Suddenly, a wave of sheer exhaustion swept over Hiccup. Stoic gasped and reached forward as he saw Hiccup slump forward. He caught Hiccup, and held up upright by the shoulder's.

"Easy Hiccup..." Stoic soothed.

Hiccup took in several deep breaths, and looked to his father. Much against his will, Hiccup found his eyes were slowly closing. He couldn't find the strength to keep them open.

"...I think...yer...righ...Gobbbr..." Hiccup slurred.

Stoic tisked, as he gently pushed Hiccup back. Hiccup allowed his father to help him settle in his bed as he rolled over onto his back. His eyes closed completely as he felt his father's strong hand reach under, and prop an extra pillow beneath his head.

"It'll help him breathe easier Stoic..." Gober stated.

Hiccup was beginning to slip in and out of consciousness as he heard Gober and his father rummaging about the house hold. Stoic glanced over, to see a frown slowly etching its way across Hiccup's face. Quickly, Stoic made his way over to Hiccup's bed and knelt down.

"What is it son?" Stoic whispered.

"Toothluhzz..." Hiccup whimpered.

Stoic watched as a shaking hand slid sideways and drooped off the bedside. Instantly, Toothless moved around the bed, and placed his head underneath Hiccup's hand. Gingerly, Toothless stood and leaned in. Toothless crooned steadily, as Hiccup ex-hailed deeply. Stoic watched as Hiccup's eyes opened slightly. Stoic marveled as the two seemed to stare at each other. It was as if the dragon was silently speaking to Hiccup. Stoic released the breath he'd been holding once he saw Hiccup's face relax. With in moments Hiccup was fast asleep. Gober took the cue, and quietly left the hut and headed towards his own home.

Stoic brought a bundle of blankets and bear skins down from the loft, and began to arrange his make shift bed. He placed an extra bear skin atop Hiccup, as he saw Hiccup was beginning to shiver in his sleep. Gingerly he brought the bear skin up under Hiccup's chin, and tucked it underneath. Hiccup in-hailed as rolled over to his side. Stoic's eyes grew wide as he saw Hiccup's brown furrow suddenly. Hiccup began to moan as the pain from his side began to pulsate ever so slowly. Reaching forward, Stoic took hold of Hiccup's shoulder's and rolled him over to his opposite side. Hiccup gasped suddenly as his eyes sprung open at the sudden movement. Quickly Hiccup glanced over his shoulder at his father.

"You ok son?" Stoic asked, his voice wavering.

A solum tear slid down Hiccup's cheek as he nodded quickly.

"Are you...in-" Stoic asked.

A heart wrenching sob, suddenly answered Stoic's question. Stoic moved in as he saw Hiccup rest his head on the pillow, and pull his hands over his face. Toothless sauntered around the bed and settled down in front of Hiccup. Toothless crooned sadly, as he Hiccup covered his face.

Hiccup began to mumble quietly as Stoic made his way around the bed, and knelt next to Toothless. Leaning in, Stoic became aware that Hiccup was shaking ardently.

"Hiccup?" Stoic asked

Hiccup continued to mumble. Toothless leaned in placing his head next to Stoic's. Stoic saw the creature looked right at him as he barked impatiently.

"Toothless?...What's wrong...with 'em?" Stoic asked.

Toothless crooned sadly, as he looked to Hiccup. Leaning in, Toothless put his muzzle next to Hiccup's face. Hiccup's shoulder's continued to shake as he cried silently. Toothless began to purr quietly as he ruffed Hiccup's hair. Hiccup peered from behind his hands, and stared at Toothless. Toothless brayed sadly as he saw the pain in Hiccup's eyes.

"Hiccuh-" Stoic asked.

"It...hurts...Dad..." Hiccup interrupted.

Stoic blinked, as he heard Hiccup's small voice. Hiccup shivered suddenly, and pulled the bear skin up closer to his face. He moaned as he felt the throbbing in his side began to spread.

"I know...I know..." Stoic soothed, reaching forward.

Stoic placed a shaking hand atop Hiccup's head. As he began to smooth Hiccup's hair, Stoic gasped as he felt Hiccup's skin was very hot. He placed his hand on Hiccup's forehead. Hiccup winced as he heard his father groan.

Stoic bit his lip, as he felt the icy fingers of panic start to take hold as he realized that his his worst fear was starting to materialize before his very own eyes. Hiccup was burning up with fever.

