recherché

(adj.) carefully chosen, rare or exotic

After that day, it was very hard to make Hiccup leave his hut and hang out with you all. At least that's how it was for the first few days, he would stay in his hut and rarely come out. The only time you would catch a glimpse of Hiccup is when he was coming to get food from the clubhouse, but beside that you needed to visit him in order to see him.

Thankfully the gang apologized shortly after, though that still didn't do anything good. Hiccup was back to his usual self and barely talked to anyone. Even so you still kept him company. When the others came to see him, they would often be greeted with harsh hospitality, aside from that Hiccup spoke normally with you even if it were just a couple of words exchanged. But it was like that with Astrid as well.

About a week later you managed to drag Hiccup out of his hut to spend some quality time with the gang. You assured him that he didn't have do anything but to just be there. When he finally showed up, everyone was ecstatic. Even if they were met with Hiccup's confused staring, the atmosphere was more joyful when he was around. But Hiccup didn't seem much content. He would just observe and not say anything, which was really contrast to his standard chatty personality before.

But whenever someone said something funny, you would see Hiccup try and suppress a smile. It was like that for some time until gradually you would hear Hiccup's laughter pipe in along with yours.
Slowly but surely, Hiccup was coming back to normal.

Toothless on the other hand was miserable. He wasn't able to see Hiccup at all because Hiccup was still absolutely terrified and didn't want to even come a step near his dragon. You didn't make any progress since the day in the Dome, but you were determined to change that. After that day, when the gang saw how Hiccup reacted, they were scared to even mention Toothless.

Since he wasn't able to fly on his own, someone had to take Toothless on flights because he is a dragon after all. So even if Toothless didn't fancied you after Hiccup's fall, he still appreciated that you were flying with him. And it was quite fun.

As the days went on, Hiccup's mad faze passed and he was a lot more comfortable with you and the gang, at least that's how it seemed, you didn't really know Hiccup's real thoughts. What you didn't fail to notice is how keen on Astrid he was. Hiccup would laugh at her jokes the most, even if it wasn't something very funny. You'd catch him gaping at her with what looked like a love-struck expression. His eyes always following her around. And it made jealousy boil in your veins. You didn't want to accept it, but it seemed as if he sort of likes Astrid more.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" You said, watching as Astrid went to retrieve her axe. The two of you were in the arena throwing axes in the barrels, well only Astrid, you were just there since she asked you to join.

"Sure. What's up?" Astrid replied, making her way towards you.

"Um, have you seen the way Hiccup looks at you?" You thought Astrid would be clueless about the whole situation, but that wasn't the case.

"Oh my gods, you noticed it too?"

"I thought it was just my imagination!"

"No!"

Both of you were exclaiming incredulously by this point and you were relieved to find out that she was aware of it as well.

"I think he likes you." You questioned, your voice trailing off at the end. You didn't even want to think about that possibility. Simply because Astrid was exceeding in everything and it was easy for anyone to fall for her.

"Well... I don't know if you know this but Hiccup did have a major crush on me back on Berk." Astrid said and hurled the axe, earning a perfect, bullseye. But it felt as if that axe had landed in your heart and cut it in pieces.

"Oh." Was the only thing you managed to utter, your voice barely above whisper.

"But don't worry, I'm not gonna steal him from you." Astrid laughed lightheartedly. You trusted her and what she said was reassuring to say the least so hearing that made relief pour through you. "I'm just going to give him the cold shoulder. It worked nicely before."

"Hopefully it works."

-----

After you and Astrid parted ways, you spotted Hiccup walking out of his hut. The two of you were walking towards each other and while you were watching him, Hiccup's gaze darted anywhere but you, until finally it settled on the ground. Recently he had been sneaking out and exploring the island on his own, you were down with that whole idea of him getting used to the place. But what you didn't want was for him to encounter any wild dragons roaming around. Most were friendly because you and the gang had created a small bond with them enough to not get eaten, but others were still wild and untamed.

"Hey, where are you going?" You asked with a broad smile as Hiccup sheepishly looked up.

"Um, to the hill I guess." He replied and you waited for him to ask you to join, but no words came out so you had to take matters in your own hands.

"The usual?" You asked and got a nod in response.

"Can I tag along? There are a lot of dragons in that area, I don't want you to faint." You said with a chuckle, but Hiccup's face remained neutral, offended almost and that's when you realized you had indirectly called him a coward. "I- I mean, I was just joking."

Your attempts at smooth recovery were futile, because Hiccup simply rolled his eyes, obviously not believing your last sentence. But nonetheless, he didn't mention it.

