And that, folks, is the end of the 2026 Vigcup Valentines Challenge!!
Thank you guys so so much for participating! I had such a fun time with it and I am just so amazed at your talents! This was my first time running a challenge like this, and I genuinely couldn't imagine a better outcome with it. I am so happy to have been part of helping inspire such amazing art and writing! This community is just incredible!!
MASTERLIST IS HERE!!
Also, a special thanks and a round of applause to our completionists!!
âš @collynmalkin âš
âš @rynnerie âš
âš @mdoodlerfandomart âš
Please, go give them love!
You guys are incredible!!!!
If I forgot anyone, please let me know!!
Thank you guys again, and, if I do this again, which I am very tempted to do, ill see you next year!
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
@rynnerie, I finally finished that companion piece to your art for day 6 of A Very Vigcup Valentine's Week! It was supposed to be shorter but Viggo and Hiccup got carried away having feelings.
@vigcup-valentines-week
Prompt: Obsession
Rated: explicit
Warnings: none
Relationships: Viggo/Hiccup
Word Count: 2,691
Summary: It's not just his mind that Viggo is obsessed with--no, Viggo finds Hiccup incredibly attractive, and Hiccup doesn't understand why.
Their relationship is unspoken to the rest of the office, but that doesn't mean Viggo will let his dearest Hiccup go without some fanfare on such a celebrated holiday.
Final day, but hopefully not the end to the fun! I had a blast this week, and this event really helped me get myself out of a funk Iâve been having this winter. So thankful for everyone who participated, and everyone who showed their support!!!
An AU where survived triple cross. Viggo and Hiccup have this chemistry between them they flirt with each other but not much happens outside of that. Until one day Hiccup breaks up with Astrid after a fight.
Just when Viggo thinks that he has everything he could ever hope to receive tragedy strikes
Hiccup died in a tragic accident leaving Viggo in a state of despair so much so that he canât handle the pain of being without Hiccup.
I had never known true loneliness till I met you my dear, and now with you gone Iâm afraid that I canât move on.
So as I take my final breath and look up at you just know my love for you will eternal last.
Hiccup was slow to rise, groaning miserably as his face pulsed and burned, tugging at his skin with the familiar agony of fresh burns. He hadnât felt this pain so fresh since the Red Death. He blinked blearily, eyelids heavy with exhaustion as the world slowly curled into focus. Hands suddenly appeared on his shoulder and lower back, and he tensed until a familiar voice swam into focus.
âHiccup! Take it easyâŠâÂ
âAstridâŠâ He mumbled, leaning into his friendâs hold. âWhere?...â
âWeâre back in your hut⊠you passed out after-â
âViggo!â The events at the volcano suddenly crashed back into his memory and he shot a hand out, snatching Astridâs wrist. âWhere is he?!â
Concern pooled in Astridâs expression as she took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. âHe fell in the volcano, remember? And then youâŠâ Her breath caught in her throat and she rubbed a hand along Hiccupâs back. âHow long?â
Hiccup grimaced and bowed his head as shame curled in his chest. â... Since the auction.â
âAnd you said nothing about it?!â Her voice rose, but her comforting touch remained steady. âHiccup, why did you hide this from us?â
âWhat was I supposed to say?!â He cried, trying to pull away, but Astrid quickly held him in place. âHey, by the way, craziest thing happened! Viggo Grimborn is my soulmate!â
âViggo is your what?!â
Hiccup and Astrid shot matching glares towards the door, where the rest of the riders stood with varying shocked expressions. It was Snotlout who spoke, and he marched forward, arms crossed over his chest.
âHiccup, I canât believe Iâm saying this, but what were you thinking?!â
âSnotlout, I-â
âI donât wanna hear it! You realize we were trying to hurt him, right? If we did that, and you could feel it, you couldâve put yourself in a lot of danger! Not to mention us!â Snotlout shoved a finger in Hiccupâs chest, face screwed tight. âWhat were we supposed to do if one of us stabbed him and you- I donât know- fell into the ocean or something?!â
âSnotloutâs right, HiccupâŠâ Fishlegs frowned and wandered closer, even as Astrid shoved Snotloutâs hand off Hiccupâs chest.
Astrid sighed heavily. âChastise him later, guysâŠâ she turned back to Hiccup as he winced and brought a hand to his face. âSevered soul bonds are extremely-â
âIt isnât severed yet.â Hiccup bit out, hunched over as another wave of pain pulsed behind his eye and radiating across his face.
