Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hiccups P.O.V

Hiccup woke slowly, the soft light of dawn filtering through the small window of his hut on Dragon’s Edge. He groaned as he shifted under the fur blankets, a deep ache settling into his bones. His head felt heavy, and a dull throb pulsed behind his eyes. As he blinked away the sleep, he realized with a sinking feeling that he was coming down with something.

Toothless, lying beside the bed, sensed his rider's discomfort and nudged him gently. Hiccup reached out, patting Toothless's head. "Morning, bud," he mumbled, his voice rough and scratchy.

Pushing himself up, Hiccup swung his legs over the edge of the bed, swaying slightly as a wave of dizziness hit him. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before beginning to dress. Each movement felt laborious, his limbs heavy and uncooperative. He struggled with the straps of his prosthetic leg, fumbling more than usual.

Determined not to let his friends notice anything amiss, Hiccup forced a smile and stepped outside. The morning air felt colder than usual, sending a shiver through his body. He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to ward off the chill. The Edge was quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of the early morning yet to begin. Hiccup trudged towards the central area, his pace slower than normal.

Astrid was already there, tightening the straps on Stormfly’s saddle. She looked up as he approached, “Morning, Hiccup,” she said, her voice gentle.

“Morning, Astrid,” Hiccup replied, though his voice lacked its usual energy. He gave her a weak smile, hoping to mask how awful he felt.

Astrid frowned, studying him closely. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Hiccup said quickly, though he could see the skepticism in her eyes. “Just didn’t sleep well.”

“Up all night sketching some late night ideas?” She asked a tinge of teasing in her tone. 

“What were you spying on me?” Hiccup teased right back making her roll her eyes with a smile effectively deflecting her suspicion. 

He moved to check on Toothless’s saddle, but even this familiar task felt like a Herculean effort. His hands shook slightly, and his vision blurred as he tried to focus on the buckles and straps. What should have taken seconds  stretched into a long, frustrating ordeal.

Snotlout’s loud voice cut through the morning air, boasting about his latest dream about being the hero. 

Hiccup tuned it all out as he waited for the others as Fishlegs landed giving the morning scouting report and the Twins wondering in as they were mid debate about something. 

"Thanks, Fishlegs," Hiccup replied, his voice strained. He noticed the twins whispering to each other, mischief glinting in their eyes. Normally, he would try to get ahead of whatever trouble they were planning, but today, he simply didn’t have the energy.

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the comforting rumble of Toothless beneath him. “I’m okay, bud,” he whispered, though he wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince Toothless or himself.

Hiccup felt Toothless move his head and he opened his eyes again to see Astrid standing next to him, “You’re moving like a yak in mud.” 

Hiccup managed a weak smile, his sarcasm cutting through his fatigue. “Oh, thanks, Astrid. I always aspired to be compared to a yak in mud. Really boosts the confidence.”

Astrid chuckled, shaking her head. “Well, someones gotta keep you from getting too big of a head.” She said back to him. 

As the other riders gathered, their chatter filling the air, Hiccup forced himself to stand up straighter, pushing through the fog of his illness. “Alright, everyone,” he called out, his voice weaker than he intended. “We’ve got a lot to cover today. We need to sweep the north side of the island and make sure the rain didn’t disrupt any of the caves that the Pebblebacks live in.”

“Meatlug and I can do that!” Fishlegs volunteered eagerly, his enthusiasm for the Boulder Class dragons shining through.

“Great. Snotlout, I need you to check on the Flarefins  in the east caves,” Hiccup said. “Make sure the rain hasn’t caused any flooding in their nests.”

“Got it! Hookfang and I will take care of it,” Snotlout said, puffing out his chest with pride.

“Good. Astrid, I need you to check on the Rumblehorn near the southern cliffs. We need to ensure he’s safe since he didn’t come around last night or this morning.”

“Got it,” Astrid replied, her tone serious.

