Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dragonconqueror) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
pookabox2014-08-17 12:35 pm
dragonconqueror) wrote in pookabox2014-08-17 12:35 pm
dig if you will the picture of you and I engaged in a kiss (for dragonring)
[Hiccup was proud of himself for being able to navigate New York on his lonesome.
It was only his second or third time in the city, so much bigger than the village he'd grown up in. Jack was off doing winter spirit business elsewhere in the world and North had no need for him in the Workshop ("Go get fresh air, boy!" the Guardian of Wonder had boomed, clapping him on his back), so Hiccup had found himself going to New York to see if he could catch Dave after school.
Jack had told him the human's schedule, and North had taught him to read a clock. Hiccup loitered around the city, watching people bustle about on their eclectical (eclectical? electronic! he still had trouble pronouncing some words) devices, stole some food from a street vendor and sat in the park while he waited.
Time passed, and his nose led him towards the university when he picked up the distinct smell of electricity. Magical electricity. There was a difference between that and the stuff running through the undercurrents of the city. The smell of books and paper came to him too, as well as that of coffee and a little wet dog.
He stopped a little way away when he saw Dave talking to someone. The smell of perfume wafted to his nose and he fought the urge to gag, clamping a hand over his mouth. One of the curses of having a strong sense of smell. Hiccup raised an eyebrow at the way Dave was acting, the way he stumbled over words and swung his arms and used his hands for emphasis...oh boy. He'd been there before.
They hug, the girl leaving him with a wave goodbye and a small smile, and Hiccup makes his presence known. He thought about placing a hand on the boy's shoulder but he's jumpy enough as it is, so he settles for casually leaning against a nearby wall, crossing his arms as he speaks.]
Did you two love birds want some alone time or should I just go?
It was only his second or third time in the city, so much bigger than the village he'd grown up in. Jack was off doing winter spirit business elsewhere in the world and North had no need for him in the Workshop ("Go get fresh air, boy!" the Guardian of Wonder had boomed, clapping him on his back), so Hiccup had found himself going to New York to see if he could catch Dave after school.
Jack had told him the human's schedule, and North had taught him to read a clock. Hiccup loitered around the city, watching people bustle about on their eclectical (eclectical? electronic! he still had trouble pronouncing some words) devices, stole some food from a street vendor and sat in the park while he waited.
Time passed, and his nose led him towards the university when he picked up the distinct smell of electricity. Magical electricity. There was a difference between that and the stuff running through the undercurrents of the city. The smell of books and paper came to him too, as well as that of coffee and a little wet dog.
He stopped a little way away when he saw Dave talking to someone. The smell of perfume wafted to his nose and he fought the urge to gag, clamping a hand over his mouth. One of the curses of having a strong sense of smell. Hiccup raised an eyebrow at the way Dave was acting, the way he stumbled over words and swung his arms and used his hands for emphasis...oh boy. He'd been there before.
They hug, the girl leaving him with a wave goodbye and a small smile, and Hiccup makes his presence known. He thought about placing a hand on the boy's shoulder but he's jumpy enough as it is, so he settles for casually leaning against a nearby wall, crossing his arms as he speaks.]
Did you two love birds want some alone time or should I just go?
no subject
No matter if he's a sorcerer now and he needs to get used to it (and its side effects!), Dave is still a city boy who likes (certain) aspects of a normal life. And after the mess that came with meeting the dragons, he needs to be back in his comfortable space. They solved that, sure, but now he's left with a new lover he barely knows and... and what else? He still isn't sure how this is supposed to work, but may as well go with the flow. After dealing with Balthazar's teasing, throwing himself into his studies and magic training definitely helps.
It says a lot about what a big mess it was that when he bumps into Becky in the university, he isn't awkward around her anymore. Well, not more than the standard anyway. Their break-up feels like a thing that happened years ago, there's a lot more happening in his life now. She's surprised at first but quickly joins the mood, both happy to be able to finally be friends still like they decided that day.
