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Jun 18, 2025

Not the First or the Last | Hiccup Haddock

Pairing: Hiccup Haddock x Nomad!Reader Summary: Turns out, Hiccup wasn't the first dragon rider -- and Toothless wasn't the last Night Fury. You prove to be a master of all things concerning the species. Themes & Warnings: kind of enemies to lovers, fluffy at some points, violence if you squint, sick Toothless, Hiccup is kinda an ass a little bit.

Things had been fantastic.

Since his father had accepted dragons as a part of life, the world had opened up for Hiccup. He spent all of his time working with Toothless, expanding the rookery, cataloging species, sketching maps and forging new gear. The village looked to him like he actually belonged. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t “useless.” He was essential. He was happy. Toothless was even happier. His friends had dragons, too, exploring their sense of self up above the clouds just as he was.

He had finally done something right.

Until the night he met you. He lost his sense of self immediately.

One of the seamen, Golberg, came sprinting back into the center of Berk, out of breath and sweating, eyes wide. His face was beet-red, easy to see even in the dark. He knocked urgently on the chief's door, waking Hiccup in the process.

Him and his father exchanged a look before opening the door.

Golberg immediately started rushing the words out of his mouth.

“IwasdownonthedockandwhenIwastyingtheshipupIheard--”

Stoick stopped him, holding a hand up.

“Breathe, lad. What's going on?”

Golberg sucked in a lungful of air, bent over with his hands on his knees. When he looked up, his eyes were still too wide, his voice trembling with disbelief.

“I heard the whistle! The whistle of a Night Fury! I saw the damn thing, in the sky, and there was--”

Hiccup interrupted.

“Not possible. Toothless is the last one alive.”

Golberg shook his head frantically. “I know what I saw!” he insisted, voice pitching higher. “It looked like a Night Fury -- almost exactly! But different. Bigger, maybe? And the sound -- gods, I swear it, Hiccup, it had the same shriek. The same lightless dive!”

Hiccup felt a chill crawl up his spine. Toothless stirred behind him, sensing the tension.

“Where?” Stoick asked, already turning toward his axe.

“The docks.” Golberg’s voice dropped. “It landed.”

Hiccup didn’t wait. He grabbed his flight gear and swung onto Toothless’s saddle before his father could stop him. The dragon let out a low, uneven chirp -- something between a question and a warning.

Hiccup’s brow furrowed. “You alright, bud?”

Toothless blinked, slow. His pupils were wide, body sluggish beneath him.

Strange.

Still, Hiccup tightened his grip on the saddle. “Let’s go.”

When he reached the dock, there was nothing but wet footprints. Footprints that looked exactly like Toothless's but bigger, like Golberg had mentioned, and then a set of small boot prints beside them. They reached the gravel and then disappeared.

“Damnit.” Hiccup grumbled. “They're gone.”

Toothless again stiffened up, a groan leaving his chest, before he oriented his body towards the thick line of trees across the water. He groaned again, his head shifting with more intention this time. His ears twitched toward the tree line, pupils narrowing slightly.

Hiccup followed his gaze.

A dense stretch of forest stood just beyond the edge of the inlet --dark and mist-veiled, with only the faintest shimmer of moonlight bouncing off the wet leaves. Nothing stirred. Not a single branch moved, no animal sounds. Too quiet.

Hiccup’s fingers flexed around the saddle grips.

“You smell something?” he muttered. Toothless gave a low rumble in response, tail swaying slightly.

It wasn’t just instinct. It was something deeper. Primal. A flicker of recognition from the Night Fury. Of territory being tested. Of something that felt too close, too similar… too other.

Hiccup slid off the saddle slowly, boots hitting the damp wooden dock with a muffled thud. He followed the trail where the prints ended, crouching down to touch the last visible one. Still fresh. Still wet.

Not gone. Just hiding.

He looked back at Toothless --who now stood perfectly still, shoulders hunched, wings twitching like he was bracing for a challenge.

“Okay,” Hiccup muttered under his breath, pushing up the collar of his flight suit. “If they want to play it like that…”

He drew his dagger from his belt -- not to use, but just in case. He wasn’t going to be caught off guard. Whoever you were, you had the nerve to fly into his village on a dragon that shouldn’t exist, insult his intelligence, and vanish into the woods like a shadow.

No. He wasn’t letting it go that easy.

And with one last glance at the still, dark trees, Hiccup stepped off the gravel path and into the forest. Toothless followed, body tense but curious. His black scales shimmered in the night glow.

The forest swallowed them whole.

No village lights reached this far. Just the occasional sliver of moonlight piercing the canopy and the steady rhythm of breath --Hiccup’s, then Toothless’s, both just a little too fast.

Twigs cracked underfoot. Moss muffled the rest. The air smelled like earth and storm.

Then, the brush moved. Deliberate. Close.

Hiccup froze. Toothless’s ears flattened. Another growl rumbled out of his throat, deeper this time, nearly a warning.

But the answer came before Hiccup could react.

