he pulled Hiccup away but still kept him close.

Hiccup pressed a kiss to his cheek, then nodded. Stoick smiled, turning to the gifts and giving them to Hiccup. Hiccup took them in his hands with awe in his eyes.

"These would be a good entertainment, wouldn't they?" Stoick said gently, patting Hiccup's head. "Winter is here and you'll be spending much time here."

"And getting sick." Hiccuo said dreadfully.

Stoick's heart lurched. "Aye, let's not think about that huh?" he lifted Hiccup's chin to look in his eyes. "We will do this together."

"Yeah!" Hiccup said enthusiastically, giggling afterwards. Stoick patted his head one last time before he stood.

"Alright, put those away, we're going to bed." Stoick said as he stood up.

Hiccup whined, clutching his gifts a little bit tighter. "But I don't wanna sleep! I want to draw."

"And you can draw later," Stoick said as he took off his helmet and started undoing his cape. Next, he took off his shoulder armor and the spiked leather on his arms.

"But Daaaaaaad," Hiccup whined, plopping down on the floor. "I don't wanna sleep! I wanna drawww!"

"Hiccup," Stoick said as he knelt again. "Son, you'll have to sleep to be strong and awake enough tomorrow to draw whatever you want."

"But I'm awake now!" Hiccup argued, clutching the supplies a little bit tighter.

Stoick looked at the round, wide green eyes which are filled with incredible sadness and pleading. How can his son look at him like this? It's like Stoick killed his favourite yak and had him eat it for nattmal.

"I know son," Stoick said, breathing in to give himself patience and not snap at the boy. "But now, it's gotten late, and you have to sleep."

Hiccup whined, eyes filling with tears at the thought of not getting to draw tonight. Children, Stoick could never understand them. Simple things can make them so unbelievably upset, but at the same time, other simple things can be the world's greatest treasure to them. In Hiccup's case, it's both.

"Why don't I tell you the story about how you got your Nadder toy?" Stoick asked as he put a hand on Hiccup's knee.

Hiccup immediately perked up, dropping everything to go get his Nadder. Stoick quickly gathered everything and hid it all away before his son can get back into the room and see the betrayal his father has done to him.

Hiccup came back only a few seconds later, grinning from ear to ear with the promise of the story. Stoick shook his head fondly, offering Hiccup his hand. Together, they made their way towards the bed, where Stoick changed Hiccup's clothes for him and covered them with almost every blanket in the house. Hiccup snuggled closer to him, holding on tight to the stuffed Nadder in his small arms.

"I don't want that toy," Hiccup said as a conversation starter.

Stoick gave an amused chuckle. "I can understand why."

"You don't like dragons," Hiccup said softly, remembering his father's words about dragons.

"I don't." Stoick agreed.

"Then why did you bring me this toy?" Hiccup asked, peering at his dad with curious eyes.

"I didn't bring it you," Stoick breathed in deeply, absentmindedly stroking Hiccup's hair. "Your mother made it for you."

"My mother?" Hiccup asked, racking his brain for a memory of a mother. All his life, he never had a mother. He didn't think he ever had one, he just thought him and his dad just came into existence. All the other kids had a mum, Hiccup just doesn't have one.

"Yes." Stoick said gruffly, his grip on Hiccup tightening just a little bit more.

"I don't remember her," Hiccup said, trying to remember a mother he never had.

"She died when you were a baby," Stoick answered, his voice deep.

"Oh," what does died mean? It doesn't make sense. How can someone just disappear from existence like that? Where would they go? Why won't they come back? Why do people die? What does it mean to die?

"She made this for me?" Hiccup asked as he looked at the stuffed Nadder. He never really liked it, when he was younger he will make his dad lock it in a chest so he won't have to look at a dragon. It's only recently that he started leaving it on his table.

"Aye," Stoick chuckled, but it wasn't his usual happy chuckle or the amused one, this one felt more quiet and sedated. Almost like it's sad. But he can't be sad if he's laughing. Hiccup isn't stupid, he knows that when people laugh and smile, then they must be happy, not sad.

"She made you this, as a way to show her love to you," Stoick murmured, his hand still stroking Hiccup's hair. "It was her gift to you."

"Like my axe?" Hiccup piped up, lifting his head up to look at Stoick. "The one you ordered Gobber to make for me? She wanted to show her love for me the way you show me yours?"

"Indeed, son," Stoick whispered. "You're a clever lad. She wanted to show her love in her own way."

Silence fell over the room as both father and son pondered about that moment. Stoick aching for the woman he still loves and his heart squeezing for the boy in his arms who doesn't even know what a mother's love is like. Hiccup, who never had a mother or thought of one, didn't seem to know what to think of her or the toy.

His mother made this for him. His dad said it's out of love, so that means whoever his mother is, whoever this strange woman is, she loved him enough to make him a toy. But it didn't seem like she loved him enough to stay instead of dying. It feels like she just made him this toy to keep instead of her.

Hiccup looked indecisively at the toy in his hands, wondering of what to do. He doesn't like this toy. It looks like the monstrous dragons that raid the village, it makes him scared. Hiccup doesn't love it. But at the same time, his mother made it to him, out of love for him. So he should at least love it, right?

Hiccup yawned, mouth opening wide, then he dropped his head back on his dad's chest, arms hugging the toy tight. He felt his dad lay a hand on his back, keeping him even more warm and close. Hiccup pressed his face against his dad's chest and tried to forget about the dangerous dragon in his hands. It was his mother's gift to him, he should be cherishing it.

Soon enough, his little eyes closed, and the sounds of his breathing evened. Stoick remained awake for an hour or so later, stroking the boy's back slowly while thinking of his deceased wife with something akin to depression closing in on his heart.

Stoick's heart seemed to grow heavier with every passing day.

Due to Stoick's previously busy schedule - and not ignoring his son as Hiccup thinks - he decided to take Hiccup alongside him to his daily chiefly tasks. Hiccup seemed happy enough to be around his father again for a change, after weeks of no attention, he is sticking close to Stoick's legs and glaring at every woman who had dared to get close to his father.

Hiccup doesn't understand why so many women just find it interesting to be close to his dad. He's incredibly annoyed by it. Each time he and his dad are talking, a woman would come in and ask the chief to fix a problem or to give him a basket of some sort of food. While the food was delicious, Hiccup still grumbled whenever they would get too close to his dad.

"Daddy!" Hiccup called in anger when yet another woman called again for his dad. Stoick whirled around quickly, fixing his son up with a look of great concern.

Hiccup kept his frown on - though it looked like an adorable pout on his small face - and held out his arms in the universal gesture of hold me. Stoick immediately bent down to pick him up and hugged him close to his chest. Hiccup spotted the woman behind his dad and gave her the best glare he could ever give her while his dad's back was turned. The woman stared at him in surprise.

