When Snow Meets Lightning (Httyd x Male!oc)

part 13

Later that night hiccup was in the work shop sketching toothless and upgrades for the saddle when he saw his father open the door "Dad! You're back! Gobber's not here, so..." Hiccup began, his voice trembling slightly as he saw his father enter the workshop. Stoick's massive frame filled the room, making it feel even smaller. He had to lean his huge frame to avoid hitting the roof with his head, his presence almost overwhelming.

"I know. I came looking for you," Stoick replied, his deep voice carrying a weight that made Hiccup's heart race. The intensity of his father's gaze was enough to make anyone feel uneasy.

"You did?" Hiccup's surprise was evident, his mind racing through all the possible reasons his father would seek him out.

"You've been keeping secrets," his father stated, his tone firm and unwavering. Hiccup felt a lump form in his throat, his hands becoming clammy with sweat.

"I... have?" Hiccup stammered, trying to maintain his composure. There was no way his father would take the news as Ludic did.

"Just how long did you think you could hide it from me?" Stoick's voice was now a low growl, making Hiccup's heart pound faster.

"I don't know what you'r—" Hiccup started to explain, but his father cut him off.

"Nothing happens on this island without me hearing about it," Stoick said sternly, his eyes boring into Hiccup's. "So. Let's talk about that dragon."

"Oh, gods. Dad, I'm so sorry. I was going to tell you, I even told Ludic before you—oh gods. I just didn't know how to—You're not... upset?" Hiccup's voice faltered as he realized his father wasn't angry.

"What?! I was hoping for this!" Stoick's face broke into a huge smile, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Uh... you were?" Hiccup's nervous grin returned, his mind struggling to process his father's reaction.

"And believe me, it only gets better! Just wait 'till you spill a Nadder's guts for the first time! And mount your first Gronckle head on a spear! WHAT A FEELING! You really had me going there, son! All those years of the worst Viking Berk has ever seen! Odin, it was rough! I almost gave up on you! And all the while, you were holding out on me! OH, THOR ALMIGHTY! Ah. With you doing so well in the ring, we finally have something to talk about."

Hiccup's heart sank as his father continued; his excitement palpable. Stoick didn't notice Hiccup's slow frown or the turmoil in his son's eyes.

"Oh, I... brought you something. To keep you safe in the ring." Stoick held up a Viking helmet and gave it to Hiccup, the metal cool and heavy in his hands.

"Wow. Thanks." Hiccup tried to muster a smile, but it felt forced.

"Your mother would've wanted you to have it. It's half of her breastplate," Stoick said, his voice softening slightly. Hiccup pulled back slightly, the emotional weight of his father's words pressing down on him.

"Matching set. Keeps her close, y'know?" Stoick tapped his own helmet, a nostalgic look in his eyes.

"Wear it proudly. You deserve it. You've held up your end of the deal." Stoick's voice was full of pride, but it only made Hiccup feel more conflicted.

"I should really get to bed," Hiccup said, looking down at his notes, trying to make his happy father leave.

"Yes! Good! Okay. Good talk. See you back at the house. We should do this again. I'm great. Thanks for stopping by. Glad I stopped by, I hope you, uh, like the hat," Stoick said, finally leaving Hiccup alone in the workshop.

As the door closed behind his father, Hiccup was left to his thoughts, feeling the weight of his father's expectations bearing down on him. What had he done? He wasn't a warrior. He couldn't fake a love for killing dragons like Ludic, and he couldn't fake being a Viking because he couldn't even lift a sword or an axe. He was never going to be something his father loved. The thought gnawed at him, making the workshop feel even more confining.