Hiccup turned to the twins, who were now watching him with expectant grins. “Ruff, Tuff, I need you two to check around the base for any signs of damage. The storm might have caused some issues we need to fix.”

“Sounds like fun!” Tuffnut exclaimed, elbowing his sister. “Come on, Barf! Belch! Let’s go on an adventure!”

“Remember,” Hiccup added, trying to keep his voice steady, “if you see anything unusual, report back immediately. We need to stay on top of things.”

As the riders dispersed to their tasks, Hiccup felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He leaned against Toothless once more, closing his eyes briefly again. He knew he should rest, but there was too much to do. Toothless nudged him gently, a low rumble of concern vibrating through his body.

“I know, bud,” Hiccup murmured. “Just a little longer. We need to make sure everything is okay.”

With a deep breath, Hiccup pushed himself away from Toothless and headed towards the central area to begin his own patrol. The day was just beginning, and there was still so much to do.

The morning dragged on, each task taking twice as long as it should have. Hiccup's body ached with every step, but he forced himself to keep moving. The sun had risen high in the sky by the time he finished his patrol and returned to the central area. Toothless trailed behind him, ever watchful and protective.

As noon approached, the riders began to trickle back in for a brief lunch. Hiccup tried to eat, but the food felt like a rock in his stomach. He poked at his plate absentmindedly, his thoughts muddled by fatigue.

“Hiccup,” Astrid’s voice cut through his haze. “You need to eat something. You’re going to collapse if you don’t.”

He forced a smile, lifting a piece of bread to his mouth. “I’m fine, really,” he insisted, though the bite tasted like sawdust.

Before anyone could press further, a loud roar echoed through the camp, followed by the frantic flapping of wings. The group jumped to their feet, weapons at the ready.

“Ruff! Tuff! What did you do?” Snotlout yelled, already assuming the worst.

“It wasn’t us!” Tuffnut shouted back, looking genuinely confused.

Fishlegs ran towards the noise, Meatlug close behind. “It’s coming from the east side! Near the Flarefin nests!” he called out.

Hiccup felt a surge of adrenaline push through his exhaustion. “Everyone, mount up! Let’s move!” he commanded, his voice stronger than it had been all day.

The riders sprang into action, mounting their dragons and taking to the sky. Toothless soared effortlessly, his powerful wings cutting through the air as they headed toward the source of the disturbance.

As they neared the east caves, they saw a large Changewing thrashing near the Flarefin nests. Its scales changed colors rapidly, reflecting its agitation and pain. One wing hung limply, and blood stained its side. The Flarefin darted around it, their iridescent scales flashing in panic.

“We need to help that Changewing before it destroys the Flarefin nests!” Hiccup stated to the others..

Astrid nodded, her face set with determination. “Stormfly and I will distract it while you figure out how to calm it down!”

“Meatlug and I will protect the nests!” Fishlegs added, directing his dragon towards the Flarefin nests to keep the smaller dragons safe.

Hiccup directed Toothless to land a short distance away. “We need to approach carefully, bud. It’s scared and in pain.” Toothless rumbled in agreement.

Astrid and Stormfly swooped in, firing spines to draw the Changewing’s attention away from the nests. The injured dragon roared in anger, its it’s eyes slits as it lashed out throwing acid, but Astrid expertly dodged its strikes.

Fishlegs and Meatlug positioned themselves between the Changewing and the Flarefin nests, ensuring the smaller dragons remained unharmed. “Easy, girl, we’re here to help,” Fishlegs murmured soothingly to the growling gronkle.

Hiccup approached slowly, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm like he had done countless number of times. “Hey there, it’s okay. We’re not going to hurt you,” he said softly, trying to project calmness. Toothless mirrored his movements, adding low, reassuring growls. 

The Changewing’s eyes flicked between Hiccup and the other riders, still tense but no longer thrashing. As Hiccup got closer, the Changewing sniffed the air and let out a low growl, sensing his illness. It seemed to mistrust him even more, backing away slightly and flaring its nostrils.