A second growl. Lower. Rougher. From somewhere ahead.

Toothless surged forward, snarling, but then stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes locked.

A shadow melted from between the trees like ink in water.

It was your dragon again.

And you, standing to its left, one hand still resting on the beast's side, calm like you'd been waiting.

You tilted your head. “Bringing backup?”

Hiccup didn’t sheath the dagger, but he did lower it. “Didn’t realize I’d need it.”

“Neither did I,” you replied. “But here we are.”

The tension cracked in the air between you.

Your dragon was.. Toothless. But bigger. He had broader wings, shinier scales, and sharper teeth. Instead of green eyes, his were an intimidating ice blue, pupils thin, eyes trained onto Hiccup and Toothless like he expected a fight. His wing curled around the back of you, like a protective sheath, ready to curl you inward if needed.

Your eyes widened, not as hostile as your dragon's.

“It's true.. Everything I heard is true. There is another one.” You said, almost breathlessly. You ran a hand down your dragon's side reflexively, like a calming gesture to both of you.

Hiccup’s breath hitched, a mix of disbelief and something deeper stirring in his chest. The weight of it settled like a stone -- another Night Fury. Not just a myth or a legend. Real. Alive.

Toothless shifted beside him, low growl vibrating through the air, but his eyes were softer now, watching your dragon with cautious recognition.

“You don’t look like one of us,” Hiccup said slowly, eyes flicking back to you. “Not from Berk. Where are you from?”

You met his gaze steadily, fingers still lingering against your dragon’s smooth scales. “Far from here. I’ve been chasing stories for months, trying to find the Night Fury I've been hearing of. Your Night Fury.”

Hiccup’s eyes narrowed slightly, absorbing your words. The weight of months spent searching, the desperation and hope wrapped into one, was clear in your voice. It stirred something in him -- a mix of admiration and skepticism.

“Thor,” he murmured, glancing at his dragon, who let out a soft, almost curious chirp in response. “I didn’t think anyone was still looking for them. Least of all, someone like you.”

You smiled wistfully.

“I found Perseus,” you gestured to the huge dragon beside you, “when he was small. Thrashing around in the bushes, caught in a trap. I was never like the rest of the people in my village. I didn't want to kill them and I wasn't afraid of them.”

Perseus purred, nuzzling against you.

“I raised him. Learned how he works. Learned everything about his species.. The species I thought burned out. But it seems we were wrong.”

Hiccup’s eyes softened as he studied you and Perseus, the enormity of what you were saying settling in like a dawning light. “You raised him… from a hatchling?”

You nodded, fingers gently stroking the sleek scales along Perseus’s neck. “I had to learn fast. Night Furies aren’t like other dragons, they’re elusive, intelligent, and fiercely protective. If you don’t understand that, you don’t stand a chance.”

Toothless shifted closer to you both, his gaze flickering between Perseus and his rider with growing curiosity. The unspoken connection between the two Night Furies hummed quietly in the air -- familiar, like echoes from a past no one had dared to speak of.

Hiccup swallowed hard, a strange mixture of envy and relief flooding him. “I thought Toothless was the last. That the species was gone forever.”

You smiled in amusement.

“Toothless. What a fun name.”

Hiccup blinked, a slow smile creeping onto his face despite the tension lingering between you. “Yeah, well, it fits him. He’s… unique.”

You chuckled softly, the sound light but carrying an edge of knowing. “Unique is one word for it. I imagine he’s got a stubborn streak a mile wide.”

“Toothless?” Hiccup grinned, shaking his head. “You’re not wrong.”

The two Night Furies exchanged a brief glance, the older one’s eyes narrowing with something almost like recognition, before Perseus let out a soft, rumbling purr that seemed to say, I like him.

After the exchange, Hiccup brought you back to the village.

He couldn't decide whether it was a mistake or not.

You were loved. Immediately.

You could do things Hiccup couldn't. Perseus was new and shiny to the people of Berk, adoring fans crowding around him, but backing up when he let out a shattering roar, as if to warn people from coming too close.

Hiccup watched from a distance, a complicated knot tightening in his chest. You moved through the crowd with effortless confidence, sharing knowledge about Night Furies that left the villagers wide-eyed and eager to learn. Your connection with Perseus was undeniable -- fierce yet tender -- and the people of Berk couldn’t get enough.

But there was something else. A tension beneath the admiration. A shadow in Hiccup’s mind whispering that he was losing ground -- not just as a dragon rider, but as the village’s champion of dragon-kind.

A rivalry began.

Who could complete the most raids? Who could defend Berk better? Who caught the better approval from Stoick?

You and Hiccup were at each other's throats as soon as you could be.

One time, you showed up at the same raid, undermining each other and failing to complete it. Your eyes almost burned with irritation as you dismounted Perseus, approaching Hiccup immediately.

Hiccup wasn't much happier.

“What the hell was that, Haddock?!” you shot, voice low but fierce. “Trying to show me up? Because you just made a mess of everything.”

