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Snow falls in a torrent on the Isle of Berk, winds stirring the flakes into drifts against wooden houses. Dragons, livestock, and humans alike crowd into said houses, along with barns, the Great Hall, and any other structure to find some semblance of warmth.
One such house sits towards the outer rim of the village, and houses two companions.
“Acho!” Jack sniffles miserably after letting out a monster sneeze that would probably scare off a dragon.
“Ugh…” He moans, clutching his head in his hands as he blows his nose into a small handkerchief that had seen better days. To be honest, Jack usually just wiped his nose on his sleeve, not bothering with such formality.
“Are you feeling any better love?” Comes a voice from another room, with the owner making his way into the room, carrying a mug filled with a warm drink.
“Hiccup,” Jack breathes, reaching out to take the mug from his hands. “I don’t know, all I know is that I feel miserable…I never get sick, so why did I have to get sick now, of all times?” He grumbles before taking a sip.
It tastes like spice, home, and slightly like mead.
“Hiccup Horrendous Haddock, did you spike my drink?” He grins up at said man mischievously.
“I might have added a little pick me up, but not anything Gothi would frown upon.” Hiccup replies, also shrugging.
Jack laughs, bringing the cup to his lips once again and taking a sip, warm steam meeting his face and relieving his aching nose.
Then he feels Hiccup putting his weight onto the bed and then proceeding to slip under the covers.
“Hiccup! You’re going to get sick, and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy, not even Pitch!” Jack laughs, scooting over to make room underneath the furs despite his protests.
“In sickness and in health my dear.” Hiccup responds with a smile, wrapping Jack in a warm hug. “I’m sorry you got sick.” He adds after a minute.
“It’s not like it’s your fault; it’s just a human thing.” Jack smiles, sighing a little wistfully.
There's a pause for a minute.
Then Hiccup speaks up. “Do you regret becoming human again? Choosing to stay here with me?”
Jack is a little stunned at the question, but he answers almost immediately.
“Absolutely not.” comes his answer. “I might miss my powers sometimes, but you are worth everything I have ever and will ever love. I wouldn’t change my answer for eternity, if it meant I could stay beside you.” Jack smiles at his husband, scooting closer for protection against cold temperatures and cold feelings.
“I know,” Hiccup continues, “but I guess I’ll always have a little doubt in my mind, even if it makes no sense.” he laughs.
“But you’ll always have me here to make those doubts melt like snow.” Jack replies, and they both chuckle lightly at the joke.
“Hey, isn’t Snoggletog tomorrow?” Jack asks, thinking back to all the preparations that the village had been making in the handful of days or weeks leading up to the holiday.
“Yeah, it is! Why?” Hiccup replies from where he now rests his head on one of the pillows.
“Because I have a special gift for you, and I was wondering if you wanted to open it a little early?” Jack grinned.
“A gift from you? Absolutely!” Hiccup laughed, rising from the bed and helping Jack up as well, fur still draped over his shoulders.
They make their way to their main quarters downstairs, and Jack starts trying to balance on a chest he dragged to a specific corner. He’s mostly successful, with one or two close calls that had Hiccup’s heart beating a little faster each time.
“Did you really hide my present in the rafters?” Hiccup teased as Jack retrieved a small parcel from a hidden nook. Hiccup had never noticed that one before. Interesting.
“So, what if I did? You never found it!” Jack quips back, hopping down and leading Hiccup to sit on a small bench covered with another fur.
“I must admit, I’m insanely curious.” Hiccup remarked as he took the small package from Jack’s outstretched hands.
“Well then open it already ya slowpoke!” Jack proceeds to poke Hiccup’s arm as he says this.
Hiccup obliges and starts unwrapping the waxy paper, revealing what was hidden underneath.
“You got me a new notebook!” Hiccup exclaims, holding up the prized present from his husband.
The notebook had a smooth leather binding, new pages, and small detailing pressed into the cover.
Looking closer, Hiccup could see designs that were obviously done by Jack’s meticulous hand. He could see inscriptions that were little messages of love, he saw a small full-body portrait of toothless curving into the spine. He traced the small images lovingly with his fingers. Each hour of labor Jack put into this was evident, and so was his love. The notebook was something he would cherish, even after he filled all of its pages with sketches, ideas, and maps.
“Thank you, love,” Hiccup whispers, pulling Jack in for a kiss.
Jack returns the kiss with equal affection, leaning into Hiccup’s body, and finding comfort in the other.
“I’m glad.” Jack whispers back after the kiss is broken.
There’s a momentary pause.
“This doesn’t mean you’re getting your present early.”
“Oh, COME ON!” Jack shouts indignantly, throwing up his hands. “I gave you yours early, can’t you just let me have one peak?” He continues to beg.
“Not a chance.” Hiccups laughs back, standing up from the bench, clutching the notebook. He then scoops up Jack, who lets out a squawk of indignation, into his arms, turning to head upstairs once again.
“Thank you for that dear, but you need to get back to bed and rest.” Hiccup smiles down at the shorter man in his arms, who is currently crossing his own and pouting a little.
“Fine…But you owe me way more cuddles for this injustice!” Jack relents.
“Your wish is my command.” Hiccup smiles, leaving the living room behind.