He can't help squeezing that hug a little bit - break-up or not, she's still Becky, his one girl, and it feels good to have her in his life again. He needs the comfort, too. The wave is answered with one of his own as he watches her leave with a silly smile on his face.
That means, of course, that Hiccup takes him by surprise, so he jumps anyway. He looks around them quickly, checking nobody can see him talking to the air, and when he hears the question, he facepalms.]
Seriously? Did Jack send you to keep an eye on me now?
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Nope, no Jack. North told me to get some fresh air so I thought I'd visit.
[He waves his hand as he speaks, dismissing the idea that Jack had told him to come keep an eye on their boyfriend, and he has to pause when he uses that word in connection to Dave. That's what they are even though they haven't spent a lot of time together, right? He stares after the girl a little before he nearly gags again on the stench of perfume coming from Dave, turning his attention back to the boy.]
That the ex girlfriend you mentioned?
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...you came to visit me? On your own?
[Unexpected but still very touching. Can they finally go pass through their awkward stage and get some friendship going at least? He knows they achieved something in that time in the kitchen at least, but then the... thing in the library happened, and they haven't been alone since then.
It's amazing how possessive Jack can be even of his mutual lovers.
The question embarrassed him a bit (so silly considering what they did together already, but well) and he also stares at her silhouette at the end of the street before nodding.]
Yeah, that's... that's Becky. [He could leave it there, he thinks, but it wouldn't be fair, not after Hiccup told him about his wife. And they're together, right? Better leave some things clear He rubs his forehead as he speaks lowly, not wanting to call attention.] More than ten years of longing... I was so sure she was the one, you know? But things... things didn't work out.
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[He scratches his neck, feeling a little sheepish and awkward, but he didn't know how to contact the boy to tell him he was coming. It wasn't like he had one of those phone things or anything. That thing that happened in the library sure did happen, and he understood if Dave was a little put off (his dick wasn't even human anymore for crying out loud), but he thought some time without Jack between them would be good.
He notices the look on Dave's face when he stares after Becky, feeling a slight twinge of jealousy in his chest even though he's Dave's third lover. The perfume smell must be getting to him, because the next thing he knows, he's draping an arm over Dave's shoulders, rubbing one awkwardly and trying not to give away the fact that he was rubbing a bit of his own scent over the places he can smell the perfume coming from.]
That's how it goes. I pined for Astrid for...oh...five years? By the time she came around I was already in love with Jack. [He scratches his jaw.] I loved her, too, but he already had my heart.
a litlte more than third actually, sorry Hic
[That's actually kinda cute, and Dave is glad to see he isn't the only one who can quickly fall in easy awkwardness. He could get used to this guy in his life pretty quickly, he finds himself thinking, as long as he doesn't think too hard about the... thing.
He raises an eyebrow at the sudden hand on his shoulders, unsure of what to think. Hiccup is obviously a nice guy and he's doing this because he means it, not out of pity, but still. Dave hasn't thought they could get so everyday-touchy like this so soon.]
Jack and I didn't start until after I broke up with her so... oh god, give me a second.
[It's still awkward to talk about Jack to Hiccup, which is stupid after they agreed to do this and their quickie in the library, but he can't help it. Dave distracts himself by taking out his earbuds from his satchel and connecting them to his phone before putting them on his ears.]
There, now it won't look like I'm talking to the air. [Does he have to bring up the subject of Becky and Jack again? Because he isn't sure he wants to.] Sooo... do you want to do anything in particular today?
sure, Dave, whatever you want to believe
[Easy awkwardness has always been Hiccup's forte, long before he became who he is today. Sometimes he floundered in it. The years spent sleeping and growing spiritually have allowed that side of him to come through more, less the aggrivated, animalistic feral Jack had found in the caves all those years ago, now a clear balance of both. He's a little glad about that actually, wondering what Dave would have thought of him back then, given his reaction to his dick during that quickie in the library. Jack liked it, sure, but it might be a bit much for a normal kid.