Hiccup saw the moment in the Changewing’s eyes as they rounded out slightly before quickly snapping back to slits. It spit acid in his direction. Toothless quickly tackled him out of the way, shielding him from the attack. Toothless became more protective than usual, growling deeply at the Changewing, only escalating the tension.

“Well, that was unexpected,” Tuffnut said, watching the scene unfold.

“Yeah, really unlike a dragon to not like the Hiccup hand thing.” Ruffnut commented. 

Hiccup coughed from the rough impact, the force jarring his body. He slowly got up, wincing slightly. “Toothless, bud, this isn’t helping,” he said, seeing the Changewing look back at him with so much distrust that he knew he couldn’t help.

“Snot, you’re up,” Hiccup called out knowing for some reason changwings loved him.

“Ohhh no, I am not getting near another Changewing,” Snotlout tried to protest, but the looks from the other riders told him he wasn’t getting away with it. He sighed, resigned to his fate.

“Come on, Hookfang,” Snotlout said, mounting his dragon. “Let’s show them how it’s done.” He flew towards the Changewing, his voice steady but his eyes showing a hint of fear.

Hookfang landed near the Changewing, and Snotlout dismounted slowly, raising his hands in a calming gesture. “Hey there, big guy, it’s okay. We’re not here to hurt you,” he said, his tone surprisingly gentle.

The Changewing hissed, but Snotlout remained calm, taking a step closer. “We just want to help. Let me see that wing.”

Hookfang mirrored Snotlout’s movements, staying calm and quiet but watching out for his rider. Slowly, the Changewing began to relax, its eyes relaxing into a more rounded look.

Snotlout continued to speak softly, inching closer until he could gently touch the injured wing. “There you go. See? We’re not so bad.”

The Changewing’s breathing steadied, and it allowed Snotlout to examine the wound more closely. “We need to bandage this up,” he called back to Hiccup and Astrid.

“Astrid, Help Snotlout with the wing.” He said trading places with her and Stomfly to give them some distance.

Astrid nodded, moving forward with a roll of bandages. Together, they carefully wrapped the injured wing, Snotlout’s hands steady as he worked.

Hiccup watched from his spot as he let out a soft cough making Toothless look to him and let out a soft and worried rumble. Hiccup only patted him as he cleared his throat the adrenaline beginning to drain making him feel tired. 

As they finished, the Changewing gave a low rumble, its eyes softening slightly but still watching Hiccup with caution. Hiccup smiled weakly to only receive a hiss from the dragon. 

“Wow, I’ve never seen a dragon react like that to you,” Fishlegs commented as he watched the interaction.

“Speed Stingers, Screaming Death, Skrill—”

“Yeah, but even then, most of the time a lone Changewing will trust you,” Fishlegs thought out loud.

Hiccup simply shrugged not having enough energy, “It’s scared and in pain and alone.” he said weakly his voice a bit strained now. His throat felt scratchy from all the yelling. 

Once Astrid and Snot were done Hicucp looked up to them, “Snot will you lead it to a safe place on the island for it to recover?” He asked 

“Gee I have to do everything around here.” Snotlout said as he climbed up on Hookfang, “Come on lets get you outta here.” He said to the changwing who stood up slowly and gave once last glare to Hiccup before leaving with Snotlout and Hook fang. 

With the immediate crisis over, the group flew back to the Edge. Hiccup struggled to keep his eyes open as they landed, the exhaustion hitting him full force.

“I’m going to go get Toothless other tail While we wait for Snotlout. After everything today, we all deserve some fun.” Hiccup said as he hadn’t dismount Toothless yet as the group looked to him. 

“Are you saying what I think your saying?” Tuff asked nearly jumping from excitement in his spot. 

“Yeah don’t play with us H!” Ruff said copying her twin. 

“Yeah dragon racing.” Hiccup said making the group woop in excitement. Hiccup flew back to his hut with Toothless and clumsily got off and sighed. Frankly he just needed a moment. 

