|
Post by Toothless on May 15, 2013 15:04:39 GMT -5
It was selfish he knew, acting the way he did. After all, he wasn't the only once to be effected by it, and it was incredibly rude of him to think and act like it was. The Night Fury sighed, burying his nose underneath one of his paws, eyes clenched shut, his chest expanding heavily and then releasing a gush of air through his nose in a sigh.
Hiccup was going to be here soon, or at least, that used to be their usual meeting time. Toothless dropped his paw and slowly pushed himself to his feet, wings dragging a bit and his ears flattened back, every part of him exhausted and reluctant. The dragon was tired, his mind running circles all night and keeping him from sleeping well, and he was hungry, having not been in the mood to get up and try his luck at trying to catch anything. He was too miserable, too busy mourning the loss of a friend even if that friend was technically still here with him and was bound to come through those woods at any moment.
His best friend, the same friend that he loved, the same friend that meant so much to him and yet... why did Toothless keep wishing that he wouldn't show up?
A now Toothless felt guilty. It wasn't Hiccup's fault that this had happened, and it was also Hiccup who was probably having a hard time adjusting to a sudden change. Probably a harder time than he was come to think of it, since he was not the one who had jumped four years and a whole lifetime of memories in a matter of hours. Toothless really did try to be compassionate, really did try and be understanding, both traits that Hiccup had shown him and Toothless had fallen in love with about the boy. Traits that he could still see in the young man, traits that were part of Hiccup's very core.
But he just grew frustrated. Frustrated that he couldn't because he felt so betrayed, frustrated with himself for being so selfish, and frustrated with this whole situation in general.
Suddenly there was a sharp tingling in the Night Fury, shooting straight down his legs and through his wings like lightening, making him restless. The dragon started to pace in the clearing, head lowered and his lips curled back into a growl, like some kind of caged animal that had been caged for far too long and was now in distress. A constant back and forth while sweeping his head across the ground, tail sliding along the dirt and his paws flattening the grass.
Toothless did feel caged though, and he did feel distressed. He looked at this older Hiccup and he wanted to play with him and rub against him like he used to, but every time those iron bars would close down on him and pull him up short, closing in and suffocating the ember of happiness before it had a chance to catch.
Toothless was caged inside of himself.[/size]
|
|
|
Post by Hiccup Haddock on May 15, 2013 15:53:56 GMT -5
A whole day had passed since the meeting with Heather, where Hiccup had discovered the sudden change, had felt it and see it. Yet none of that mattered, the one thing that stuck with him.. haunted him even was the fact that Toothless.. didn't trust him. At least not entirely, they were once again back at square one, everything was harder and Hiccup was at a loss on what to do, how to mend it. He was different in a sense, yet at the same time he was still himself. For the duration of that morning, Hiccup had decided to fetch his friend some breakfast like he had done every morning thus far. Slung over his now broad shoulders, Hiccup carried a satchel of fish.. a 100 or so, sure it had been no easy feat to get so many.. for it had involved trips to each various stall plus a bit of fishing. At any rate, Hiccup was determined to try and make this work.
Clambering up the large hill that lead towards the lake, away from the busy town center, Hiccup pressed on.. he didn't know how things would go, or how they would turn out.. this was after all going to be their first day together all over again. Thor.. were those fish heavy, yet they were also a lot lighter.. from when he used to haul them about as a younger he.. he had once resorted to dragging the back, yet now he carried it. Things were changing, he was changing and it felt too sudden as if four years of his life had been wasted in a matter of hours. He would never know what happened to him, or how he could 'go back' in time.. He didn't like it, he wanted things to go back to how they were, the laugh he and Toothless would have.. the flying!
The thought of it, made Hiccup ache. The flying! now that was going to be an issue... Hiccup did miss flying and he missed flying with Toothless. Who knew when he would fly again? there was just too much to be dealing with.. Toothless barely trusted him for starters.. and flying was all about the trust.. what if he flew again and he made a mistake? or did something slightly different then what he used to do? He knew he'd weigh more as well. Sighing he shook his head, one step at a time that was all he could do. Finally Hiccup reached the verge that opened down to the lake. Sliding down the verges edge (and rather skillfully at that for a change) Hiccup caught himself and glanced around.
No more the a few feet away he saw Toothless, his friend appeared restless.. "Hey Bud.." He called out of habit as he approached his friend and removed the satchel. "I brought you some fish.. there not all the same.. but I'm sure they'd taste just as nice?" he commented his tone normal.. he didn't know how he had managed to speak to Toothless before, or how he had understood his friend, but it was something that the two of them were both learning. Something new and exciting. Opening the satchel, Hiccup dumped the contents onto the grass, before placing the satchel to the side. Sighing as he spotted his friends reaction, Hiccup raised his hands calmly and stepped slowly backwards until he was some distance away, to allow Toothless that room.
