Forever

Ch. 4: Staying Strong

Hiccup and Astrid walked hand in hand through the village, heading to Astrid's house as the sun set.

Astrid inhaled deeply. "Merida, she's, something else."

Hiccup ran a hand through his auburn hair. "I don't know what we're going to do for the next two weeks."

The blonde stopped in her tracks. "Two weeks?!"

Hiccup nodded. "Her dad and I have to renew some peace treaties. If we're lucky, she'll be out of here in a week and a half."

Astrid shook her head, contemplating how much trouble she would be in if she took axe to Merida's head.

The couple stopped in front of Astrid's house that she shared with her uncle Darge. Hiccup took Astrid's hands in his. "Don't stress too much M'lady, she'll be gone before you know it." He pulled her to him and pressed a kiss against her lips. "I love you."

Astrid pulled away and swung her axe up over her shoulder, smiling. "I love you too. Night."

Hiccup smiled in response as she opened up the door and disappeared inside. As soon as the door closed, the smile slipped from his face and he rubbed his tired face with his hand.

The chief turned towards Gobber's shop and began walking, his Night Fury close behind. He walked into the shop and began going back to his office when Gobber's voice stopped him. "And just what do ya think ye're doin?"

Hiccup sighed. "I'm really behind with work, the king and princess's arrival got me sidetracked."

Gobber made a face; the boy's devotion to his job was obviously making him miserable. "Go home Hiccup."

"I can't, I have information to record, damages need to be repaired, I need to start on Astrid's necklace, the Mead Hall-"

"What?" Asked Gobber, eyebrows raising in shock. "Ya plannin on proposing soon lad?"

Hiccup's cheeks turned red. "I wasn't supposed to say that part."

Gobber chuckled and slapped Hiccup on the back. "About time boy! You two have been together for over five years!"

Hiccup laughed slightly. "Yeah I figure it's time to take the next step."

The two limbed Viking watched Hiccup as he started again for his office. "Hiccup," he said. The chief turned and faced him. "Go home. Ya need to rest."

"The village-"

"The village needs you to be functional. Ya have bags under yer eyes the size of Bewilderbeasts, ya stumble around like ya've had to much to drink, ya haven't slept at home in a week; ya need to rest."

Hiccup sighed, knowing Gobber wasn't going to back down. "Thanks Gobber."

"Goodnight chief," said the blacksmith jokingly, knowing how much Hiccup despised the title.

"Night Gobber," Hiccup replied, turning to leave the shop. He stumbled along the trail to his house, trying to keep his eyes open. Toothless warbled; concerned, and nudged his rider.

"I'm fine Toothless," Hiccup sighed. "Just need to sleep."

The Viking opened the front door, and walked in slowly. He went up the stairs, closely followed by Toothless.

A slight snore came from Stoik's old bedroom, which now belonged to Valka. Hiccup peeked in the doorway, smiling at the sight of his mother sleeping peacefully.

Continuing down the hall, Hiccup began removing his flight suit. He sat down on the edge of his bed, taking off his prosthetic.

Toothless padded over to his stone slab, and cured up, purring. Hiccup pulled the furs up to his chest before taking a deep breath. The peace surrounded him, lulling him into a peaceful sleep.

But as soon as Hiccup's eyes fully closed, the peaceful tranquility vanished.

He looked around, and quickly realized he was back in the battle with Drago. Toothless was coming in closer and closer, as Hiccup backed into a large chunk of ice. Ready to meet death, he shielded his face with his arm.

"Hiccup!" Roared Stoik, jumping in front of his son. Every time Hiccup dreamt this part, it went in slow motion. Every spark was illuminated slowly as the late chief once again laid down his life for his son.

Suddenly Hiccup was on a cliff, looking up into the clouds. All seemed calm until Stoik's image appeared in the sky.
"This was all your fault! If it weren't for you and your stupid dragon, none of this would have happened!" Tears stained Hiccup's face.

Valka could hear Hiccup from her room, thrashing and crying in his sleep.

The widow yawned and got out of bed, wrapping a shawl around her shoulders. She walked into Hiccup's room, where her eyes instantly grew large with worry.

Hiccup lay tangled in the furs, tears falling down his face. "I'm so sorry!" He yelled. "I didn't want any of this to happen!"

Valka quickly came to her son's bedside, and tried to shake him awake, but with no avail. Even Toothless started warbling and nudging the chief in his side.

Meanwhile Hiccup's mind was still on that cliff. "I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed. "I didn't want any of this to happen!"

Stoik sneered. "It's far too late for that now, isn't it?"

The young chief started yelling for his father as his image disappeared, tears falling in a steady stream.

"Hiccup!" Exclaimed a far away voice. "Hiccup wake up!"

Hiccup's eyes jerked open, and he sat up with a start. His mother and dragon stood over him, eyes filled with concern.

The young chief ran a hand through his sweaty hair, and took a shaky breath. "Oh Hiccup," Valka said softly, pulling her son into an embrace.

The tears returned, and Hiccup began sobbing. "It was all my fault."

Valka shook her head. "No. It wasn't. Not yours, or Toothless's, or mine." She sighed as she looked for the right words. "Your father always was a man of honor. He used to tell me that if he were to die, he would want it to be in the most honorable way possible. Saving his son and heir, now that's the most honorable way to die there is."

Hiccup sniffed, bringing his gaze up to meet his mother's. Valka smiled, and pushed Hiccup further into the bed as
to make room for herself. Crawling in, she wrapped her arms around Hiccup, stroking his hair.

Toothless cocked his head to the side, and Valka motioned for him to come join them. The Night Fury climbed in on the other side of Hiccup, and curled up peacefully.

Valka's breathing soon became deep and even, and the sound quickly lulled Hiccup into a deep sleep.

A/N: so ya this is my first authors note!!

Vote and comment please!!

And if you have any sort of feedback (good or bad) you'd be willing to give me that'd be really appreciated!!

Love you all!!
-Emma🎨