Hiccup's heart raced with excitement as he pulled into the parking lot of the state park. Evidence of last week's snow storm hung around the side streets. The mounds were already half frozen half slushy obstacles along the roadways.

Today was the first day the temperature was over forty-five degrees since winter came. It was Valentine's Day, yet it was remotely warm outside. He'd managed to talk his father into allowing him to borrow the car for mid-afternoon, and promised he wouldn't be gone long. His father was being slightly overprotective for some reason. Hiccup didn't know whether he was being protective over the car, or himself. Yet, he managed to snag the keys and go for a drive.

There was a purpose for this drive, however.

Parking the car in his usual spot next to the pathway, Hiccup barely remembered to put it in park and turn the engine off. Forcing himself to calm his excitement, he shifted so that his feet touched the ground. Pushing himself up out of the car, he took in a deep breath of the morning air.

Finally, some nature. It had been nearly eight months since he had fallen. He hadn't been to his favorite spot since the morning before that accident. Despite the pleas he had made to his father, he would never bring him out. Hiccup knew realistically up until this point, he couldn't hike the hilly trails with crutches. But, he had tried.

Reaching into the truck, he grabbed his backpack. Pulling it over his shoulders felt new again. He hadn't done it in so long. Making sure he had his thermos of hot chocolate, Hiccup took in a deep breath, and stepped away from the car.

Watching his feet, he was careful walking the trail. Forcing himself to take it slow, he walked the pathway in a few minutes time when typically he could have made it into the woods in half the time. But, he knew he had to be careful.

A month ago, he was ready to give up on walking again like this. He was beginning to accept the fact that he would never be able to just take off for the woods at all. He was going to have to settle sitting on the porch swing for some fresh air and doodles. But, over the last month he had gotten stronger and tougher thanks to physical therapy...and a couple of tweaks with his prosthetic.

Truth was, he was ready for a metal one. He was told he would have more flexibility once he had one. But, with he most likely going through a growth spurt, the doctors were not ready to fit him into one just yet. This one would have to do.

Stepping into the woods, Hiccup took in the scenery around him. The deer had laid the breadcrumbs along the path for him to follow. Reminding himself he had promised his father he wouldn't wonder too far into the woods, Hiccup took his time taking in everything.

Finding a good walking stick, he made his way up the hill. For a moment his stump ached, but it eased up once he was at the top of the small hill. After carefully choosing which way to go next, he veered left where there were less hills to climb. He also knew of a good spot he could sit at and sketch for a few minutes if he so desired.

However, ten minutes later he reached the end of his path. Despite the pathway leading around about five miles, Hiccup stopped at the one mile marker. There, he could sit on a wooden bench, and just digest his surroundings.

Pouring himself a small cup of hot chocolate, he closed his eyes, and listened to the noises around him. He barely heard any birds, occasionally he was hearing a mound of snow falling from the trees onto the ground in an "oof." Looking down on the unmarked path, he could see little footprints in the light snow, a tell-tale sign that a stray cat had been lurking in the area looking for a bird for breakfast.

Sketching could wait. This was perfect.

…

An hour later, he decided he had probably better head back towards the car. His leg was starting to twinge a little bit and he didn't want to overstay. He was careful along his walk down the hill. He grabbed a hold of a few saplings along the trail just in case he were to fall or lose his balance. They were strong enough to hold his one-twenty form. Bidding goodbye to the woods, he crossed outside of the woods and onto the main path, feeling a little bit of sadness as he walked back towards the car.

After tossing his book-bag into the truck, Hiccup leaned against the car as he walked back around to the front seat. Turning the car on and turning the heat on full blast, he held his hands up to the vents. Thankfully, after a moment or two, the vents were blowing warmth.

Once his hands were warm, he turned the heat onto his foot and legs, hoping some extra heat would help the slight throb. Suddenly, he heard his phone ding. He apparently had just gotten back into service.

12:45 PM - All okay?

Hiccup rolled his eyes and text his father back.

12:46 - I'm fine.

After allowing himself to warm up, Hiccup put the car into gear and headed back towards the house.