Suddenly he sat down, cross legged and expectant he watched his friend eagerly, lifting his hand as a gesture of a casual 'Hi' and 'yep.. don't mind me just sitting here.. ' Hiccup had no idea how long it would take to re-build that trust on Toothless's end, but one thing was for sure. Hiccup still trusted Toothless without doubt, and without question. [/blockquote]
|
|
|
Post by Toothless on May 15, 2013 16:20:01 GMT -5
So absorbed in his thoughts, the Night Fury hadn't realized Hiccup had already arrived until the other called out to him. He jumped, freezing, muscles tight in alarm, automatically turning to face this thread and swinging his head over to Hiccup with a slight growl that died on his lips. Green eyes regarded him carefully as his body began to unwind, now more timid and curious than he was angry, wings drooping a little by his sides again. He looked down at the satchel that Hiccup carried, watched him tip it over and the fish come pouring out on to the grass in front of him. Lowering his head a little as one of those scaly hides slipped down and came to a gentle stop by one of his feet.
Everything was so messed up...
Toothless should be thanking him with warbles, and diving into the fish, but he didn't have the heart to eat any of it. Not that he didn't appreciate the gesture, and not that he didn't appreciate how long it must have taken his friend to get all of this. Toothless pushed the fish gently against his paw, turning it over in the grass, feeling his stomach clench terrible at the teasing smell of that clear and slightly salty sent of all that fish in front of him. He dropped his paw back down to the ground and sighed to himself for the umpteenth time that morning.
This was supposed to be when they played a little bit right? And then when they took off for a morning flight? Could they even fly? Hiccup was so much bigger now, he probably wouldn't fit in the saddle, or at least, that new prosthetic wouldn't. And would Hiccup still be able to read him now that he was so much older now? Did Hiccup even remember? Sure it had aged years in hours and so it wouldn't seem like it, but four years was a long time wasn't it?
Toothless was starting to get confused, and when he got confused he went back to frustrated. Without warning he struck at the fish in front of him with his paw, sending it flying through the air, and it landed with a splat in the grass, tumbling and then sliding to a stop right in front of Hiccup's feet. Toothless watched it go, glaring at it which quickly went up to Hiccup as soon as it stopped. Just in time to see the boy wave at him. It sent such a rush of familiarity through him, bringing him back to the cove in a violent burst of colors behind his eyelids, and automatically his expression became unimpressed as he flattened his ears and turned away in a huff.
But, it touched him a little, made him feel a little better, at least for a moment or two. Enough to crouch down and sniff at the fish again, trying to bring himself to at least eat one. How strange it was that he was so hungry and tired and yet his racing heart and mind would not allow him to find peace in either.[/size]
|
|
|
Post by Hiccup Haddock on May 15, 2013 16:42:40 GMT -5
Apparently however it wasn't enough.. or the right thing to do. Hiccup watched from where he sat as Toothless played with his food.. well that was odd, Toothless rarely ever played with his food, usually it was gone within a matter of moments. Something was off, and something was wrong, but Hiccup didn't know where to start.. what could he say or do? Sighing, Hiccup rested his chin within his hands and gazed towards his friend, his heart ached. If only he had stayed younger.. or Toothless had aged too.. then none of this would be happening and they'd be off on their morning flight by now, maybe even playing.
Sighing again, Hiccup wondered what he could do.. until suddenly a fish came flying in his direction.. thankfully falling short a few feet, and to slid to a stop by his feet. Reaching for the fish, Hiccup picked it up. His friend still wasn't eating, in fact he barely appeared at all interested in his meal. Sucking in a breath, Hiccup got to his feet and made his way over towards Toothless. Despite Hiccup's age and height.. Toothless was still a rather big dragon.. Hiccup recalled.. or rather saw within his mind what Toothless would be like.. he would be even more powerful, bigger skilled.. he even had various other talents.
Setting the fish back down, Hiccup spoke, this time his words came out in hisses, and warbles "I know.. you don't trust me now much.. but it really is me you know.. These memories I have.. their just memories, they way I look too? Yeah I may be bigger.. but I'm still the same, I still fall over occasionally, stumble over my words.. and I'm terrible with the girls..but one thing that has never changed bud.. is my trust and faith in you." Hiccup stated, as he extended his hand slowly towards his friends head, as if to pet him.
Of course his hand paused half way, whatever was to come now would be up to Toothless, only when Toothless was ready would they continue on this new journey together. Taking his hand back, reluctantly for he did no wish to rush his friend, Hiccup picked up a fish again. "You need to eat something.. it's not unlike you not to eat." [/i] He commented as he held the fish in his hand and once again held it out towards Toothless. Deja Vu was quick to settle in, constantly Hiccup was brought back to their time within the cove, where they would learn things from one another. Even play some games. It was also there that Hiccup had named Toothless, a name that suited his friend perfectly. Waiting patiently, Hiccup watched Toothless's reaction if he took it.. then at least Hiccup knew that he was on the right track..Smiling slowly Hiccup remembered something. "Tell you what.. if you eat some fish I'll tell you a joke, I know you like them. I got a whole load of them just waiting."[/i] He stated with a smile, yes.. Toothless had loved jokes, there had been times where Hiccup would tell Toothless stories before bed, sometime even a few jokes that his friend would laugh at.. even if they weren't particularly funny.[/blockquote][/size]
|
|
|
Post by Toothless on May 15, 2013 17:16:23 GMT -5
Toothless pushed himself back to his feet when he noticed Hiccup coming towards him with the fish in his hands, green eyes automatically shooting towards his prosthetic. His body betrayed him, looking out for any wobbles or violent jerks in motion that told the dragon that Hiccup was about to fall, protective of his friend even now when he felt like he didn't know who he was anymore. Seeing no sign of danger, those eyes traveled up to Hiccup's face slowly. He was taller now, Toothless wasn't towering over him as much. Actually, he had grown out quite nicely, and Toothless would have been proud if it hadn't happened within the course of an afternoon!