"Duh...dad?" Hiccup asked, as he sat up slowly.

Stoic looked up, and found Hiccup staring right at him. Stoic began to rub his eyes as he fought to ward off the tears that threatened to fall. He felt a small hand rest atop his arm, and glanced over to Hiccup. Hiccup blinked the moment their gaze locked. Stoic cleared his throat and placed his hand on Hiccup's shoulder. Hiccup winced, and looked away as he felt the tears begin to sting his throat.

"It's all my fault..." Hiccup stammered.

"What!?" Stoic boomed.

Hiccup winced at the sound of his father's voice.

"It most certainly is not your fault Hiccup!" Stoic insisted.

"Yes...I'm very...extra sure...that it is!" Hiccup spat, turning his gaze towards Stoic.

Stoic in-hailed as he saw a fresh sheen of tears forming in Hiccup's eyes. Hiccup blinked and the first tear fell. He shook his head slowly, as he pulled his lips in. Stoic gasped as he saw Hiccup's whole face start to crumble.

"Hiccup?" Stoic asked.

"You were kidnapped, son. How is any of all that your fault?"

"I can't...do...this..." Hiccup stuttered.

Stoic saw Hiccup's chin begin to tremble ardently, as Hiccup suddenly lowered his head.

"Hmmmm?" Stoic asked.

Leaning in, Stoic strained to read the look that had befallen Hiccup's face. He suddenly saw, that a slew of tears had began to cascade down Hiccup's face. Hiccup was squinting heavily, as he continued to sob silently. Stoic noted that he felt Hiccup's whole body was tensing severely.

"Oh!" Stoic stammered.

"Hiccup..."

Stoic tisked, and he placed his hands on Hiccup's shoulder's. Gently, he pulled Hiccup forward. Hiccup began to tremble as he fell against his father. The moment Stoic wrapped his arms around Hiccup's tiny frame, Stoic gasped as he felt Hiccup clasp a hand around his tunic. A sudden silence engulfed the hut as Stoic felt Hiccup's body relax. Time came to a stand still as Stoic let the pattern of Hiccup's breathing soothe his nerves.

Hiccup's sudden cry, jarred stoic from his thoughts.

"Out with it..." Stoic encouraged.

Hiccup cried even harder. The more Hiccup cried, the tighter he held on to Stoic. Suddenly, Hiccup began to push away from Stoic. Glancing down, Stoic saw Hiccup grimacing as he fought to break away.

"Hiccup?" Stoic asked.

"Can't...breathe..." Hiccup spat.

Stoic released Hiccup, and helped him sit back. Hiccup gasped out loud as he placed his hand around his ribs. His whole side seemed to throb wildly. Several agonizing minutes passed as Stoic studied every feature on Hiccup's face. An unbelievable amount of tension seemed to pulsate from every inch of Hiccup's tiny frame.

Stoic sat down next to his son, and wrapped one arm around Hiccup. Hiccup hissed as he felt his father squeeze his shoulder's slightly.

"Oh...Sorry..." Stoic stammered, loosening his grip on Hiccup's shoulder's.

"Izz...ok Dad..." Hiccup answered, squinting through one opened eye.

Toothless moved over and sat down in front of Hiccup. Gingerly Toothless moved in and lay his head on Hiccup's lap. Stoic watched as Hiccup raised a shaking hand, and lay-ed it atop Toothless's head.

Stoic gasped as he felt Hiccup lean against him. Stoic could see Hiccup was breathing steadily. Quickly, Stoic brought his hand up to Hiccup's forehead. A heavy sigh fell from Stoic's lips as the heat continued to radiate from Hiccup.

"Dad...?" Hiccup asked.

"You're..." Stoic stated.

"You're burning up, son."

Stoic in-hailed sharply, and closed his eyes. He could not loose Hiccup.

"It's gonna be ok..." Hiccup panted.

Stoic looked down to see Toothless had his head resting on Hiccup's lap. He watched as Hiccup gingerly stroked Toothless's muzzle. Seeing Hiccup so quiet made Stoic begin to worry. Stoic's mind began to suddenly wonder back to a particular night.

Thunder boomed ominously as the door to the Haddock hut burst open. Hiccup peered out from underneath the stair case as he saw two burly men carry a rather large bundle inside. Together Gober and Spitelout tightened their grip on the bear skin bundle as the stepped aside. Suddenly Stoic entered and immediately went over to the large table. With one clean sweep, Stoic took his right arm and cleared the dinner table.