Once inside, he leaned heavily against the door, closing his eyes for a moment and letting out a deep, painful cough. Toothless nudged him gently, his big eyes full of concern.

Hiccup opened his eyes, matching his friend’s worried gaze. “I’m fine, bud. Really ,” he murmured, though he knew it was a lie. Toothless huffed in response clearly irritated by his response.  Hiccup  moved slowly, feeling every ache and pain as he changed out of his gear and into something more comfortable. The room seemed to close in on him, the walls feeling a little too tight, the air a little too thick.

His head was pounding, and the sharp ache in his chest made each breath feel like a battle. He took a seat on his bed, running a hand through his hair. The fatigue was overwhelming, each movement a struggle like he was stuck in thick mud. He closed his eyes, the room spinning slightly.

Hiccup sat there for what felt like seconds, his body growing heavier. Suddenly, he heard the distant sound of Hookfang landing, the noise pulling him from his foggy haze. Toothless immediately perked up, sensing the change letting out a worried croon the large dragon came over putting his head on his lap trying to stop his rider from over doing it. 

Hiccup smiled softly down at his dragon and rubbed his head, “Well take it easy bud.” He said his voice rough and soft. Toothless seemed to hesitate before backing away from him.

​​Hiccup took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Alright, bud, let’s go. Time to get back to it,” he said, pushing himself up. His legs felt like lead, each step a monumental effort. He grabbed Toothless racing tail off the wall and clumsily put it on before nearly stumbling out the door letting out one last cough. 

Toothless stoped just outside the door way and motioned for him to get on. Hiccup smiled and patted him before getting back on taking the help from his friend. 

“Alright, lets go.” He said and they flew over the other riders who were mounted up and they all took off to their racing area. 

Astrid P.O.V

“Come on girl, you got this!” Astrid said as her dragon sped through the sea stacks and did a big loop in the air, she could feel the speed lessen toward the top of the loop before gaining speed as she came down. They did a barrel roll before landing next to the group. 

“That’s a new record-” 

“Yes!” Astrid jumped up and down, 

“-For you and Stormfly” Fishlegs finished making Astrid glare at him and crossed her arms. Stormfly ruffled her Scales as if to express the same feeling as her rider.

Astrid looked over to Hicucp who seemed like he was totally checked out from most of what was going on she pursed her lips before looking back to Fishlegs,, “How far off of Hiccup’s and Toothless’ time?” she asked hoping to appeal to his competitive side. 

“About 12 seconds.” Fishlegs squeaked out but Astrid wasn’t looking at the husky viking. Her gaze was on the one legged viking who hasn’t even moved,, “But for a Nadder, that is very interesting, being almost as fast as a Night Fury through the obstacles. How are you-” 

“Hiccup, are you okay?” Astrid broke off the adrenaline when she noticed how off  he was.

“Oh yeah, no, just thinking.” Hiccup said to her, but she crossed her arms, shifting her weight into a classic ‘ I don’t believe you ’ look. 

He seemed to get a little spark in his eyes, “W-Well,” The stutter clued her in he was clearly making something up or nervous about it “You’re getting faster…” Then the drawl that seemed to scream something was wrong “S-so I’m thinking of changing up some things on my flight suit and his uh saddle,” it was clear to her that Hiccup had fabricated his thought process.

“Well, before you do, you should run your time. That way, I have some shot of beating you.” She said with a challenging smirk hoping to get anything out of him, But it didn’t work. He just mechanically moved to his Night Fury.

“Alright, let’s go, bud. We are up.” Hiccup said almost defeatedly  and got on Toothless lazily before taking off into the sky. 

Astrid watched the pair start their run strong, but once they got to the sea stack, something was… different. 

“How far off of his time is he?” Snotlout asked Fishlegs clearly noticing something too, 

“By 9 seconds.” Fishlegs said, keeping a close eye on the time. 

Toothless pulled up into the circle, but something went wrong. Toothless, instead of looping back around, and turned over at the top of the loop and flattened out. He glided down, somewhat slowly before landing by group. 