Those eyes narrowed as soon as Hiccup started to make sounds that were not normal. Making a speech about being the same when he was talking in dragon! An ability that Hiccup had never had before! Oh it was absolutely stunning how similar that was! Toothless growled and recoiled from the other as he lifted his hand, snorting out his nose in distaste. “Hiccup not the same!”[/b] Toothless immediately snarled. He could see it in the way the boy carried himself, could feel it even as the boy talked to him. It wasn't just what he looked like, it was the carrying of the weapons and speaking in dragon... it was his confidence. Quiet, reserved, but still there. Again, Toothless would have been proud, had he been there with Hiccup to watch him develop that.
Yet, all that fury and fire seemed to leave Toothless almost as quickly as it came, and the dragon took another step back from him to put some distance between them before dropping his gaze. “Hiccup is very different while Toothless stayed the same...”[/b] Perhaps that was what troubled Toothless about this the most, what felt most like a betrayal.
Hiccup had grown up… but without him.
Still Hiccup didn't give up, replacing his hand with a fish. The dragon lifted his gaze again, stomach complaining, reminded once again of the cove. He lifted a paw to take a step closer, eyes now going to Hiccup's face. The promise of a joke was almost suspicious, but the happy memories that he had of them was a bubbling warmth that Toothless desperately latched on to as soon as it came up.
A joke would be nice. It would remind him of the old times, It would help lighten the slightly tense air around them, and most of all Toothless could really use the laugh.
He still wasn't really in the mood for fish but he took another step closer anyway, watching Hiccup's smile. He opened his mouth for the fish in Hiccup's hand, teeth sliding out like tiny knives, accepting only because he wanted to hear what joke Hiccup had in mind. And Toothless accepted that fish in a lot less violent manner than he had done when Hiccup and Toothless had first met, grasping it gently between his lips and pulling it out of his friends hands before tossing his head back to swallow it whole. The whole time those green eyes never left the other.
Licking his lips, Toothless warbled expectantly, almost relaxing enough to sit on his haunches. However, those muscles twitched and he ended up standing back up again, timid. [/font][/size]
|
|
|
Post by Hiccup Haddock on May 15, 2013 17:40:09 GMT -5
As expected, Toothless had pulled away from his outstretched hand first time around, and once again rejection hit harder more than ever. Hiccup was used to rejection sure.. he was Hiccup after all, but this rejection hurt the most, small dagger seared his chest, constricting his breathing. What was more was the fact that Toothless said that he wasn't the same. Looking down, Hiccup didn't know what to say.. it wasn't as if he wanted this, it wasn't his fault he had 'grown up' with a sigh Hiccup picked up the fish, he could tell Toothless was some what put out by the sudden change in voice, after all Hiccup had only discovered himself that he could actually understand dragons!
So, with ease Hiccup slipped back into talking 'normally' "Hiccup is the same.." He commented looking towards his friend for a long moment.. the distrust and hurt he saw pained him. "I only just found out i could speak to you.. and understand you, although.. apparently I learned to speak it, from watching some other dragons talk. It's been there all along Toothless I just never knew it." He stated, as if trying to clear his name. He wasn't different he wasn't! He didn't want this he wanted Toothless beside him even if it meant he was older, he didn't care he had wanted to grow up with his friend.
Yet four years of that time had been taken from him.. well taken from him in a sense, he remembered it all, he even had several wounds, but what was weird was the fact four years had occurred in the space of two hours, how had that even been possible? At any rate, Hiccup offered the fish to Toothless with promises of jokes, as Toothless took the fish, Hiccup's eyes widened.. well it was a start wasn't it? As Toothless sat down, Hiccup slowly sank down to his bottom, sitting before the dragon his legs crossed as he looked up towards his friend.
"Well okay.. What kind of Viking ship doesn’t sink?" he questioned, a promise was a promise after all, and even if his jokes weren't at all that funny, he remembered the time when Toothless had found them hilarious. As Hiccup waited a moment, building the suspense as his friend merely blinked. Hiccup finished "A friend-ship" At that, Hiccup watched as his friend chortled somewhat, but Hiccup didn't stop there, oh no! he had so many more!
"What do you get when a sniffer dragon sneezes?" he questioned before he added a moment or so later "Get outta the way!" at that, Hiccup watched as his friend very nearly rolled around in a fit of laughter.. such a sight and sound brought a smile to his face, this was what he missed and wanted. He wanted that familiarity back. Chuckling slightly at the sight of Toothless in hysterics Hiccup covered his mouth to hide his laughter, his face turning a somewhat pink color.