"What's wrong son?" Stoick asked as he pulled Hiccup back a little to look at his face.

Hiccup whined a little, rubbing his face. "I don't wanna walk or stand! I'm too tired!"

Stoick gave a sigh. "Hiccup, you're a big lad now! You can walk on your own!"

"My legs feel like they might fall off," Hiccup said in a deadpan tone.

Stoick threw his head back and laughed. Hiccup smiled a little at the sound, and soon enough he was giggling. Stoick shifted Hiccup so he rested more on his hip than his chest. Hiccup snuggled closer, whining again when his dad turned towards the woman.

"Hiccup?" Stoick asked again, looking down at his son.

"I'm boooored." Hiccup said, throwing his head back with a huff.

"Well, we will be going to the Great Hall just in a few moments, once I help Hilde here with her-"

"It's alright Chief," Hilde gave Stoick a charming smile, not missing the way Hiccup glared at her with fire in his eyes. "I'll have my brother fix my shelves for me. You can go on with the adorable little heir here."

"Ah, thank you Hilde," Stoick said, seemingly oblivious to the woman's charm. "Well, we will be on our way then, say goodbye to Hilde, Hiccup."

Hiccup grumbled a goodbye under his breath, making Stoick look at him in surprise. He doesn't recall Hiccup ever acting this way. He gave Hilde an awkward smile, hoping she doesn't mind Hiccup's lousy attempt at a goodbye.

Hilde laughed, a bell like sound, then waved a hand in dismissal. "It's fine, children will be children. Goodbye Chief! Goodbye Hiccup!"

With that, Stoick and Hiccup made their way towards the Great Hall, getting stopped again by a few women to either complain or give Stoick stacks of food and clothes for the heir. Said heir kept on growling and glaring at them the same way a Nightmare would to someone who insults it. Stoick was at loss to what caused his son such distress. Hiccup was usually a very friendly child to approach, and loved being gifted and dotted upon.

This continued on for the next few days, and the last straw was when Stoick noticed that the boy has been denying to eat anything from the food that was generously given to them. Stoick thinks it's rude to refuse such a nice gesture by the women of their tribe.

So here he was, complaining to Gobber all about it, putting his heart and might into it only to have the blacksmith throw his head back and give the typical Viking raspy laugh.

"What's so funny!?" Stoick asked in annoyance, keeping an eye on Hiccup out of the corner of his eyes. The boy was roaming around the forge, picking at nails and metal shards.

"Oh Stoick, you really are that oblivious aren't ya?" Gobber asked between chuckles.

"Oblivious to what?" now Stoick was getting really annoyed.

Gobber only shook his head as he stopped himself from kneeling to the floor with laughter. After a few seconds, the blacksmith gathered himself and breathed one last laugh before he regained his composure again.

"Ahh Stoick, brains have never been your thing huh?" Gobber asked with a smile. Said smile was quickly wiped at the chief's fierce glare. "Sorry sorry."

"Well, start talking, magnificent genuis." Stoick said with his arms crossed.

"Aye you might need to sit down for this one," Gobber said as he pulled a chair.

Stoick grumbled but did as he was told, curiosity eating at him alive. "There. Now talk."

"Well, there are rumors around here," Gobber started, walking around the bush as he usually does. "You know how the Berkians are; love to gossip and talk. They even still talk about Finn Hofferson's death! Think they'll never forget about this one! Might never let it die-"

"Gobber!" Stoick exclaimed, startling the blacksmith. "You are going off topic!"

"Ah yes yes," Gobber said as he turned his attention back to the Chief. "Well, rumor has it that the Chief is looking for a new wife."

The room seemed to drop in temperature, and Stoick felt his heart plummet to the floor. He risked a look back to see Hiccup busy inspecting a new nail he found, comparing it to the old, broken one in his other hand. His focused gaze, the brown in his hair, his jaw and his brows. All Stoick could see is Valka. Valka and her wide blue eyes and ruffled brown hair. Valka and her determination and fascination with everything in life.

How could Stoick ever remarry when Hiccup exists? When all of his memories of Valka; their love, their promises, their song and dance still live as clear as the sun in his mind. When the proof of their love is just right in front of his eyes.

His heart ached once more, heavier than ever. Remarry. Another wife. A woman who did not share the memories Stoick has with Valka. Who doesn't share Hiccup with him. Who will never be the mother his son needs and wants. A woman who could never be Valka.

"Aye, I know," Gobber said with sympathy, watching Hiccup alongside Stoick. "I see her in him too."

"She lives through him." Stoick replied, eyes still on his son. As if sensing that he is being watched, Hiccup turned towards his father, startled by the sadness both of his father and mentor are looking at him with.

"Is that it?" Stoick said in a monotone voice, turning his attention back to Gobber.

"Well, people are talking that Hiccup needs a mother to take care of him. And a wife to take care of you. To help with everything." Gobber said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck with his hook.

Stoick felt a tug on his robe, he looked down to see Hiccup looking at him with round and wide eyes, as if seeing him for the first time. For a moment, all Stoick could see is Valka, and his heart clenched as he thought of his wife once more. Gingerly, he picked Hiccup up and sat him in his lap.

"We don't need anyone to take care of us," Stoick said firmly, keeping a tight hold on Hiccup. "We are doing just fine."

"Aye," Gobber agreed. "And I don't want another to raise that son of yours other than me."

Stoick let out a small laugh. "Oh don't worry, I don't think they can pry Hiccup off of you anyway, the lad loves you too much for that."

Hiccup hummed his agreement, smiling at Gobber. Gobber returned the smile, one of his rare genuine ones.

Later that night, after putting Hiccup to sleep in his own bed for the night since it wasn't as cold outside, Stoick had gone downstairs to make sure the house is still warm from the fire. While he tended to it, he thought of today, of how everything made sense. How the women's kindness to him and Hiccup wasn't actually kindness, but a ploy to get to him. How his son didn't like the women taking his attention away from him. How much time has passed since Valka's death for the village to start thinking that he might want a wife.

The mere thought of it made his heart ache, and his thoughts flew to his son upstairs, sleeping safe and sound. His son who doesn't even know what a mother's love is like. His son who doesn't even know who his mother is. Will never know her too. All because of those devils.

How can anyone ever assume he moved on? How can they think any woman out there will be able to replace Valka? That any woman out there could take her place in Stoick's bed and in Hiccup's upgrowing. That right belongs to someone who is long gone now, and it will never belong to another. Not even if that woman is the kindest, most beautiful lady to ever exist.