"Sure, you can come." Hiccup said with a monotone voice. There wasn't any hint that he wanted you to join, but he didn't look so displeased either. "I don't see the point though." Hiccup added silently, perhaps intending it not to be heard which is why you didn't say anything about that comment.

You managed to walk halfway to the place when an idea struck you out of nowhere. It was mean, but it was a solid guarantee that it will make Hiccup fly on a dragon.

"Hey, can you go on without me? I'll catch up. I forgot something." You said, already rushing back to the huts. Though Hiccup didn't look like he cared that much, he just walked without taking a second glance.

-----

Hiccup was sitting under a tree's shade and aimlessly doodling in his book. From time to time he would wonder what happened to you and why you still haven't arrived yet, but he'd immediately shrug off the thought.

Hiccup's hand glided from one end of the paper to the other as he was adding the finishing details to his drawing. It was a landscape piece of the view in front of him, the many trees and lovely colourful flowers springing from the ground next to them.

When Hiccup heard rustling from the side, he slammed shut his notebook and rose up to a standing position. He feared that there might be a dragon hidden behind from where the sound was coming from. For a moment he regretted not waiting for you.

But that proved to be just his foolish paranoia coming for a visit once more because no dragon came out of the bush instead it was just you with a big smile.

"Oh, hey." Hiccup tried to play it cool and lean on the tree, but instead his elbow just slid across the surface and he stumbled forward. Hiccup was hoping that you didn't see anything, but immediately a giggle came from the front. Hiccup's head rose up to find you staring at him with an amused grin.

Hiccup died from embarrassment right then and there, his face changing to a bright red right away. Internally he was thinking that you found him stupid because of that minor slip and that's the reason you were laughing at him. The truth is you found it his awkwardness quite adorable.

"You're such a klutz." You chuckled walking towards Hiccup who sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.

"Anyway, I want to show you something." You said, unexpected excitement suddenly present in your voice.

"Uh..." Hiccup wasn't fond of surprises after that day in the Dome. But after seeing the pleading expression on your face he figured he could make an exception just this one time. "Okay, fine."

"Great." You gave him a smile and Hiccup remained impatiently awaiting, but the you just stood there. You didn't do anything that would indicate you had something in plan. But Hiccup did notice that your eyes occasionally glanced to the left, though when Hiccup looked there there was nothing but dense trees.

"Close your eyes."

Hiccup didn't question your odd instruction and did as he was told. Even if he didn't really like where this was going, he was really curious to find out what will happen. The blackness was the only thing Hiccup saw and he had to resort to his other senses to figure out what was going on. He heard shuffling from afar and then a moment later a gentle hand was placed on his chest.

Hiccup remained silent, that is until he felt you push him further and further until he heard the crashing waves get louder. Hiccup's eyes shot open when he was shoved with a great force, he couldn't keep his balance and ended up stumbling backwards. Hiccup's arms flailed unceremoniously as he tried to stop, but it was too late. His leg started slipping from the edge and a fearful squeak escaped his lips as he started falling down.

"(Y/N)!" Hiccup shouted desperately. He was grasping for the empty air a he was plummeting fast towards the sea below. But you were nowhere to be seen, you literally pushed him off the cliff and left him to die.

Hiccup had been screaming and was cherishing the last bits of his life before he crashes down into the clashing waves below. Though something miraculous happened, the expected collide with the water didn't happen at all. Instead Hiccup landed on something much rougher than liquid. Hiccup opened his eyes and was met with black, upon rising up to look at what exactly he's on, Hiccup screeched inhumanly when he realized that was on top of the Night Fury.

But after seeing how high in air they were, Hiccup didn't have any other choice but to cling to the dragon for his dear life. He refused to open his eyes, he absolutely refused to accept that this is actually happening. This isn't normal, it wasn't normal to be riding a dragon.

Hiccup was breathing heavily from the near-death experience, though he didn't miss the bubbly laugh from the side. He thought he was going crazy, who would be laughing in the sky?

Hiccup slowly pried open his eyes to take a glance at what's around him, he expected to see the standard blue sky and white clouds but instead there was something much darker covering the spot. It was another dragon he had never seen before, dark blue scales with navy blue eyes, and on the back of it was you looking at him with the goofiest grin.

You were suppressing another laugh while Hiccup gaped at you incredulously and with confusion clouding his mind. You looked so calm and composed, you didn't even look one tad afraid for being so high up in the sky with no land to be seen for miles. You looked rather free and joyful and Hiccup wondered how you could be like that when you were on a dragon.