“What was that!?” Snotlout asked loudly throwing his hands around. 

“Yeah, looked like Toothless chocked worse than Meatlug.” Tuff joked,

“Hey! She just dosn’t like heights!” Fishlegs tried to defend as he nuzzled his dragon who had given out a soft whine.

“She’s a dragon!” Snotlout argued throwing up his hands up dramticly. “Dragons fly. Up in the-”

Astrid zoned their bickering out and watched as Hiccup got off Toothless slowly before he was nudged by his dragon. That was something Toothless only did when he knew something was wrong with his rider. It was almost a ‘i’m here for you’ rather than a ‘are you okay’ sort of gesture. Hiccup’s tired green eyes met her’s, and he got a guilty look and spoke up before she could, 

“I should look at his gear, make sure his tail isn’t locking up.” Hiccup told them his voice seemed deeper, “Come on bud.” he said to his dragon as the twins, Snotlout and Fishlegs stopped their squabbling and watched as their leader just slowly walked away from them. 

“Somethings wrong.” Fishlegs voiced everyone’s thoughts finally. 

“Yeah…” The twins said nodding in agreement.

Astrid sighed thinking to herself, “We’ll check on him later. We should get back to The Edge, it’s getting late. Snot you’re on night duties.” she said taking over the role as leader and not getting around to seeing Hiccup.

Chapter Text

-Next day-

Hiccup’s P.O.V

“Ugh,” Hiccup grumbled to himself, clutching the fur blankets closer to him. He felt horrible. His head pounded, his throat was scratchy, and every muscle in his body ached. He didn't want to get up, but he could hear arguing outside his hut. He looked up, squinting at the brighter-than-normal sunbeams filtering through the window. He groaned in annoyance; it was well past his usual wake-up time. If he didn’t get up now, someone would be coming to check on him.
Toothless gave a soft, worried warble, sensing his rider's discomfort. The dragon gently put his head beside Hiccup, nudging him with a concerned look in his big eyes. Hiccup reached out, rubbing Toothless's nose. “I’m alright, bud,” he said, his voice hoarse and unconvincing. Reluctantly, he threw off the warm furs and forced himself to get dressed. Each movement felt like a monumental effort, his limbs heavy and uncooperative.
Every step was a battle as he donned his gear. The room seemed to sway slightly, and he had to pause several times, steadying himself against the furniture. He could feel the fever burning under his skin, making him shiver despite the warmth of the morning sun. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he finally managed to strap on his prosthetic leg, fumbling more than usual with the buckles.
Hiccup went over to his sink and splashed some cold water on his face hoping too cool down the fever at least for now and wash away some of his tiredness. He looked up in the mirror and sighed, it would have to do.
With a deep breath, Hiccup pushed open the door of his hut and stepped outside. The cool air hit him like a slap in the face, momentarily clearing the fog in his mind. Toothless stuck closer to his side than normal, his concern evident in his every movement.
The sound of Tuff and Astrid hit his ears clearly as he walked down to Astrid hut.

“-Nuh uh! That’s mine! It’s my turn to use the ax!” argued Tuff to Astrid.

“Touch my ax and I will shove it-”

“Ohhhkay- W-what is going on?” Hiccup asked his voice breaking slightly at the higher pitch he was trying to fake.

“I wanna throw her axe!” Tuff whined out pointing to the ex like a 3 year old child.

Astrid shot the male twin a deadly glare, “Right MY axe. There are plenty of axes-”

“They always break, and they aren't as deadly as yours!” Tuffnut complained not understanding the gravity of what he was even asking.

“Tuff, you can’t have Astrid's axe, if you really want I can make you one like her’s. But for your own safety don’t touch her axe” Hiccup saying his words a little slower then casual so that they didn’t sound as rough making the two riders look at eachother and Tuffnut nodded excitedly.

“Okay okay, I want an ax that…” Hiccup rubbed his temples feeling a surge of a headache start as he half listened to the request. He had to keep his cough suppressed which made his body ache more than it was.