Hiccup’s jaw tightened. “I wasn’t trying to impress you or anyone else. I was trying to keep Berk safe. Something you seemed to forget when you decided to go solo.”

Perseus growled softly behind you, wings twitching nervously, while Toothless let out a warning hiss, sensing the tension crackling between the two of you.

You stepped closer, eyes locking with his. “Maybe if you weren’t so busy trying to be the hero, you’d see that we’re stronger together.”

Hiccup laughed bitterly, shaking his head.

“We have no business doing anything together,” he groaned, “You're only here because of your dragon. Not because we need your help.”

You blinked, momentarily thrown off by the sharp edge in his voice, the unspoken hurt beneath the anger. Your breath hitched, but you refused to show weakness.

“Is that what you really think?” you asked, voice steady but cold. “That I’m just some tagalong riding a flashy dragon? Maybe I’m here because I want to protect Berk. Just like you.”

Hiccup’s eyes narrowed, pain flickering there before the stubborn shield went back up. “It’s not the same. You don’t belong here.”

Perseus rumbled low, a protective growl that vibrated through your bones. You wrapped a hand around his neck, grounding yourself.

“I belong wherever I decide to stand,” you said softly but firmly. “And right now, that’s here. Whether you like it or not.”

For a moment, the silence between you was thick enough to cut. Then Toothless stepped forward, nudging Hiccup’s arm, breaking the tension -- a silent reminder that neither of you were alone in this.

He could've sworn he saw a tear glisten in your eye before you stalked off. Perseus stuck behind for a second, grumbling at Hiccup judgmentally, a warning growl.

Hiccup stood frozen for a heartbeat, staring after you as your silhouette vanished into the darkening woods. The raw vulnerability beneath your fierce words twisted in his gut, conflicting with his stubborn pride.

Toothless shifted beside him, letting out a low, almost mournful hiss, before glancing up at Hiccup with those wide, knowing eyes.

Weeks stretched before you and Hiccup interacted again. You’d even been in the same place without speaking. You trained with the rest of the group, but you didn’t train with Hiccup and Toothless. You focused on training Perseus with the larger dragons, namely Snotlout (annoying and far too flirty) and his dragon Hookfang. You sometimes trained with the twins and their Zippleback too, but once again, Tuffnut got a little too comfortable with you.

Today, Perseus had done well. He always did, really. There was something odd about the session though.

Hiccup and Toothless hadn’t even shown up, they were nowhere to be found at all. So you, unfortunately, were kind of off your game. You looked off into the horizon, expecting to see Hiccup on Toothless’s saddle, apologizing awkwardly for being late. But the moment never came.

“Babe!” Snotlout called, gliding up next to you. You felt the heat off Hookfang’s scales seeping into your clothes. “Focus. What are you looking at?”

You rolled your eyes. “Babe? What have I told you about calling me babe, Snotlout?”

Snotlout grinned, completely unbothered. “That it gets under your skin.” He leaned a little too far toward you, raising his eyebrows. “Which I take as a sign you secretly like it.”

Hookfang let out a snort that sounded suspiciously like a laugh, and Perseus curled his lip, baring a row of glinting white teeth. The threat was clear -- one flap closer and Hookfang wasn’t the only one Snotlout had to worry about.

You sighed and gently tugged Perseus back with a hand on his jaw. “Back, boy. He’s not worth the energy.”

Snotlout raised both hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright! Don’t get your tail in a twist. Just trying to lighten the mood.” He squinted at you, then glanced toward the distant cliffs beyond Berk. “You’ve been twitchy all day. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were worried.”

You stiffened slightly, trying to hide the way your eyes flicked to the sky again. Still no sign of Hiccup or Toothless.

“I’m not worried,” you lied. “I’m just… distracted.”

“Mhm,” Snotlout said, clearly not buying it. “Well, for what it’s worth, I heard Hiccup was out early this morning. Didn’t say where he was going, just packed some gear and flew off. Toothless didn’t even say goodbye to Hookfang. Can you believe that? Rude.”

That sinking feeling returned in your stomach. Hiccup might have been petty -- and kind of a jerk when he wanted to be -- but he wasn’t reckless. Not without a reason. And not without telling anyone.

Your voice was quieter when you finally spoke. “Did he say anything to anyone?”

Snotlout shrugged. “Not that I heard. Maybe Fishlegs would know more. He and Hiccup always talk nerd stuff.”

You gave a quick nod, pulling Perseus around with a soft whistle. The massive Night Fury immediately followed, wings twitching with tension.

Snotlout called after you with a lazy wave. “Try not to miss me too much!”

You didn’t even glance back. You were already scanning the skies, muttering under your breath.

“Where the hell did you go, Haddock?”

Surprisingly, you didn’t have to go far.

When you went into the village to get some gear in preparation to go hunt them down, you found that they were already home.

Taking a deep breath, you knocked on the door. Hiccup answered, worry in his eyes, poorly disguised as annoyance to see you.

“Y/n. I’m kind of busy right now.”