Why.. why did he have to be older? He felt cheated.. cheated out of years, in which he and Toothless would grow close, and become an unstoppable pair, and a formidable one at that. So much so that it would leave Alvin trembling in his boots and crying to Thor about wanting his warthog of a mother. With a sigh, Hiccups laughter died down, getting to his feet Hiccup made his way towards the lake, where he gazed into the water and at his own reflection.. he didn't even know who he was himself anymore.
|
|
|
Post by Toothless on May 15, 2013 18:18:27 GMT -5
Toothless waited, leaning foreword a fraction, eager to hear the rest. Finally Hiccup revealed the answer, and the dragon furrowed his brows a bit before making a small rumbling sound deep inside his throat. That was kind of funny he supposed... Relaxing further, Toothless' ears began to raise and he lowered his front half to the ground too, now level with Hiccup, tail wagging along the ground behind him in a curious way as Hiccup told him another, suspense, excitement, and anticipation building further.
Of course, this joke wasn't very clever or funny either, yet still, Toothless shook his head and laughed that raspy sounding laugh of his, tail thumping against the ground once. And perhaps it was even funnier because Toothless was kind of desperate for this, and the dragon ended up lying on his side as he laughed, body growing weak in the happiness that surged through him and pitching to the left where he collapsed.
Toothless continued to reel in his laughter for a long while, until he lay his head on the ground and took a couple deep breaths to try and calm his body down. That's when he noticed Hiccup had moved, was now leaning over the water, his expression troubled. Slowly the dragon rolled over to his feet, brows furrowing in hesitant concern. Toothless did know that Hiccup was suffering in his own way too, had known from the moment he had first seen that boy panic the day before. Guilt hit Toothless hard now, harder than Thor's mighty hammer, ears folding, watching Hiccup with eyes that were becoming darker and darker.
Toothless was suffering and Hiccup was here trying to help, giving him fish and telling him jokes, bringing back warm memories that were healing to the dragons soul. And now here was Hiccup, also very clearly suffering, and Toothless was doing nothing to return the favor or to try and heal him. And he was supposed to be his friend, even prided himself in being the best friend Hiccup had, and boasted about his relationship with Heather. Yet, what kind of friend did nothing?
Suddenly angry with himself, the Night Fury got to his feet with a quick growl. However, if Hiccup turned to look, he would only see Toothless gingerly coming across the grass towards him. “Hey...”[/b] Toothless stopped with plenty of distance between them, expression worried and yet also reserved. “.. what does Hiccup call a deaf Driller dragon?”[/b] Toothless wasn't very sure of himself, casting his gaze more at Hiccup's feet than he did Hiccup's face while he waited.
Of course, there was no sense in waiting to build up any suspense, because Hiccup knew the joke. In fact, it was the first joke that Hiccup had ever told him. Not intentionally of course, Hiccup had just been thinking out loud and Toothless had just happened to listen in at the right moment and started to laugh. Thus started that cute little ritual of theirs. “Anything Hiccup wants- they can't hear Hiccup.”[/b]
Finally those eyes went up, anxious to see if he had made Hiccup feel better, and for the first time opening up and looking a little more friendlier. Not enough to make everything go back to the way it was, but it was still a step in the right direction.[/font][/size]
|
|
|
Post by Hiccup Haddock on May 16, 2013 12:35:31 GMT -5
So, Hiccup relayed his jokes one after the other. Thankfully, Toothless did in fact find them funny he had even started to relax.. at least slightly. His friend now level with him as he told the joke seemed to suddenly capture his friends attention..at least, it was indeed another step in the right direction. Each step was small, careful and well defined. Even if it took them many steps, and a few steps backwards nothing was about to dampen Hiccups determination and need to prove to his friend once again that he really hadn't change all that much. He was still the same through and through. Smiling slightly at his friends obvious amusement, Hiccup slowly got to his feet, and only then made his way towards the lake.
It's size was vast, it's surface reflected the sun's bright light and the air felt humid. Insects danced upon the lakes surface, the scene it's self was a peaceful one, the sound of the birds chipping where the only sounds heard for miles. Bending down swiftly Hiccup scooped up a handful of stones. Had he changed? had he really changed? He didn't think so.. sure he felt.. bigger, mature perhaps? and even slightly wiser to say the least and there was an air of confidence about him that he wasn't accustomed to. Yet besides that what had really changed? So far.. Hiccup didn't know, with a sudden angry throw Hiccup hurled the rock into the lake as it landed with a soft PLOP. Why!? Why did this HAVE to happen what had he done to deserve this!? If this had to be the way, then what about Toothless?? why had it not happened to his friend?
Once they had been so close.. almost inseparable. Now? Now Hiccup barely knew himself.. the dragon whose company he kept felt like a stranger.. months of trust had disappeared within a blink of an eye and that strong.. unbreakable bond felt like it was teetering upon the edge of breaking point. Angry still, Hiccup hurled stone after stone into the lake, each swing as strong as the last.. farther and father the stones went. Until there was no more. His eyes stung, and his throat felt tight. Sniffing deeply, Hiccup rubbed his nose upon his sleeve, his eyes brimming with tears that threatened to fall. With another sniff, Hiccup's bottom lip ever so slightly pouted.. as he held back the wave of emotion that he felt building. His head was a mess, he was a mess he didn't know what to think about anything, he saw everything different.. and these mixtures of emotions? What were they all about? None of it made sense.
