Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Wow! What a flight! I think we are starting to get better at this whole feeling one another's movement, don't you,"

Toothless and I just got back to the cove after an amazing flight around the sea stacks. Today marks the first day since we started our flying practice together, where we haven't crashed or had any miscommunication. After removing Toothless's flying gear to allow him to get comfortable for the night, I say goodbye and begin my hike back towards the village, tacking a new route to avoid suspicion.

Avoiding areas that look like paths are forming and coming out where no one will notice me, behind the forge. Thinking about the adjustments I plan on making to the riding gear to make the gears less sticky and maybe a way to allow toothless to control it on his own so he doesn't feel forced to stay with me, I begin making my way to the Great Hall trying to be unnoticed. Unfortunately, Loki must be deciding to share some bad luck with me as Snotlout makes his way to me loudly proclaiming, "Hey Useless, where you going? Plan on destroying something else, or did you finally get banished for being the reason your mom died?"

Turning around to head back to the forge, I hear him choking on his air from laughing so hard. Keeping my head down, I make my way along the path, praying that Gobber is in the forge, at least he will prevent the gang from messing with me for fear I get distracted or ruin something. Luck is on my side as I see Gobber on his way to the forge with some food and he smiles at me as I approach him, "Haven't seen you all day lad, though ye might be locked away in that closet of yours tinkering away." He passes me a plate with some bread and fish, ruffling my hair as I head into my work space. Gobber is probably the only person other than Gothi that talks to me like i'm not a complete waste of space, I sometimes wish he was my dad over Stoick.

Pulling out my notebook and placing the food near my candle and begin to draw up some of the ideas I thought of on my hike, eating small bites of the bread because for some reason cooked fish isn't as good as I remember as spending so much time eating raw fish with Toothless must have changed my pallet. I notice after a while the bread is gone and so is the sun, knowing Stoick will want me locked in my room before any raids start, I begin to pack up my notes and stuff the loose sheets into my journal before tossing it into a bag with some tools to take with me to the cover tomorrow. I begin my favorite game of 'Avoid the Villagers' by taking back routes and using the shadows to my benefit to avoid being seen almost, as I approach the Chiefs home, Gobber sees me. He must have been leaving after talking to Stoick about the winter supplies. 

"Where ya heading boyo? I've only seen ya once today, locking yourself in that room is not good lad, but I know your reasons," he reaches out pats my shoulder, "Hiccup, I know things 'aven't been the best for ya around the village, but if ya ever want to get away for a bit, the arena 'as some old storage rooms that need a key, i'll give it to ya must be better that that room it must be hot in there from the hearth. Should head in before the man starts looking for ya. Just let me know anytime and the keys yours. "

"Uh, yeah, sorry Gobber. I was um out in the forest earlier this morning just working on my maps but don't worry I'm heading in now so that I am out of the way, and thanks I'll keep that in mind. Night Gobber!" I give him a smile and a quick side hug before dashing my way up the steps into the hut and up the stairs to my room, avoiding Stoick's attempts to stare me down. Locking my door, I set up at my desk to continue my work. I get a rough sketch of an idea I had for armor before there is a knock at my door, "Hiccup, we need to talk," with a sigh I open the door to my room and let Stoick in to sit on my bed while I sit at my desk. 

"I think it's time you start thinking about joining dragon training with the other teens your age. You cause nothing but problems around the village, this might help you see the importance of the viking way. I spoke to Gobber and tomorrow you will join the teens to begin your training." He leaves a helmet on my bed as he stands to leave.

"Thanks Stoick, but I don't want to fight dragons." Running a hand through my hair I brace for the storm.

"Hiccup this is not a choice, I am telling you. Tomorrow at lunch hour, you will be at the arena with the teens to start your training, end of story. If I find out you skipped out or don't participate, I will go down there and watch you train to make sure. The Frost is coming and with all these raids I do not have time to follow you around and make sure you are where you are supposed to be." He storms out of my room closing the door with a heavy thud before I hear his footfall retreat down the stairs. 'Nope this is not happening, I have to get off this island.”

Rushing around as quietly as I can, I begin to gather my notes, a spare set of clothes, and any supplies I have laying around. I make sure to take all my notes and drawings I have that could give any clues as to how I plan on leaving. I wait on my bed deep in thought, ‘Toothless and I will be ok, he will be happy to leave this island. I'm going to miss Gobber, maybe I should leave him a letter.”

