New Beginnings (Hijack)

Part 17

Yes I'm back back again (okay I'll stop now)

Jack was relieved to be home. Granted he'd had an amazing time at the Theta retreat with Hiccup but they'd been so busy with activities he was more exhausted than anything. He threw his duffel bag on the floor of his room and literally face planted on the bed, groaning from sore muscles and a small sunburn on his neck and shoulders. But nonetheless, he grinned thinking about those amazing nights that were just him and Hiccup alone in the room or on the beach, either making out or making love. If only Spring Break didn't have to end so quickly.

"Jack?" He heard his mother yell up to him. He groaned again having to get up, but obeyed.

He shuffled down the stairs and already saw Punzie sitting at the dinner table finishing her meal. Her mother sat across from her, looking contemplative. Jack came down and noticed Max leaning against the counter with the same look on his face. As soon as Jack entered, Max walked over to him and smiled, "Mind if I have a quick chat with you?"

"Uh...did I do something?" Jack asked nervously, hello the guy was practically a cop!

"No." Max laughed, relaxing when he realized he looked as if he were about to interrogate Jack, "Just have a question for you." He nodded, leading Jack to the front door.

Jack followed him, a thousand thoughts running through his mind on what Max had to ask him.

Max shut the door and then looked down at Jack and took a visible breath, "I want you to be honest with me when I tell you what I'm about to say. Can you do that?"

Jack nodded nervously.

"Jack. I was wondering if I could have your blessing to marry your mother."

That threw Jack. In fact, he was so stunned he could only stare at Max and gurgle.

Max waited patiently however and continued, "I know how important your mother and Punzie are to you. I also know you've been the man of the house for quite some time. But I'm ready to help relieve you of that responsibility. I'm also ready to be a father to you...if you want that is."

Jack finally blinked and shook his head to clear it, "I...Max you don't have to ask my blessing, it doesn't matter if-"

"Jack," Max cut in softly but firmly, "you are important, your feelings are important. I know I can never replace your father and I don't want to. I just simply want to be a part of your family. I'm not asking you to step down or anything. I just want to know that when I ask your mother, I know you'll be happy and okay with it."

"Max...you really love her and respect her. You take care of Punzie and you accept me..." Jack rambled, "I mean...how could I not let you ask my mom to marry you?"

"There's some hesitance." Max smiled understandingly.

"I just...I...I don't know what to say." Jack admitted, "I haven't exactly been asked that kind of question before."

Max put a hand on his shoulder, "You don't have to answer me right now. But I want you to be honest with me. Can you do that?"

Jack nodded quickly.

Max ushered him back inside and then walked over to Gwen.

Gwen smiled at them, "Everything alright?"

"Yeah, just having a man to man talk with Jack is all, making sure he's doing good." Max smiled.

Jack nodded, still feeling a small weight on his shoulders. He watched as Max walked over to Punzie and noticed she was refusing to eat her peas.

"You know. Peas make you strong. You should eat them." Max told her with a smile.

Gwen rolled her eyes, "She's being stubborn tonight."