At that point, Hiccup became aware of shuffling paws behind him.. and the seemingly tentative approach of Toothless. Suddenly his friend was beside him, and Hiccup quickly ran his sleeve over his eyes and nose, blinking as if to hide the sudden wave of emotion. Toothless couldn't see him cry.. he never cried, he was a viking! He was strong and brave! and.. and - He was nothing without Toothless. Having hidden his face from his friends view, Hiccup glanced back to Toothless, hopeful that all tell tale signs of his internal battle had vanished. With that, Toothless spoke, in fact he told a joke. At that, Hiccup laughed, it was a dry and hollow laugh, strained tight by emotion. Sniffing again he smiled a half smile, he knew that joke, it had in fact been one of the first one's he had told Toothless.
At which, Hiccup was grateful.. his friend was trying too.. silence fell between the two of them, where Hiccup looked down, and shuffled his feet awkwardly; before casting his gaze back out over the lake. With slow motions, Hiccup sat back down with a small thump. His knees were brought up before him, that he hugged to his chest, his chin resting atop his knees. After yet a further moment in silence, Hiccup muttered quietly to his friend, his tone normal. "I'm Sorry bud.." [/size]
|
|
|
Post by Toothless on May 16, 2013 13:10:07 GMT -5
Toothless felt Hiccup's pain as if it was his own. The dragon may not know who this Hiccup was, their trust timid and perhaps that special bond was severed, but Toothless' loyalty and friendship with Hiccup would never fade. It was burning brightly even now, hot in throat and painful. Toothless longed to press his nose closer, and to settle down beside him comfortingly, wanting to be there for his friend despite it all, but it was that severed bond that kept him still. It was that shaky foundation of trust that made the Night Fury flatten his ears to his head miserably.
He had wanted to make his friend laugh, bring back that warm smile that brought out such a wonderful happiness inside of himself. Yet, it seemed Toothless had failed him, he could hear in the tone of the others laugh. Could see it in the strained and suffering expression on his friends face. And it chipped away at him slowly, breaking his heart into pieces bit by bit. And the silence that the two later shared was not the companionable silence that they used to share together, but a quiet and sullen kind of silence with the both of them lost in their thoughts.
Suddenly Hiccup spoke. Toothless made a short grumble in surprise, eyes widening and his ears raising as he turned his head over to look at Hiccup. Sorry? A gentle whine suddenly escaped his throat, and he took a step closer to him, gesturing with his head. No! Hiccup didn't have to say sorry! He hadn't done anything wrong! Whatever had caused him to mature so quickly had been out of his control! Toothless knew that. Toothless may not know who Hiccup was anymore, Toothless may feel betrayed and hurt from being left behind, but he did know that this was not Hiccup's fault!
Toothless shook his head, his expression almost desperate now, going back to searching the ground with his claws. That was not good! Hiccup shouldn't think like that, Hiccup didn't have to think like that. The dragon wasn't sure what to do, battering against the iron bars inside of him that were gluing his feet to the ground. He couldn't just not do anything though, he missed his friend. He missed his friend so desperately that it took his breathe away. And the thought of loosing his Hiccup, the bright and optimistic ray of sunshine in his life, to such dark thoughts was so painful that he didn't know if he would be able to survive it.
It was almost a panicked move, his muscles unbearably taught and making his tail move awkwardly, his tail jerked clumsily against the ground. It smacked into the small of Hiccup's back suddenly, probably a bit harder than he meant too since Toothless' mind was racing a bit too fast for him to focus on how much strength he put into it. He swung his tail in the momentum, trying to pitch Hiccup foreword and into the water. And then he stood there a moment on the bank, staring wide eyed at his own tail, not exactly sure why he had done that, or even when for that matter.
Yet the end result still remained the same, and Toothless immediately turned green eyes towards the water when he heard it starting to move and splash, expression becoming shy.
"Whoops..."[/size]
|
|
|
Post by Hiccup Haddock on May 16, 2013 13:35:46 GMT -5
The silence stretched on and it was perhaps the most awkward moment of Hiccup's entire life (including the sudden four years of it). Never had it been this awkward.. sure there had been the time where Hiccup had edged closer to Toothless, whom at the time had been extreamly unimpressed. With a sigh, his apology rung loud. Maybe it was his fault.. maybe it wasn't but why had this happened to him? he must of done something to annoy the gods if this was the end result. As it was, Hiccup felt the need to apologize.. as if this entire mess was his fault, after all most mistake were his fault. Hiccup the Useless.. yep sounded about right. Before he could say any more on the subject there was a sudden whoosh, just as he turned his head around in time, there was a sudden force that connected with his back.. a force that was a lot harder then he expected, so much so that it swung Hiccup forward.. head first and directly into the lake.