Your brows drew together immediately. You could see it in Hiccup’s face -- the exhaustion, the unspoken panic. His shirt was wrinkled, collar askew, and his hair was a mess like he’d been running his hands through it nonstop. Something was wrong.

“Busy?” you repeated, trying to keep your voice steady. “I noticed. You disappeared without a word and didn’t show up for training. Toothless didn’t show up either. And now you look like you haven’t slept.”

Hiccup sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t think you’d care.”

That stung. You stepped forward anyway, peering over his shoulder, and your heart dropped.

Toothless was curled up on the floor behind him, his massive form sluggish, wings drooping over the sides of the rug. His breathing was uneven, too slow. His scales, normally iridescent and alive with movement, looked dull under the dim firelight.

Your voice softened, forgetting every ounce of rivalry between you. “Hiccup…”

“He wouldn’t eat,” Hiccup muttered, stepping aside reluctantly to let you in. “Didn’t fly right. He nearly crashed this morning, so I brought him back. He’s been like this since.” He dragged a hand down his face. “And I have no idea what’s wrong.”

You dropped your gear beside the doorway and approached Toothless slowly. Perseus, waiting outside, let out a soft, distressed hum that vibrated through the wood of the hut. You crouched beside the dragon, resting a hand against his muzzle.

He didn’t flinch, but the touch made his eye flicker open. It was hazy. Unfocused.

You took that as a sign that he wasn't hostile. Leaning down further, you calmly smoothed your hand across his head, starting from his jaw and ending by his folded ears. You frowned, biting your lip. He was warm. Feverish.

“I’ve seen this before,” you cleared your throat, standing. “He’s sick. Perseus has been through it, too. I called it Scorchrot.”

Hiccup blinked. “Scorchrot?”

You nodded grimly. “It hits Night Furies harder than other dragons. Starts with a fever, then weakness in the wings and limbs. If untreated, it can affect their fire glands -- that’s where the name comes from. They burn too hot on the inside, like they’re rotting from the core.”

Hiccup paled slightly, glancing back at Toothless. “How did you treat it?”

“Well, there's a medicine I can make that helped Perseus a lot. Also, cool compresses, a temporary shift in diet -- no fish, just soft roots and rainwater -- and something to lower his body temperature.”

Hiccup ran a hand through his hair, pacing slightly. “Medicine? What kind of--what do you need? Herbs? Minerals? Just tell me and I’ll get it.”

You gave him a steady look. “I’ll need frostleaf, ground thistle root, and dried skybloom petals. They’re rare this far north, but I saw some near the cliffs when I flew in.”

He exhaled sharply, the tension in his shoulders tight as wire. “Right. Okay. I’ll get them.”

You hesitated before stepping forward, voice softer. “You don’t have to do it alone. I know you don’t trust me. But trust me with this. I’ve done it before.”

He met your eyes, something shifting behind his, pride, maybe. Or fear disguised as pride.

“I’m not worried about trusting you,” he muttered. “I’m worried about losing him.”

Your expression softened. “Then we fix him. Together.”

A quiet moment passed. Then, from behind, a weak thrum of a purr came from Toothless’s throat -- hoarse, but there. Alive. Reaching.

Perseus, still just outside the hut, let out a low, supportive hum. He wouldn’t leave either.

And maybe, for the first time in weeks, the rivalry didn’t matter so much.

“Can you.. Will you stay here with him? I don't want him to be alone.”

Hiccup acted like it literally burned his throat to ask for help, but you accepted, smiling softly.

“Yeah. I'll stay.”

You moved back toward Toothless, kneeling at his side again with quiet care. His tail twitched at your presence, just barely, and you stroked along his jaw, murmuring something low and soothing. His eyes fluttered, half-lidded, but calmer now.

Hiccup lingered in the doorway, watching the way your hand moved so naturally, how Perseus let out another soft trill from outside, keeping vigil.

“Thank you,” he said, voice rough.

You didn’t look up. “Go get what we need. We’ll be here when you get back.”

There was a beat -- like he wanted to say something more -- but he only nodded. Then he was gone, off into the thickening clouds of the afternoon, chasing herbs and hope like his life depended on it.

Inside the hut, the heat from Toothless’s fever pulsed faintly in the air. You leaned into it, not shrinking away, fingers steady on his scales.

“We’re gonna take care of you,” you whispered.

When Hiccup returned, you were holding a cold compress to Toothless's head tenderly, stroking his scales. You'd loosed your hair from your braid, the curls tumbling down your back in soft waves -- before you even realized he was there, you cooed, speaking gently to the dragon. It was your nature, he'd realized. You were amazing with them, like you'd known how to love a dragon your entire life. Because in all honesty, you did.

This was the first time he wasn't envious of it. He leaned against the doorframe watching you, an unusual feeling building in his chest.

No envy. No distaste as there usually was. Just.. watching you. Watching how you worked. Watching how your h/c hair blew gently in the wind from the open window. Watching how you turned to smile at Perseus, who had somehow managed to curl his massive form around you on the floor.