The ten minute drive home was bittersweet for him. He knew he'd be able to go back out now, but when was the question. The only reason his father had let him go today was because the air wasn't terribly cold. For a man that was typically not home, sometimes he was overprotective. That was probably why, Hiccup decided.

Arriving home, Hiccup grabbed his things and headed into the house. His toes felt cold, and despite wearing gloves, his fingertips felt a little cold still. Rolling his eyes, he knew he would need to recondition for the element again. He had been absent far too long.

His father called his name from the living room.

"Hiccup, did you have a good time?" he asked him.

Hiccup forced off the boot from his actual foot, then decided he might as well just leave the boot on the prosthetic for the time being. There was no point removing it when he knew he would be taking off his prosthetic..

"I did!" Hiccup called out to him, and he turned the corner to actually speak to his father face to face.

Except, she was there.

Katherine and his father were sitting beside each other on the couch. Katherine was curled up underneath one of their thick blankets. She held a gas station mug of what Hiccup thought was cappuccino.

"Hi," she said to him gently, giving him a kind smile.

"Hi," Hiccup replied quietly.

"How was your walk?" Mr. Vast asked Hiccup. Glancing at his father, Hiccup could see his father seemed a little more chipper than he was actually used to. He figured he was putting on a front for Katherine...or was he typically like this around other people and not Hiccup?

Feeling his smile growing a little bit, he shrugged his shoulders a little bit, feeling reserved with Katherine in the room. Being around her was a little uncomfortable for him. His father barely brought her around the house, which he was thankful for. This was only his second or third time seeing her since Hiccup had seen them kiss.

"I wanted to know if you would like to come to dinner with us tonight," Katherine said to him, redirecting his attention. "We are going to hibachi."

Catching a glimpse at his father, he could see the hopeful expression on his face. He knew Hiccup liked that type of food.

"I-I would like to," Hiccup replied. "But I have a book report I really need to finish."

Feeling his father eye him questionably, he saw Katherine nod to him.

"Thank you for the invite," Hiccup said to her, forcing a smile. "Perhaps another time."

"I would like that," Katherine said to him gently. She went to speak again, but Hiccup interrupted before she could get another word out.

"Forgive me," Hiccup said, "but I should go warm up-" He almost said his leg, but he did not. Feeling his face go red instantly, he gave Katherine a fake yet nervous smile, and left towards the bathroom.

He locked the bathroom door, and sat down on the edge of the tub, allowing himself to let out a deep sigh. He turned behind him, and started the hot water, creating a bath.

First thing was first: He had to ditch his hardware. He felt the stump scream with relief once the contraption was off. Stripping down to his boxers and his t-shirt, Hiccup sat himself on the edge of the tub, and gently tipped his legs into the warm waters. Instantly, he felt himself warming up. The tenderness in his stump started to ease. Turning to his left, he opened the bag of Epsom salt and shook some into the water. Half dazed, he used his foot to mix the crystals into the water.

The hike was a good hike for starting back. He didn't want to overdo it, but had he been on two good legs, he could have gone for another hour or more. He'd learned how to prepare for the outdoor weather when he was able to go out on his own to hike.

A few minutes later, Hiccup heard a knock on the bathroom door. Startled, he didn't respond. Could Katherine be knocking on the door to use the bathroom? They only had one bathroom in the house, so he hoped that wasn't the case.

"Yeah?" he called.

"Can we talk?"

It was his father.

Not knowing where Katherine was, Hiccup didn't want to really start something with her father. He had a feeling he was in trouble for not lingering around to talk to her longer.

"I-It's locked," Hiccup said.

Suddenly, he heard a small pop, and then the knob turned and the door was open. His father held a bent paper clip in his hand, which he shoved into his pocket. He had unlocked the door.

"Where's Kath-"

"She went home for a little while," Mr. Vast said. "She'd only come by to bring me a file I needed on a customer."

"Oh," Hiccup said gently. He turned back to the water, and shifted his foot again, absently looking for any of the crystals that hadn't dissolved...if there were any.

"You all right?" Mr. Vast asked him. From the corner of his eye, he watched his father take a seat on the toilet behind him. It was obvious his father was wanting to chit-chat about something.

