It Was Always There

To Make Them Understand

Shortly after they all ate, Hiccup suggested that they head back before it got too late. The wheat-blond agreed but had to do something real quick before heading to the house. She told him it was just a quick adjustment to the clasp on the saddle that wouldn't take long. He had offered to stay and help, but refused it. So while she did that back at the cove, the boy sat in his workshop, rolling a pencil up and down his desk. He was bored, but didn't want to go back before Runa got back. He felt that it would be rude for some reason. He sighed before he noticed his dad walk in, making him jump up and move all his drawing together to hide them. "Dad! You're back! Gobber's not here so..." Stoick looked down at his son as he hid the pictures he drew. "I know. I came looking for you." Hiccup was taken back a bit. "You did?" "You've been keeping secrets." His son began to sweat. "I, I have?" Stoick tilted his head up the slightest bit before continuing. "Just how long did you think you could hide it from me?" The boy gulped. "I don't know what you're..." "Nothing happens in this island without me hearing about it." Now the boy was starting to get a little afraid. "O-oh?" "Now let's talk, about that dragon." And Hiccup started to freak out a little.

"Oh, Gods. Dad I'm so sorry. I was going to tell you. I just didn't know how to-" He was cut off when his dad started to laugh happily at him. Now he was confused. "You're not...upset?" "What?! I was hoping for this!" And he was even more confused now. "Uh...you were?" Stoick got more excited as he continued. "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!" He put his hands on his hip and looked down at Hiccup. "All those years of the worst Viking Berk has ever seen!" He put his hand up, admitting; "Odin, it was rough! I almost gave up on you!" He then smiled at his son brightly again. "And all the while, you were holding out on me! Oh, Thor almighty! Ah." He then grabbed a chair and sat in it, leaning down towards Hiccup with his arms on his legs. "With you doing so well in the ring, we finally have something to talk about." The two men sat there, one feeling a bit awkward and the other excitement. Hiccup turned his eyes away, not knowing what to say. Then his father spoke again. "Oh, I...I brought you something."

Hiccup turned his gaze back at his father. "To keep you safe in the ring." He pulled out a helmet and handed it to Hiccup. The teen looked at it and he then sincerely spoke to his father. "Wow. Thanks." Stoick smiled sadly, looking off to the side at the ground a bit. "Your mother would've wanted you to have it. It's half her breast plate." Hiccup quickly removed his hand that was touching the top of it while trying to hide a grimace. "Matching set." The Chief said, tapping his own helmet. "Keeps her close, y'know?" His son smiled a bit awkwardly, still holding the helmet. "Wear it proudly. You deserve it. You've held up your end of the deal." There was a bit more of an awkward silence before Hiccup placed the helmet down on his desk and fakesmd a big yawn. "I should really get to bed." "Yes! Good! Okay." He stood up and nodded at his son. "See you back at the house." Stoick started to turn around and leave. "We should do this again sometime." "Thanks for stopping by." "Glad I stopped by. I hope you like uh, the hat." "And for the...the breast hat." Stoick stopped by the door and looked at his son. "Well, uh...goodnight." Once he was gone Hiccup slouched in his chair, silently glad that was over.

Once Stoick was on the other side of the door, he paused when he saw Runa putting away some tools. "Ah! Runa! There you are." The girl turned her head and smiled. "Stoick! Welcome back. I'm glad that you're safe." The man smiled and nodded, putting his hands on his hips. "Aye. We were unsuccessful though. Didn't even come close to finding the nest." Hearing this made Runa relieved. After the past few weeks she had learned that the dragons weren't what they thought they were like at all. Then she realized something. "Oh, I guess I should pack up and head home then. Mom will be expecting me."She smiled widely and took off her apron before heading towards the door. "Runa." He got her to pause in leaving and turned towards him with a smile. "Yes?"