Water splashed around him, and rained down upon him. Hiccup had gone under, it had been such a shock to the system that he hadn't even had time to take a breath. So, breaking the lakes surface, Hiccup gasped down air coughing and choking as he did so. With his hair wet, sticking to his forehead, and his small new found plait to the side of his head soaked, Hiccup tread water, sweeping back his fringe Hiccup looked to Toothless. Shooting his friend a look, like old times.. Hiccup noted the sudden shyness and in that moment he laughed. He full on laughed, filled with humor, Hiccup chuckled the one set of hysteria closing in. Swimming to the lakes edge he hauled him self out. Clothes stuck to his frame and weighed him down, causing the mount onto land to look commercial.
Rolling onto his back, laughing wildly Hiccup clutched his stomach. The fact that it was an accident made it all that more funny, Toothless still didn't know his own strength. Even with the new fond memories Toothless remained the same.. accidentally on purpose so it went. Laughing, Hiccup sat up and grinned broadly towards his friend. With wet and dripping hands, Hiccup scooped up some water from the lake and within a split second, Hiccup splashed the directed handful of water at Toothless. Soaking his friends face.. of course this was funnier still if his friend's confused reaction and cross eyed look was anything to go by.
Once again over come with a wave of laughter, Hiccup clutched his stomach it hurt so bad he didn't want to laugh any more! Grinning slowly the laughter died down, to which he gracefully covered up with a cough, his hand balled up around his mouth. There was a twinkle in his eyes and dimples present around his smile. The young Hiccup was still there.
|
|
|
Post by Toothless on May 16, 2013 14:09:24 GMT -5
Toothless first reaction was to lower to the ground and look guilty as soon as Hiccup shot him the look. It was the you're so busted kind of look that Astrid would give Hiccup at times. So, it was kind of a surprise when Hiccup started to laugh instead of sigh in defeat. At first Toothless stared, ear flickering and licking his lips, before that happiness became a soothing balm against the burns and wounds inside of him. Hiccup's laughter was filled with such youth and such light, and it took away his own darkness; lit up his night sky as the north star and guided him home over the sea of uncertainty.
Hiccup's laughter was contagious. Snorting, the dragon started to chuckle too, a soft rasping sound. The tension and awkwardness in the air began to fade as both human and dragon shared in their hysterics now. Toothless now crossed some more of the distance to where Hiccup was, trotting across the soaked grass of the bank, ears in their normal position and his pupils widened in happiness. Close enough so that he could lean foreword and look down at Hiccup as he lay on his back, checking to make sure he hadn't accidentally hurt anything but the other's dignity. It was out of instinct, but this time Toothless didn't fight it.
Of course, this also put him in the best position for a counter fire. Toothless pulled back as Hiccup sat up, warbling at him, not noticing what Hiccup was doing with his hands in the water until it was too late. Right in the middle of taking a breath too! Toothless yapped a complaint for the splash, shaking his head and snorting out his nose, water pouring down his scales and making them gleam every brighter in the sunlight. He huffed out his nose at Hiccup when he had finally cleared his vision before giving in and laughing too.
Their laughter died down together, at the same rate. Toothless' looked at his friend now with a gaze that was affectionate, the air between them no longer tense but comfortable, wrapping around them like a warm blanket on a cold night. This was much better. This was how things were supposed to be between them. Seeing Hiccup's smile, so full of life, brought a smile to his own face; the corners of his mouth tilted up and revealing his pink gums. The relief and pleasure in that moment was immensely powerful.
His left paw lifted, contemplating coming closer and suspending in the air. One step and he would be within touching distance of the other. Such a simple thing it was, just one step. Toothless couldn't bring himself to do it, in the end, paw dropping back down to the ground. However, it was alright, the air between both Hiccup and Toothless felt fresh and new now, and Toothless felt as though a heavy weight inside of him had turned back into a feather. Everything was alright here in this moment with the quiet sounds of chirping birds and gently lapping water, and the sun that reflected off the cool surface of the lake. [/size]
|
|
|
Post by Hiccup Haddock on May 16, 2013 14:29:06 GMT -5
Laughing all the while, as water ran down his friend face, Hiccup covered his mouth and even snorted a fraction as he teetered, oh this was just too good! if only Toothless could see how funny he had looked at that moment. Grinning, the laughter eventually begun to die down, soaked through Hiccup adjusted himself as he sat up, facing his friend. For a moment he froze.. Toothless edged closer, his paw raised and... then it was placed back down. With a sigh, but a smile all the same Hiccup understood what that meant, Toothless wasn't ready to take that step yet, but that was okay, for Hiccup would give up all his time in the world if it meant being there with Toothless, and being with him every step he made.
The change in roles was odd, for once Hiccup was looked at through different eyes.. whereas Hiccup now felt the need to protect Toothless. It was strange and it felt.. different, whether he liked it or not however at the moment he couldn't say. In some sense.. Hiccup enjoyed the fact that Toothless looked out for him, protected him. He hoped that would never change.. Grinning, Hiccup lay on his back, spread legged and armed as he soaked up the sun. The warmth of it's rays slowly begun to seep through his now thick clothing, warming up his bones that had developed a slight chill. For a while he laid like that, staring up at the blue sky.. beside him he was aware of Toothless, whom remained close but not too close.