“Hiccup… Are you okay?” Astrid asked him, her soft voice snapping him out of it a little.

“Yeah I’m fine” Hiccup straining his voice and felt Toothless nudge his hand and patted his friend’s warm head. He smiled tierdly down to the night fury.

“You sure because you look like you’ve been run over by a yak” She pressed him. Hiccup could tell she was on to him, but he wouldn’t give in that easy.

“Yes I’m fine Astrid, I was just…up late last night.” Hiccup dismissed his symptoms and tried to throw her off his trail even just a little as he cleared his throat to let the cough out a little.

Astrid stared at him for a moment, “Again?” her eyebrow arched up as she was clearly not taking his excus- but before Hiccup defended himself she piped again “Alright….” leaving the conversation for now, but made sure Hiccup knew she didn’t believe a word he said.

Hiccup sighed deeply and looked to Tuff, “How about… you write down what you want on a piece of parchment and I’ll work on it some time this week?” he asked weakly and the eger viking nodded before running off.

“Come on bud, let's go see if there is any breakfast left.” he said his voice dropping down and scratchy making Toothless follow him up to the main clubhouse.

“That is about the dumbest thing I have heard, and we live with the twins.” Fishlegs insulted Snoutlout.

Snotlout scuffed, “Well how would you know it was a dumb idea?” Snotlout retorted as he slammed his hand down on the table.

Hiccup sighed as he grabbed a bowl of mutton soup and sat down in a chair, hunched over. His body was killing him, and the warmth of the soup did little to soothe his scratchy throat. He really didn’t want to have to deal with Snotlout and Fishlegs going at it today. Snotlout could get petty and not let the argument go all day, so that made Fishlegs feel either bad or just come back at him, nitpicking him, just continuing the cycle further. And quite frankly, it was hard to get either one of them to release whatever feelings they had.

“-Because, Snotlout, firefern burns your skin, you can’t eat it.” Fishlegs told him matter of factly.

“Well dragons do!” Snoutlout argued back dumbly.

Hiccup sighed and pushed around his soup a bit,He took a hesitant sip, but the taste made his stomach churn. He thought he was hungry but, that feeling went over the cliff.

“-They also breathe fire, Snotlout… Something you can’t do” Fishlegs returned with to the dark- haired boy.

“Well... I-you know what- shut up fish face” Snoutlout backed down aggressively. Hiccup was glad that Snotlout didn’t want to continue, let alone having Astrid have to be the one to break them up after this morning, she was probably off taking a well deserved flight on Stormfly so she didn’t murder anyone.

Hiccup rubbed his temples again making the twins look at him “ Yes?” he asked just knowing they were watching him.

“You look awful Hiccy,” Tuff told him bluntly. Hiccup snorted fantastic he thought to himself.

“Yeah… I see what Astrid was saying.” Ruff said poking his cheek. Hiccup lightly moved away from her.

“It’s Hiccup. Not hiccy “ He said arguing weakly to Tuff hatting the sudden nickname Tuff had come up with. His voice cracked, and he had to clear his throat painfully to try to normalize it.

Stormfly ran in and nuzzled Toothless who grumbled back at her making the nadder back up and tilt her head confused on why Toothless didn’t want to play with her. She looked back to Hiccup guessed was Astrid as she walked in. She made a beeline to him frowning as she saw the bowl of soup pushed off to the side “ You haven’t eaten?” she asked her voice softer than normal.

“Astrid really I'm-” Hiccup saw her reach out her hand to feel his forehead. He backed up from her hand. He knew what the outcome would be if she had discovered his more than likely fever.

“Just hold still Hiccup.” she said with a determined look on her face.

“Like I said I’m just-”

Tuff snuck his hand around to Hiccup’s head while he was busy with Astrid “Wow my dude! You’re hot.. Not in like a hot bod. Well, I mean you did grow out of that fishbone body into more of a suitable body… What was I, Oh yeah but like Hookfang hot!” Tuff told him fumbling around.