"Why would you do that?!" Hiccup squeaked and you bursted with a cheerful laughter. You couldn't decide what was funnier, Hiccup's face or his squeaky voice and they both fueled your continuous laughter.

But then when Hiccup heard a gurgle emit from bellow him, he jumped back up in a sitting position. He wasn't expecting the dragon to laugh as well, in all honesty he didn't think they were even capable of that. A whimper escaped Hiccup's lips when he saw the dragon looking back at him with those electric green eyes.

"Get me off here, please." Hiccup pleaded. "Even the water is better than this!"

Normally, you would never push Hiccup out of his comfort zone, but he had to ride Toothless sooner or later. And was probably no other way Hiccup would do this again, he had to learn now that riding dragons isn't bad as it sounds.

"No, just relax." You said calmly, dragging the last word. And Hiccup threw a fit how 'He can't relax', that 'this isn't normal' and how 'we belong on the land not in air'. Hiccup had been gripping the saddle for his dear life and he was noticeably shaking.

"Just close your eyes and calm down. It's fun, you're going to like it. And you're not going to fall, trust me." You reassured. "Trust Toothless."

Hiccup didn't want to listen, but at the same time he didn't look at the high altitude he was at. So he did as he was told, his heart rapidly pumping againt his chest. He hated himself for a agreeing to come to the cliff in the first place and he hated himself for being here right now. But after a few minutes, Hiccup did in fact start to feel a lot more calm. The slight breeze caressing his face ever so softly, the fresh air replenishing his lungs, his hair flowing away of his face. It was relaxing in a way.
Hiccup opened his eyes and dared to look around. He was so close to the clouds he could almost reach them. And after stretching his arm a bit, Hiccup did in fact manage to touch them. The gentle feeling as the silky clouds passed through his hand was mesmerising. Hiccup absolutely loved it. And for a moment he forgot about everything else, how he was so high up in the sky, how he was riding on a dragon's back and most importantly, how this is supposedly the life he used to live.

Hiccup made fatal mistake to look down and instantaneously he felt a bit dizzy so he clutched the saddle tightly. But after observing the sea for a moment, he found it rather amazing. Simply watching the waves from a different perspective was astonishing, he was usually used to watching them from the shore, but now it was from a birds-eye view. Now Hiccup got to see how the world looks like from a dragon's eye and even if he didn't want to admit it, it was actually pretty nice. But Hiccup didn't know if it was nice enough for him to do it again.

"Better now?" Your smug voice came from the side and Hiccup just shot you a glare.

"I still hate you for throwing me off a cliff." He hissed, even if his words sounded threatening you still found entertainment in them. At least Hiccup didn't start rambling about wanting to go down which meant that he was starting to enjoy the ride.

"Oh come on, you used to do that for fun." You laughed.

"I would never do that. I'm not that insane."

"Yes, yes you are."

"Lies."

"No."

"Yes."

"Hiccup, you were building a flying suit and tested it out at the exact same cliff we were a few minutes ago." You informed and remembered the countless times Hiccup would jump off the cliff and your heart would clutch every time, especially on the close calls when Toothless had dive in to rescue him. And maybe that's why Hiccup was drawn to this place, even if he don't remember all the dragon suit stunts, he does remember the way to the cliff which means that his memories are still somewhere in there. There is still hope.

"Why would I need a flying suit if I have a flying dragon?" Hiccup asked, genuinely confused.

"Just in case you and Toothless get separated in air." You replied and was met with silence. After that Hiccup finally became comfortable enough to move around, instead of sitting stiff.

When Hiccup turned around, he spotted something peculiar behind him. Instead of the red half-tail the Night Fury had, this time there was a golden one.

"Hey, didn't you say this dragon can't fly without me? It looks pretty decent on his own." Hiccup pointed out. And an excited smile spread on your face because Hiccup started asking questions at last. You explained how the golden tail Toothless allows him to fly without Hiccup's help and that he was the one to make it.

"So yeah, technically Toothless can fly on his own, but he wants to ride with you." You summed up and Hiccup rolled his eyes pretty obviously.

"Well that's pretty stupid.Why would he willingly depend on me?" Hurt was written all over Toothless's face when he heard Hiccup's harsh words, but he couldn't say anything so you spoke on his behalf.

"Because you're his rider Hiccup. You two basically belong together." You replied intensely. Hiccup only watched with a doubtful look. You and your dragon did seem like a perfect fit in a puzzle, but Hiccup can't imagine himself like that. He doesn't fancy dragons that much.