I wait until I hear Stoick's loud snoring before tossing my bag out the window and climbing down. Quietly I walk through the empty village smiling, because I won't have to pretend to fit in anymore. Once I reach the forge, I head into my workshop and light my candle, gathering anything I might need; spare leather, sewing supplies, scrap metal, tools, and clear out all of my notes and invention drawings. Finally I write Gobber a letter goodbye,

Gobber,

I am sorry, but the whole village has made it clear that I am not wanted nor needed here. I have been relentlessly bullied by the gang since we could walk, they tell me my mother's death was my fault, they attack me daily, leaving me with scars and bruises. They are the real people destroying things around the village and blaming me for the damages. I am tired of being everyone's source of amusement, why is my pain fun for others? What have I done besides wanting to belong that has warranted their behavior towards me?

By the time you find this letter I will be gone, I will not tell you where I am going not that it would matter anyways, Stoick will probably hold a celebration once they realise I am not coming back. I promise once I find a place of my own where I am welcomed and safe, I will send you a letter. 

Gobber you are like the father I never had, Stoick made it clear to me years ago that I am nothing but a hiccup, a mistake to tarnish his reputation as the ‘Best Chief’ Berk has ever known. Thank you for everything you have taught me, all the viking styled care you have given me, and for just treating me like my existence was never a mistake. I will miss you more than I can ever express in words. If you do not hear from me by the time the Frost has begun just know I passed into Hel knowing you were my true father.

I hope to one day see you again, and I'm sorry but you will need to find a new apprentice to help out around the forge.

Goodbye

Hiccup The Useless Horrendous Haddock III

I place the letter on his work bench and make it into the woods, taking the fastest and shortest route back to Toothless. As I approached the shield in the wall, I dropped my bag by the rock I hid Toothless's saddle and tail. I quickly look around to see him sleeping on his favorite tree, I hate to wake him, he looks so cute sleeping like a bat. Unfortunately it's best to get flying now before the village wakes.

“Toothless, Hey bud wake up,” I start whispering as to not spook him, “Hey buddy, I know you're sleepy but we have to go, we are leaving and never coming back.” He opens his eyes and tilts his head like he knows what I am saying, he plops down and walks up to put his big head in my chest crooning. I swear the feeling of his crooning is like a vibrating energy that makes everything better. I hug his head, scratching behind his ear flaps before leading him to our stuff. “Get this bud, Stoick was going to force me into dragon training, he wants me to be a killer,” I begin tightening the straps on his tail piece, “he didn't even ask he just told me tomorrow was my first day and he would force me to go if I tried to skip it. He just doesn't think I am anything other than a nuisance and trouble maker.” As I begin putting his saddle on he turns his head to look at me before using his head to pull me against his shoulder in what resembled a hug, “Thanks bud, you always know how to make me happy,” I give him a squeeze before he lets go so I can finish and climb on with the bag on my back. 

As we take off we circle the village one last time before, I let Toothless to pick what direction we head off towards. He has been off the island before so I know he will keep us safe. As we head away from Berk, I really look at it one last time. The way the village sparkles with torch light, the way it covers the side of the mountain wrapping its way down to the shore, the tall forest that surrounds the island, it's beautiful. Turning back I set my eyes on the dark horizon, towards our new future. 

“It's you and me, bud, time to find our new home.”

Chapter Text

*TOOTHLESS!!!!!*

Most days Hiccup wakes up to the peaceful sounds of the morning terrors squabbling during their shift change, small arguments easily solved by the overnight terror flying off for food. Unfortunately today there was an overexcited black dragon bouncing around Hiccup's rooms, whacking him in the head a few times with his powerful tail.

*UP! You have to get up! Today we get to go see our mates! Hurry, before the wind changes!*

*Okay bud, i'm up let me get my armour on and we can go get your gear on, breakfast can wait until. we get there.* Hiccup rolls out of bed and begins to get ready for the day, running fingers through his hair he loosely braids it off before grabbing his helmet and heading out towards the main cave to get Toothless ready. Today is the first day of the spring solstice meaning his snowflake is ready to come home, bringing Toothless's mate with them.

 A few months after the duo left Berk they succeeded in killing the queen making them both the Alpha of a new hoard of dragons. Though they only learned this after being nursed to health by the most handsome man Hiccup had ever seen. Losing a leg was an easy choice after Hiccup woke and saw the damage done, Toothless spent his time crooning sadly in apology feeling guilty about having to hurt Hiccup. Unfortunately the bite did not fully sever the foot so after being woken, and explaining to their savior, that the leg would need to go, Hiccup had to beg Toothless to finish the job. Jack, the attractive stranger, had to hold a crying and at times unconscious Hiccup as Toothless carefully removed the damaged limb before burning the remaining stump with a precise plasma blast of low level to stop the bleeding. Once both boy and dragon were healed and ready to travel, Jack was stunned to see Hiccup casually ask some larger dragons to help carry their misfit crew to the island of Berk, where once in a secluded cove, Hiccup grabbed supplies from a side bag on the dragons saddle and snuck off under the cover of night. Returning the next day with a new prosthetic for both himself and the night fury. They waited until nightfall then stopped by a big arena and released some injured dragons, once all were air borne they headed south to an island with a small campsite on the shore.