Astrids eyebrows furrowed, “You’re sick. You should go lay-”

“UGH! Fish Face! Watch what you’re doing” Snoutlout yelled from the other side of the table. And there went Snotlout off with Fishlegs again… So much for it being that easy.

“It’s not my fault that- “

“GUYS!” Hiccup yelled his voice betraying everything he had been working to hide as it cracked and scratched sounding awful and painfully got caught in his throat. But it got everyone’s attention “Thank you” He paused clearing his throat his voice hoarse already “Now I don’t know what has gotten into everyone today… but can everyone please just settle down and not argue today?” He asked his voice quiet and almost pleading- closer to a whine. He was now standing up as he had his hands on his hips trying to seem better than he was. .

Fishlegs looked to Hiccup a worried look on his face. He really must look awful. “Are you-”

“I’m NOT sick” Hiccup he croaked stubbornly. He didn’t want to be sick. So maybe if he just told himself he wasn’t sick-

Astrid gave him a look and crossed her arms. Well now he was in trouble.

“Fine,” Hiccup said, sitting back down defeated as he breathed a little heavier. “I feel a little under the weather, but I’m fine,” he added, his voice raspy and congested, sounding every bit like someone struggling with a cold..

“AHHH he’s delusional, someone go get a bucket of water!” Tuff yelled looking around the room quickly for a bucket.

Tuff, I don’t need—” Hiccup began, but Ruffnut threw a half-full bucket of somehow freezing cold water on him. The shock of the cold water made him gasp, and stand back up. It didn’t take long for the chill to set in. Toothless growled at the twins before looking at his soaking rider.

“I got ya, sis!” Tuff said and high-fived his twin.

Hiccup shook his head half wet now, putting his hands up in surrender barley keeping his teeth from chattering, “You know what.” He let out a soft cough “ Fine, Astrid’s is in charge,” his voice straining throat and scratchy, not wanting to deal with this all day long. Even when he was feeling his best, this got on his nerves.

“Why is she always in charge!” Snoutlout asked, sounding offended.

“Because I said so,” Hiccup snapped back, his voice raspy and congested, Snotlout finally snap out of attitude.

“Hiccup-”

Hiccup didn’t stop for Astrid this time. He walked out of the Clubhouse and went back to his hut, now shivering thanks to his clothes being wet.
Hiccup changed out of his wet clothes, shivering slightly in the cool air of his hut. He selected a set of fresh, dry clothes from his trunk, his movements slow and deliberate. He peeled off his soaked tunic, feeling the chill as the damp fabric left his skin, and then slipped into a pair of dry trousers. His armor and other clothes were hung near the hearth to dry, the warmth of the fire slowly driving out the dampness.
As he was about to put on a new tunic, he paused, staring at his reflection in the small, foggy mirror by the door. His face was pale, dark circles under his eyes betraying his exhaustion. His cheeks tinged pink with his fever. He ran a hand through his disheveled half wet hair, sighing softly. The knock on the door broke him out of his thoghts, the sound startling in the quiet of his hut.
Hiccup walked over to the door, his bare foot padding softly on the wooden floor contrasted by the thunk of his metal leg. He opened it to reveal Astrid, her face etched with worry. Her blue eyes scanned him quickly, taking in his pallor and the fatigue in his eyes. She looked as if she had rushed over, her cheeks flushed from the brisk walk, strands of her blonde hair escaping her braid.
“Hiccup, I’m sorry about-”

“Don’t apologize, Astrid. “ he said and sniffled a bit starting to feel just how sick he was he felt a shiver run up his spine from the breeze of the door being open.

Astrid pushed her way in grabing a fur blanket and wrapped it around him. Hiccup quickly tucked it closer to his body and sat down in a chair. “Thanks,” he told her softly. As he began a small coughing fit and groaned after.

“No problem… Now why in midgard didn’t you just say you were sick, Hiccup?” she asked him, sitting down by him.