âWhat? Hiccup, youâve been unconscious for over a day, if you still feel it-â
Tuffnutâs eyes lit up. âYou mean Grimborn fell into a volcano and survived?!â
âAwesome!â Ruffnut cheered, slinging an arm over her brother. âMaybe they are meant to be! I mean⊠Hiccup survives a giant dragon in a volcano⊠Viggo survives falling into a volcano⊠now thatâs romance.â
âIn what way is that romance?!â Snotlout argued, bewildered. âGrimbornâs been trying to kill us!â
âGuysâŠâ Hiccup groaned again, burying his face in his hands. âCan we cool it with the yelling?...â He sighed when a cool, soaked rag was pressed again his head, dragging the wet cloth over his eye. It did little more than sooth the phantom pain, but Hiccup would take what he could get. The only real way to alleviate the pain was to either find Viggo and treat him, or hope the man found some help.
Astrid had apparently been thinking the exact same thing, because she pushed Hiccup to lay back down and turned to the group. âFishlegs, stay here with Hiccup. The rest of you come with me, weâre going to find Viggo.â She stood and turned back to Hiccup with a glare. âAs for you, weâre going to have a good, long talk about keeping things to yourself when I get back, understood?â
âUnderstoodâŠâ Hiccup murmured, draping an arm over his eyes. âI donât know what Iâd do without you always looking out for me, AstridâŠâ
âYouâd die, obviously.â The shieldmaiden scoffed as a small smile tugged at Hiccupâs lips and he listened to her herd everyone except for Fishlegs out of his hut. âToothless, if Hiccup tries to leave, you have my permission to drag him back inside!â Astrid called over to the Nightfury, who only crooned his approval before the door shut behind her.Â
Hiccup heard his dragonâs lumbering footsteps approach, and warm scales pressed against his skin, sending a comforting warmth through him as Toothlessâ rumbling purr vibrated against his chest. He wrapped his arms around the NightFury, rubbing his hands idly across the smooth, hard scales. âThank you, ToothlessâŠâ
Fishlegs sank into the chair beside him and pulled out the book heâd been reading. Hiccup peered an eye open and scanned the cover. Another plant book⊠Fishlegs caught his gaze and held it up so he could get a better look. âI can read aloud if you want⊠take your mind off the pain?â
â... Yeah, sure.â
_______________
Hiccup had been laid up for the better part of a month before Astrid and the others cleared him to do something as simple as chores around the edge. The pain in his face dulled to a manageable level, but he still wasnât allowed in the saddle without supervision. Astrid, Fishlegs, and Snotlout took turns on that. The twins were banned as soon as Astrid realized they would let Hiccup fly however he wanted, but he got away with it once. The way everyone fussed over him made him feel all warm inside, even if it got a little overbearing.Â
He expected them to take this a lot worse. Their enemy was his soulmate, it couldnât have been easy for the team to accept it⊠especially not when such an inherent bond ultimately led to him thinking about it. If Hiccup set aside their war, their conflict, he couldâve seen it⊠in another life, if they had been on the same side. Maybe even if theyâd met when the Hooligans were still at war with dragons. He and Viggo would have been a good match. Viggo was intelligent, quick witted, and good with words. He was logical, analytical, and easily the best strategist Hiccup had ever met. If they ever had been able to just sit and play a game of Maces and Talons, it would have probably been a lot of funâŠ
When Hiccup got too quiet for too long, Fishlegs found things to talk about, and Hiccup knew it was just to try and keep his mind off Viggo, but he couldnât help it. Every effort they made to track the man down ended in failure, so they called off the search, but Hiccup kept his ear out for rumors. The collapse of the Dragon Hunter tribe and Grimbornâs crumbling empire was all anyone talked about in the markets. If he could just catch wind of Viggoâs whereabouts, he could track him down and maybe, just maybe work things out. Viggo was alone now. He had no tribe, no allegiances, and no business anymore. Was it foolish of him to think that maybe there could be a fresh start for them?
That was how he learned that Krogan had gathered the remains of Viggoâs men into a small army. Then there were rumors of them riding Singetails.
Then they attacked the Edge, and when the invaders were driven off and their tribe had come to help them rebuild, Astrid pulled Hiccup aside.
âHiccup⊠I saw Viggo flying off with Krogan and the Dragon Eye.â
Ice leeched through Hiccupâs veins and his mind screeched to a halt. Even his usual denials were silenced as static filled his mind.
Viggo was working with Krogan.Â
Viggo somehow found the Dragon Eye, and it wasnât destroyed in the volcano.
The knowledge was like a lance through his chest. His voice lodged in his throat and his breathing hitched, and just as the tears blurred his vision and burned his eyes, Astridâs arms were around him, strong and sure. He clung to his best friend like his life depended on it, because right now it felt like it did.Â
Why? Why did it have to be him?