"Yeah," Hiccup breathed. He didn't like having his back to his father. Leaning forward, he reached for the support bar on the wall across from him, and he stood up. Maneuvering himself over to the shower chair, he took a seat there. With it sitting up higher he didn't need to worry so much about supporting his damaged leg. Letting it relax felt better.

"I take it you aren't feeling up to hibachi tonight," Mr. Vast said. "And I am buying."

Hiccup gave a weak laugh. "It's all right, Dad. I have a report I need-"

"You turned that paper in two nights ago. I received the email you had sent it on Wednesday."

Biting his lip, Hiccup turned away.

"Are you still not happy I am with Katherine?"

Mulling over his thoughts for a moment, Hiccup wanted to choose his words wisely.

"Dad-I don't really want to be the third wheel-"

"It wouldn't be like that."

"You don't know that," Hiccup said.

"You are always in this house-you should get out more-"

"Dad, I just went hiking-"

"I mean with people, son," Mr. Vast said. "Outside of school, this is where you are at. You are cooped up at home all the time. I know it's hard when I don't let you take the car willingly-"

"Dad, it isn't that," Hiccup responded. "It's always been like this. You know that."

"I was expecting you to take off and go be with friends most of the time at this point in your life. You are seventeen-"

Hiccup bit his lip, fighting back words he wanted to say but didn't want to express. His therapist, Kim, and he had talked about this just a week prior. Had she said something to his father about it?

"Dad, I've always been the loner," Hiccup responded. "Outside of Fish, I really don't have any friends."

"What about that art club?" Mr. Vast asked. "People at school you talk to-"

Hiccup's shoulders tensed up. "Dad, outside of Fish, I don't have any real friends...And, well, you know Fish. He's kinda in his own world, too." He paused. "I don't mind being the loner, the quiet guy...I mean, that's pretty much how everyone knows me at school. Just this quiet-person, kid, whatever I am-"

"You don't always have to be that person," Mr. Vast said to him. "Now, your art club, you don't talk to anyone?"

"I do, Dad. But-it's never been something outside of art club. I'm just not that person-"

"Every time I talk to your teachers, they tell me you do well in school, you are well liked-"

Hiccup found himself laughing slightly at this comment. "Yeah, Dad, by the teachers." He turned to his father. "You can't tell me over the last twelve years, you haven't noticed that I didn't get invited to birthday parties as a kid, ask you if I could go over to a friend's house-other than Fish. Did I ever get invited to go over to the skating rink, or even go to the school dances they hold every month-"

Hiccup paused when he saw his father coming face to face with reality again.

"Dad, this is who I am." he motioned to himself. "I draw, I write, I read. I listen to music to shut out the world. I focus on my homework, play with the cat. I come home from school every single day and do almost the same thing every single day. I like being alone. I've had to do it my whole life."

Mr. Vast was now biting his lip, and tapping his leg nervously on the ground. Hiccup turned away, and moved his legs around in the lukewarm water.

"Dad, I'm not the jock, the quarterback. I don't have too many friends. I don't know why, honestly. I just never have."

"And you've been all right with this?" Mr. Vast asked him. "Being alone, doing things alone. Not talking to anyone?"

Hiccup gave his father a weak smile. "Dad, I'm not you."

Despite the fact that Hiccup was trying to soften each blow to his father, not meaning any harm in their talk, each time Hiccup spoke it seemed to his his father's heartstrings. He could tell when his father would grow upset or nervous emotionally. His eyes would glaze over, but a tear would never fall. If he ever did cry, he surely didn't ever allow Hiccup to see him. Perhaps that was why Hiccup held back so much emotion with him at times. Or, perhaps it was because he thought his father would be ashamed of him if he saw him grow weak.

"Dad, when this happened-" He motioned to his leg, "-I had a lot of free time. I didn't have school to keep me occupied. I did read, draw...But I was stuck at home like a caged animal. Being out in the woods is my outlet and my freedom. I don't care if I am alone out there. Today really did help me-"

"Hiccup, right now I am not talking about the woods...or your leg. I want to know-are you happy?"

