The Gentle Sniper

Chapter 2: Introductions

Returning to his apartment later that day with a bag filled with groceries, Hiccup opened the door and was immediately greeted by the sight of a green-eyed, black bundle of fur.

"Hey bud," he smiled, closing the door behind him and crouching to scratch the feline under the chin.

Toothless purred contentedly for a few moments before tapping a paw against the arm of his human that was carrying the bag, simultaneously letting out a meow; a signal of the creature's desire for food.

"Alright, then bud. I'll give you something to eat. I've brought you some tuna this time. Unfortunately, I only have the rest of the day before I have to deal with Snotlout tomorrow. Although maybe I can bring Fishlegs over here and you can see Meatlug again the next time I have leave. What do you think, bud?"

Toothless's response came in the form of an unimpressed stare followed by a significantly more impatient meow.

Hiccup rolled his eyes at that before he turned and headed towards his apartment's kitchen. "Yeah, yeah. I'm on it."

The kitchen sported light wood laminate flooring, an oak table with two chairs in the center of the room, a bin in the corner of the room by the door, a fridge and freezer next to it. In addition, there was a fan oven and gas hob unit on the right, with an electric ventilator unit above that and a washing machine, dishwasher and dryer squeezed into the corner opposite the fridge and freezer.

Hiccup placed the bag he had brought on the table and brought out a tin of tuna. Extracting a spoon from the drawers by the oven, Hiccup pulled the lid of the tin back before scooping the fish into his cat's bowl; which resided in front of the washing machine.

Toothless mewled, his attention now on the washing machine before him.

"No, it's not on bud. I don't have clothes that need washing. Sorry," said Hiccup, before chuckling as the black cat pressed a paw to the circular glass door.

"Alright, have fun bud," Hiccup continued to chuckle as he turned and left the room, passing Toothless' bed in the hallway as he entered his living room.

...

"Finn is here Alvin," said Savage, entering Alvin's office and the balcony beyond it, where the man stood admiring the slate grey hills in the distance.

"Really? He's early. Well, send him in then," he said this without turning around, prompting Savage to nod and quickly leave.

"Alvin."

Alvin turned around to face the General with a welcoming smile stretching his features. "Finn. Ah 'ought you were meant to be in Berk today?"

The blond-haired, blue-eyed man with the white coat and blue ski goggles hanging around his neck nodded in response. "I was, but then our mole informed me that three undesirables were going to try and kill me off today."

After speaking, the man reached into the inside pocket of his coat and withdrew an envelope. Alvin accepted and opened it, grinning when he saw what was inside. "So you decided to bring me more money early and you want to stay here."

"Until the heat dies down, yes. Consider that a gift. I do hope €2000 is sufficient."

"A very welcome gift. It is sufficient. My home is yours for as long as you wish."

Finn nodded. "So how is your plan progressing?"

"They will be leaving tonight."

"Excellent. I await news of success in your endeavour, old friend. Any news from our mysterious northern associate?"