You were beautiful.

The thought made Hiccup wince. Why the hell was he doing this?

Because for once, he wasn’t trying to win.

Not a raid. Not a title. Not Stoick’s approval.

Not even a rivalry.

Just--this. Toothless, sick but stable. Perseus curled around you like a shield. You, eyes soft and voice softer, hands moving like you'd done this a thousand times, like dragons were born trusting you.

Hiccup tightened his grip on the bundle of herbs in his arms, unsure what to do with the sudden ache blooming in his chest. You weren’t supposed to be beautiful. You weren’t supposed to be gentle and fierce in the same breath. You were supposed to be frustrating. Competitive. Impossible.

But now? You were kneeling in his hut, taking care of the creature he loved most in the world like he was your own. And for the first time, Hiccup felt like maybe you weren’t just here because of Perseus. Maybe you weren’t just a threat.

Maybe… you were something else entirely.

He stepped inside quietly, setting down the supplies. You turned, surprised but smiling.

“There you are,” you said softly. “I was starting to think you got lost.”

And just like that, Hiccup found himself smiling back.

“Not a chance,” he murmured, eyes flicking to Toothless. “Couldn’t stay away.” Then quieter, “From either of you.”

He winced, turning his head to apologize for being weird, but he hadn't realized that you'd already gotten started on preparing the medicine, probably having taken the herbs from his arms while he was staring like a moron.

His face flushed.

Get it together, Hiccup.

You hadn’t said anything about the comment -- at least not out loud -- so he was really hoping that you hadn't even heard it. If you had, you let it pass. Maybe out of kindness. Maybe because your focus was entirely on Toothless.

Your fingers worked with practiced ease, crushing herbs with a mortar and pestle, mixing them with a dark amber liquid that smelled earthy and sharp. The kind of scent that clung to the back of your throat. Hiccup stayed quiet, hovering nearby with his hands in his pockets like some awkward apprentice.

“Help me lift his head?” you asked, glancing up with that same infuriating, gentle confidence you always had. Like you knew exactly what you were doing. Like you didn’t need him but still wanted him there.

He nodded quickly, grateful to have something to do. As he cradled Toothless’s heavy head, you brought the bowl close, dipping a small ladle into it and holding it near the dragon’s mouth.

Toothless didn’t resist. He trusted you. That fact alone made Hiccup’s chest ache.

You sat back on your heels after the last of the mixture was gone, brushing your hands on your thighs. “He’ll need another dose tomorrow, but this should bring the fever down.”

Hiccup set Toothless’s head back onto the cushions gently and looked at you again.

And this time, when he looked, he really saw you.

Not the rival who beat him at raids. Not the outsider who dazzled Berk. Not the competition.

Just you.

Exhausted but unwavering. Fierce but kind. Beautiful, yes but in that wild, maddening way he never saw coming.

He cleared his throat. “Thanks. For… everything.”

You met his gaze, softer now. “I’m not here to steal your dragon, you know.”

“I know,” Hiccup said, voice low. “I think I just… didn’t know how to let someone help.”

You tilted your head, studying him, something unreadable behind your eyes.

“Well,” you said, finally, “you’re doing better than most.”

And he smiled. A real one. Small, crooked. Honest.

You stood to leave, gathering your things. A small wave of your scent hit his nose -- flowers, smoke from a fire, and leather grease.

He watched as you slung your pack over your shoulder, fingers deft and sure, the same hands that had soothed Toothless back from the edge. You didn’t look at him right away, maybe on purpose, maybe because you didn’t want to break the strange quiet that had settled.

And maybe he didn’t either.

You were halfway to the door when Hiccup found his voice again.

“Hey,” he said softly.

You paused, glancing over your shoulder.

And there it was again -- that look. Like you could see through him without even trying. Like you already knew what he was going to say.

Still, he said it.

“…Thanks for staying.”

A small smile tugged at your lips. “Thanks for letting me.”

And then you were gone, the door closing quietly behind you. The scent of flowers, fire, and leather grease lingering like a memory.

Hiccup stood there a long time after you left, watching the door, listening to Toothless’s steady breathing, wondering when everything had stopped being so simple.

And why the thought of seeing you again tomorrow suddenly felt like the most important thing in the world.

Over the next week, Hiccup watched you like he had the first night you'd been there. Watched you care for Toothless while he was sick. Watched you help the both of them through his recovery, helping the dragon regain his strength and teaching Hiccup how to help too.

You guided his hands to where he needed to hold Toothless, supporting him in regaining limb strength. Hiccup wasn't sure if he'd felt such soft, yet firm hands in his life. They were warm too.

And every time your fingers brushed his, by accident, or maybe not, Hiccup’s mind blanked for a second too long.

At first, he told himself it was just proximity. Just admiration. You were helping Toothless, after all -- he’d be an idiot not to appreciate that. But it wasn’t just that. It was the way you smiled when Toothless lifted his head for the first time without help. The way you murmured encouragement into the crook of his neck when his limbs trembled from fatigue. The way you praised Hiccup when he got it right, voice soft and proud, like it mattered to you.

