Another Nightmare book 2: To rescue a nightmare

Chapter 4

It was Hiccup's favourite moment of the evening; laying down on warm scales. He instantly relaxed as the moon disappeared behind the darkness that encased him. It was safe here, no need to worry for his own safety. Now if he just didn't worry for others. Stormfly and Shortclaw would be fine: They were dragons and could take care of themselves. They had only needed his help because of the queen, after all.

Even if that was true, it didn't mean Hiccup wouldn't feel their leaving. He'd just gotten used to their small group and now it had become even smaller. Maybe he could have done something differently with them... Maybe if he didn't accidentally use his powers on Stormfly... She never really got over that.

Hiccup's thoughts were cut short as a hot breath ruffled his hair. He tried to lean his head back to meet Toothless' eyes, but couldn't quite do it. He couldn't move enough in his brother's hold. Hiccup didn't need his abilities to sense the power under the scales that held him. It was part of the reason he felt so safe.

'You shouldn't let those two bother you.'

'I know bud, but I can't help it. I feel I should have done something differently.'

'No, you gave them everything they could have asked. Some dragons simply aren't interested in flocks. I wasn't.'

Hiccup's arm was still free from Toothless' grasp and found the dragon's chin.

'I'm glad you changed you mind.'

'They give some security. It means I have to worry less. Though I still don't trust that Zippleback.'

'Why do I get the feeling that you aren't talking about your own safety?'

'Because you are in my mind brother. You should stop worrying and go to sleep.'

'I can't just decide to fall asleep, and you're one to talk! I don't see you sleeping.' Hiccup tapped Toothless' snout.

'I'm not yet used to sleeping at night.'

'I'm sorry.' The following breath of hot air had a smell of smoke in it, but Hiccup didn't give Toothless time to reproach him. 'I noticed you were tired, but I didn't give you time to sleep properly.'

'I'm fine. Now go to sleep.' Toothless tightened his hold.

'I think we are both going to need some time for that.'

To Toothless' credit, Hiccup didn't know a better place to sulk for his failures. They didn't even bother his dreams when he finally fell asleep. He always dreamt about flying or other happy things. Maybe Toothless could influence his thoughts more than Hiccup had realized.

He woke up slowly, his sleep undisturbed until he felt like waking up. The darkness around him did not lessen as he opened his eyes. Toothless was still asleep, his slow breath frequently blowing at Hiccup's hair. Hiccup could barely hear someone, Hookfang, moving outside, but did not move. He didn't want to rob Toothless of any more sleep.

That meant he had time to continue sulking over Stormfly and Shortclaw. He didn't even know how long that continued, there was no way to tell time under Toothless' wings.

'Grrh, is it morning already?' Toothless' thoughts instantly got Hiccup to forget his other worries.

'Good morning to you too bud. Did you sleep well?' Hiccup didn't need to see Toothless' face to sense the large yawn. His entire head could have fit in the dragon's open mouth. Toothless relaxed his hold on Hiccup enough for him to turn to his side and lay face-to-face with his brother. He could see Toothless' eyes even in the darkness. Hiccup set his right hand on the black snout between them.