No one could be Stoick's wife. No one could be Hiccup's mother. No one could be Valka.

His eyes watered as grief overtook him, and for the first time in what has to be years, Stoick the Vast let the tears drop from his eyes. Thinking all about the loving memories he had of his wife. The excitement they both shared when they found out she was pregnant. Their hope and strength when pregnancy after pregnancy failed and when Hiccup had born small and sickly, Valka had all but lost all hope then, crying and telling Stoick that they were cursed, they were never meant to be parents. But also their joy when Hiccup did pull through, when he lived and smiled and giggled.

She's not here to enjoy the happiness at hearing Hiccup's giggles now. She never will be.

Stoick heard a creak from behind him, and he quickly turned with tear-filled eyes towards the stairs, eyes widening when he spotted Hiccup.

"Son," Stoick said in a hurry, voice hoarse, turning away to wipe at his eyes quickly before turning back to Hiccup. "You should be asleep!"

"I was thirsty," Hiccup said quietly, looking pathetic with the stuffed Nadder in his arms, knees pulled to his chest.

Stoick gave a sigh, telling himself his son is probably scared and confused why his father is crying, and doesn't know how to proceed with the situation at hand. It's Stoick's place to step in now.

"Now, come here," Stoick said softly, gesturing with a hand to Hiccup.

Hiccup immediately understood what his father meant, perking up immediately and let the stuffed Nadder fall on the stairs as he jumped down to run to Stoick with a huge smile on his face. Stoick caught him halfway through the air when Hiccup jumped, feeling his heart swell at the way Hiccup's tiny legs swinged in the air.

Stoick grabbed the metal to fix the fire again, letting Hiccup grip the handle alongside him, knowing his son likes to do whatever his father does. Together, with Hiccup's small hand underneath his own large one, they replaced the logs so they would keep burning.

"Dad?" Hiccup asked, turning his head towards Stoick. Stoick looked at him, noticing how Hiccup let go of the handle to put it above Stoick's that's on his waist for comfort. "Are you gonna get us a new mum?"

Stoick's breath hitched and he quickly wrapped his arms around his son in a firm yet gentle hug. The innocence of a child, one who never had a mother, who just knew about her today, who only saw women trying to steal his dad away and heard about the conversation about a mother. Guaranteed, Hiccup doesn't even know the role of a mother, but he did hear Gobber telling Stoick about a new mother, so he now wonders about it.

Stoick pressed a firm kiss to Hiccup's head, let go and looked him in the eyes. "I don't want another," Stoick said gently, pulling Hiccup close and turning towards the fire, feeling Hiccup turn towards it too. Stoick swayed them a bit, if only to relax his boy.

"Your mum was the only woman for me," Stoick continued in the same tone as before. "She was the love of my life."

The grief in his heart announced itself again, and he was forced to look his son in the eye as he said the next words.

"But with love, comes loss, son," Stoick said, voice deep with emotion. "It's part of the deal. But it's worth it. Love is always worth it in the end."

He turned Hiccup to his other knee, looking at him softly, telling himself that his son is worth that loss. His son is worth that love. Even if it hurts. Hiccup is the greatest gift Stoick could ever ask for or want.

"There is no greater gift than love." Stoick whispered then smiled gently at Hiccup.

Together, father and son spent time by the fire, both thinking of the same woman, but with different emotions attached to her.

Chapter Text

Hiccup started paying more attention to the stuffed Nadder. Even if it still scares him sometimes and seems to be watching his every move, he still likes to have it close by as a reminder of someone who's no longer here. Someone who wasn't here in the first place. Maybe his mother left because the dragons needed a mother.

But what do they call her? Mama? Mummy? Mother? Mum?

Hiccup doesn't know what to call her; mummy or mama? Maybe he'd call her mother. No that doesn't make sense. He calls his daddy dad on good days and daddy during bad ones. Extremely bad ones only because Hiccup is a strong Viking. Maybe he'd call her mum. Or is it mummy?

All this thinking is making his head hurt. He also feels something strange in his chest tightening. It's different from when he feels when he's being bullied or made fun of. Somehow, it feels worse. How can it be worse? Why would Hiccup be sad about this?

Longingly, Hiccup looked at the children in the village spending time with their mothers. Some being carried by her, some holding her hand, others following her without touching her. Everyone seems to have a different word to what they call their mothers. He once heard Snotlout call his mother ma. Astrid calls her mum and Fishlegs is by far the only one alongside Helga to call his mother mummy.

What would Hiccup call his mother?

Why is the scene of other children with their mothers painful all of a sudden? It never hurt to look at before. Mostly because Hiccup never paused to think of a mother or how it would feel to have one. He always had his dad and Gobber, it was always enough for him. But now, he heard of someone else, someone who should've been here but isn't. Someone who is dead.

What does being dead means anyway?

His dad seemed upset whenever he talked about his mother so Hiccup can tell that being dead is something bad. So being the good son he is, he wouldn't ask his dad about it so he wouldn't upset him. Maybe he should ask Gobber. Gobber would know.

Hiccup looked at the dragon stuffy in his hands, then back at the forge. Making up his mind, Hiccup stood up and walked down the hill towards the forge. All around him, all he could hear is mum can I take this? or mummy! Check out what I found! and it made him feel that strange feeling in his chest once again.

"Gobber!" Hiccup called as he entered the forge, looking all around. "Gobber!"

"Laddie!" Gobber looked up from the axe he was sharpening to give Hiccup his crooked smile.

Hiccup gave his own smile in return, skipping his way to the blacksmith.

"Watcha doing Gobber?" Hiccup asked as he stood beside the blonde Viking.

"Ah! Just sharpening your old father's axe!" Gobber waved a hand, stopping his motions. "What brings you to the forge of good old Gobber huh?"

"I have a question," Hiccup said, unsure.

"Sure thing, laddie! Ask away!" Gobber said cheerfully as he turned to continue sharpening Stoick's axe.

"What does 'dead' mean?" Hiccup asked, tone filled with childish curiosity and innocence.

Gobber stopped abruptly, the air seemed to freeze around him. Hiccup wondered if he said something wrong. He knew he shouldn't have asked about this! Now he made Gobber upset-

"Now where did you hear this word?" Gobber asked in a low voice, turning to look at him.

"Umm," Hiccup shrunk in on himself. "Dad said my mother made me this toy-" he lifted the Nadder to show it to Gobber. "- As a way to show her love for me. But he said that she died, that's why she's not here."

"Oh," Gobber's face and tone turned sombre, his hands hanging around his body limply. "Well, lad, death is-"

Terrible. Full of blood, screams and fear. Full of that horrible metallic smell and the bitter taste of loss. Knowing that the person who's dead is gone forever and you'll never see them or hear them or even sit with them again. There is no cure for death.