“I don’t like to be sick.” His voice now deep and nasally “So I hoped just by willing it away, it would.” He stopped to sniffle “Just go away. There is a lot of stuff to do around the island. It’s hard to take a day off.” He said, his voice softer than normal since he was just drained of most of his energy.

“Oh…Hiccup, you know we are all here for you,” Astrid said sitting down in front of him looking up at him and into his eyes.

He scuffed slightly making his throat scratch and he cleared his throat, “I know, but I felt yesterday,” Hiccup said quietly to try to save his voice while lying to try to ease her worry.

“Wait… You weren’t feeling good all of yesterday and during our races!?” Astrid asked shocked. “So that is why you and Toothless didn’t fly well,” she said making Toothless grumble in the corner.

“Uh..” Hiccup laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third! You could have gotten hurt or worse!” Astrid scolded him.

“And yet here I am M’lady.” He rasped out as he tucked his blanket closer to his body keeping the shivers down, “Toothless made sure of that.” He said with with a weak grin to her trying to cut the tension making Toothless huff out in the corner again as he slowly came over and put his big head and most importantly warm head on his lap. Hiccup began to scratch him absentmindedly..

“Hiccup you don’t have to do this alone you know. Run the edge. Fishlegs can help-”

“He can’t control the twins.” Hiccup interrupted horsely

“Snotlout-”

“Enables them” Hiccup cut in again

“And me” Astrid finished

“You will kill the twins.” Hiccup joked with her trying a lighter tone only ending up in another coughing fit.

She cracked a small smile, “I may, but it solves most of our problems,' She joked back. Hiccup chuckled but it led to him starting to cough a little more and then groans rubbing his head as it throbbed. Toothless moved off his lap much to Hiccups disapproval and he bounded upstairs.

“You should go lay down babe,” She said getting up and kissing his temple, “I’ll go see if Fishlegs can make something to help you feel better.” Astrid said walking to the door.

“Yeah,” His voice barley a rasp “Okay” Hiccup croaked, finally surrendering to Astrid and getting up and going upstairs lazily.

Toothless hand moved a good sized rock under Hiccup’s bed and had warmed it so his bed would be warm. Hiccup smiled at Toothless, “Thanks bud. I really appreciate it” he said weakly and nuzzled his nose softly making Toothless purr happily in response.

Hiccup climbed into bed and sighed softly, his body relaxing, happy to be back in bed. He closed his eyes, instantly falling asleep.

He woke back up feeling someone shaking his shoulder softly, he sat up quickly only to be pushed back down. He frowned and opened his eyes to see thoes ocean blue eyes that calmed him down instantly. Yet she wore a smirk on her face.

“W-why you smiling like that?” Hiccup weakly asked his voice sounding like her just gaurgled nails.

“You were snoring.” She snorted out softly.

Hiccup frowned deeply only making his girlfriend giggle more now. He had always complained about how loud his father was.

“I was not” He grumbled out a weak argument.

“Than a bore must have gotten in the hut.” She told him her voice light but soft.

“Must’ve.” He mumbled and looked to her hand seeing something and asked with his tired green eyes what it was.

“Just some medicine babe.” She told him softly, handing him the vile liquid.

Hiccup blinked away the fogginess and nodded taking it “Thanks beauifle.” he said tiredly his voice not leting him call her beautiful properly, though she did still blush with a smile giggle at his voice. She pulled up a chair next to him and ran her hands through his hair. She loved to mess with it, resisting the edge to make another braid in it.

“You shouldn’t stay here,” Hiccup told her his voice sounding more congested and quieter. He didn’t want her getting sick.

“I know,” she said softly, obviously not caring and there was no way he could change her mind.

She got him a fresh glass of water and left another vial next to his bed for when he woke up and grabbed some fresh blankets too just in case. By the time she was finished she saw her sleeping boyfriend and smiled to herself as he heard a soft snore from him. Temptation pulling to hard at her, she left another braid in Hiccup’s hair before she left to let him to get some much needed rest.