"Whatever." Hiccup scoffed.

You could've gone on and on about how they have the most precious bond anyone had seen, how they're the best duo, but you knew it will fall to deaf ears.

"It wouldn't hurt you to give this a chance you know." You said with a hopeful tone and was greeted by silence.

"I want to go back. I don't want to be on this dragon anymore." Hiccup breathed out, but you shook your head.

"Nope, we'll be going to Berk. You can get off there." You grinned mischievously as Hiccup's head snapped in your direction, so fast you almost thought he would sprain his neck.

"You're joking! No way am I riding this dragon for that long!" Hiccup exclaimed.

"Hiccup, chill. We'll be there in no time." You tried to reassure him, but Hiccup went into full panic mode and didn't even try to listen to you.

"Hiccup, you rode with him for this long, you can do it for a couple more hours."

"Hours?"

"Yes, hours."

"Oh my gods."

"Well Berk is pretty far away."

"I can't believe you right now. You're literally holding me hostage, this is kidnapping."

You burst into laughter before Hiccup could even finish his sentence. He looked spooked out of his mind, but the expressions you got were priceless. Hiccup was blabbering about whatever but you weren't really listening, you were too busy thinking how successful this plan was. You managed to get Hiccup on Toothless, even if it was involuntarily, and in a way, the same thing what the gang did. It still worked marvelously.

The time Hiccup had his eyes closed was when he looked peaceful the most. You could see that in that moment he liked being up in the sky, but fear was still clouding his mind. It was for certain that with a little more flying and practice Hiccup will get used to it, he had to.

-----

Flying after that was a hustle, every time Hiccup and you would pass a cliff or an island he would immediately start begging to get him down there, but that never happened. Each time you told him that Berk will be the first and final destination.

Over the time Hiccup did calm down and at one point you caught him stroking Toothless's head with a ferful. But he retracted his hand right away when he heard a croon. Even if it was a small gesture. it was still a big improvement because Hiccup did that on his own, without anyone telling him to interact with Toothless.

It was morning when Hiccup and you arrived on Berk. The village was buzzing with activity even in the early hours, fishers were already out in the sea, the market was up with countless people roaming around the place buying whatever they need. Hiccup watched casually, there was nothing exciting, everything was the same. That is, until he spotted something. Amongst all of the average vikings were dragons of all kinds, some were helping and some were just flying around and playing like they were a house pet. Hiccup's face changed from uninterested to startled in a second.

"Whoa...So it is true." He breathed out incredulously. You watched as Hiccup's eyes swept the whole village in couple of seconds, his eyes darting to every place he could see. Hiccup looked utterly surprised, at least now he's convinced about the impact hr had made in Berk.

You weren't intending to stay in the village for a second, after everything that happened on the Edge, you doubted that Hiccup's dad would want you here on Berk. So you tried to pass the village as discreet as possible. But the cheers from the villagers shouting Hiccup and Toothless's name wasn't helpful at all. Most of them looked up and waved at him while Hiccup just stared with a befuddled expression, waving awkwardly after a moment of confusion.

"Better get used to that celebrity life." You chuckled, seeing how shocked Hiccup is from getting all that attention. Before the fall he would welcome it appreciatively, but now Hiccup looked like he wanted to anywhere but the spotlight.

A few seconds passed as Hiccup was contemplating and taking in what happened. He then replied with a sheepish tone. "Its...weird."

"Well better get used to it dragon boy."

-----

You guided the dragons away from the village and a headed to the forest instead, near the very peculiar spot where Hiccup first met Toothless. Your planned to see if Hiccup would remember the place and find the Cove on his own.

When both of the dragons landed on the ground and Hiccup got off the saddle with the speed of lighting. He pried away from Toothless like he had been sitting on burning coal this whole time. Toothless took a step towards his rider and Hiccup dashed behind you, using you as a human shield.

"Oh come on Hiccup, he won't eat you. I'm sure you know that by know." You let out a light chuckle and turned around to face Hiccup who's gaze was still on the dragons behind you.

"I know but... They're big and scary." Hiccup cringed. With a shook of your head, you started walking towards Crystal. Hiccup seemed more tense now that the only thing standing between him and the dragons went away. But you had to prove him a point.

"Yes they're big and scary. But they're also loving and trusting." When you hugged Crystal and she nuzzled her head on your side, practically melting in your hand, Hiccup just pursed his lips.

"I don't get how you trust that dragon so much." Hiccup said truthfully. "I mean how are you sure she won't snap one day and eat you while you sleep?"