Hiccup lets his hand drop from the human's shoulder when he's sure there's a stronger dragon scent now, joining the other one at his hips, thumbs looped through the beltloops of his leather pants, making it look like it was in reaction to the raised eyebrow. Yes, good. That perfume smell was gone. Hiccup can breathe easier now. He nods along with Dave's explanation, then blinks as Dave puts something in his ears. He can't help tilting his head curiously, recognizing the phone from their conversation at the dinner table in North's workshop, then turns his attention back to the boy at the question.
If Dave doesn't want to talk about Jack or Becky, they don't have to. He smiles and shrugs.]
Not...really? I didn't have anything in mind. I just figured I'd, ah, hang around until you got sick of me.
:(((
[The smile is returned, Dave being truly thankful for the topic being dropped for now. He thinks he and Hiccup will have a better progress if they get to be actual people around each other first, awkward lovers through a third person later. Their similarities, so cursed back in the workshop, may help with that. In any other situation, any other universe, Dave could see why he and Hiccup would make a good match, as Jack likes to say (not admitting it to him though).
Chuckling at the last part, Dave starts making his way out of the university's entrance, down the stairs and into the street. His hand almost makes a gesture for Hiccup to follow him, but stops just in time when he realizes it'd look really stupid for the general crowd.]
Iiii'm mostly sure that's not happening soon, don't worry. I gotta stop by my apartment first, see Tank, but then I can show you some more cool stuff, teach you a few things. Good enough? [It's a good thing he's used to having Jack around and he can keep his eyes on the road. It didn't use to be so easy, eyes always wandered to the spirit following him. But then it hits him: Hiccup may not know this, he's still "new".] Sorry if-- for making it so awkward to talk without looking at each other. I gotta play pretend around people, you know? The earbuds make it look like I'm talking on my phone.
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[If the way he was able to suss out the boy's smell from every other human in the city was anything to go by. Hiccup still remembered the scent from the quickie in the library, the heedy smell that assaulted his senses alongside his husband's arousal. Coffee (although he didn't know what it was called at the time), electricity, papers, magical residue similar in ways to North's when the older man used his own brand of magic, but with enough of a unique scent that was just so Dave. Was he really waxing poetic about the way the boy smelled? Fishlegs would be proud.
He follows on automatic whether or not Dave makes a gesture for him to, lowering his arms to his sides as he trailed along after him. The suggestion makes him incline his head, indicating he didn't really care either way.]
Sounds good to me. [Although he was keen to learn more new things about the future, he was a little apprehensive about doing it on his own without someone experienced watching. Jack didn't count. The explanation makes him blink before he smiles.] I get it. I'm...not exactly used to someone being able to see me. [His daughter might have been able to, if her reaction to Toothless when they first went back to Berk was anything to go by, but he never stuck around to find out. And now he'd never know.] Does this count you as my first believer or does the whole magic thing negate that?
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[Laughing awkwardly, he glances very quickly at the scales before putting his eyes on the road again. The memory of the library quickie pops up in his mind once again, and he shakes his head to get rid of it. This is so not the right time for it. In fact, not every time soon will be right for it.
Used to hanging out with Jack, Dave tries to take the less crowded streets so nobody walks through the spirit. That also means they have to take the longest way, but he doubts Hiccup will care. When he hears what his new... friend? has to say about the belief subject, he looks at him again, a softer expression on his face this time, with also lots of sympathy. Dave has felt invisible before, but these guys? For them it's literal, damn.
At the question, he chuckles.] Actually, I'm not very sure? I mean, I don't know if awakening my magic instantly gave me the skill to see you, guys, or if because I know magical stuff exists now, I believe in everything. It's a bit like asking about the chicken and the egg... whiiiich you probably have no idea about. Never mind
[He shakes his head at himself. Way to go, Stutler. Seeing as it's rush hour in fucking New York and avoiding people is pretty much impossible, Dave decides to just go for it.
Well, after asking first.] ...do you mind if I use some magic to get us going?
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[He knowingly doesn't make mention of the quickie they had with Jack in North's library, nor the way his lower parts were a bit more dragon shaped than before. Instead, he walked along beside Dave, sometimes a bit out of his peripheral vision due to the afternoon crowds and not wanting to feel anybody walk through him, noticing that Dave takes the less crowded street eventually. He's grateful.