Hiccup ducked back under the stairs as the pans and various table ware crashed onto the floor. Glancing up, he saw his father was breathing heavily. Hiccup watched as Stoic turned and looked to the two men holding the bundle. Hiccup began to panic as he saw a look on his father's face that was not one he had seen before.

Stoic's shoulder's sank as he walked over and helped carry the bundle to the table. Gently they lay the bundle down. Slowly Gober pulled the bear skin back. Hiccup gasped as he saw the bundle had been hiding a person. With all his will, Hiccup tried to deduce who that person was. It wasn't until Hiccup saw his father go over and take the delicate hand of the viking, that Hiccup knew who this person was.

"Mommy...?" Hiccup whispered quietly.

Hiccup grimaced as he saw Gober and Spite lout begin to tear at the armor. With in moments Gober had applied a tourniquet to Valhallarama's side, and was pressing down hard. Hours seemed to pass as Spitelout and Gober took turns changing the bandages. Stoic held fast to Vall's hand the whole time.

Gober sighed and shook his head.

"No!" Stoic spat.

"You. Bandage. Now!"

Stoic pointed at Gober. Hiccup gasped as he saw his father's arm was trembling as he held it out towards Gober. Hiccup's gaze darted over to his fathers face. Hiccup swallowed hard as he saw his father pull his lips in.

Tears were on the verge of spilling over as Stoic looked back and forth from Spitelout to Gober. Spitelout came over and placed a hand on Stoic's shoulder.

"I'm sorry brother...We're too la-" Spitelout uttered, softly.

"DON'T SAY THAT!" Stoic interrupted.

Hiccup barely noticed the Thunder as he heard his father raise his voice.

"Stoic...?"

All three men gasped as they heard the still and quiet voice. All attention turned to the figure who lay in front of them.

"Vall...I..." Stoic stammered, his voice wavering.

The tears fell. Stoic did nothing to stop them. He welcomed them as he held his wife's hand close to his heart. Vall raised a trembling hand and wiped the sadness from Stoic's cheeks. Stoic gasped as he felt her cold hands on his skin. Slowly, Stoic leaned forward. The moment he was staring at Vall, he placed his other hand around her head. Gingerly he pulled her up, and kissed her softly. When their lips parted, he lay her head down. A sob escaped his lips as he saw the sweet smile that had befallen Vall's face.

Hiccup began to cry silently as saw something the thought he would never see. Ever. The more Stoic cried, the harder it became for Hiccup to quell his sorrow. Hiccup didn't know why his father was so sad, but he knew enough to know that if it broke through to his father it was sure to alter his own life forever more. Quickly, Hiccup scooted around and hid further under the stairs. The moment the darkness of his hiding spot engulfed him, Hiccup felt the sorrow take hold.

Stoic looked up as he heard a small shuffle. His eyes narrowed in on the staircase. As Stoic's gaze eyed Hiccup's hiding spot, he heard a small voice. It was quiet at first. But with in moments, the sound of Hiccup's cries filled the house. Gober followed Stoic's gaze and nodded.

Gober wondered over to the stair case. Grunting, he knelt down. Peering in, Gober could barely make out Hiccup's silhouette.

"Hiccup..?" Gober asked, his voice choking.

"It's...time..."

Hiccup cried harder. He didn't want to go. He didn't want to see what made his father so sad.

"Hiccup...Your mother needs you..." Gober pleaded.

Hiccup shuffled forward and crawled out from underneath the stair case. Gober gasped as he saw Hiccup sit on his haunches and dry his eyes with his sleeve. Gober rose and offered his hand to Hiccup. Hiccup clasped his two small hands around Gober's and held tight.

Stoic bit his lip as he saw Hiccup and Gober make their way over. Hiccup's eyes were glued to the floor as they reached the table. Stoic offered his hand to Hiccup. Stoic watched as Hiccup's eyes widened. Hiccup swallowed hard, as he walked over and took his father's hand. With one swift move, Stoic reached down and lifted his son up. Gingerly he sat Hiccup on the table.

Valhallarama immediately looked to her son. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she began to stroke her son's face. Hiccup's chin quivered as he saw his mother's tears. He didn't understand why everyone was so sad. Vall grimaced and closed her eyes. Hiccup swallowed hard, and glanced over his shoulder.

"Mommy!" Hiccup screamed, as his gaze fell to the bandage.