After about 6 months together, they had successfully restored some old ruins that once must have been a small village carved into the base of a volcano that must have erupted and destroyed the island. The main structure being a large home half buried by lava stone and obsidian, with the help of some local whispering deaths a large system of caves were carved from each ruin to connect them to the center of the large empty volcano. The inside of the volcano was large enough to house the ever growing flock they boys protected. Jack and Hiccup explored and played their days away only rescuing dragons when they came across any issue. Jack explained to Hiccup that he wasn't a viking, but the spirit of winter that was responsible for the yearly Frost, not that he believed him. That is until they were shopping in a trading port for supplies when two ladies tried to convince Hiccup to buy the finest accessories for his ‘Maiden at home.’ He turned to complain to Jack when the ladies began to shove him away from the stall calling him a crazed lunatic for talking to the air. It was around this time Hiccup realised that Jack had been with him for the last Frost, explaining the odd comments about Frost being more rain storms and glum than harsh and frozen.

By the time they had been together for a year Jack found a dragon of his own, a Light Fury he named Skadi after the goddess of winter. Toothless was immediately smitten, constantly trying to prove he would be the perfect mate, effectively mothering Hiccup to death. It was around this time the boys began to notice conversations happening between the two dragons, studying them and finally asking the dragons to confirm their rough understandings of the language that the boys effectively began communicating entirely with the dragons using the newly dubbed language of Dragonese. With the new language the boys bonded with the dragons living on their island in a way that the flock became a big family. Life for the boys became perfect, and slowly feelings grew stronger making both furies conspire with the flock to set the boys up for a perfect mating ritual. Both boys were horrified when the dragons all left to the southside forest for the night leaving the boys in the center of the nest looking up at the night sky with a small fire, a makeshift bed of leaves, a pile of fish and a jar of wine. Though the dragons were successful in getting the boys to admit their feelings and begin courting, they never could think about that night without laughing about how they both awkwardly stumbled over their confessions and spent the night drunk cuddling and tracing the stars until they fell asleep. Since then the boys were blissfully attached at the hip, the four mates would be occasionally separated but the worst was the yearly Frost, Jack and Skadi would be gone and constantly on the move occasionally stopping by for a quick kiss on the cheek and a shared meal before disappearing for days sometimes weeks. 

Bringing us to today, Hiccup and Toothless hit the sky as fast as they can before heading back to the island where they first met, since the last stop Jack and Skadi make on their way in is the farthest they travel, a small hut with basic supplies was built to act and a meeting point for Skadi to rest before the long flight of the sea to their home. They would spend the night catching up while Toothless spoiled Skadi with fresh fish and kept her warm while she rested, sharing stories with the group until she fell asleep. Hiccup and Jack would always start with a clinical breakdown of any issues they encountered in the other's absence before cuddling up by the fire to watch the dragons rest just holding one another before going to bed. The following morning was spent packing before hitting the sky. 

*I am so excited to see the new hatchlings, did we lose any this winter?* Jack turned to Hiccup with a terrified look in his eyes.

*No, all 10 eggs hatched on time and 2 more were laid after you left so they should be hatching any day now. Oh! and guess what! whispering deaths found an underground cave that has a large underwater tunnel to the ocean, the scauldrons love steaming up one of the smaller caves and the main cave is being expanded for the dragons to use as a place for the hatchlings to play and learn to swim without currents from the tide pulling them under. Also Skadi is going to love the new slab Toothless found for her*

*Yeah, my Light, I found a new slab for us. It's got a hole on the side and Hic adds wood to it and it stays light all night! The top has that soft moss you love so we can stay warm and have the soft moss!* Toothless smiles his gummy grin and Skadi floats close enough to brush their wing tips together.

*My Night, always finding a way to spoil me,* Skadi smiles a toothy grin before picking up speed as she sees the island appear in the distance, *Keep up, boys!*

Toothless races after her with Hiccup laughing into the wind while Jack leaves a train of snowflakes tickling Hiccup's nose. The Night duo flip and dive circling their lovers before the two dragons begin a pattern that feels like a practiced dance, the boys reaching out to brush fingers where they got the closest. A dance the Light duo missed on their long travels.

