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...
For the most part, Viggo was content to let the relationship develop between himself and the Dragon Master. After all, the man had been through a lot. From his old village to Drago and the adjustment of living with the hunters. It was understandable that the younger man was reluctant to rock the boat. That didn't stop the Hunter from attempting to get closer to the Dragon Master.
There was confusion when Viggo would give him gifts. Mostly books on history or strategy. While others were weapons or armor. Yet the shorter male accepted them graciously. Though it was obvious that the younger didn't understand why the hunter would offer him things. The smile that the emerald eyed man gave him was worth the effort though. Ryker had chuckled and rolled his eyes at their antics. He thought Viggo was being stupid for not being straightforward about it.
If the way that the masked male looked at him, the elder was fairly certain that his feelings were reciprocated. Or at the very least that the other was interested in him. He'd noticed that the younger was wearing the clothing that he'd given him more often instead of the armor he'd originally been coming in. It was a step in the right direction. For a moment, Viggo had to wonder if the other was playing dumb to tease him. Though that didn't seem to be within his character.
Still, it was fun watching the other react to his attention. Sometimes the smaller would tilt his head curiously. Or the way that he would frown in confusion. The rarest thing that would happen was when he'd blush. A pale rose color would tint his cheekbones and ears. Those were the times that the Hunter counted his victories. Because it meant that he was getting somewhere with the stubborn male. If only a little at a time.
"You're an idiot," commented Dagur, rolling his eyes as they met for a strategy meeting, "Just tell him that you're courting him. Don't keep beating around the bush. He won't understand what you're doing otherwise. My brother is smart but when it comes to romantic things he is completely oblivious. He will just brush it off as you being nice to him."
"I'm aware that the Dragon Master isn't exactly observant of my intentions," agreed the Chief, his voice flat, "But I don't want to rush him into anything either. I don't want him to disappear because I pushed too hard."
"You two are a pair of idiots," complained the Berserker, his gaze on the map in front of them, "I'm going to lock you in a room together until you sort yourselves out if this doesn't change soon. You both need to get laid. Seriously, the tension is so high that a knife could cut it. Then you wouldn't have to dance around each other. Besides, it's not like he'd say no. Have a little confidence, man! I bet that he is just as afraid of scaring you off as you are of him."
Viggo felt the muscle above his eye twitch at the audacity of the other man. Normally, the hunter would have already thrown the younger out. However, the redhead was the Dragon Master's half-brother and the other had a soft spot for the wild man. So the Berserker got a bit more leeway than most people. Still there was only so far his goodwill would go.
"Dagur, please stick to the task at hand," commanded the older male, his voice exasperated, "You can comment on my personal life later. We need to focus on the plans."
Dagur threw his hands up in exasperation but he didn't argue further.
...
Hiccup ran a hand over the Nadder's side. He was in the process of having a saddle fitted to him. It was a new experience for him. Thankfully, the young male Nadder was taking to it easier than most. The last dragon that got fitted for a saddle sent four Hunters into the ocean before Hiccup convinced her that they wouldn't hurt her. Now, that female was bonding happily with her new rider.
It made the masked man happy to see that the dragons and people were slowly adapting. Everyone knew how to work with the Terrors even though not everyone wanted to bond with them. Most of the children were the ones that worked with the tiny reptiles. The adults were decidedly training dragons in groups rather than individually. He didn't know if they were afraid of the larger dragons or if that was just the way that the Hunters were. Either way, the results were the same. The tribe was adjusting to the new lifestyle.
"Hey, brother," called Dagur, approaching from behind him, "What are you doing?"
"Helping fit a saddle," answered the auburn haired male then he eyed Dagur suspiciously, "What did you do?"
"What?" asked the Berserker, a wide grin on his face, "Can't a guy visit his baby brother without suspicion. Oh, the injustice of it. How can I ever prove that I mean no harm. Woe is me."
"Dag," deadpanned the rider, crossing his arms, "What did you do?"
Oh he definitely did something. There was no doubt about that. But what did he do? Did he harass the villagers or did he cause a fight between the dragons again. Knowing the redhead, it could have been any number of things. Dagur was a lot to deal with at times. Hiccup glanced up at the sky to ensure there wasn't any smoke rising. No. So at least he hadn't set anything on fire. Thank Odin for that.
"Nothing!" exclaimed the wild man, throwing his hands in the air, "Why would you think that I did anything at all?"
"Because," replied the shorter, his tone flat, "You always come to find me after you've done something that you know that you shouldn't. You're hoping that I won't get mad at you. Or if its really bad that I keep Viggo from tossing you off the nearest cliff. So tell me before I ask Toothless to take you swimming."
"Okay, okay," caved the Berserker, holding his hands out in front of him, "So might have kind of told the Chief to stop dancing around his feelings for you. And to actually tell you that he likes you. Nothing much. I swear!"
Hiccup was sure that the man had suffered a blow to the head. Why in the name of Odin would Dagur say that? There was no way that the man had a crush on him. Right?
"Oh for fuck's sake!" exclaimed Dagur, "Don't give me that look. He's got a thing for you and has been trying to court you. And you're just as attracted to him. This is painful to watch. Just kiss already."
"Don't make me get Toothless!" threatened the rider, his voice serious, "He doesn't like me like that."
"Yes, he does," argued the Berserker, rolling his eyes, "Everyone can see the way that he looks at you. Even Ryker sees it and calls him on it. Its so obvious that the whole village is waiting for you two to finally sort your shit out."
Hiccup didn't believe that. There was no way it could be true. As if sensing this Dagur threw up his hands in exasperation.
...