Why did Hiccup have to meet his soulmate? He couldâve gone his whole life never knowing he even had one, and he wouldâve been happy. He couldâve spent his entire life alone, and it wouldnât hurt like this. He hated it even more that he cared at all. From the moment he and Viggo met, theyâd been enemies. Even still, Hiccup respected the man. He even admired Viggo; as horrible as he was. In a sick way, Hiccup finally felt understood and Viggo respected him.
Or at least heâd said he did.Â
Hiccup didnât know whether Viggo was actually telling the truth, or if it was just another twisted lie to get into his head, but either way it worked. Viggo knew exactly what to say to get to him. He wouldâve been thrilled if that innate understanding wasnât being used to toy with his emotions. He felt like a puppet on strings, and Viggo was the puppeteer.Â
If it was Viggoâs goal to break him, Hiccup could safely say the man was winning.
âIâve got you, Hiccup⊠weâll get through thisâŠâ
Astridâs words were a lifeline Hiccup desperately needed right now. With the ache in his face a constant reminder of his connection, Astrid and the others were like a lone island in the middle of an ocean of chaos.
His only solid ground. He wrapped his arms tightly around the shieldmaiden and sank to the ground. For once, he just couldnât bring himself to really care who was watching.
________________
Viggo grunted as he leaned over the steaming water basin, allowing the cloth to cool in his hand before he went through the painstaking effort of cleaning his burn. Heâd crushed some herbs into a thick paste to apply to the wound, and the Monstrous Nightmare that had rescued him stalked the mouth of the cave. Viggo wasnât sure what had compelled the beast to pull him from the tunnels after Johannâs betrayal, but he was grateful to it.
Grateful to a dragon⊠if he could go back to even a month ago and tell himself heâd been rescued by the very creatures he hunted, he wouldâve laughed himself right out of that room. Respecting the beasts as equals was⊠a stretch. It was a possibility he had never once considered until he met Hiccup. If only his epiphany hadnât come so late, perhaps he couldâve approached the man with a real peace agreement, and not simply another scheme.
Not that he wouldnât have originally respected the terms heâd proposed, but he knew Hiccup wouldnât ever accept it.
As expected, the boy saw right through him, and he had the trap ready and waiting.
Then heâd weaseled out of it, and everything else Viggo threw at him. His thoughts drifted back to their last encounter. No doubt his injury had alerted the other riders of his⊠connection to the young heir of Berk, because heâd spent the better part of two weeks trying to lose them. For what purposes they were chasing him down, he couldnât bring himself to risk it. Hiccup was tragically and foolishly compassionate, but his friends were more pragmatic when it came to these things. Their bond with each other placed Hiccup at a disadvantage. Like now, for example. Viggoâs injuries from the volcano had been severe enough to put him out of commission, and it was still a fresh, exhausting pain, so there was no doubt in his mind that Hiccup wasnât faring much better. A bond such as theirs was a vulnerability, and a liability.
The plan had been simple enough⊠retrieve the Dragon Eye and all of Kroganâs lenses, then turn everything over to Hiccup and hope it was enough to gain favor with him and his riders. Viggo had destroyed any hope of earning their trust with that final stunt, and he cursed himself for not giving it more thought. Maybe he couldâve salvaged matters if Astrid hadnât caught him with Krogan⊠He hadnât thought it through. He had been desperate, and when the dust settled, the harsh reality of what heâd done had set in.
Ryker and nearly all of their tribe were dead at Viggoâs hand. The Submaripper he helped Hiccup lure out to stop the Shellfire had swallowed the ship his brother captained whole, and his brother went right along with it. Viggo didnât know why he was surprised⊠he supposed some small part of him never really expected Ryker to die. He expected to find the man washed up somewhere, probably ready to kill him where he stood.Â
Ryker had been his rock. No matter the depths heâd sank to in order to build their empire, Ryker was always there to remind him he was human. He was doing this for the good of their people. The more he dirtied his own hands, the less they had to suffer. He wondered when it changed⊠when it stopped being a necessity and started being normal.
When he stopped feeling bad about it.
The more Viggo thought about it, the more he realized it was never any one specific moment. It was several, built up over time, until finally the world was nothing more to him than a gameboard, and the people around him, be they friend or foe were nothing more than the pieces.
That mentality had served to best many opponents. It was easier to kill someone you werenât attached to, when they were nothing more than an obstacle. The wall heâd erected over his heart grew thicker with each and every triumph.Â
Hiccup had done worse than carve away at that wall, he practically blasted through it. He didnât only defeat Viggo, he obliterated everything that made him as well. His business, his brother, even his birthright⊠he forced Viggo to respect and acknowledge him.