Eventually, Toothless was himself again.

You cheered in happiness when he finally took flight, darting around the sky, diving like he used to. Perseus joined him, flying around in circles.

You stood with your hands cupped around your mouth, calling out to them both like a proud parent, laughter spilling from your lips as Toothless and Perseus twirled through the sky like black comets.

Hiccup stood beside you, unable to take his eyes off either of you -- not the dragons, not the joy on your face. Your eyes glowed with the reflected fire of the setting sun, and something about the moment twisted in his chest, bittersweet and beautiful.

“He’s really back,” you breathed, eyes tracking Toothless as he executed a perfect loop. “I was scared he wouldn’t be.”

Hiccup glanced sideways at you, his voice quiet. “Me too.”

Perseus roared playfully mid-air, and Toothless responded with a trilling chirp before they dove together, a synchronized flash of wings and light. Their bond was no longer wary or foreign. It was something else now. Familiar. Like they’d always known each other.

Kind of like… you and Hiccup.

You turned toward him just then, and he realized how close you were standing. Shoulder to shoulder. You’d always felt like competition before. But now, you felt like something else. Like part of his team.

“You helped him get here,” Hiccup said, voice low, a little rough. “I don’t think I could’ve done it without you.”

You blinked, surprised at the honesty. Then your lips curled into a slow smile. “Well, Haddock, maybe you’re not so bad at letting someone help after all.”

He huffed a laugh, half embarrassed. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

You nudged him gently with your elbow. “Too late.”

The dragons whooshed overhead again, close enough for a gust of wind to tousle your hair. As you both watched them chase each other across the sky, Hiccup wasn’t sure what tomorrow would look like -- but for once, he hoped it looked a lot like today.

When he returned home, his dad sat in his chair, reading from a big thick book. He looked up from it, smiling knowingly.

“Hiccup. How's Toothless today?”

Hiccup paused in the doorway, caught off guard by the warm familiarity in Stoick’s voice -- and the knowing look in his eyes. He stepped inside slowly, brushing the wind from his hair and shrugging off his riding gear.

“He’s better,” Hiccup said, glancing out the window for a moment as if he could still see the dragons dancing in the air. “Flying again. Strong.”

Stoick nodded, pleased. “And the other one? Perseus?”

“Also good,” Hiccup replied, then hesitated. “They’ve started flying together. It’s like they’ve known each other longer than we have.”

He closed the book, placing it down on the table next to him.

“You're right to be fond of that one. Y/n. She's fantastic with the dragons.”

Hiccup's jaw dropped immediately, his face burning. What was his Dad insinuating?

“Dad! We're not--”

Stoick interrupted, putting his hand up to silence him.

“My boy. There's no shame in it. She's fair in the face, she's honorable, and she’s got a spirit fiercer than any dragon I’ve ever met. A fine match for a chief’s son, don’t you think?”

Hiccup sputtered, his ears turning as red as a Monstrous Nightmare’s flame. “I--I don’t--we’re just friends! We train dragons together, that’s all!”

Stoick leaned back in his chair, his knowing smile widening. “Aye, and I just happened to notice the way you look at her when she’s not paying attention.”

Hiccup groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Oh, Thor.”

His father’s laughter boomed through the hall. “Relax, son. I’m only teasing.” He paused, then added with a softer tone, “But if there were something more… well, I’d be happy for you.”

Hiccup exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. Well. Thanks, Dad.” He shot a glance toward the door, desperate for an escape. “I should, uh… go check on Toothless. Again.”

Stoick waved him off, still grinning. “Go on, then. Just remember--dragons aren’t the only things worth chasing. Betrothal is just as important.”

Hiccup nearly tripped over his own feet on the way out.

The next day, everyone resumed training, pleased that Toothless was well again. He was the last one there, quickly saddling Toothless and climbing on. Looking up in the sky, he saw you already up there, Perseus dipping and blowing targets apart with blue flames. You giggled and cheered, praising him, your braid blowing in the frantic winds.

He could've swooned.

Tuffnut stood next to him, his arms crossed, smirking in that dumb Tuffnut sort of way.

"Wow," Tuffnut drawled, nudging Hiccup with his elbow. "You’ve got it bad."

Hiccup startled, nearly dropping Toothless’ saddle strap. "What? No I don’t." He fumbled with the buckle, refusing to look up. "I was just… assessing Perseus’ flight form. Y’know, as the resident dragon expert."

Tuffnut snorted. "Uh-huh. And I assess Fishlegs’ lunch every day before I steal it. Doesn’t mean I’m not hungry." He leaned in, grinning. "Face it, Hiccup. You’re smitten."

"I am not smitten," Hiccup hissed, finally securing the saddle and swinging onto Toothless’ back. "And even if I were--which I’m not--it’s none of your business."

Tuffnut clutched his chest dramatically. "Oh, but it is! As your best friend--"

"You’re not my best friend."