After what seemed like hours, Hiccup stirred.. having drifted off under the warmth of the sun and the comfort of friend beside him. Sitting up, suddenly he glanced around panicking about the whereabouts of his friend, yet thankfully his friend lay only yards away. Just then, as Toothless moved Hiccup caught sight of the saddle..he didn't know when he'd fly again.. but he would imagine that it was anything but comfortable to wear day in and day out. Hesitantly, Hiccup shuffled to his feet as he took a step forward, his prosthetic leg buckled beneath. His balance was altered and even as he tried to right himself, Hiccup begun to fall forwards, arms outstretched prepared to catch himself when... [/size]
|
|
|
Post by Toothless on May 16, 2013 15:03:26 GMT -5
Hiccup collapsed under the warmth of the sun and Toothless left him where he was, smiling fading but that warm feeling in chest sill burning so bright. The silence between them now was a comfortable silence as Toothless turned away and headed back towards the pile of fish. Their flesh was a bit warm, and the smell of them had attracted a few flies. Toothless watched one of them buzz around with eyes that widened, suddenly lunging and snapping his jaws at it. It tried to escape, but Toothless was much too fast, whirling around and snapping his jaws again and successfully trapping it in his mouth. Not that he liked eating insects, but sometimes the urge to play was just too much.
He opened his mouth and let the poor little bug go, the gentle wind carrying the scent of the pile of fish and stabbing his stomach violently with hunger. He crouched down and began to eat, ears flickering and muscles along his back occasionally twitching against the flies that were disturbed and tried to land on his scales, making him itch. Toothless hadn't eaten since the night before, and the fish that he had taken from Hiccup had left him feeling empty and famished, so he devoured his meal quickly. Almost quick enough to give himself the hiccups! That was of course, if dragons had been able to have hiccups.
Feeling full, content, and more importantly, safe with his best friend here with him, the exhaustion of his restless sleep began to take it's toll on him after eating such a big meal. He started to move towards the lake, wanting to find a nice warm rock to bask out in the sun and rest like Hiccup was doing in the grass. As he did the saddle had begun to rub against his scales now, and it was an even worse itch than the flies had been on his shoulders. Toothless grumbled, trying to lift his back foot and scratch. When that proved futile, Toothless growled and tried turning his head to nip at one of the straps on his side, which proved just about as useful.
Sighing out his nose, Toothless gave up, going back to his quest to find his rock and lying down. In his usual routine, Toothless walked in a circle while blowing a steady stream of fire before curling up. The only difference was the rolling that he did first, on his back and then his side, trying to scratch and relieve the constant itch underneath the saddle. After all, he wasn't used to wearing it for more than a couple of night in a row. Finally he seemed able to calm that aching need enough to settle down and rest his head comfortably on his paws.
Another long while of silence then, both dragon and rider lying and relaxed. Toothless yawned, but did not allow himself to sleep, one of his ears rotating at any foreign sounds as he rested, soaking in the suns warmth through his back and the warmth of the scorched rock underneath him for the rested feeling he craved. And this time his mind did not race. It remained clear of the storms and the dark shadows, and was blissfully blank.
He heard Hiccup start to shift before he saw him, hearing that all too familiar sound of Hiccup's metal leg that made both ears stand on his head. Obsidian lids slowly pulled back, revealing dazed emerald orbs at first, but a couple blinks brought them back into focus. He lifted his head with a yawn and-- There was something off. Toothless eyes widened, seeing every subtle shift in Hiccup's body that told him his leg had failed him. Watched as Hiccup's body tensed and reeled, and his arms struggled to right himself, saw a familiar look of shock that crossed his face when he was about to fall.
And Toothless reacted before he knew he had moved, leaping to his feet and his wings springing out from his body, flapping and using them to leap across the grass and sand. He reached his friend within seconds, just as Hiccup began to teeter, lowering his head and feeling the other's torso collide with his hard scales. He braced his legs against the ground, muscles in his neck tightened and rigid, all working together to stop Hiccup's fall and keep him on his feet.
And it wasn't until Toothless was looking down at Hiccup's prosthetic, and feeling the other's heartbeat through his chest against his head that he realized what had happened. [/size]
|
|
|
Post by Hiccup Haddock on May 16, 2013 16:10:15 GMT -5
Hiccup rolled over now and then as he lost himself with the land of dreams. His mind for once felt at ease.. everything seemed to settle within him, as if everything had undergone a overdue update. Strange to say that yes, but it had felt like his mind was finally in sync. Of course, that didn't mean that his physical body matched his mind. As he shifted and shuffled to his feet spotting Toothless yards away, Hiccup had taken that one step, in which his prosthetic leg had seized and he had misjudged his stride. Tumbling forward Hiccup prepared himself for the collision of the ground, however what happened next caused his heart to leap up into his throat. His body connected with hard scales, the familiar feeling of his friend's nose pressed against his abdomen.