Hiccup wasnât a game piece, he was a player of equal caliber, and all Viggo could do now was imagine the kind of life heâd have led if they had been able to meet on the same side. Their bond promised great things⊠soulmates were as such because they were equals, because they worked well together and in most cases they were practically guaranteed to click well and get along.
Extenuating circumstances didnât allow such a bond to grow between them. Their battle of ideals ultimately led Viggo down the path of ruin. He distantly recalled the numerous times his brother had attempted to talk sense into him. Just give the boy the territory and move on, there were other waters. Put the fight down. Stop and think because there may just be another way.Â
Which is why his attack on Hiccup and the other riders came as such a surprise at first.Â
Then he found it. Johannâs contract to wipe out Hiccup, his riders, and any other dragon sympathizers. Johann was paying a high bounty for the defeat of the riders and their allies. High enough that it made Viggo question if it was really Johann backing that project. Then again, it was possible that he had gathered supporters⊠Hiccup and his friends werenât just dangerous for the hunters in the field, they challenged the idea that hunting and killing the beasts was truly necessary.
It was an ideology Viggo had even considered when he was much younger, though not quite to the extent Hiccup had taken it. Dragons produced a great many byproducts that they didnât necessarily need to be killed for. Some of those products actually couldnât be obtained from a corpse, but harvesting them from a live specimen was another matter entirely. Without a way to tame the dragons, he abandoned the idea.Â
Maybe that was part of why he had been so desperate to win. Hiccup succeeded where he had failed, and Viggo was nothing if not competitive.Â
And his brotherâs plan, while simple, was sound. It didnât take Viggo long to put it together. He intended to use the Shellfire to defeat Hiccup, his riders, and their allies. Then he was going to collect the bounty from Johann, and use it to stabilize their tribe. Viggoâs recklessness drained many of their funds, and he could talk all day of how it was only a temporary measure, from Rykerâs perspective it was plain to see that Viggo had gone absolutely mad.
Perhaps he had. That aside, now that Krogan had left him for dead, he was left with only one option.
Johann would pay for betraying him and leading his brother to ruin. All he needed to do was get in good and close. Then, if he was lucky, he could at least get Hiccup out alive with the necessary information to win his war. After that⊠well⊠he would just have to see if he even survived this last gambit. He shifted his gaze down to his perpetually aching leg and heaved an exhausted sigh. âFor whatever my words are still worth to you, my dear Hiccup⊠I am sorry.â
_______________
The letter arrived with very little fanfare. Hiccup had been doing his best to just get back into the swing of things, and Astrid hardly ever left his side. When she did, it was usually in the company of one of the other riders. Viggoâs betrayal cutting as deep as it had felt stupid, but nobody commented on it. Not even Snotlout, and Hiccup almost wished he would. At least the response would feel normal.
Then Fishlegs told him he got a Terror Mail from his father, and the handwriting alone was a dead giveaway of its actual origins. Not to mention the request to come alone.
Could Viggo have been any more obvious? This wasnât usually his style.
Even still, Hiccup couldnât ignore it. âRuff, Tuff, I need a favor.â
âYou got it, H!âÂ
Hiccup set off after that with instructions for the twins to follow, strictly out of sight, until things ultimately went sideways. It was easy enough to convince them to lay low when he could pretty much guarantee that this would end poorly. Viggo was trying to lure him out, and he had to be ready for anything. That small, disgustingly hopeful part of himself wondered if this meant there might even still be a chance. He did his best to ignore the feeling as he came face to face with Viggo in the woods.Â
The man looked worn out. The gnarled burn scar twisted angrily across his face and blinded his left eye. His clothes were disheveled, his hair was matted and tangled, and there were cuts and bruises across his entire body.Â
It looked wrong.Â
The Viggo he had come to know wouldnât have so much as a wrinkle in his tunic. It was almost as if the very idea of presenting himself as anything less than impeccable was unacceptable for the proud man. His gaze drifted up and down Viggoâs body with a stern glare.