You laughed at that foolish scenario, that would never happen, not even in your dreams. "Because she's my dragon, she would never do anything to hurt me." You tried to make it sound inspiring but Hiccup didn't seem convinced at all and only stared with a doubtful look.

"Hm, okay. I'll prove it then." You huffed with determination and Hiccup silently watched as you went to the satchel around Crystal and took an apple out of it. Everyone's eyes followed you as you moved towards a random tree and stood in front of it.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Hiccup finally decided to ask when he saw you placing the apple on your head. You might've looked like a dimwit, but it was worth it.

"I trust Crystal enough to let her hit this apple. And I trust that she won't miss." While a wide smile was plastered on your face, Hiccup stared with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.

"You're crazy!" He exclaimed.

"No, I just trust my dragon."

Now that on its own wasn't a lie, you trusted Crystal like no other. But taking the circumstances, you still had a lingering doubt that this might end up tragically fatal if Crystal missed. Of course her precision was outstanding and quite impressive, though mistakes and slip-ups are always possible which is why you prayed that this little stunt won't be your last.

"This is exactly what a crazy person would do." Hiccup corrected with a voice of disbelief, but you waved him off as if it was nothing. The confidence that was beaming from you was partly faked and the other was just pure hope and determination. You turned to Crystal and gave her a thumbs up, signaling her that you were ready.

"Oh my gods, I can't watch this." Hiccup said to himself and covered his eyes, not wanting to see how things will go. The air was thick with uncertainty and apprehension, for the first couple of seconds Hiccup didn't hear a thing but then in a split second there wad a loud swish. Following that he heard the arrow hammer against something with a loud thud.

Hiccup moved his hands away, not knowing what to expect and when the blurriness faded away, he saw the clear sight of your shocked state. The surprise was masked with a proud smile instantaneously. You slowly moved away from the tree and looked at the apple that was now pierced with one of Crystal's tail spikes and stuck onto the wooden surface. You let out a soundless relieved sigh and glanced at Hiccup.

"See? I told you she wouldn't miss." You grinned, but Hiccup didn't seem so convinced.

"Your face said otherwise." He countered and you rolled your eyes.

"Yeah well everyone can make mistakes." You said and then shook your head. "But that's not the point. The point is that you have to first bond with Toothless and then slowly build your trust. Until you feel like you can pull this stunt too."

Hiccup remained silent and only took quick looks at the Night Fury who was quite excited. "I know this is too weird for you, but the bond Crystal and I have is nothing compared to the one you and Toothless had. You were like one. It was magical really."

Hiccup did rose his head to look at you that time. From all the things people have said about the way he has been, it was as if they were describing a hero of some sort. No matter how many times Hiccup tried, he couldn't accept that he was like that, fearless, being loved by many and most important of all, bonding with random dragons? To him it sounded like they were talking about a whole different person.

"Now let's try something." Hiccup's eyebrow arched up with intrigue when you said that, though after practically being thrown off a cliff, he wasn't sure if he wanted to find out what you wanted to try.

"Alright you two, run along now." You shooed the dragons away and they obligated promptly, dashing to a random direction so fast like they were on a race. After seeing that, Hiccup started panicking right away.

"What? Where are they going?" He asked, trying to hide the anxiety from slipping in his voice. The two of you were in the middle of the forest and he doubted that you knew where exactly you were located because to Hiccup it seemed the dragons dropped you two in a random spot. Now Hiccup knew the forest side around his house very well, but this was a completely opposite from that. Without the dragons, the two of you were lost.

"Somewhere. And its up to you to find them." You replied confidently.

"Me? How on earth am I supposed to find them?" Hiccup said and didn't get anything in response, except a soft smile. If it were some other case, Hiccup wouldn't even think twice about abandoning the dragons and leaving them in the wild, where they belong. But now he simply can't go on his own way due to the fact that he'll most likely end up getting lost in the forest.

"Trust your gut. You can do this." You said, but to Hiccup your words didn't provide any reassurance whatsoever. The dragons were already long gone by this point without any trace to follow them. Hiccup's eyes darted left and right to each side until he started walking to the direction where the two dragons ran off, it was the only thing he could go after.

Hiccup heard your footsteps following behind, leaves cracking with each step you took. It was obvious that this whole thing was your idea and that you probably knew where the dragons went. Hiccup could've easily put an end to this and sit like a rock until you finally cave in and bring back the dragons yourself. He could go back to the village, but frankly this wild goose chase was much interesting than anything happening there.