Hiccup does raise a bit of an eyebrow at the whole chicken and the egg thing, shaking his head when Dave says he probably doesn't know about it. It sounds like some kind of metaphor for something, what he doesn't know, but he gets the feeling he'll be told about it if he asks.]
I was able to see our, ah, mutual friend because belief was ingrained in my society whether I actually believed in the gods or not. Although when I was younger I used to go hunting for trolls when my dad took me fishing...so I guess that answers that question.
[A wave of nostalgia washes over him and he pauses, looking at Dave as he asks the question before shrugging.]
Sure.
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[There's not mention of that incident but the implications are still quite real. Dave swallows as he sends the memory to the back of his head again, not knowing what else to do for now not to let it get him.
Mutual friend. He can't help smirking a bit at the way Hiccup refers to Jack, but honestly? He can't blame him for it. He nods at the explanation and then, after looking around to avoid any curious eyes, puts a hand on Hiccup's shoulder.]
Here is the existential question for you: what came first? The chicken or the egg? [He squeezes the shoulder, intending to be a friendly gesture, reassuring too, but he still can't help feeling a bit weird about touching Hiccup.] Buckle up.
[Dave closes his eyes without saying any other word and suddenly everything is a blur around them, like someone pressing the forward button on a movie. Of course Hiccup doesn't have experience with that, but he does fly at high speeds, so hopefully he can tell the sorcerer is speeding up time.
When the stomach turning spell stops, they're in a different neighborhood, surrounding by apartment buildings instead of shops and offices. It's much less crowded, too.]
You okay? Everything in place? [He asks as he lets go of Hiccup's shoulder to search for his keys in his satchel.]
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The question makes him raise an eyebrow, even moreso at the hand on his shoulder. It was a little strange, considering that the human hadn't exactly been touchy feely with him since the library, but then he realized it must be for the magic he was about to perform.]
Well, logic states chicken, because what would be around to lay the egg in the first place?
[When everything starts to become blurry, he stops talking, making a small noise in the back of his throat. He's used to flying at high speeds, yes, but this is something completely different. So different that it makes him a little dizzy, but not enough to throw up when the spell stops. Hiccup shakes his head to get the ringing out of his ears, running his hand through his hair as he lets out a breath and then looks down to check himself.]
I think so.
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He hasn't given up yet, though, because he can be dumb like that. Unlocking and opening the door, he holds it open for Hiccup to follow him. The building is quite old for New York's standards, but who knows if someone from the ancient ages could tell the difference.]
That was a spell to speed up time. And to answer your question: where would that chicken come from in the first place? [Hopefully the viking understands the catch in this famous dilemma by now. After locking the door behind them, Dave hurries to call the elevator, who knows how much that old thing will take to arrive.] This way, come on. Youuu... you aren't claustrophobic, are you?
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He watches curiously as the keys go into the door and it unlocks, tilting his head. Keys were a foreign concept to him, another twenty first century invention. The building gives off an old vibe, like the ruins of a village or temple. Hiccup presses a hand to a wall as he steps inside, following Dave and feeling the bricks. Again, different. The houses on Berk had been built with wood, several hundred years old but freshly built every time a dragon burned one down.
The response to his statement makes him blink, frowning in puzzlement over what he's saying and goes to correct him before he realizes he has no correction to make that would even remotely be understandable.]
Some part of Yggdrasil has otherworld chickens I'm sure. [Yes. That was the most logical explanation right now. The question at hand makes him frown again, raising an eyebrow. He doesn't quite understand what Dave means but...] I lived in a cave for the early part of my spirit life. I don't think where we're going will be much different...
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He notices the way the viking is looking at and touching everything, knowing that feeling pretty well himself. He wishes Hiccup would just ask about the things he wants to know about. Dave doesn't mind explaining (in fact he loves it) but he doesn't know where to start. As far as he knows, 100% of the stuff surrounding them deserves a comment or two.