âIf it would please you, I could pose for one of your sketches.â Viggo teased, a flicker of a smirk pulling across his features. âItâll last longer.â
Hiccupâs gaze fell flat and he drew his sword, igniting the blade. âWhat are you trying to do here, Viggo? What do you want from me?â
âI want your aid in gaining my revenge against Krogan and Johann.â
âNot happening.âÂ
Viggo clicked his tongue and clasped his hands behind his back, watching Hiccup with a quirked eyebrow. His charms made something unwelcome curl under Hiccupâs skin, and he felt the sudden and desperate urge to punch the man. âCome now, my dear, I havenât finished. There is something in it for you.â
âLike what?â
âLike the Dragon Eye lenses. Perhaps even the eye itself.â Viggo watched with satisfaction as Hiccup slowly lowered Inferno before he continued. âKrogan and Johann are planning something. Iâm certain it would benefit you to know more.â
âHow do I know this isnât another one of your tricks?â
âIâm afraid thatâs simply a risk you will have to take. If it is of any consolation however, I stand to gain nothing from your death. You are no longer my enemy.â
âReal comforting to hear.â Hiccup leveled Viggo with a hard glare, and that traitorous hope rose again, unwelcome in his mind. Viggo claimed they werenât enemies. It could just be another trick, but what if it wasnât? What if maybe they still had a chance after all?
He felt stupid for even thinking it.
Unfortunately his stubborn hope refused to be ignored as he and Viggo made their plan to hit Johannâs base under the guise of using Hiccup as a prisoner. It refused to be ignored when Viggo tamed a Skrill. It refused to be ignored when he sat in the cage in Johannâs hold, until he felt the piercing sting of arrows in his own back.Â
Then Viggo said it. Pain strained his voice and he stumbled, leaning against a table to keep himself upright.Â
âI spent my whole life hunting dragons⊠killing them. Iâve come to respect them as equals⊠thatâs the final irony, I supposeâŠâ He hauled himself to his feet and took Hiccupâs hand, and Hiccup felt the game piece pressed against his palm.
No.
No.
This was not how their story was supposed to end! He grabbed Viggo again, squeezing his wrist in a vice grip. âI canât let you do this!â He pleaded, tears welling in his eyes. âViggo, you will die if you take them on like this!â
Viggoâs expression softened and hepried Hiccupâs fingers from his arm, holding them in a firm squeeze. âMy dear Hiccup⊠I canât let you die for my mistakes.â He knelt down and pressed a gentle kiss to Hiccupâs palm, then shoved him into Toothless. âGet him out of here, Toothless! Donât you dare look back!â
âWait! No!â Hiccup burst forward again, but Toothless grabbed him in his teeth and bounded off. âViggo!â
As soon as Viggo disappeared from his sight, a choked sob tore from his throat and he hauled himself into Toothlessâ saddle. He clung tightly to the saddle, his knuckles white from the tight grip. Toothless weaved and dodged the collapsing caverns, taking him further away from the fight.Â
Further away from Viggo.Â
The moment they broke for the exit, Toothless shot off his distress signal and the twins swooped in, cheering as they filled the entire encampment with Zippleback gas. The shockwaves from the blast shook the island, and Hiccup even felt the air throw off their flight for a moment. Just as they thought they were free, Hiccup felt spike of pain sear through his side. He cried out, gripping his side as another spike of pain shot through his neck. The stench of smoke and iron clawed painfully at his throat and a deathly cold seeped through the aching phantom wounds. His breathing spiked and he laid flat against Toothless, clinging to his dragon as he locked the tailfin into place.Â
Moments later, he felt it.Â
There was a sharp snap that started in his chest. The pain seared outward, consuming him until even his own agonized screams felt far away. When the burning ceased, a hollow chill spread all throughout, leaving only the shell behind. At some point, they landed, and Hiccup felt strong arms haul him from Toothlessâ saddle. He heard voices but no words. Someone was holding him and all he could do was cling on for dear life, because he felt like heâd just been ripped in two.
Viggo was dead, and Hiccupâs hope for reconciliation had died with him in the same breath that an understanding had finally been reached. He clung tight to the Accomplice piece, Viggoâs final offering, and wept until exhaustion finally claimed him.
đŹ 0  đ 2  â€ïž 11 · Shared Pain Chapter One: A Reluctant Bond · https://archiveofourown.org/works/79349731
Author Note: This is a two shot co
Hiccup knelt over his work bench with a half finished game piece clutched between his fingers, carefully chipping away at the metal. He paused every few moments to blow away the dust and keep going until the details were as good as they were going to get. Light filtered in through the window above his workbench, the sun creeping lazily across the sky.Â
He held up the game piece with an analytical frown and sighed, turning to Toothless. âWhat do you think, bud? Does he look marauder enough?â
Toothless lifted his head, expression flat and yawned lazily.Â
âYeah, youâre right⊠he needs sharper teeth.â He went back to the game piece and etched the points into the metal.