"- Death is- It's a good thing, lad. Your mother went straight to Valhalla. That's why she's dead. Because- You see, Valhalla called for her, and she had to go."

"So.. she's happy where she is?" Hiccup asked.

"Of course! Who wouldn't be happy in Valhalla?"

"How did she get there? H-How did she die?" Hiccup asked again.

"I don't know if I even should be saying any of this." Gobber muttered under his breath. "Well- You know- When you were three months old she was taken by a dragon."

"So.." Hiccup furrowed his brows in thinking. "The dragons took her to Valhalla?"

"That's one way to put it." Gobber muttered again, ignoring Hiccup's confused look.

"Well lad," Gobber started, struggling to find the right words. "You see, dragons don't take Vikings to Valhalla because they are not good. They took her away because, you know, a dragon gets hungry-"

"And need her to cook for them?"

"HA! Valka cooking? That must be the reason they ate her in the ennnn..." Gobber stopped once he saw Hiccup's pale face.

"Silly old Gobber!" Gobber said nervously, kneeling down to hug the boy before he could explode in a fit of sadness. "Saying things he shouldn't be saying."

"... dragons ate my mother?" Hiccup asked quietly, looking at the toy in his arms.

"Aye," Gobber answered regretfully. "I'm sorry lad, I shouldn't have said anything."

Hiccup didn't reply to that, he just hugged Gobber. Why didn't his dad tell him that the dragons killed his mother?

"Hiccup!" Stoick greeted his son happily as soon as he entered the house. "There you are! I was afraid you'd have been at Gobber's place still-"

Stoick stopped once he saw Hiccup's tear stained face. Immediately, he dropped the spoon he was stirring the food with and knelt down in front of his boy.

"Son?" Stoick asked, checking Hiccup around and spinning him a few times to make sure he's alright. "What is it? Did someone bully you? Are you hurt? Chased by a dragon-"

"Why didn't you tell me that my mother was eaten by dragons?" Hiccup asked bluntly, pulling away from his father's arms to cross his arms, stuffed Nadder hanging loosely from his left hand.

"W-Wha-" Stoick said aghast.

"Gobber told me!" Hiccup screamed, stomping his foot, dropping his arms.

"Why would he tell you-"

"Because I asked! Why did you never tell me she was eaten by dragons?!" Hiccup sniffed, his fingers tightening around the toy.

"Hiccup.." Stoick said softly, reaching out a hand.

"No!" Hiccup stomped his feet again, giving his father a glare similar to his own. The glare he got from him.

"No no no no!" Hiccup screamed again, moving away from Stoick even further. "Why did you never tell me?! Why did you give me this toy?!"

"Your mother made it for you." Stoick answered impatiently.

"Why?!" Hiccup screamed again, choking the toy with his small fingers. "Why!? Why did she make me a dragon?! They ate her! How did she think they were good creatures!?"

"How did you know she used to think they were good creatures?" Stoick asked, his attention snatched by the last sentence.

"Gobber told me!" Hiccup sobbed, looking quite pathetic with his face red with snot and tears. "She thought the dragons were good creatures! Well, she was stupid! Stupid and dumb!"

Hiccup threw the toy to the ground, stepping on it and even covering it with dirt from his boots.

"Hiccup!" Stoick yelled, his rage evident at the way his son spoke so lowly of his own mother.

Hiccup froze, having never heard his father yell this way at him before. He looked at the man; seeing him looming over him in height and girth, his eyes stony and angry as he regarded his son. Like every six years old would do at the sight of his father like this, Hiccup let out a loud cry and buried his face in his hands, sliding down to the floor.

Stoick's fight drained out of him, and he felt ashamed for losing his temper with Hiccup. The boy was just curious about his mother, and Gobber has said more than he should have, but Valka was still a touchy subject and hearing Hiccup speaking so ill of her and then stomp on the last thing both Stoick and Hiccup have of her as if it were filth made Stoick lose his mind. Still, it is no excuse, and if there is someone in the wrong here, it is Stoick and Gobber, never Hiccup.

After all, Hiccup is a child who is reacting like any other child would.

"Hiccup," Stoick called softly, his shoulders slumped as he knelt beside the boy. He thought of reaching out a hand but doubted he would be welcomed. "Son, look at me."

His boy merely hiccuped and shook his head frantically, curling up even further into himself. Stoick sighed, feeling his own eyes mist with tears. What has he done? He reacted the same way Hiccup is supposed to react. Instead of being the adult here, he acted like a child. Now his own son is scared of him.

"Son," Stoick called again, his hand hesitantly reaching for Hiccup's knee.

Hiccup glanced up at him at the tone of his voice, as if knowing his father might break if he didn't. His face made Stoick feel even more guilty. The boy looked devastated, eyes puffy and as red as his face. One look at his father's hand was enough to drive him into his arms.

Stoick immediately wrapped his own arms around Hiccup in turn, squeezing him tightly. He could feel Hiccup wipe his tears and snot with Stoick's beard - as he usually does whenever he's upset - but for the first time, the chief didn't mind it. He would take taking hours to clean his beard from snot and tears rather than have his son cry in his own hands.

"I'm so sorry, son," Stoick whispered, gently running his hands through Hiccup's hair. "Daddy shouldn't have yelled. I promise I'll never do it again to you. Never."

"You- You sc-scared me!" Hiccup accused, turning betrayed eyes at him. "Y-You never y-yell at me l-like that!"

Stoick's heart broke even further. "Oh son, I know, I know, I'm sorry."

Hiccup cried again, burying his small head into Stoick's beard.

"I'm sorry, Hiccup, Daddy is sorry," how long would it take for him to say these words to forgive himself?

"Y-You won't yell at me like that again?" Hiccup asked uncertainly, clinging to Stoick's beard.

"I promise you." Stoick replied firmly, his own voice hoarse as if he's been the one crying.

Hiccup gave another sob, heaving from his previous distress. "Okay," the boy said, surprising his father. "I forgive you."

Stoick felt his heart stutter at his small boy's words. Quickly, he pulled Hiccup close to kiss his head and hug him close to his chest. His small wonderful boy. So full of kindness and sympathy.

"Thank you," Stoick whispered, squeezing Hiccup tighter. "Thank you."

"Daaaad!" Hiccup whined, trashing in his arms. "Can't breathe!!"

Stoick grinned in relief at the usual comeback, letting Hiccup go from the hug but not pushing him away.

"Feeling better?" Stoick asked, running his hands through Hiccup's hair, feeling warmth flood through him as Hiccup leaned into the touch.

"Yeah," Hiccup answered, smiling at Stoick.