More laughter escapes him when he hears Hiccup conclusion, moving to open the elevator door when it finally arrives.]
And where do the Yggdrasil chickens come from, Mister Sure? [Once they're both inside, he closes the door and presses the right button, the elevator moving up as slowly as it came down.] Thaaat would depend on how big your cave was. This thing here is an elevator, it helps go up to the higher part of the buildings. You saw how high they are nowadays, didn't you? Nobody walks all those stairs.
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Even asking Dave or his master to do it seemed selfish.
Hiccup balks a little at the laughter, blinking once again before he raises an eyebrow, watching the elevator approach. He did see how high the buildings were, a feat that was only matched by the meade hall that had been carved into solid stone over hundreds of years, now under water with the rest of Berk.]
Perhaps if the windows were bigger people could simply fly dragons in. I had to sneak in a few times after dark due to Dragon Flight Club.
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He rests his back against the elevator wall and looks at their reflections on the mirror. Going by just looks, it's hard to him to think they could be so similar inside. Hiccup looks like some fantasy hero, a person you expect the Spirit of Winter to date. And himself? Yeah, better not go there.
At least his amused mood stays, and he arches an eyebrow at Hiccup.]
Yeeeah, because dragons are such a commodity around here. [Hello sarcasm old friend, Dave missed you.] You don't like buildings this tall then?
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[It was the only word Hiccup could come up with, for the modern world. Weird in ways that defied his rational thinking, he thought to himself as he followed Dave's gaze to the glass, noting how similar it was to one of the forgeries Gobber and Fishlegs had made when trying to figure out the right recipe of rocks for Gronckle Iron. He can't help but stare at himself, noting the changes as he had done many times in the bathroom at North's workshop.
Eyes narrow, an almond kind of draconic style compared to the wide eyed youth he had been, black, smoky scales littering his face almost as much as the freckles he had grown up with and been ostracised for. Even his ears had a slightly pointed look to them now, flattening at the top in a way that seemed similar to Toothless's own ear flaps. Looking at Dave's reflection next to his, he could notice similarities between the boy and his younger self, but it was better not to dwell on those types of things.
He stands rather stiffly, not knowing what to do as he felt like the ground was giving way underneath him, like a sinkhole caused by a Whispering Death.]
Humans making buildings as tall as hills and mountains seems almost like a challenge to Mother Nature.
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You-- you're magical, eternal, and still worry about challenging Mother Nature? What about when you invented all those things for the dragons? Were humans meant to fly on them after all?
[He's not judging, but his tone definitely has changed. Something about this sounds like a debate waiting to happen, and Dave loves to have a brain that keep up with him, especially one that knows about his other side.
Eyes go up to the ceiling this time, taking in the lights. Dear old electricity.]
Aren't our minds part of the world too? The results of natural evolution? Beavers build dams, we just take it a little beyond that... [He hides his face on a hand when he realizes he went a little too far in front of a guy that hasn't studied science for centuries.] Sorry, I didn't mean to-- I guess that even if you were a builder, your culture still held you closely.
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Well, magical and eternal or not, Mother Nature probably...isn't someone I'd want to meet.
[He's heard about her from the other Guardians, the kind of presence you feel when you don't see anything at all. How terrifying and yet awe inspiring she is all at the same time. She showed herself when she wanted to, floating away on the next breeze without so much as a word. He closes his eyes with a small shrug of his shoulders.]
People in my village believed we weren't meant to. It took...a long time to integrate them into our society. Even some people that came to have dragons of their own refused to fly. The others continued my work after I [disappeared] became a Guardian, but we were still learning ourselves. Even now that I'm part dragon, I still don't understand them fully.
[Dave hiding his face in his hand rouses some kind of instinct in Hiccup. Nurturing, mothering. He smothers it down, not wanting to embarrass Dave or make a fool out of himself.]
You know I have no clue what you're talking about, right? I, uh, I haven't been able to read every book in North's library yet...
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Except Hiccup doesn't have enough information for such a debate, so Dave feels a bit like a jerk now. He shakes his head, putting his hands up too.]