"--I have a sacred duty to point out when you’re being ridiculous." Tuffnut smirked. "And right now? You’re being ridiculous."

"Ooooh, Hiccup’s got a crush!" Ruffnut’s voice carried across the training arena as she and Astrid strolled up, both wearing matching grins.

Astrid crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "And here I thought you were too busy being the ‘Dragon Master’ to notice anything else."

Hiccup groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oh, come on. You too, Astrid?"

"What? I call it like I see it," Astrid said with a smirk. "And I see you staring at Y/n like she just invented fire."

Ruffnut cackled, elbowing Tuffnut. "Told you! Even Astrid noticed!"

Hiccup’s face burned. "I do not stare--"

"You literally just sighed when she did that barrel roll," Tuffnut cut in.

"I was impressed by Perseus’ flying!" Hiccup protested weakly.

"Uh-huh," Ruffnut said, rolling her eyes. "And I’m just here for the free mead."

Astrid shook her head, still grinning. "Face it, Hiccup. You’re obvious."

Just then, you and Perseus swooped down, landing gracefully beside them. "What’s obvious?" you asked, hopping off your dragon and brushing off your tunic.

The twins exchanged exaggerated glances.

"Oh, nothing," Tuffnut said innocently. "Just Hiccup’s undying admiration for--"

"DRAGON TRAINING!" Hiccup blurted, cutting him off. "We should, uh, get back to it. Right now. Immediately."

You blinked. "…Okay?"

Toothless gave Hiccup a flat look, as if to say, Really? That’s the best you’ve got?

Astrid snorted. "Smooth, Haddock. Real smooth."

Hiccup buried his face in his hands as the twins howled with laughter.

Some days, being the future chief was really overrated.

At the end of training, Hiccup knew where to find you. Just where you usually were -- watching the sunset at the edge of the cliff with Perseus.

Your skin glowed in the orange sunlight, boot clad feet dangling from the edge as you scratched Perseus behind his ear. You hummed to an old folk song, staring out at the sun. Hiccup landed behind you, unclipping himself from his gear, before slowly starting to approach you.

Toothless, ever the mischievous wingman, nudged Hiccup forward with a low, encouraging warble, nearly sending him stumbling.

"Hey," Hiccup said, rubbing the back of his neck as he stepped beside you. "Mind if I join you?"

You glanced up, smiling. "Only if you promise not to trip over your own feet this time and make Toothless dive to catch you."

"Hey, that was one time--" he protested, but you just laughed and patted the spot next to you.

Perseus rumbled in greeting as Hiccup sat down, his tail thumping against the ground like an overgrown cat’s. The sunset painted the sky in fiery golds and deep purples, the ocean below shimmering with reflected light.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. Just the wind, the distant cries of dragons, and the steady rhythm of the waves.

Then;

"So," you said, bumping his shoulder playfully. "Heard you’ve been admiring my flying."

Hiccup choked. "Oh, for Thor's sake--who told you that?"

You grinned. "Let’s just say the twins aren’t great at keeping secrets."

"I’m going to strangle them," Hiccup muttered, but there was no real heat in it.

You laughed again, leaning back on your hands. "Relax. I think it’s sweet."

His heart did a weird little flip. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Another pause. Then, softer:

"I admire yours too, you know."

Hiccup turned to look at you, really look at you. The way the fading light caught in your eyes, the way your lips quirked in that half-smile he’d come to memorize.

And suddenly, all the teasing, all the nerves, none of it mattered.

Because right here, right now?

This was perfect.

Toothless and Perseus exchanged a glance, then deliberately turned their backs, giving you two the closest thing to privacy two nosy dragons could manage.

"Hiccup?"

"Yeah?'

You cleared your throat.

"I know you thought I came here to.. take your place. Dull your shine. Whatever it was, but," you started to talk, turning in his direction. "I never felt like I had a place before I got here. I was always running, trying to figure out where I belonged. You make me feel like I have a home. A place where I fit perfectly."

Hiccup’s breath caught in his throat. The way you said it, so raw, so honest, hit him like a tidal wave. For a moment, he couldn’t speak.

Then, softly, he reached out, his fingers brushing against yours.

"You do belong here," he said, voice rough with emotion. "And not just because of Perseus, or because you’re an amazing dragon rider--though, y’know, that definitely helps."

You laughed, but your eyes were suspiciously bright.

Hiccup swallowed, his thumb tracing the back of your hand. "You belong here because… because Berk is better with you in it. I’m better with you in it." He huffed a self-deprecating laugh. "And trust me, that’s saying something, because I was really doing well before you showed up."

You leaned into him, shoulder against shoulder, warmth seeping through the contact. "Your dad told me some stories.. about when you were younger. From what I hear, you're a lot different than you were."

Hiccup groaned, his face flushing. "Oh no. What did he tell you? Please don’t say it was the eel incident--"

You grinned, mischief dancing in your eyes. "Oh, it was definitely the eel incident."

"I was twelve!" Hiccup threw his free hand up in exasperation, but he was laughing despite himself. "And in my defense, eels are slippery."