"Good." Stoick said in relief.

"I don't like that toy!" Hiccup glared at the stuffed Nadder a few feet away from them.

"Alright," Stoick said calmly. "You don't have to like it. I can put it away."

"No!" Hiccup protested, surprising Stoick. "It's from my mother so I have to keep it, right?"

"It's your choice Hiccup," Stoick told him.

"You won't get mad no matter what I do with it?"

That was... concerning, but who was Stoick to judge? The boy is terrified of dragons and he just found out that his mother who made the stuffed dragon for him and thought they were good was eaten by dragons. He has every right to do whatever he wants with it.

"I won't." Stoick promised.

Hiccup gave a bright smile, his face becoming less red. Stoick gave his own smile back at him, holding his arms out once again. Hiccup ran into them, clinging to his neck.

"Your face when you screamed was funny." Hiccup deadpanned after a while, making Stoick give a hearty laugh.

"I sure hope you don't start making fun of me in secret!" Stoick teased, knowing that he just gave Hiccup the idea to do so by the way his son's eyes gleamed.

"I would never!" Hiccup giggled.

Stoick laughed again, standing up.

"Now, how about we continue making nattmal hmm?"

Hiccup seemed to forget about how the toy came into existence over the next couple of weeks. He seemed to carry it with him everywhere, often times even sleeping with it. Though sometimes, Stoick would catch him squeezing it's stuffed neck tightly as if trying to kill it. Sometimes, he even heard the words I hate you! Bring back my mother! a couple of times to it.

Though it is concerning, Stoick decided to do nothing about it for the time being. If Hiccup seemed content with the toy's presence, then so would Stoick. As long as the boy doesn't do something to the toy he would later regret when he's grown up, Stoick is fine with whatever he does.

Hiccup has been going around the village asking others of what having a mother feels like. Especially Helga and Fishlegs, whom gave him very enthusiastic explanations and Fishlegs even brought him one of his mother's pies. His mother had told Hiccup he is always welcome in their house and she would love nothing more than to act like his mother.

Hiccup was delighted.

But of course, because he can't ever have something good, Snotlout picked up on that and started noticing that Hiccup is always carring the Nadder with him and always asking about mothers. Which turned out as good as one would expect it to be.

"Hey! Look at Hiccup here! He still uses this toy!" Snotlout laughed, snatching the toy away from the smaller boy.

"Hey!" Hiccup screamed, trying to get it back. "Give it back to me! My mother made it for me!"

"Awww," Snotlout mocked him, scrunching his face with fake emotions. "Your mother made it for you? She made you a dragon? Wow! She must have really hated you man!"

"No she didn't!" Hiccup yelled angrily, trying to climb over Snotlout to get his toy back. "Dad said she made it to me out of love!"

Snotlout laughed in his face once again, the sound getting on Hiccup's nerves and annoying him greatly. Ugh, he hates Snotlout!

"Give it back!"

"Oh you want it back?"

"Yes give it to me!"

"Ooohh you really want it then?"

"Just give it back!"

Snotlout threw the stuffy at Hiccup, making the boy fall to the ground from the power of the throw. Hiccup spat out dirt and tried to get his hair out of his eyes as Snotlout continued to laugh. When Hiccup managed to open his eyes properly, he found his cousin standing over him.

"You know what's wrong with you Hiccup?" Snotlout asked, making Hiccup glare at him. "You really believe anything others say! You think your mother loved you? You think that's why she made you that toy?"

Hiccup felt his heart shatter but he didn't say anything, his glare no longer there.

"She hated you!" Snotlout laughed again, throwing his head back. "She hated you! That's why she left! She never wanted you!"

Hiccup opened his mouth to deny it but found himself unable to due to his tears. He quickly closed his mouth before he could cry in front Snotlout.

"She made you that toy because she wants to always make you scared. Because she hated seeing you happy."

Hiccup looked at the boy with grief evident on his face, but still said nothing. He watched as Snotlout walked way laughing and still mocking him for thinking his mother loved him. Hiccup stayed there for a long time, still thinking over the words. Was it true? Did his mother hate him?

He looked towards the stuffed Nadder and felt rage rush through him. It's all his mother's fault! If she didn't think dragons were good she would have been here instead of dead! Why did she have to love the dragons more than him?

With a huff, Hiccup took the stuffy and walked towards his house.

The day on Berk was clearer than usual, the rain has stopped for a few days now, which means they'll get the opportunity to fish. Stoick felt like it's a good day to try and spend more time with Hiccup, perhaps he could even teach the boy how to fish himself, since he seems to have that stuffed dragon with him at all times to keep him busy, so now he won't be distracted by trying to hunt trolls.

What Stoick didn't expect is for Hiccup to look at the Nadder as if it deeply offended him. Stoick again didn't comment on it, since he promised Hiccup and himself not to react in any bad way anymore. Especially where the toy is included.

"I hate you!" Hiccup said for what must be the millionth time to the you in his arms.

Stoick glanced at him from where he was preparing a net to gather fish around their little boy. Hiccup had his back turned to him, but Stoick can already see the expression on his face as he said the words due to the numerous times he said it in front of him before. Slowly, he walked towards his son.

"Son, is everything alright?" Stoick asked, kneeling down beside his son.

"No!" Hiccup yelled, shaking the toy like crazy. "I hate this!"

"Hiccup-"

"I hate it!"

All of a sudden, the toy was thrown into the sea, with Hiccup looking at it with cold eyes. The look on his son's face terrified Stoick to no end. His son never looked at anything like this. He expected him to look at his mother's gift to him with love instead of hate.

"Son," Stoick said, still in shock. "Hiccup, why did you do that?"

"Because my mother hated me!" Hiccup screamed, stomping his feet.

"What?" Stoick muttered aghast.

"She hated me!" Hiccup screamed again. "That's why she left! That's why she made me that toy!"

"No Hiccup," Stoick protested. "She loved you! She made you that toy out of love!"

"But why did she make me a dragon toy?" Hiccup yelled.

"I don't know," Stoick answered truthfully. "But she always loved you. She would have done anything for you and she loved you more than anything."

"But Snotlout-"

"Didn't we already say that Snotlout's an idiot?"

Hiccup looked at him for a long moment. Stoick could see the exact moment the realisation dawned on him from his face as he raced to the side of the boat to try and see if the toy was still there, but all he could see is the ocean's dark grey water.

"No Hiccup!" Stoick exclaimed, running to the boy before he could jump over the side.

"But my toy!" Hiccup whined, tears forming in his eyes.

"I know son, I'll find it, I promise." Stoick said, already doubting he will ever be able to find it, but he owed Hiccup to at least try.