âHiccup!â Gobber called out, stepping back into his workspace. âWhat are ye doinâ? Ya been holed up in here fer the last week!â
âIâm making a gift for ViggoâŠâ Hiccup huffed and looked up at Gobberâs unimpressed expression. âWeâre going on our date in a few day
s, and heâs always managing to do these really nice, thoughtful things, so I wanted to try and put a little more effort into it⊠we donât really get much time to just⊠be. Thereâs always more work in the way⊠plus heâs been at sea for the last few months, and-â
âAlright, I get it, yer in love.â Gobber scoffed, but amusement glittered in his eyes. He lumbered over to the table and picked up one of the finished pieces. âMaces and Talons, eh? Well⊠Ah guess you two do play that game every night. But⊠doesnât he already have a set of pieces?â
âWell⊠two, actually, butâŠâ
âUhuh⊠so⊠another set is⊠kind ofâŠâ
Hiccup frowned and set the piece down, staring hard at the uncarved castings. Gobber was right, Viggo already had a set, what would he need another one for? What was Hiccup thinking? Could he not think of anything Viggo didnât already have?
âOn second thought, ya know the man better than I do.â Gobber clapped him on the shoulder and turned to leave. âIgnore me, ah think itâs nice. Handmade gifts are always the way ta go.â Gobber left him alone, the uneven sound of his footsteps disappearing outside the forge, but Hiccup couldnât let it go now.
He grabbed the next piece and began carving with a hard stare. His hand froze over the metal and he grit his teeth, turning to Toothless again. âToothless, is this stupid? Should I have picked something else? I mean yeah, Viggo likes Maces and Talons, but he also likes practicality, and thoughtfulness, and what if this is just tooâŠâ
Toothless lifted his head again, judgement flickering through his neon gaze.Â
âWhat? Donât give me that look, Iâm not overthinking this! Itâs too obvious! If anything Iâm underthinking it.â Hiccup groaned and slammed the piece back against his workbench, glaring at it. âGobberâs right, Viggo already has two sets of pieces, and if he hates anything more than wasting time, itâs wasting space. I shouldâve thought this through a little more, but what else can I do with only three days? Heâs supposed to be back in port the day after tomorrow!â
Toothless puffed a breath from his nostrils and glared at Hiccup. He heaved himself to his paws and shoved his muzzle into Hiccupâs chest with another rumbling pout. Hiccup tried to pet him, but Toothless pulled away and bounded towards the door. He turned back to Hiccup with a hopeful expression and twitched his wings.
Hiccup heaved a sigh and stood. âFine⊠I guess I can take a break for a flight⊠but only a quick one!â
Toothless gave him a flat look, but moved so Hiccup could slide into the saddle. The moment his foot clicked into the pedal, Toothless shot off into the sky. They flew until the knot in Hiccupâs chest loosened and his mind calmed. Toothlessâ loops and dives pulled a wild, carefree laugh from Hiccup as he let his dragon take the lead. They climbed directly upwards until the air was so thin, Hiccup struggled to breathe.
The two free-fell from the cloud cover. The weightlessness stole Hiccupâs breath away and he closed his eyes, just allowing gravity to take him. The seconds felt like eternities, and when Toothless snapped open his wings to let the air catch them again, kicking up a spray of ocean water in his wake, Hiccup imagined it were his own. He pressed himself flat against his dragon and sped off at a breakneck speed, cheering as the wind stole his words.
When they finally returned to the village, Toothless shot towards the ground in front of the great hall and snapped his wings open directly in front of Fishlegs. The larger viking yelped and stumbled back, crashing to the ground. âT-Toothless! Hiccup! You scared me!â
Hiccup laughed and slid off Toothlessâ back, offering a hand to his friend. âSorry, Fishlegs⊠just getting a flight in.â
âUh, goodâŠâ Fishlegs took his hand and climbed to his feet, following Hiccup into the great hall. âYouâve been holed up in the forge for a while, is everything going alright with Viggoâs gift? Do you need some help with it?â
Reality crashed right back down at the mention of his gift to Viggo and Hiccup heaved a sigh as the knot in his chest slowly returned. âUh, right⊠my giftâŠâ
Fishlegs exchanged far too knowing of a look with Toothless and then turned to Hiccup. âYou are going to give it to him, right?â
âUhâŠâ
âHiccup. Youâve spent weeks on those pieces.â
âI just⊠heâs already got a set of game pieces.â
âYou werenât worried about that when you started.â
âWell, I clearly didnât give it enough thought.â
Fishlegs rolled his eyes as they got their food and went to join the other riders. âHiccup⊠heâs going to like it. Besides, you donât have time to start over. They dock in two days.â
Hiccup sucked in a breath and groaned loudly, dropping his head in his hand. âDonât remind meâŠâ
Astrid dropped into the seat next to him with a heavy eyeroll. âFishlegs, whatâs he moping about this time?â
âHeâs worried Viggo wonât like the gift heâs making him.â Fishlegs ignored Hiccupâs look of utter betrayal and focused on his stew.