The two of you eventually reached a place where the path splits in two. When Hiccup made the decision to go left, it was purely random without any thought behind it. He turned slightly to face you, expecting you to shake your head in disagreement that this was the wrong way, but your face remained calm.

The walk continued for a little while until you both spotted branches that wore torn and broken, it was odd to Hiccup but he kept on walking. You on the other hand were despondent, your heart dropped when Hiccup didn't stop and now he was going the wrong way. The Cove wasn't that way. You didn't know why you thought this would be a good idea, as if by miracle Hiccup would remember the path, that just proved to be a poor expectation.

You were too lost in your own mind and nearly crashed into Hiccup when he suddenly stopped.

"Actually, let's go back." He spun around and began walking in the direction you two came from. You murmured a monotone 'okay', though inside you were bursting with happiness and it took everything in you not to let it show in your voice. You didn't know why Hiccup had a change of heart, but you were glad because now he was on the right track.

The moment Hiccup turned to you, the goofy smile on your lips disappeared. You wanted to ask why Hiccup changed his mind, you were inching towards this being a gut feeling and you didn't want to hear him reply that he just wanted to see what was up with the broken branches.

When the two of you finally reached the spot, Hiccup took his time and looked around the place until finally deciding to go right which just fueled your eagerness, he was headed to the correct path. Just a few more meters and he'll be in the place where you wanted him to be. You wandered in the forest for a while until reaching a very specific tree.

It was split into two and one side of the tree was bent down to the ground. To see it for the first time would obviously confuse everyone, but since you already knew the story behind it, the tree wasn't anything new.

"Whoa. What happened here?" Hiccup murmured to himself as he followed the trail of excavated ground. You were impatiently waiting for him to reach the Cove where Crystal and Toothless were waiting, and if the gods were on your side then the final part of your master plan will be successful. For now, everything is going exactly as intended.

When Hiccup looked at you, and you just shrugged your shoulders nonchalantly. "Beats me."

He eyed you askance, but didn't say anything, only marched forwards till the Cove started to come in view. Your heart was thrumming with anticipation, you suppressed the urge to start jumping with excitement. When the two of you slid down the steep boulders that led to the pond, you saw Hiccup take in the the stunning view. He looked completely dazed, eyes traveling in every inch of the place.

"This is breathtaking." Hiccup said, the corners of his lips rose up and formed a small smile. Then as if on cue, Toothless and Crystal popped up and started sprinting towards the two of you.

"You found them! I knew you could!" You exclaimed joyfully while Hiccup leaped a few steps back, startled by the dragons' sudden appearance. He didn't look so happy, albeit he didn't complain either.

"I-... This was completely random." Hiccup replied. But deep inside he knew that it wasn't. There was something else that seemed to draw him to this place. Hiccup couldn't explain it but when he passed those broken branches it was as if he experienced deja vu, even though he has never been to this part of the forest before. And that's the only reason he wanted to change course and go back.

"Hm. I don't think its so random." You hummed and went next to the Night Fury who was excitedly wagging his tail. "After all, this is where you first met Toothless."

Hiccup's train of thoughts came to a halt when you said that. His eyes scanned the surroundings once more, differently now that he knows that this is the magical place you've always told him about. After putting two and two together, it did match up. The broken tree was likely like that because Toothless had fallen right through it and had rolled down to this place.

"Now let's try something else." You said, now able to fully express your enthusiasm. This was the thing you've been waiting for since the beginning of the trip. You walked to Hiccup and gently took his hand, electricity running through your whole body just from the simple touch. Hiccup eyed you cautiously, but his lips remained sealed. You started guiding him towards Toothless and felt him reluctantly slow down.

"I was thinking, if we recreate the first time you two bonded then maybe you'll remember Toothless." You explained, fearing that Hiccup will back away, though to everyone's surprise he actually agreed.

"Sure, even though it won't work." Hiccup murmured.

Toothless moved towards the two of you and Hiccup visibly tensed, they maintained a stable eye-contact but you felt Hiccup's hand start to shake slowly as Toothless neared him.

"W-what do I do now?" Hiccup asked unsteadily and you gave him a small smile.

"Just put your hand on his head." You gave him instructions and moved his hand along with yours. Hiccup hesitantly placed his hand on Toothless's head. Straightaway Hiccup grimaced as he stared down at Toothless, he didn't look so comfortable like you expected.

You moved away from the duo and waited for something to happen, anything. You waited a grin to break on Hiccup's face as he suddenly recalls his best friend, though that wish simply started fading away as the seconds ticked by. There was nothing expect awkwardness, Hiccup's eyes danced from you to Toothless ever so often until he moved it back to his side with disappointment.