Well he was a little bigger than before, yet Toothless had caught him, with a split second Toothless had moved and caught him! Hiccup's eyes widened, he didn't know what to do, his heart raced as he partly lay there collecting his bearings. Maybe.. just maybe there was still some hope left, not all was lost! There was still that mutual bond and need to protect one another.. it was there for he could feel that cord strum within his chest. Sure the bond was weakened.. and drastically so, yet there was still hope! Adjusting his leg, Hiccup straightened himself. As he stood, Hiccup resisted the urge to reach out his hand towards his friend, and to touch those glistening scales.
As he stood, Hiccup noticed for the first time the sudden height difference. Where as once he had been similar in height to his friend, if not smaller.. Toothless now stood level with his abdomen. It was a strange thing to see, and even stranger to experience how quickly he had grown within a few hours.. it felt weird. Having removed himself from his friend, although there was a different in height, Toothless beside him still seemed huge in comparison he had forgotten almost just how big Toothless was or had been in comparison to the Toothless that plagued his recent memories. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, Hiccup shook his head and for a long moment remained there.. just within the personal boundaries of one another.
It was like they were testing their own limits.. to Hiccup this felt.. natural, and there was really no difference in how he felt.. yet he regarded Toothless carefully and lifted his hands as he spoke, his tone specifically remaining normal. Taking a deep breath, and squaring his shoulders some what, like he often did or used too. Hiccup spoke "Okay bud.. If you let me.. I'm going to take your saddle off..It'll be more comfortable for you..until, well until we can sort something out?" He questioned.
Slowly then, with hesitant hands Hiccup slowly moved around to the side of Toothless, watching him all the while encase there were any signs of discomfort.. maybe even distress. Biting his lower lips somewhat, Hiccup extended his hands slowly, like he had done the first time they had put the saddle on in the cove. The question now was, did he do it quickly so Toothless could get it over with.. or would he wait for Toothless to decide. Pausing mid air, his hands outstretched towards the saddle, he waited.. he waited for what Toothless would decide.
|
|
|
Post by Toothless on May 16, 2013 16:49:13 GMT -5
The world froze now, the Night Fury's eyes focusing on a small beetle that was traveling up a blade of grass and reaching out for Hiccup's metal foot. Hiccup had needed him, and Toothless had come; the instinct and the urge to do so almost completely out of his control. His chest heaved a bit harshly, taking a hard breath, trying to make sense of all the sudden charge coming through him. Nervous.... he was nervous for some reason... why the heck was he nervous? It wasn't because of mistrust, no that would have had a more distinct feeling to it. This was the kind of nervous of what Hiccup was thinking now, and in some part of the dragon Toothless was confused as to why.
Hearing the metal of Hiccup's leg clink, Toothless moved his head with Hiccup, helping the boy to his feet as the other straightened himself. The move itself was natural, catching him had been natural; everything about this moment was natural. After all, Toothless and Hiccup had gone through this kind of dance hundreds of times before. Though, what wasn't natural was the fact that Hiccup was so much taller now. Toothless used to remember when he caught Hiccup and his head had taken up the size of Hiccup's body. Now however... well, let's just say talk about a growth spurt!
Hiccup stood before him now and Toothless looked up, brows gently creasing in the middle, pupils slightly shrinking, his breath coming out a little faster in his nose. Hiccup probably could sense it, like he did with every wild dragon that he first met. He was apprehensive, cautious, unsure and yet so curious, waiting and expectant for Hiccup to do something. Toothless felt his limits being tested as though there was pressure being applied to glass, harder and harder and threatening to crack. In fact, it was dangerously close to shattering.
Hiccup's hands came up and Toothless ears flattened, but his palms were out, submissive and peaceful, so he didn't run; even if his body jerked a little like he had thought about it. Instead those piercing green eyes watched Hiccup carefully, noticed him take a deep breath as if to prepare himself, and then following him with every step. He had to resist stepping to the side with his back leg to spin around and continue facing Hiccup, lip curling back in a tiny growl and his tail jerking against the ground in a kind of angry display instead.
Not that anyone could blame him, a dragon's back was his most vulnerable spot after all, and just like how protective instincts took over when Hiccup was about to fall, primal instincts took over whenever Hiccup tested something Toothless wasn't so sure he was entirely comfortable with.
And honestly Toothless did think about bolting, every bit of him screamed and rebelled, not wanting his friend to touch his saddle. It was the terrible, insistent, torturous itching that stayed his hand. Just the thought of Hiccup taking it off seemed to make him itchier, if that was even possible. Taking a slow and even breath, Toothless willed his body to relax and unwind now, bringing up those happy and wonderful memories of how effective Hiccup's weapons, called fingers, were against the war on itches.
It really did help, his eyelids falling a fraction and softening his expression, humming in acceptance. However, it was bittersweet, because while he emotionally relaxed he felt like his body was revolting, the itching unbearable at this point. He rolled his own shoulders and turned away to glare at the dirt in front of him (so he wouldn't make Hiccup think it was meant towards him) growling and grumbling a bit in a frustrated way. Man oh man would it feel good to finally be able to roll around in the dirt without that saddle and get all those hard to reach places! [/size]
|
|