âSeriously? Hiccup.â
âNot you tooâŠâ he groaned as heat creeped across his face and embarrassment coiled in his gut.Â
âNo.â Astrid slammed her hand on the table and glared at him. âYouâre finishing those game pieces, and youâre giving them to Viggo, or so help me, Iâll-â
âLet me guess. Youâll hold a knife to my throat?âÂ
âAnd call you an idiot.â She huffed and shoveled a bite of bread in her mouth. âI already watched you agonize over those designs for weeks, you are not bailing now!â
Tuffnut perked up. âOo, I volunteer to watch him and make sure he finishes!â
âMe too!â Ruff chimed in. âI already watch you all sleep.â
Snotlout looked up from his own food, expression horrified as he turned to the twins. âIâm sorry, you do what?â
âYeah! You snore the loudest, by the way.â
âThatâs-â Hiccup shook his head and focused on his food. âNot⊠necessary, but thank you for the offer? I think?â He sighed and leaned against the table. âFine⊠you guys win, Iâll finish themâŠâ
Astrid clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. âGood.â
âAnd if Viggo doesnât want them, Iâll take them.â Fishlegs offered with a bright grin. âIâve always wanted a set of my own.â
âWell⊠at least they wonât go to waste then.â Hiccup couldnât help but smile as the conversation devolved into its usual insanity.
Hiccup went right back to the forge after dinner, and sure enough, Viggoâs ship docked two days later. Hiccup had barely left the forge, too focused on finishing the pieces to delegate much time to anything else. Just as he was polishing the final figurine, he heard the villagers calling out about a ship in the harbor and excitement pooled in his chest.
Viggo was finally here.Â
He quickly gathered the game pieces into a simple chest and tucked it away under his desk, rushing out to the docks to greet his lover. Viggo had only just stepped off the gangplank when Hiccup threw his arms around broad shoulders with a wide grin. âViggo!â
Viggo immediately wrapped his arms around Hiccup, dragging him close to his chest. âIâve missed you too, my dear.â His deep, smooth voice sent a pleasant shiver down Hiccupâs spine as he nestled into the crook of his neck.Â
âHow was the voyage? Youâve been gone for monthsâŠâ
âIt went well.â Viggo carded his fingers through Hiccupâs hair and smiled easily. âIâm just happy I was able to make it back in time. You are still available tomorrow?â
âOf course!â Hiccup pressed a kiss to Viggoâs cheek, ignoring the playful jeers from his crew. âI wouldnât want to miss our time together.â
âWonderful. In that case, darling, allow me to settle my affairs and I will find you later tonight.â Viggo released Hiccup, albeit reluctantly, and turned back to his crew. Hiccup watched for a few moments, enjoying the pleasant flutter in his chest as Viggo barked orders at his men to get the cargo squared away. Eventually, he forced himself to step away so he could handle his own neglected affairs.
He would hate to have their time together interrupted because he ignored something as stupid as paperwork.
Hiccup woke slowly the next morning, carefully removing himself from the tangle of limbs. He hesitated when Viggo grumbled at the movement, shifting around. For a moment, he worried that the man would wake up, but when he settled again, Hiccup breathed his relief. He tucked the furs up under Viggoâs chin and just watched the steady rise and fall of his chest for a few moments, resisting the urge to run fingers through his hair. He smiled and pressed a kiss to the manâs temple before he quietly slipped away.Â
Hiccup dressed and slipped out of his hut as quietly as possible, quickly making his way to the forge. He grabbed the chest hidden under his workbench and raced back to the hut. When he stepped inside, he was greeted by an exasperated huff.Â
âSneaking off, I see. My first day back on land, and I wake up alone?â Viggo clicked his tongue with a disdained look.
âViggo! UhâŠâ Hiccup quickly hid the box behind his back and offered an awkward smile. âYouâre awake⊠I was just-â
Viggo quickly closed the distance, a hand slamming against the door just beside Hiccupâs face. His breath lodged in his throat as Viggo leaned in with a delish grin. âJust what?â He tilted his head to the side, casting his gaze down over Hiccupâs shoulder. âWhat have you got there?â
âI⊠uhâŠâ Hiccup swallowed and leaned back, tightening his grip on the box. â... Nothing?â
âYouâre a terrible liar, my dear⊠we really must work on that.â Viggo snaked an arm around Hiccupâs back and pulled him close. His other hand went to the box, and with a deftness Hiccup could never quite figure out, he managed to snatch it straight from his grip.