He couldn't find it, in the end. He spent the entire day fishing around the same area, trying to catch a glimpse of it, but nothing appeared. He spent hours after sundown with a torch in his hands to see if the tide took it to the shores, but still couldn't find a sign of it. Stoick even sent several ships to look for it for weeks, but had only stopped when it seemed like the fishermen have grown tired and exhausted from looking for a blue toy in an ocean.

Chapter Text

It had taken Hiccup three weeks at the most to forget about the toy. By this time, Winter had already settled in and was coating Berk in piles and piles of glistening blankets. Only two months are left for Devastating Winter, which means two more months to be able to prepare for it and to mentally prepare himself for the deaths he has to endure. Seeing his people die out of starvation, cold or sickness was never a good feeling.

Stoick's eyes ran to where Hiccup was building a fort silently, concentrating on the weak points and where he should be paying attention more. While Hiccup wasn't the best at physical challenges, his mind is far celerver than any mind Stoick has ever seen on Berk. And no, he's not biased because Hiccup is his son, it's because he has seen what the boy is capable of. Seen how he analyses, strategises and calculates every single move he makes.

Of course, the moves that include putting him in life threatening situations not included.

With a shake of his head, Stoick turned back to the papers on his table, demanding his attention once more. It is so hard to be the chief of a village and a father at the same time. He wonders at times how he was supposed to act around Hiccup or what to say. Stoick wasn't raised to be a father, he was raised to be a warrior. Someone to lead and fight. Someone to bark orders and demand respect. His father was the same, as difficult as the man was and as cruel as his punishments were, he had shaped Stoick into the chief he is today.

By Viking traditions, he should be making Hiccup practice like Snotlout is. He should be making him sweat from dusk till dawn. Should be burning his books and sketches and telling him to grab a weapon and make a run at the trees in the woods. Discard his feelings and pain at the sight of a wound or when something happens. He should be the kind of father that Spitelout is.

But one look at Hiccup, small and determined to make the fort work, his brows furrowed in concentration, eyes squinted in thinking, was enough to make him stop whatever the Vikings thought were right and think about what will be right for Hiccup. He is no regular Viking boy, that much is obvious, but that only makes him more special. Better than anyone else.

Hiccup yelled in frustration suddenly, destroying the fort with a kick of his legs and then gave his back to it, his lips turned into an adorable pout. Stoick chuckled at that. Perhaps not so very un-Viking like after all.

Hiccup's head snapped towards him, bright green eyes dimming with betrayal.

"Are you laughing at me?" Hiccup gaped in a blasphemous tone.

Stoick pursed his lips in a straight line the same way he does around villagers. "Of course not, son, I'm laughing at the misfortune of the fort you built."

"Same thing." Hiccup grumbled, crossing his arms and slouching. "I'm not stupid."

"I never said you were, Hiccup," Stoick replied easily, still amused by his son's grumpiness. "And it is not the same thing."

"It is!" Hiccup insisted, standing up suddenly to ball his hands into fists by his sides. "You laugh at how I kicked the fort, which means you laughed at me."

"If you want to see it that way." Stoick said with a smile, turning back to the papers.

"It's the only way to see it!" Hiccup yelled, turning his head away from his father.

By Viking code, Stoick should be punishing Hiccup for even raising his voice at his father in such a way. Saying that he should be respecting him because he is far older and wiser than him. But again, Stoick can never find it within himself to even raise a hand against Hiccup.

Instead, he threw his head back and laughed, finally letting his amusement clear. Hiccup tried to hold his own laughter in for as long as he could before he too, exploded in giggles. Running to where Stoick was sitting and climbing into his lap.

Another thing Stoick had noticed was that Hiccup, despite his age, didn't mind climbing into Stoick's lap or reaching out for him. Something that Stoick had stopped doing since he was a bit younger than Hiccup, knowing that in order to be a strong Viking and an heir you have to stop acting like a small baby. But that doesn't count here, because Hiccup is, well, his baby boy.

"Your face looks better when you laugh." Hiccup said seriously, his tone not matching his high pitched voice.

"Really?" Stoick decided to amuse him.

Hiccup gave a nod. "When you look happy, your face looks good."

"And when I'm not?" Stoick cocked his head to the side.

"Your face looks like this." Hiccup proceeded to frown, furrow his brows and pull himself to his full height.

Stoick laughed at that, throwing his head back once more. Hiccup broke his act and started giggling again, the sounds making Stoick smile even more. Oh Hiccup, ever so blunt and subtle.

"You love making fun of your father huh?" Stoick gave him a small grin.

"No." Hiccup laughed. "I love making fun of my chief."

"Ahhh good one!" Stoick chuckled, patting Hiccup's back a bit too hard.

Hiccup grumbled, giving his father a glare before he slid off and went to stand in the corner, giving Stoick his back. Stoick was more amused by his son's cat like behaviour than anything else.

"Are we friends still?" Stoick asked the ever frequent question between him and Hiccup.

Hiccup gave his ever changing answer. "No!"

"Ah, there's my five minutes of silence." Stoick chuckled good heartedly.

Hiccup humphed, turning his head even further away from his father. He would prove to him that he can stay silent for more then five minutes. He can and he will. He is fully capable of being silent. Hiccup repeated the mantra inside his head so he wouldn't forget it but eventually got bored and started looking around. He noticed a few holes in the stairs, making him raise his small fingers to put them in them.

How did these holes get in here? Were they already there a day ago? How long has it been since it first appeared? Why did it appear in the first place? Is the house falling apart? Hiccup hopes not, he really wants a place to sleep by the end of the night. What else has been ruined somehow in the house without him knowing? He has to do something about it. Immediately.

He should tell his dad, surely he will know.

"Hey Dad!" Hiccup turned away from the stairs to run back to his father, climbing into his lap once more.

Stoick chuckled silently, knowing it's only been a good minute since Hiccup promised not to talk to him. He kept the thought to himself though, better not to upset Hiccup with it.

"Yes son?" Stoick turned his head towards the child who was snuggled closely to his chest.

"There are holes in the stairs!" Hiccup gasped, pointing at the stairs.

"Really?" Stoick humoured him.

"Yes!" Hiccup insisted, getting off Stoick's lap and tugged on his arm. "Daaaad you have to see it! What if the house collapses?!"

He said it with so much passion, so much panic, that Stoick had to raise a hand and pretend to cough when he was actually laughing. It doesn't help that Hiccup likes to make exaggerated hand gestures each time he talks, it only adds to the scene.

"And how will these holes make the whole house collapse, Hiccup?" Stoick raised an eyebrow.

Hiccup tugged insistently on his arm, trying to move his father from his chair. "Dad if you just come and see it! You'll know how!"

