When Snow Meets Lightning (Httyd x Male!oc)

part 3

"He's going looking for the dragon," Ludic said quietly, a shadow of worry flickering across his face. His voice barely rose above a whisper, but Gobber heard the tension beneath it—the same tension that came from knowing Hiccup too well. That reckless determination of his was both his greatest strength and most dangerous flaw.

"Oh, I know," Gobber said with a faint chuckle, though there was a softness to his eyes—a flicker of kindness and concern that rarely showed. "But I don't intend on telling his father."

Ludic offered a tired smile, sharing that quiet understanding. "Yeah, same," he replied, his voice low but sincere.

Gobber glanced toward the forge, the warm glow beckoning like a refuge. "Come with me. I keep burn balm around for Hiccup. Should be good for those burns of yours."

Grateful, Ludic followed Gobber into the forge. The familiar scent of hot metal and ash mingled with the faint sting of singed skin. Gobber handed him a small jar of balm, and Ludic began carefully rubbing it into the scorched patches on his arms and chest.

They sat together in a companionable silence before Gobber finally spoke again, his voice soft and steady. "You don't like killing the dragons, do you?"

Ludic's gaze drifted to the fire, his voice heavy with memories. "My mum and dad... they were killed by dragons," he said quietly. "It would be strange if the boy who's lost everything to dragons didn't want to kill them."

Gobber's expression grew solemn as he nodded slowly. "Arvid and Torvi..." His voice cracked slightly, the weight of old grief settling between them. "They were good people. Good friends. Stoick, Arvid, and me—we were closer than brothers. We dreamed of a village where dragons and people could live in peace. But that dream was shattered."

He paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I remember Arvid's laugh. How he could light up a room just by being there. And Torvi... fierce as any shieldmaiden, with a heart as big as the sky. I never thought those dragons would take them. And yet..." His voice faltered, eyes misting over.

Ludic shifted slightly, his hands trembling as he applied the balm. "Sometimes I wonder if the dragons really took them... or if the pain took more than just their lives."

Gobber placed a firm, comforting hand on Ludic's shoulder. "I know it hurts. More than words can say. But carrying that pain alone... it'll weigh you down till you can't stand."

Ludic looked up, meeting Gobber's steady gaze. "I can't tell Hiccup. He's got enough to deal with—his own fears, his own battles. I don't want to burden him with mine."

Gobber's grip tightened just a little, his voice earnest. "He's your friend, Ludic. Maybe more than that. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is let someone in. Not because you want to be a burden—but because sharing the weight makes it lighter for both of you."

A silence fell between them, filled only by the crackling fire and the slow settling of emotions. Ludic gave a small nod, the hint of a tear catching the light in his eyes.

"I miss them," he whispered. "And I'm scared... that I'm not strong enough to keep going without them."

Gobber's voice was almost a whisper. "You're stronger than you think. And you're not alone. Stoick's worried about you too. We all are. This village... this family... we're here for you, Ludic. You don't have to carry it by yourself."

Ludic exhaled slowly, leaning into Gobber's steady presence. "Thank you," he said simply. "For not making me face it alone."

Gobber smiled gently. "Anytime, lad. Anytime."

"I should get some sleep," Ludic said after a moment, changing the subject to something more immediate.

"Remember, we have a village meeting to attend in a few hours," Gober reminded him, their conversation tapering off into silence as they prepared to rest before the challenges that awaited them in the morning.