A deep crimson stain left the bandage cause Hiccup to gasp out loud. Hiccup turned to his father. Hiccup began to shudder as he turned back and looked to his mother. Her eyes were closed. Hiccup leaned forward and put his hand to her face.

The moment his shaking hand landed upon her cool skin, a loud surge of thunder shook the rafters of the hut. Hiccup winced, as the thunder continued to roll onward.

"Mommy..?" Hiccup asked.

Stoic buried his head in his hands, and sobbed.

Hiccup slumped forward and nestled next to his mother. The moment Hiccup's heart wrenching sob fell forth, Stoic glanced up. He gasped as he saw Hiccup laying next to his mother. He saw Hiccup reach over and tug at his mother's arm.

"Muh...mom..mommy...?" Hiccup whimpered, as her arm wouldn't budge.

"Hiccup...?" Stoic asked.

Hiccup let go of Vall's arm as he heard his father's voice. He nestled his face next to his mother and hid his face. Stoic could see Hiccup's tiny shoulder's shaking vehemently as he cried.

Stoic placed a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. Hiccup shrugged him away as he clung tighter to his mother. Stoic then rose, and picked Hiccup up.

"No daddy!" Hiccup yelled, twisting and turning.

"Hiccup? Listen to me son..."Stoic instructed.

"I want Mommy!" Hiccup interrupted, trying to push away from Stoic.

Stoic held tighter.

"Hiccup, look at me son!" Stoic rasped.

Hiccup heard the break in his father's voice. Immediately he looked to his father. He saw the same sadness in them that he had seen before.

"Mommy...?" Hiccup whimpered, as the tears spilled over.

Stoic held Hiccup's gaze for a moment, before he slowly shook his head.

Hiccup slumped forward, and burst into tears.

"Mommmmmyyyy...I want...muh...mommuh-" Hiccup bawled.

Stoic wrapped his arms around his son, and held tight. Gently he began to rock back and forth hoping to soothe Hiccup's tears. Slowly he backed away from the table, and headed towards the stair case. The moment he entered the loft, Gober and Spitelout rose and moved Vallhallarama to the preparation room inside the great hall. Once they left, the house seemed to quiet down. Eventually Hiccup seemed to calm down, and Stoic peered down to see Hiccup had fallen asleep. Gently he knelt down beside Hiccup's bed. Reaching over he began to lay Hiccup down.

Hiccup's eye's shot open and he immediately clasped his hands around Stoic's arm.

"Shhhh..." Stoic soothed.

"You need to rest Hiccu-"

"Don't go Daddy..." Hiccup stammered.

Hiccup began to breathe loudly, as he held tighter to his father. Stoic smoothed Hiccup's hair as he set him down on the bed.

"No..." Hiccup pleaded.

"I'm not going anywhere, son" Stoic stated.

"It's going tah be all ruh-"

Stoic pause, and sighed heavily. Wrapping his arms around Hiccup he held tightly. Time dragged on slowly as Stoic held Hiccup in his arms. Glancing down, he saw Hiccup was asleep.

Gingerly, Stoic lay Hiccup down. Reaching over, he pulled the blanket up and tucked Hiccup in. Turning, Stoic brought a chair over and placed it next to Hiccup's bed. Stoic spent the whole night watching his son sleep. The house was quiet. Hiccup was very still as he slept. But as Stoic watched the rise and fall of Hiccup's chest he realized he had a small glimmer of hope to hold onto.

"Dad?"

Stoic didn't move.

"Dad!?" Hiccup asked, trying to shake his father by the shoulder's.

Stoic blinked and the trance slowly faded as the memory receded to the back of Stoic's mind. As his eyes gained focus, he saw Hiccup had a hand on each shoulder. By the worried look on his son's face Stoic didn't know how long he'd been mulling over old memory's.

"Whuh...What huh...happened there?" Hiccup asked.

Stoic blinked again. Hiccup wobbled as he saw a solitary tear fall Stoic's cheek. Hiccup swallowed nervously, and wobbled over to his father's side. Grunting, Hiccup plunkered down next to Stoic. Hiccup stared at the floor, unsure of what to do next. Stoic sniffed, and cleared his throat.

"Where'd you go Dad?" Hiccup asked, looking to his father.

"I was so scared, Hiccup..." Stoic stated, meeting Hiccup's gaze.

Hiccup furrowed his brown, and looked to the floor. He sniffed, and wiped his nose on his sleeve.