*You know this is the month we left 5 years ago, I was supposed to write to Gobber when I was safe. Now after all this time I wonder if he even remembers me. I was thinking maybe you would like to meet him, if he will see me that is.*

*Hic, I would move the moon and stars to see you smile, meeting your Gobber would be my absolute pleasure. To be honest, I would love to see the place you learned to tinker, and see what has become of the cove.*

*Well once we get home we can pack up and leave in the next couple of days but first I still feel a bit low on my Jack energy, I believe a meal and full day together is required to refill the supply is necessary,* Hiccup gives Jack's hair a ruffling as Toothless glides over the duo.

*Well let's get home and spend some time with our mates!” Skadi shot forwards effectively starting the race, Toothless of course let his heart win, making Hiccup laugh and rub his head affectionately before hopping off to let the two dragons scamper off to their den while the boys went straight to the kitchen so Jack could begin cooking dinner.

Chapter Text

After dinner the two boys made their way to their room, getting their change of clothes and a cotton blanket to dry with, they made their way towards the hot spring in the caves closer towards the entrance to the tunnel leading to the nest. A cool little find that they immediately made a part of their relaxing time. 

Hiccup was excited, now that his love was home, his hair would be played with daily. Hiccup grows his hair out because Jack loves to play with it and Hiccup loves feeling pampered. Once the boys were undressed and in the spring Jack immediately began unbraiding and running his fingers through the auburn strands, the color reminds Jack of warmth and the way it shines under the sun when the wind tosses it about. Smiling Jack grabs the comb and begins untangling the silky smooth mid back length strands and begins to braid the hair in 3 rows before joining them at the back and ties it off at the end before twisting the long strands of Hiccups bangs so they curl slightly. 

“That should keep your hair out of your way for our travels. What's the plan for the trip?”

“Thanks love, I missed you playing with my hair. I was thinking of leaving in the morning, that should put us there late in the night so we are not seen. I want to sneak into the village and leave a note for him to head to the beach on the other side of the island around lunch the next day and we can meet away from everyone. That way we can leave that night and be home by morning. I hate going to Berk, I think I would rather live through Toothless removing my other 3 limbs, than be on that island longer than necessary. After he knows I am ok, I can give him a heads up about Wind Rider, then I can terror mail him and have him follow Wind Rider back here to visit.”

Turning to face Jack, he intertwines their fingers before leading them to the back edge of the spring where the boys had some gronckles drop some large stone to make a seat area. Once Hiccup is close enough he turns Jack away from him so he could see how the tattoo on his back healed, Jack had it done before his season so Hiccup never got to see it, He traced the smooth lines that branched off in different directions, it was snowflake, but when you look a the shapes it makes you can make out the light fury figure. He wanted to match Hiccup's constellations of Toothless.

“This healed nicely, did you go to the same guy in the northern market?”

“Yeah, once he saw me he knew exactly why I was there, he already had an idea of what I wanted. He remembered you, told me to tell you to stop by and get something else done, I think he needs more designs.” Jack turned to face Hiccup and gave him a quick kiss before splashing the unexpecting boy.

“Hey! Cheater, I was distracted,” Hiccup pulls his best pout and crosses his arms. “You leave me alone for months, let me enjoy my clingyness for a little while.”