Stoick pretended to think, raising a hand to his chin. "I don't see how some holes will make our house collapse."

Hiccup huffed in annoyance, letting his hands hang loosely on Stoick's arm. For the dramatic flare if not anything else, Hiccup threw his head back to signal out just how done he was with his father. Stoick hid his smile away in his beard.

"You're not listening to me!" Hiccup yelled, reinforcing his efforts on tugging Stoick out of the chair. "If you listen to me you'll see."

He said each word with a grunt, already panting from the effort. Stoick watched him with amusement, secretly wanting to laugh at the way Hiccup's face turned red from effort. Maybe he should do something just to please the boy, make him less red faced.

Stoick stood up suddenly, Hiccup hanging from his arm limply. The boy let go of it, holding his large fingers to drag him to the stairs. Stoick allowed him to drag him wherever he wanted, as long as it kept Hiccup's mind off of wanting to destroy something for a good minute or two.

"Here!" Hiccup said as he pointed to a particularly small hole in the stairs. "See? It's gonna make our house collapse!"

Stoick hid a smile in his beard. "I really don't think it's this bad, Hiccup."

Hiccup's face turned annoyed. "Well, you're thinking wrong! This is gonna ruin our house! We will be sleeping with Gobber!"

"And what's wrong with Gobber?" Stoick knelt to Hiccup's level.

"He's smelly." Hiccup said with a disgusted scrunch of his nose.

Stoick threw his head back and laughed.

"Yes I do believe he's due to another bath once again." Stoick agreed with a smile.

"But he doesn't! He says this is how a Viking should smell like! It's so disgusting!" Hiccup waved his arms around as he explained his point, holes in the stairs forgotten.

"He is right.. somewhat." Stoick said.

"No!" Hiccup said, horrified. "He's not! It's gross, Dad! Why do Vikings have to be so smelly and gross?"

"We're not smelly or gross!" Stoick defended almost immediately, his voice rising.

Hiccup, used to that, crossed his arms and turned away. "Well, it is, I've read that the Romans don't smell like that!"

"Why do you care about the Romans? You're a Viking! This is how we do things around here!" Stoick crossed his own arms, standing up.

His height and width should by all means terrify his son, but Hiccup merely looked at him with a bored glance before he dropped his defensive stance.

"Whatever, you like the Vikings way too much." Hiccup grumbled.

"I am a Viking." Stoick reminded. "And so are you!"

"But why does a Viking have to be smelly or big or scary?" Hiccup asked, his arms doing their own thing. "Why can't we be nice and kind and smart?"

"Because being nice and kind and smart can't make you survive in here." Stoick said sternly. "If you do it, you'll be dead in no time."

"But then I'd go to Valhalla?" Hiccup asked innocently, head cocked to the side. "With my mother?"

Immediately, his father dropped whatever defensive he was about to say in the Viking's honour at the words of his son. Stoick knelt down to Hiccup's height and took his small hands in his own large ones.

"Just because Valhalla is a good place it doesn't mean you should go there." Stoick said gently. "You can meet your mother there when you're much older and stronger."

"But why not now?" Hiccup asked, his green eyes wide.

"Because-" Stoick hesitated to explain it.

How can he explain it all in a good way without triggering any of Hiccup's previous hate and anger towards the toy Valka made him which will eventually make him remember how he hated her?

"Because, son, you are still very young and have a long way to go," Stoick said at last. "Your mother would be happier to see you when you're older."

"But she won't be happy to see me now?" Hiccup's bottom lip started to tremble.

"No no no-" Stoick protested quickly. "Of course she would! But it would make her happier to see you all grown up!"

"Oh," Hiccup said, no longer sad.

Stoick sighed in relief. At least he passed the danger zone.

"But isn't there any way I can be a good Viking?" Hiccup asked.

"A good Viking grabs an axe and throws it at anything that is in his sight." Stoick replied.

"I meant like a nice Viking." Hiccup said grumpily.

Nice Viking? How can this even work! Kids and their mindsets! Stoick can't even recall another child who said such thing or even thought of it. Even the adults never say things like this. It's always his son who thinks of the most bizarre ideas ever.

Oh well, it is still his boy. He must have taken that trait from his mother, Valka always had a soft heart.

"Uhh-" Stoick is really bad at this. "Why don't you go and see what Gobber is doing?"

Hiccup slumped. Though he was young, he already knew when his dad is trying to tell him to run off without actually saying it. How rude. But again, his dad is a true Viking.

"Okay..." Hiccup mumbled, leaving the house without his usual cheer.

"Hey Gobber?" Hiccup asked for the millionth time since he got into the forge five minutes ago.

"What?" Gobber almost shouted.

"Teach me how to make a sword!" Hiccup begged again, jumping on his tippy toes.

"No!" Gobber said. "Too dangerous! What do you need a sword for?"

"To hunt the trolls!" Hiccup said indignantly.

"With a sword?" Gobber turned to him. "You'll need something bigger than that!"

"Mace?" Hiccup asked, leaning in a little before gagging at Gobber's smell and moving away.

"No no something that will kill these little devils right away!" Gobber said happily, unaware of Hiccup fighting for his life next to him. "Something like an axe!"

"Daddy's axe!" Hiccup said brightly, making Gobber give a little grin.

Though Hiccup no longer calls Stoick daddy, he still calls his axe daddy's axe since Stoick always told him not to touch or play with daddy's axe when he was a baby. Rather adorable when you think about it.

"Yes, something like that!" Gobber said with a grin. "Or maybe take your dad hunting trolls with ya! They wouldn't even dare to show their faces again when they see him!"

"Why?" Hiccup inquired.

"He's tall, angry, loud, violent, ugly!" Gobber slammed his hammer-hand on the metal. "Is really scary! Especially when he's standing there with that look on his face! Gives you the chills!"

Hiccup remembered his father's look when he threw his toy on the ground and stepped on it and shivered. His dad was really scary back then, it was the first time Hiccup ever truly saw that side of him. It was always funny when he did it to other people but it wasn't so funny when it was done to him. Hiccup had thought that it doesn't apply to him.

But if his dad can look that scary, maybe he can be scary to the trolls too. They might leave Hiccup alone and stop stealing his socks, which is something good!

"Do you know where he is?" Hiccup asked.

"I think he went to see why the yaks keep on falling in Mulch and Bucket's farm." Gobber said absentmindedly.

"Okay thanks!" Hiccup said as he ran off.

"No problem!" Gobber answered happily before he started whistling a tone. Realisation dawned on him moments later when he remembered that Hiccup is still six and is very small for his age and who knows what he can get himself into?

Knowing Hiccup, many things.

Gobber dropped the metal and limped to the door, running as best as he can with his prosthetic.