His father never actually had come out and asked him this before. It took Hiccup back for a moment.

Not responding to his father right away, he suddenly felt his stump twinge with pain. Reaching up to the knobs, he turned the hot water on to refresh the water. He pushed the thought of worrying about a phantom pain back from his mind for a moment. He tried to meet his father's eyes, but couldn't.

"Most of the time, Dad, yes," he replied. "Please don't think I'm not. I've had some changes lately, some new adjustments I had to make personally. But, I don't want you to think I'm not happy-"

"You sure?" Mr. Vast asked, concerned.

"Dad, I promise you, I'm-okay-"

"I don't want you to be just okay, Hiccup-"

"Dad!" Hiccup said, raising his voice a little bit. "I'm not where I'd like to be, no, I am not. Up until I broke my leg, I planned on working at Wendy's to save up some extra money for a car. That was my goal-you knew this-"

"I did-"

"And a week prior to me being placed on the schedule, I fell. My whole summer was a mess-you know this-"

"I do-"

"I'll be fine, Dad," Hiccup said. "Please know, I will be all right."

His father seemed to accept this. The conversation was growing particularly painful. Hiccup didn't like talking about this type of stuff. When his father got a little touchy-feely, it drove Hiccup insane. The last thing he wanted his father to worry about was how he was feeling, or the current pain starting to radiate up his leg now.

"Hiccup, are you at all interested in dating?"

Face turning crimson, Hiccup turned to his father. He watched his father laugh slightly at this.

"Right now, Dad, that is the last thing on my mind."

"Why is that, son?"

Hiccup shook his head, laughed a little bit with embarrassment, then reached forward and pulled the stopper out of the bottom of the tub. The sound of the water draining was the only sound separating them.

"I just-haven't been interested," Hiccup forced out. "Not at all in anyone."

"You don't think girls are pretty?"

Hiccup's face turned a brighter shade of red. "Dad, I think girls are pretty. I think some of them are beautiful. But, as soon as they open their mouths, they instantly become ugly to me."

This intrigued his father. Without even being asked, he stood up from the toilet seat, and went to the closet to grab Hiccup a towel for his legs. He handed it to his son, then leaned against the wall to continue their conversation.

"They become ugly, huh?"

"Yes!" Hiccup responded. "They are like-ten year olds trapped in sixteen, seventeen year old bodies. Even the seniors sometimes act like that-"

Mr. Vast laughed. "Sometimes, Hiccup, I think you are thirty years old trapped in a seventeen year old."

"Do you think that's why I'm not interested in anyone?" Hiccup asked him.

"Perhaps," Mr. Vast responded. "Sounds like you need a mature lass." Sensing his son was done drying off his legs, he reached a hand to his son to help him out of the tub. Hiccup ignored it, and stood out on the carpet on his own. Keeping his hand on the wall, he hobbled to the hallway, and continued to use the walls for support as he made his way towards his bedroom, his father following.

The look on his father's face when Hiccup reached for his prescription, Hiccup felt ashamed. Instead of opening it, he put it back on the nightstand.

"I'm getting a little worried about you with those pills," Mr. Vast said to him.

"Dad, it just went for a walk in the woods-in the cold...For the first time since June," Hiccup responded.

"How high is the pain?" Mr. Vast asked him, coming over to sit on the edge of the bed next to him.

"Ehhh-about a three or a four. I'm just worried it's going to climb-"

"Let me help you," Mr. Vast said to him. Hiccup nodded, and leaned against his pillows, allowing his father to touch his stump to massage it.

After a few minutes, Hiccup glanced up at his father. "Dad, sometimes I wonder if and when I go looking for a companion-if I will be turned away because of this."

"You can't let that stop you," Mr. Vast replied. "Hiccup, something you will learn as you get older-what matters in high school doesn't matter when you are twenty-five, thirty, fifty. If you find the right person, they will accept what you have to offer, accept what you don't have and move on in life."

Hiccup sighed as he felt his father ease up on the pressure of his massage. He met his father's gaze again.

"Promise?"

"I do."