You leaned closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He also told me about the time you tried to impress Astrid by jumping off the Great Hall--"

"Okay, wow, I see how it is," Hiccup interrupted, shaking his head. "My own father, sabotaging me. Some chief he is."

You nudged him, still grinning. "I think it’s sweet. He’s proud of you. And he likes me."

Hiccup softened, his thumb still absently tracing circles on your hand. "Yeah, well. You’re kind of impossible not to like."

The words hung between you, quiet but weighty. The sun had fully set now, leaving only the glow of the village fires below and the endless scatter of stars above.

When he finally glanced down, he saw your e/c eyes looking back up at him. The moonlight reflected in them, your eyelids slightly low. You studied his appearance like a painting, like you'd never seen anything more detailed.

This was the first time you'd looked at him like this. The first time you looked at him like he was something other than transparent.

Hiccup’s breath hitched.

There was something new in your gaze -- something intentional, something certain -- and it sent his pulse skittering like a startled Terrible Terror. Your fingers tightened ever so slightly around his, anchoring him in the moment.

For once, Hiccup Haddock didn’t overthink.

He didn’t stumble.

He just leaned in.

Hiccup’s first brush of lips against yours was hesitant: sweet, questioning, as if he still couldn’t quite believe this was real. But when you let out a soft sigh against his mouth, something in him ignited.

His hand slid up to cradle your jaw, fingers tangling gently in your hair as the kiss deepened. Your lips parted, and the taste of him -- warm, faintly of hearth-smoke and wild mint -- sent a shiver down your spine. His other arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer until there was no space left between you, until you could feel the frantic hammer of his heartbeat against your own.

The world fell away.

There was only this: the heat of his touch, the rough calluses of his fingers against your skin, the way his breath hitched when you nipped lightly at his lower lip. A low, desperate sound escaped him, and he kissed you like he was drowning and you were air.

When you finally broke apart, gasping, his forehead rested against yours, his voice ragged.

"I’ve wanted to do that… for weeks. Ever since you first helped me with Toothless."

You smiled, thumb brushing the flushed curve of his cheekbone. "Took you long enough."

Hiccup laughed, breathless, his eyes dark and burning in the moonlight. "Yeah, well… I’m a slow learner."

"Liar," you whispered. "You’re the quickest one I’ve ever met."

His grin was wicked. "Prove it."

And then his mouth was on yours again, hungry and sure this time, swallowing your laugh as he kissed you like it was the only thing that mattered.

And maybe, just for tonight -- it was.

Until you heard slow clapping behind you. You broke apart, rolling your eyes, and turned in Hiccup's lap.

Ruffnut and Tuffnut.

"Bra-vo!" Ruffnut drawled, clapping with exaggerated slowness. "And here I thought Hiccup’s only talent was tripping over his own feet."

Tuffnut wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "So beautiful. So pure. I think I’m gonna be sick."

Hiccup groaned, dropping his forehead against your shoulder. "I swear to Odin, if you two don’t vanish in the next three seconds--"

"Ooooh, scary!" Ruffnut cackled, elbowing her brother. "Think he’ll sic Toothless on us?"

Toothless, still sprawled dramatically on the ground, cracked one eye open--then promptly rolled onto his back, paws in the air, as if to say, Don’t involve me in this nonsense.

You sighed, twisting to smirk at Hiccup. "We could just ignore them."

Hiccup raised an eyebrow. "You think that’ll work?"

"Worth a shot."

"Actually," you smirked, "hold on."

And then -- without breaking eye contact -- you tapped Perseus's side, waking him up. His blue eyes opened slowly, then narrowed playfully. His throat released a growl, not malice, but pretending to be. His main goal was scaring the twins.

He didn't disappoint. The growl rumbled the dirt, stirring pebbles up.

The effect was instantaneous.

Tuffnut yelped, backpedaling so fast he nearly tripped over his own axe. "WHOA -- OKAY -- WE’RE LEAVING!"

Ruffnut, to her credit, stood her ground for a grand total of two seconds before Perseus exhaled an ear piercing roar.

"Alright, alright! Jeez!" She threw her hands up, but her grin was all mischief. "But just know -- this isn’t over! You two lovebirds are officially our new favorite entertainment!"

And with that, the twins bolted, their laughter fading into the night as Perseus gave a satisfied rumble and flopped back down, tail thumping like a pleased cat.

Hiccup stared after them, then turned to you, eyes wide. "…Did you just weaponize your dragon to scare off the twins?"

You shrugged, scratching Perseus under the chin. "What can I say? He’s got range."

Hiccup burst out laughing, pulling you back against him. "You," he said, pressing a kiss to your knuckles, "are terrifying."

You smirked. "And you love it."

"Yeah," he admitted, his voice soft. "I really do."

And as Perseus and Toothless settled in beside you -- one pretending to sleep, the other already actually snoring -- Hiccup decided something:

If this was what the future looked like?

He couldn’t wait for tomorrow.

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