“Anything for you my ever so amazing mate, lets finish up here and head to bed. In the morning we will plan for our trip.” Jack makes his way back towards the area they left their clothes, Hiccup following closely behind.

~~~~~~~~~

The boys awaken to two big heads peeking through the door to their room, the dragons both whispering quite loudly. *Do we wake them? We always fly around first thing in the morning to check the posts, but normally they wake us.* Skadi nudges the door gently and softly makes her way to her rider, *Brother…..can we go flying…..Brother*

“Ska…Hmm? What time is it?” Jack rubs the sleep from his eyes before standing up to stretch, as he turns back to the bed he sees his boyfriend snuggled up under the blankets. He smiles gently before he notices Toothless in the doorway. “Morning bud, should we wake him and hit the sky?” 

Toothless begins violently wiggling and bouncing around, be bounds over to the bed and attacks his rider covering him in saliva. Hiccup jumps up and begins trying to push his brother off giggling from being playfully gummed and pawed at. “Good morning to you too bud, morning Ska, morning love. I'm guessing it's time for morning rounds.”

After convincing the dragons to munch on some fish the boys got ready, ate a quick breakfast and mounted their dragons before heading to the heart of the nest. Once there they began to check in with the patrol groups from the night shift before heading out to check that the day shift terrors were in place. The four made their way to the beach to be sure nothing dangerous washed ashore overnight and checked in on dragons who chose to make the forest their home. Once morning rounds were complete the two dragons wanted to run off and after some convincing Toothless let the boys put his tail in automatic so he and Skadi could fly if they wanted. The boys went to the forge and while Hiccup worked Jack would lounge around or read one of the many books filled with inventions that the young viking had yet to build.

The day was mostly spent relaxing, once the sun began to set and the dragons were home and already asleep, the couple went to check in on the new arrivals to the nest, before eating dinner.

“TOOTHLESS!!! SKADI!!! Time for our nightly flight lets go! When we get back we have to plan for our trip in a couple of days.” Both dragons groaned but joined their riders on the walk out the land entrance. Once in the air they checked on all the night defenses, the nightmares and fireworms made the volcano look active to ward off passing settlers. Next was the thunderdrums, the act as a sea defence at night pushing ships off course to prevent them from running ground, lastly the night patrol terrors that circle the island and act and warning alarm to wake the changewings so they can follow any one that makes it to shore until the Alpha can arrive.

*The thunderdrums mentioned a ship that docked outside of the perimeter, tell the terrors to be on high alert. I'll go ask a scout to go see if it looks like we might have to intervene. Let's also meet up with the scauldrons and see if we can get a fog going to obscure the nest.* Jack nods and takes off towards the terrors, the night duo shoot out towards the scout terrors, they are always ready to help. Meeting up by the beach the scauldrons agree to make some fog before slowly creating a current to encourage the ship to leave their waters.

“I don't think it's the hunters, but it could be bounty hunters. We should get our armor and weapons.”

“Hic I'm sure it's just a passing trader, they probably just dropped anchor to rest, they will be gone by morning. We are always careful to make sure we aren't being followed, this island does not exist on maps, they would never know we are here.” Jack pulls the panicky boy in for a hug to reassure him. 

*Yeah, we are safe, Hiccup, the hunters are too dull to find us and we can take one ship. We are going to be fine brother.*

*Tooth has a point, we are with our flock, one boat can't hurt our home. just relax and before you know it we will be watching them sail away. The flock is safe, no one is here to hurt us, we are home, we are together.* Skadi puts her head on the boy's shoulder and wraps them in a large hug, Toothless rushing to join the group hug.  

“I know you guys, but I can't risk losing any of you. I can't survive being taken again, I..I…I can't,” The boy begins to cry as the group comforts him. 

“My love, I can always use the globe North gave me to get us all out in a hurry and the flock knows the emergency meeting points we will distract them long enough for them to be out of range before we leave. We have planned for these types of situations, everything is fine.”

It was at this moment the scout, Fast Flier, landed on the forge bench to deliver her report. *The ship looks broken, like it survived a storm. I heard voices and saw a few vikings on board, no hunters. The ship does not look like it will float much longer, they are taking on water.* Sitting straight she waits for orders, *Thank you Fast Flier, we should help them, Hiccup they might be hurt*

“I agree with Skadi, let the thunderdrums push the boat to the beach and we can meet them there with supplies and tools to fix their ship. Once it's fixed we can send them on their way with the knowledge that returning here or telling anyone of the location will be their last mistake.”

*You're right, I'm just being dramatic. Have the typhoomerangs gather some wood, send the speedstingers to set up a blockade to prevent them from leaving the beach. Start a fire and we will bring other supplies down to the beach once they are on land.*

*Yes sir, Alphas did you want us to get some fresh fish too?*

*Great idea, save me some too!* Toothless, always thinking with his stomach, gets bopped on the head by Skadi's tail.

A soft laugh bubbles up out of Hiccup, “okay guys, lets grab the healing kits and some warm wools.”

Chapter Text

Hey readers, Fox here!

Im sorry about not updating it have been busy moving into a new apartment. I should hopefully have my desk set up 8/15. If not I will still be planning on returning with at least half of a chapter by then. I accidentally packed the charger to my laptop so once I find that I will be able to access the chapters I have rewritten and will update all my active works at that time. I will also be releasing a new story around that time. Please feel free to comment any fun and new ideas or tags that you may want to see added to these current works.

Again I apologize for leaving you all hanging, but life came about a bit more chaotic than planned. Not saying you guys will find it interesting but I plan on livestreaming my writing sessions soon to get fresh feedback and ideas while working on new chapters. Chapters worked on in live will not be released until after they are completed so feel free to pop in and leave ideas or brainstorm with me. Once I set up that nightmare of a desk I can get started creating fun stories again.

🦊