Heat flooded Hiccupâs cheeks as he reached for it. âWait! You canât open that yet-â
âYet?â Viggo grinned and held the box behind his back now, where Hiccup couldnât quite reach it. âSo it is for me. Come now, donât keep me in suspense⊠you got me a gift?â
âUh⊠well⊠I- I made it, butâŠâ
âMade it?â Excitement twinkled in Viggoâs gaze as he released Hiccup and stepped away, holding the box in both hands now. âYou mean to tell me that the contents of this chest are your craftsmanship? Now I must know whatâs in here.â I Viggo dodged Hiccupâs lunge with a laugh and danced away from him.Â
âWait-â Hiccup shot his hands out again, face burning as he lunged for the box once more. âLetâs at least eat breakfast first?â
âWe can eat after. I want to see what it is now.â Viggoâs grin was wide and playful, a side of him that only Hiccup ever really got to see. âMy dear Hiccup, have I not been patient enough in my long voyage?â
âI-â Hiccup heaved a deep sigh and looked away, his lips pressed into a thin line. âI guessâŠâ
Viggoâs expression softened and he walked back over, placing the box on the table. He wrapped his arms loosely around Hiccup and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. âDonât look so worried. I wonât open it if you truly wish for me to wait⊠but I would love to know what it is.â
Hiccup hummed into the kiss with a shy smile. âNo⊠itâs okay. I guess I can let you open it now. It doesnât make that much differenceâŠâ
âIt was a gift for our date, yes?â Hiccup responded with a small nod and Viggo pressed another innocent kiss to his lips and pulled away. âIn that case, allow me to retrieve yours as well.â He disappeared into the other room and returned with a cloth wrapped box, presenting it to Hiccup with a proud smile. âI believe this will be of some use to you.â
Hiccup laughed brightly and accepted the package. âYour gifts are always useful.â With only a little prompting from Viggo, he pulled the cloth away to reveal an ornate wooden chest. His eyes widened as he traced the intricate carvings along the border of the lid. âViggo, this isâŠâ he pulled it open to reveal a cushioned interior, with padded slots the size of maces and talons pieces, and a playful smirk crossed his face. â... For my Maces and Talons pieces?â
Viggo grinned, hands on his hips, exuding pride. âNow you can stop piling them on the board and store them properly. You have the perfect holding case.â
Another laugh overcame him as he set the box on the table. âIt annoyed you that much?â
âIndeed. You really must take better care of your things, my dear.â He stepped over to his own gift and pulled the box closer. âNow, letâs see whatâŠâ Viggo trailed off as he lifted the lid. Slowly, he reached in and pulled out one of the metal game pieces- the longboat. His eyes went wide as he turned the little figurine in his fingers, inspecting the intricate details of the piece.Â
Anxiety twisted in Hiccupâs chest the longer Viggo stood there in silence, scrutinizing the pieces one by one. âUhmâŠâ he cast his gaze away and dug his fingers into his nails. Viggo took his time inspecting each individual piece, and he began to worry all over again. Had he forgotten a piece? Did Viggo not like them? Was Gobber right and it was stupid to give him a new gameset? âIf⊠if you donât want-â
âSilence.â
Hiccup clicked his mouth shut and watched anxiously as Viggo finally pulled out the last piece and clicked the box shut. His expression shifted from analytical to awestruck as he looked up at Hiccup. Hope curled in his chest as Viggo looked between him and the line of figurines.Â
âMy dear⊠these are wonderful. I can only imagine the time it took to engrave each individual piece. And you did all this for me?â
âI⊠wellâŠâ He swallowed and smiled weakly. âI hadnât considered that you already had enough of these when I started⊠soâŠâ
âI love them.â Viggo abandoned the gift and wandered around the table, pulling Hiccup flush against him. âItâs beautiful, my dear⊠youâve given me a gift of my two favorite things.â
Hiccup laughed a little and wrapped his arms around Viggo. âItâs just another Maces and Talons setâŠâ
âWhat a foolish notion.â Viggo ran a hand through his hair and cupped his cheek, pressing their foreheads together. âYouâve given me my two favorite things. Now, every time I sit down to play my favorite game, I can gaze upon these pieces and be reminded of you and your brilliance.â
Honestly⊠What could Hiccup say to that? He leaned in and captured Viggoâs lips in a deep, gentle kiss that his lover eagerly returned.
A second chance doesn't matter when one of them almost always dies. Viggo had the power and money to keep Hiccup all to himself this time and still it wasn't enough. Not when Hiccup is fated to be a legendary hero that doesn't hesitate to charge into battle and defend his beloved king.
It's the gift Hiccup thought he'd never get after having to leave Viggo to die back at Johann's base. He couldn't have predicted the man escaping and stubbornly surviving until he was healthy enough to venture to Berk.