"I told you nothing would happen." Hiccup scoffed, wiping his hand on his shirt with a tinge of revolt. At this, Toothlesss's ears dipped down and he crooned sadly, scaring Hiccup to the point where he took a step back from the dragon. He wasn't the only sad one here though, you were left standing there feeling like a failure. Your plan didn't work as you expected.

"Right..." You said, voice filled with dismay. You shook your head slightly, wondering how you were so dumb to think that this would actually work out. It will take a pure miracle for Hiccup to remember Toothless, not just your pointless hopes and dreams.

"Let's go to the village, this was pointless." Hiccup said, already making his way towards the entrance and you had no other option than to follow. The whole trip to Berk was for him to try and remember Toothless. And that clearly didn't work out.

-----

When Hiccup and you reached the village, Hiccup wanted to go home but didn't even want to come over and say hi to his parents out of pure fear and that's the reason why you got separated. Hiccup was going to stay over in his old house and you ended up staying in an inn with the two dragons. You passed the time just laying, playing with Crystal, drawing or anything that kept you occupied, eventually when a couple hours passed and the sun was nearing the horizon, you jumped into the bed.

You sighed when you saw Toothless standing in front of the window as if he was expecting something. He had been there from the moment you stepped in this room. From the window there was a clear view of the chief's house and that's what Toothless is probably staring at. Toothless didn't even move and you simply turned around to the other side of the bed, falling asleep at right away.

On the opposite side of the inn, in the Haddock's household, Hiccup sat in his room. The light from the candle flickered ever so slightly while he flipped through the pages of some sketchbooks he found in his room. It was very strange because he had never seen them before, but it was clear that they were his, his name was trademarked on each first page of the books, beside that the art style was an exact replica of his.

Most of the pages were filled with drawings of the Night Fury in its natural habitat, some sketches captured his happy, resting, playful stance other were more detailed. Hiccup couldn't believe that he was this close with the dragon before. The rest of the pages were just landscapes, random still life drawings, portraits... And that's when he found a portrait of you.

Portraits weren't Hiccup's strong suit and he was marveled how the drawing had turned out so well. That paper stayed in Hiccup's hands longer than the others, he was thinking about all the times you've treated him politely and respectfully since the first time he woke up and saw your face. Till that point he wasn't used to anyone acting that way towards him, but you showed him that it was possible even for him to feel loved.

Hiccup knew you liked him with all your heart, but he couldn't stop day-dreaming about Astrid, for once he was able to talk to her and not be rejected or laughed at, for once he had her attention and it was the only thing he ever wanted. He may still have a chance.

Hiccup continued viewing his drawings until he stumbled on a drawing that vastly resembled the place he was earlier that day, the place where he supposedly met Toothless. But Hiccup couldn't deny that he felt some sort of a special aura when he was there, perhaps it was just his imagination. And to prove that, Hiccup decided to go back to the Cove.

He packed the sketchbooks back into a box and put them underneath his bed where he originally found them. Hiccup exited his room and headed down the stairs, he expected to hear Valka's voice but after looking around, he saw that she wasn't there. And Hiccup was glad because that meant he would't have to have an awkward conversation with his 'mother'.

It was near sunset when Hiccup first stepped outside. Almost all of the villagers have now retreated back to their abode, the remaining people that were still in the village were merchants cleaning their shop or people going for a walk. What surprised Hiccup was how friendly people were acting towards him now, they would greet him and smile which was highly unusual since he was used to disappointed looks and scowls.

Nonetheless, Hiccup took his time to go to the Cove. He had memorized the path from there to the village when they were coming back, so it was easy for him to find it. When Hiccup reached it, it was even more mesmerising than before. The sun casted an orange haze over the horizon, lightning up the surroundings. The water from the pond moved in a continuous rhythm which had an soothing effect.

Hiccup stayed there for a while, crouched down and drawing shapes into the dirt. All of the sudden he heard a loud thud from the side. When he spun around he saw something that shook him to his core, it was the Night Fury.

Hiccup's heart started pounding as he shot up from the ground to a standing stance. "Don't come near me." Hiccup warned, but it wasn't threatening in any way because his voice showed nothing except fright. That didn't stop the dragon who was now cautiously nearing him.

But even if Hiccup wanted to run, Toothless had him seized with his gaze and didn't let him move from his spot. The Night Fury's electric green eyes were so captivating that Hiccup didn't dare to look away. They remained like that with just a few feet distance between them, Hiccup breathing restlessly. Yet after seeing that the dragon didn't take anymore steps towards him, Hiccup began to calm down.