Viggo was frustrated and exhausted. He was tired of the games. Of the dancing and pretending that nothing was happening. Maybe Dagur had a point when he said to confront the younger. To confess to the other that he had a romantic interest in the masked man. Though the risk was rejection and losing the friendship that had formed. If the other left, Viggo would not be able to forgive himself.
However, the Hunter was not one to run from a challenge. No, he was a fighter and a survivor. If the Dragon Master rejected him, then at least he'd know. Instead of wasting time wondering 'what if?' That would be a worse torture. So the best option would be to approach the other and hope that his heart wouldn't be shattered. Taking a deep breath, the Chief headed in the direction of the field. It was just before sunrise so the Dragon Master would be preparing for his early morning flight with Toothless.
As expected, the pair were standing in the center of the open area. Toothless was stretching his wings while the smaller adjusted his saddle and gear. The straps were checked and tightened in preparation. Once satisfied, the rider patted the ebony beast lovingly on his head. With a happy chirp, the Nightfury leaned into the affection. When he looked up, the Dragon Master's gaze met Viggo's across the clearing.
"Good Morning, Viggo," greeted the auburn haired male, a small, friendly smile on his face, "We were just about to go on our morning flight. Did you want to join us?"
The strategist and hunter part of his mind immediately went. No, no, no. Absolutely fucking not. Toothless rolled his emerald eyes and huffed at the invitation. Yet, the reptile's body language was relaxed and accepting that he might have an extra rider. Meanwhile the human's heart had skipped a beat at the offer. This would be an excellent opportunity to talk to the other. Perhaps the Gods were smiling down on him today.
"That sounds wonderful," agreed the larger, his tone neutral, "If that would be okay with you and Toothless?"
It was directed at both of them. He knew that Toothless understood them so he was actively attempting to include the dragon in the conversation. Anything happened with them in a relationship would come with Toothless's approval or not. Simple as that. Luckily, the dragon nodded his own agreement. The rider smiled and held out a hand to Viggo. Without hesitation, the hunter took the offered palm and allowed himself to be helped on to the dragon's back behind the rider.
"Alright, bud," commented the masked male, patting the beast on the side of his head, "Let's see what we can find this morning. And try to keep the speed in check. Last thing that I need is to lose another passenger."
Viggo realized he might not have thought this through. While the young man and the dragon were completely at home in the air. The Hunter was not. The ground was rushing past and the wind was roaring in his ears. He grabbed onto the rider in front of him tightly. Tight enough that the leaner grunted and loosened his hold. Feeling a bit embarrassed at the reaction, the Chief slowly opened his eyes. What he saw was worth it though. The sun was rising over the water and it was breathtaking. Everything was cast in shades of gold, orange and rose. The water shimmered with it and Viggo realized this must be one of the reason the rider always flew first thing in the morning.
"Is it always this beautiful?" asked the elder, his voice soft, "Every morning that you fly. Do you see things like this?"
"Most of the time," agreed the Dragon Master, his tone warm, "This is one of my favorite views. As long as the weather is nice. Even when there isn't a view like this I love being in the air. Its freeing."
"I can understand the appeal," commented the older, his tone thoughtful, "Its very peaceful and quiet."
"Yeah," replied the shorter, his expression wistful, "I've never brought anyone up here with me before. Never had anyone to share this with."
"Thank you," responded the Chief, his tone sincere.
The rider turned his head to the side and gave him a smile. Then the pair sat in silence and enjoyed the rest of the flight. The two were content to simply watch the world pass under them. Occasionally, the younger pointed to different sea creatures. He had more information than Viggo suspected even sailors knew. It was no wonder the other was so knowledgeable. He was literally learning from a bird's eye, no, a dragon's eye, view. Once the pair had gone far, the Nightfury looped and began to return to the island. If he was going to visit the reason why he was here then it had to be now.
"Dragon Master," started the Chief, his voice nervous, "I wish to discuss something of a sensitive nature. Would that be alright?"
"Sure," replied the smaller, glancing over his shoulder at him, "Do you want us to land?"
"Please," requested the older.
Nodding in understanding, the auburn haired male ordered the dragon to descend. A few minutes later, the trio was on the ground and Viggo was climbing off of the reptile's back. He was a bit shaky from the unsteady landing. The other noticed and reached out to steady him. With a grateful smile, the taller accepted the assistance. Finally on solid earth again, the hunter took a deep breath. Now or never.
"I would like to ask your permission to court you," stated the elder, his voice confident, "If that would be something that you would consider acceptable."
The rider blinked at him in confusion. Dagur was right as much as he didn't want to admit. The shorter was oblivious. That or the boy's confidence was truly that low. Considering what had been shared with him, both were equally likely. The younger seemed to think about his words for a moment. Those emerald orbs staring into his. There was a lot of weight on the gaze. Viggo met them trying to show his sincerity.
"Court?" echoed the masked man, his tone uncertain, "Why would you want to do that? I'm nothing special. Not really. I'm not a leader. Nor am I particularly attractive. You don't even know my name."
"That may be true," agreed the hunter, keeping his tone calm, "But I'd like the chance."
They were silent for a long time after that. Viggo got the distinct honor of getting a stare from Toothless. The reptile was obviously listening and judging him. Viggo met it evenly. Let the dragon decide. If he wasn't worthy of the rider then he wasn't. He would still do his best to protect the younger regardless of his choice. He was not the same person that he was when they first met. Somehow this small, fragile seeming male had worked his way inside his heart and changed his world. There was no going back from that now. He was in too deep and wouldn't change that for the world.
"Okay," breathed the Dragon Master, his voice barely above a whisper, "You have a chance and you might as well know my name. I'm Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III."
The long dead heir of Berk and everything he'd learned through careful questions began to click into place. The picture that was forming was an interesting one. But he didn't have any intention of turning his back on the smaller. This didn't change anything about how he felt for the Drag... Hiccup.