Don't leave me

Chapter 1: The letter

Hiccup's POV

A month. It hadn't been more than a month since we defeated Drago, since I was reunited with my mother and my father had died. It hadn't been more than a month since I became the Chief of Berk and Toothless became the Alpha.

Taking over the reins after my father hadn't been the easiest thing I had done, but luckily for me, I had Gobber and my mother to help guide me.

After we had finally managed to get rid of all the ice left behind by the Bewilderbeast and rebuilt Berk, I was face with the true weight of being Chief.

I rubbed my temples as I read through everything from condolence letters to trade fees. Toothless soft snoring filled my ears and I couldn't help but envy the dragon as I yearned for a nap myself.

I let out a sigh as I signed yet another paper before moving on to the next one in the pile.

Suddenly, the front door flew open, and in marched something that drew my attention far away from work.

"Hey babe" She smiled, blue eyes sparkling like sunlight being reflected on the ocean.

Her sudden arrival seemed to have woken up Toothless from his nap as well, seeing as it didn't take long for him to get up and stomp grumpily out the door.

I couldn't help but smile as I got up from my chair and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Hey" I tucked a strand of her shimmering blonde hair behind her ear. "I thought you were busy teaching at the academy"

Another smile lit up her face. "I was, but I decided that some things are more important than teaching hormonal teenagers about dragons"

"Really?" I raised my brow at her. "And what can that be?"

She placed her hands on each side of my face, letting her thumbs stroke my cheeks. "Trader Johann is here, and he's got some important mail for you"

I let out a groan as I was once again reminded of the pile of work that was already waiting for me. "Why do I have to go get it? Can't you?"

Astrid took a step away from me, placing her hands at her hips. "First of all, the letter is confidential and therefore none of my business. Second, you've been cooped up in here all day! You need some fresh air and sunlight, Hiccup"

I stared at her, racking my brain for an excuse not to go pick it up myself. Upon realizing that I wouldn't be able to find any, I let out a sigh. "You're right, you're always right. Thanks, babe"

I placed a quick kiss on her cheek before heading towards the door. As I was about to push it open, a hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back to where I had been standing earlier.

"What did I forget now?" I asked the rather displeased looking Viking in front of me.

"Did you honestly think that I was going to let you leave this house with just a kiss on the cheek?" She asked as a playful smirk appeared on her face.

I chuckled at her expression as I wove my fingers between hers. "I wouldn't dream of it"

Soft lips met mine in a quick, but sweet kiss before Astrid let me go.

I ran out the door, a wide grin on my face as I climbed onto Toothless and flew down the the docks, where Trader Johanns ship waited patiently.

"Master Hiccup, I'm so happy to see you!" Johann exclaimed as Toothless and I touched down on the deck of his boat.

"It's nice to see you too, Johann. Astrid told me you had mail...?" I asked the Trader rather impatiently as I hoped we would be able to get away without hearing one of his many stories.

"Ah yes, the mail. It's just one letter, but it is very confidential! So confidential that I haven't even dared take a peek of it myself. You know, that really reminds me of the time..." Toothless' ears shot up in fear as Trader Johann began one of his lengthy stories.

I swiftly snatched the letter out of his hand as I jumped onto Toothless. "Thank you Johann, but unfortunately I have some very important business to take care of now, best of luck on your travels!"

We shot up in the air and as we landed outside our house, I could hear Toothless chuckling to himself.

I slid off Toothless and was greeted by the warm smile of my mother as she stood outside the front door, watching us.

"You know, son, I don't think I'll ever see the day when I grow tired of seeing the two of you fly. It truly is extraordinary" My mother informed me.

"Uh Huh" I replied, not really paying attention to what she was saying as I made my way inside, eyes glued to the letter in my hands.

My mother and Toothless followed.

"What is that?" She asked, her eyebrows drawing together as she caught glimpse of the letter.

I studied the letter as I slumped down into my chair. "I have no clue"

I loosened the string that had been wrapped around it before carefully opening it and scanning through it, not believing my own eyes.

I placed my hand over my mouth as I read the letter a second time. "My gods, I can't believe this"