I know, I know, I'm sorry. What I meant is... humans are advancing all the time, and by their own means, thanks to their brains learning new things every day. This stuff is more shocking for you because you're seeing it all at the same time, but it was gradual, too, just like your integration of dragons.
[The elevator finally stops at the right floor and Dave doesn't waste time in getting them out of it, walking down the hallway. Hiccup can see many doors, but there's only one being scratched by the dog on the other side as a reaction to his master's voice... which is multiplied today, go figure.]
Even nowadays, sometimes a new and revolutionary thing comes out and some people will still complain about it being against god's will... they'll forget about it in a few years when it becomes an every day thing. [The door to his apartment gets open and Tank quickly comes out to receive his human and the one that sounds like him. Dave hurries to pick him up before he jumps on Hiccup, dropping a kiss on the dog's forehead.] Hello, beautiful. Miss me?
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Ah, so nothing's changed then. They complained my dragon perches were against the will of the gods as well. And...every other invention that came after it. And before it.
[Which they've already covered, but it just goes to show that society doesn't change much, be it a thousand or two thousand years. Hiccup follows Dave out of the lift, sliding his hands to the pockets of his leathers since they don't have much to do even though they're twitching to fiddle with something. He does sneak a glance at the other doorways, wondering what kind of person lives behind each, but the scratching at Dave's door makes a small pang happen in his chest. Even away from him for just the afternoon, Hiccup misses Toothless.
He wouldn't have minded if Tank had jumped on him, smiling a little bit when Dave addresses his pet that way. It's reminiscent of Fishlegs and Meatlug, and Hiccup shakes the thought away before it can mess with his mind. He holds his hand out for Tank to sniff before he scratches his neck after Dave is done with kissing the little beast's head.]
Hey there, boy.
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[They're supposed to be something else, too, something they agreed to because of Jack, but he still can't bring himself to say it. Tank provides a good distraction, licking Hiccups hand and wagging his little tail when he gets petted. Once Dave is sure the door is closed, he puts him down, and the dog doesn't waste time in going to smell their guest farther. If there's something Dave can appreciate about Hiccup besides his brain, it's his acceptance of a pet running around, not being bothered by it.
The apartment is tiny and cluttered, it only takes two steps for them to go from the so called living-room to the kitchen that holds even more stuff, including a bunch of science books on the table.]
I know it's not much but... make yourself comfortable. I just gotta feed Tank and make a back-up of my project, then we can make some plans. [He takes a quick peek into the bedroom and bathroom to check Bennet isn't around before taking out the dog food, using it to refill Tank's bowl while speaking to Hiccup.] If you're hungry too you can grab whatever leftovers we have in the fridge... that's, ah, the big white box over there.
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[That, and he didn't want to make Dave feel even worse about himself if their conversation in the kitchen was anything to go by. If he was actually good at magic and better than the Prime Merlinian, he got the feeling Dave wouldn't even talk to him. No, magic was Dave's thing. Besides, Hiccup liked having at least something normal about him, all things considered (looking at you, dick), but let's face it, he signed away "normal" when he became a Guardian.
He's used to dragons running around and being surrounded by baby dragons and Terrible Terrors in minutes, one little dog isn't going to phase him. Hiccup kneels so that he's closer to Tank, letting the bulldog sniff him all he wants since it's a customary thing for dragons too. He chuckles a little when Tank rolls over onto his stomach, giving the dog a belly rub before he looks up at Dave as Tank's attention is taken by the kibble being poured in to his bowl.]
Take your time. What kind of project are you doing?
[Genuine curiosity, though he does look at the fridge, equally curious. He's seen the one in North's kitchen, but that's obviously bigger than what Dave has. He's not quite sure what the human means by leftovers though, standing and hooking his thumbs into the cords trailing along his thighs.]
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[Definitely true, Hiccup is already better then him in every way and magic would make it worse. But at the same time, Dave already thinks of him as a pure magical being, and a Guardian at that, so he's still the perfect person to stay by Jack's side. Dave still wants that normal side of things, even if each day that passes tries to tell him he's also signed away from that.