"The night your mother died was the scariest night of my life..." Stoic rasped.

"Yeah?" Hiccup asked.

"And you took her death...so hard, son" Stoic stammered.

"You were so still that night...as you slept..."

"I...?" Hiccup asked.

"I almost lost you son!" Stoic interrupted.

"I should've known Alvin would be on the hunt...I should've been there to protect you!" Stoic boomed.

"I...don't understand..." Hiccup stated.

"Hiccup...Those months...that you were...being held captive...It was a living nightmare!" Stoic stammered.

Hiccup could see the tears were falling freely as his father spoke.

"Every time I set foot into this house, ...the emptiness just...took hold n' I couldn't bare being under this roof with out m' son and..." Stoic cried.

Suddenly, the sheer relief of having Hiccup home suddenly fell upon Stoic's shoulder's. Stoic slumped forward and buried his head in his hands. His fingers kneed his weary temples as he fought to hide the tears from his son. Stoic gasped as he felt hiccup lean against him.

A familiar shuffle filled the room as Toothless sauntered over to Hiccup. He looked to Stoic and crooned softly. Chuffing lightly to Hiccup, Toothless lay down at his master's feet.

Looking over Stoic saw Hiccup was staring at Toothless. Stoic sighed and wrapped his arms around Hiccup.

"It's...so good.." Hiccup uttered.

Hiccup choked as he tried to finish his sentence. He began to run his hands through his hair as he felt the tears begin to sting his eyes. Stoic saw Hiccup's lip quiver, and gently squeezed Hiccup's shoulders.

Hiccup began to cry quietly as he felt his father hug him tighter. His father's hugs were powerful, and nearly broke his ribs every time. But over the past three months, Hiccup had begun to realize how much he missed his father's strong hugs. Stoic leaned in and looked at Hiccup. Hiccup's hands shook as he seemed to tug at his hair. The tears streaks on Hiccup's face cause Stoic to swallow hard.

"Out with it..." Stoic soothed.

Hiccup shook his head.

"Hiccup!" Stoic boomed.

"Oh Gods..." Hiccup mumbled, as he heard his father's voice.

Stoic felt Hiccup flinch, and immediately regreted raising his voice. He began to rub Hiccup's back as he spoke.

"Sorry..." Stoic apologized.

"It's ok...Dad.." Hiccup answered.

"Are you in pain?" Stoic asked.

Hiccup shurgged.

"Occupational hazzard..?" Hiccup retorted, sarcastically.

Stoic chuckled. If anything he had begun to grow used to Hiccup's sarcasm. One more then one occasion, Hiccup had gotten Stoic laughing so hard Stoic didn't know if he would ever be able to resume normal breathing.

Hiccup sniffed, and sighed heavily.

"What is it, son?" Stoic asked, worriedly.

Hiccup looked to his father. Stoic saw Hiccup's chin quiver as he pulled his lips in. Closing his eyes, Hiccup slumped forward. His head rested against his father's side as he in-hailed sharply.

"It's...just...good..tuh be home...Dad..." Hiccup stammered.

"Oh Hiccup..." Stoic answered.

"I don't know...what I would've done if-"

A sob fell from Hiccup's lips, stopping Stoic mid-sentence. Stoic just held Hiccup, and let him cry. With in a few moment's Hiccup was wheezing as his lamentations began to cause his injury to flare up.

"Ok...Easy now...Hiccup..?" Stoic asked.

"Come on...Don't wanna rip out yer stitches...do ya?"

Hiccup shook his head hurriedly.

"Deep breaths son..." Stoic instructed.

Hiccup took in a trembling breath.

"Steady...now..." Stoic soothed.

Hiccup began to calm down as the minutes passed. Stoic looked down to see Hiccup had his eyes closed tightly.

"All right...i think...it's time for you to-" Stoic stated.

"Ssssleeep?" Hiccup asked, look over to his father.

Stoic nodded, and rose. Turning, he helped Hiccup lay down. Pulling the blankets up he tucked the bear skin under Hiccup's chin. Hiccup raised his head, and looked to Toothless. He then looked to his father.

"Dad?" Hiccup asked.

"Yes?" Stoic answered.

"You're...not..going to leave...are you?" Hiccup asked.

Stoic turned and pulled a nearby chair over, and placed it by Hiccup's bed. Grunting he sat down and scooted towards Hiccup.

"I wouldn't dream of it.." Stoic answered.