He now caught a bit of insight over how the others managed to stay composed around the presence of a dragon and it was not something he was used to. Sure Hiccup flew with Toothless earlier but he didn't felt the least secure or comfortable, this time though, it was opposite.

Hiccup finally gained the courage to squat down and return back to his aimless drawing, this time with the keen observation from the dragon. From the corner of his eye Hiccup saw Toothless approach him slowly every few seconds until he was practically looking over Hiccup's shoulder. Now drawing under this condition was moderately complicated and Hiccup couldn't focus on anything but the dragon behind.

He decided to drop the stick and hesitantly look back at the Night Fury. It was unnerving to watch him from this close, though after a while Hiccup got used to it. Toothless had the sweet look a cat would give when it wants pampering, and that look that you can't say no to so Hiccup unwillingly brought himself to rise his hand in front of the dragon.

Hiccup's head dropped to the side, he wanted to pat him, but at the same time he didn't. And while Hiccup was contemplating on what to do, Toothless ever so tenderly brought his snout to Hiccup's hand. For the first second the auburn boy was surprised, he didn't expect the dragon to do this.

During the time Hiccup was thinking about the scaly texture on his hand, he suddenly started feeling out of place. He wasn't dizzy and things around him weren't spinning, he was lost in a way and wasn't able to piece together what was happening.

And that's when visions started flashing in front of Hiccup's eyes, his gaze was on Toothless though he saw nothing but flashbacks. Hiccup was beginning to remember things that had happened to him. He remembered the first time he saw the broken tree and the tied Night Fury, how his initial intentions were to kill the dragon and make his father proud, he remembered the exact helpless look Toothless gave him that completely turned Hiccup's decision around. The memories came into groups, packing like a pile of papers.

Hiccup remembered the first flight testing, how he let his instincts take over and they both managed to get out alive. From that point on Hiccup their bond only grew stronger, he realized that he could put all of his trust into the dragon and he will never let him down and that's the exact time when he learned that Toothless is his best friend. The most vivid of all the memories was the battle with the Red Death, how everyone was depending on Hiccup and Toothless to destroy the queen of dragons and save the day. From then Hiccup lost his foot, but at least he got to wake up to Toothless's face everyday.

Now standing in front of him wasn't an enemy, it wasn't the dragon he was so fearful of just a few minutes ago. Hiccup no longer felt scared, not after recalling what Toothless meant to him.

"Bud..." Hiccup said softly, countless emotions running through him at the same time to the point where Hiccup couldn't suppress the tears welling up in his eyes. He had treated Toothless like he was the most devilish beast in existence when in reality Toothless was the first friend Hiccup ever made.

It was clear as a day now, all these little snippets perfectly match the story you told Hiccup. The only difference between hearing what happened and actually envisioning it is the emotion that comes along with the memories. Even if Hiccup didn't feel complete, like he knows everything now, its was still far better than not knowing anything at all.

Instantly Hiccup was bombarded with licks from the overjoyed dragon and for the first time, he actually missed it. Hiccup couldn't stop laughing, he felt like a new person and it was amazing. Hiccup and Toothless wrestled playfully which wasn't something out of the ordinary since they obviously had countless of playful bonds before, but this one felt the most pleasant and new.

In the end Hiccup rested his forehead against Toothless's and let out a happy sigh, it was good to be back with his dragon. It was good to not be afraid anymore.

Yet even when the memories finally started settling in and were engraved in Hiccup's mind once more, Hiccup still felt like there were still parts missing, the memories about you. No matter how many times he racked his brain, he couldn't remember a single thing.

Hiccup decided to think about the positive right now and he got up. "I'm sure (Y/N) would be happy to hear this bud." Hiccup said and excitedly jogged to the entrance. Toothless followed after him with the same spirit and enthusiasm, he was very lucky to finally have his rider look at him with the friendly gaze Toothless was used to. No more disgust nor fear, only care.

A loud banging on the door caused you to jolt up in a sitting position even while you were still half asleep. You didn't know what time it was, but you could tell that it was dark outside. The fire from the fireplace spread to the whole room and after getting up you saw that the only dragon present in the room was Crystal, Toothless was nowhere to be seen. Though you didn't have to worry a second more because when you opened the door, the black Night Fury burst into the room and nearly toppled you over. At the same time Hiccup appeared in the doorway with a wide grin and after looking at him and at Toothless who was ecstatic beyond the limit, you knew that only one thing happened.

"You remembered Toothless."

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