"Hiccup!" Gobber called, looking around for a small brown haired boy in the crowd of working Vikings. "Hiccup!"

Oh Stoick is going to kill him for this.

Stoick is going to kill Gobber.

Unless he has a good explanation as to why his son is standing in front of him with a grumpy look on his face demanding him to leave everything at once and come hunt trolls with him. According to Hiccup who has been told by Goober; Stoick is tall, angry, loud, violent, ugly. While Stoick was proud of all the other things but ugly? Is the one legged, one armed, bald Viking with a weird neck talking about looks?

"I can't just drop everything like the nap of a yak and come with you, Hiccup!" Stoick said in exasperation as he lifted a heavy log.

They were building a wider pen so the yaks won't bump into each other.

"But I'm your son!" Hiccup stomped his leg. "And we haven't got the time to do anything together! Why can't you understand that?"

"I have an entire village to feed!" Stoick exclaimed. "I can't leave everything! The people would starve!"

"Well, I'm starving!" Hiccup yelled, making Stoick raise an eyebrow at him. "From affection!"

Though he said it uncertainly and as an afterthought, he really meant it. His dad hasn't been paying much attention to him lately and Hiccup still thinks it's because of the incident with the toy. Is he still mad at him because of what happened?

"You're totally fine, Hiccup," Stoick huffed, moving to carry more logs. "I have to do lots of things and there are enough complaints on my plate! Take Gobber with you, I'm busy."

"You're always busy!" Hiccup stomped his foot again. "Always busy busy busy busy!"

"That's because I'm a chief, son," Stoick grunted, passing the logs to another man.

"But you're also my dad!" Hiccup yelled. "Why do I have to share you with the entire village? It's not fair! Everyone gets to spend their time with their dads!"

Hiccup wrapped his arms around himself, sniffling a little bit. He refused to look up and see his father's face. Why does he have to share his dad with everyone? Why can't they just make someone else chief? Everyone else has a dad and a mum, Hiccup only has a dad.

It's not fair.

Above him, he heard his father sigh and drop the logs, ordering the men to take care of it while he deals with Hiccup. Hiccup shook his head stubbornly to keep the tears from falling. He blinked as hard as he could.

"Hiccup," Stoick said in that same tired tone from before. But this time, he was gentler and quieter.

"No!" Hiccup said thickly.

"Son," Stoick put both hands on his shoulders. "When I'm protecting and tending to the village, I'm also protecting and tending to you."

"No you don't!" Hiccup yelled, uncaring if other people noticed. "You only care about them!"

"That's not true," Stoick replied. "You're part of the village, aren't you?"

Hiccup stayed silent.

"Answer me, Hiccup, I'm talking to you." Stoick said sternly.

"Yeah," Hiccup slumped. "I am."

"And when I do things for the village and to help everyone, I'm doing it for you too." Stoick removed one hand to point a finger at Hiccup's chest.

Hiccup stayed silent, not really understanding. But he guesses if his dad does it for him it's good too, right?

"But I dont want you to work." Hiccup whined. "You're always busy and far away from me, I don't like it."

"I can't not work, Hiccup," Stoick said. "It is my job. I have to keep everyone safe."

"How can you keep me safe if I'm far from you?" Hiccup asked, looking down at his feet.

Stoick raised his chin with a gentle hand. "What is it you don't like, Hiccup?"

"I already told you!" Hiccup said in frustration. "You don't listen! You never listen to me anymore! I don't like it!"

"Okay," Stoick said at last. "Alright, I apologise for that."

Hiccup stared off to the side, still having a glare in his gaze. It means he doesn't forgive him.

"Anything else?" Stoick asked.

"Yes." Hiccup turned his eyes back to him.

Stoick gave him a nod, telling him to continue. The same nod he gives to the villagers whenever he listens to their problems. It made Hiccup feel heard in a way he hasn't felt in weeks.

"I don't like it when you're away from me." Hiccup grumbled. "You're always away! And when you come home, you're always tired and you don't do any of the things we do anymore."

"Things like what?" Stoick gave Hiccup an inquiring look.

"Telling me about Bork the Bold." Hiccup replied instantly. "About Odin. About Thor. Freya."

"Ah," Stoick said, realising with a pang of guilt that he really hasn't been doing any of these. "I am sorry."

"I don't want you to be sorry!" Hiccup yelled. "I want you to fix it!"

Stoick hummed, thinking of a way to fix this situation while also not causing chaos in the village in his absence. Does he really have to be absent though? Maybe he could start taking Hiccup with him. It would also teach the boy some valuable lessons about being a chief.

"Alright, how about I take you with me wherever I go?" Stoick asked at last.

Hiccup blinked at him in surprise, not expecting that answer at all.

"Me? With you?" Hiccup asked quietly.

Stoick nodded.

"And see how you work and how you take care of everyone?" there was a bit of awe in Hiccup's voice now.

Stoick nodded again.

"I can do that?" Hiccup asked excitedly.

"If you'd like." Stoick shrugged, but there was lightness in his voice.

"Yes!" Hiccup said happily. "Of course I want to! Please can we start today?"

Stoick chuckled, nodding his head. "Of course, son. Just remember, you'll also have to learn a lot here about what it means to be a chief."

Hiccup gave a solemn nod, becoming serious. Stoick gave him a grin before he started tickling him, making the boy laugh.

"Dad! We're at work!" Hiccup said as he laughed, pointing to the men still moving the logs.

"Oh really?" Stoick turned to see them with a fake surprised look. "I guess I failed to remember that! I was so happy by my son's appearance to care about work!"

His plan proved to work when Hiccup practically beamed at him. Though it wasn't much, Stoick knew that the words meant all of Midgard to Hiccup. Seeing his son happy about such little things made Stoick doubt if Hiccup ever knows he loves him and cares for him anymore.

"Now," Stoick said gently, standing up to his feet. "Time to go to work again, don't you think?"

Hiccup gave an enthusiastic nod, holding out his hand. Granted, Stoick is supposed to be helping but he remembered Hiccup's words to him.

I'm starved of affection.

So he decided to just let his son hold his hand and watch as everyone else did the job. Hiccup's small bounce in his steps whenever he walked made him feel lighter from the inside, it proved to him that it was a wise decision to make.

"Stoick!" Gobber called from behind, panting rather loudly. "I've been meaning to tell you that Hiccup-"

"Is here and will be with me from now on, Gobber." Stoick told him. "No need to worry."

Gobber's face turned from concerned to confused to angry in seconds.

"Why did you say nothing then?!" He exclaimed in anger.

Hiccup and Stoick looked at each other before they burst out laughing, Gobber's face turning confused once more.