Tank runs to his bowl to get some eating, and Dave, seeing Hiccup just standing over there, decides to feed the dragon too. He takes out two cans of soda from the fridge plus a box of leftover pizza from last night that are left on the table. He pulls back a chair too, inviting Hiccup to take a seat.]
Ah, my project is about... well. Advanced Physics. [He disappears into his bedroom for a moment before coming back with his laptop and sitting at the table too.] I'm not sure how much of what I can tell you will make sense to you. Or to the average person on the street to be fair... how is your reading going? Is like-- is there anything you're stuck at?
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[He's a bit awkward but he does take a seat when it's offered, still a little unsure about how he should react around the boy. They're supposed to be in some...thing for Jack, like he suggested, and Hiccup is honestly trying, but he can't help but pick up on Dave's ticks and nervousness.
He pops the offered soda as Dave disappears into his bedroom, taking a swig as he watches Tank eat, his attention being grabbed back by the human when he reenters the room. Hiccup swallows what's in his mouth at the question, reaching to scratch the back of his neck.]
I've been reading just about everything I can from North's library. There's actually more books on science and physics than I thought there was... [He clears his throat when he realizes he's going to start rambling.] I think I understand most of it.
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[After turning on his laptop, Dave munches on a slice of cold pizza while waiting for the desktop screen to appear. He has to admit, he's feeling rather comfortable right now, talking to Hiccup as if he was just another friend. He still doesn't know what to do about the other thing, but this is a great start. Promise to Jack or not, he wants to get along with Hiccup, he likes the guy just fine.
He nods as he takes out a pendrive from his bag and sticks it into his laptop - he isn't bothered by the rambling. In fact he's curious.]
A thousand years is a lot of time to catch up on, but also-- it's not just that, you know? Science advances quicker each time. Nowadays we do in a year what in the old days was achieved in a decade. [A Powerpoint presentation is chosen and Dave turns the laptop so Hiccup can have a clear view of the screen. It has lots of chart and numbers, but also pictures of his lab with the giant Tesla coils in it. The Merlin circle can sometimes be noticed on the floor under them.] But if you're sure you have what you need, here -- knock yourself out.
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[He has no idea he's said 'us' until a few seconds after and Hiccup quickly shoves his can near his mouth so that he doesn't say something stupid again, taking a swig of the soda. The drink was still strange to him, but not at all unpleasant. It's definitely a great start to the other thing, but for now Hiccup reaches for a slice of pizza, examining it before taking a bite.
Hiccup's eyebrows furrow a little when he sees the pen drive, not bothered by it but looking at it. He's seen them around North's Workshop, but he doesn't really understand how they work. Looking up when Dave speaks, he nods. North had said something similar. He tilts his head when Dave turns the laptop around, scooting his chair forward, squinting.]
That's, ah, an electrical resonant transformer circuit, right?
[He recently read something about that he's sure...]
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["Us" is understood as Hiccup and the dragons by Dave, so there's not awkward moment to take care of. And thank goodness for that, there's already been enough awkwardness between them, they're better this way, as some kind of chatty friends.
The furrowing of brows makes Dave pause, expecting some kind comment from Hiccup. a question about the computer? Something about the pizza maybe? Nothing comes in the end, so he nods, quite impressed at Hiccup's quick recognition.]
Yeah-- yes, it is. Good, very good. [Finding Hiccup's understanding encouraging, Dave goes on explaining his project, forgetting for a second whom he's talking to and presenting it like he does in class. It's obvious he loves the subject and it means a lot to him, only pausing to feed some crumbs of pizza to Tank, who now sits between the two guys and paws at their legs, asking for food.] ...each with a different number of configurations. This way I can... [He turns to Hiccup and the excitement suddenly dies when he realizes whats he's done.] ...I can bore your brains out with my rambling. Sorry.
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When Dave starts coming down from his excitement, he blinks a little at the teenager before he leans back up, shaking his head with a small chuckle.]
It's fine. You were [cute] very informative. [He reaches for another slice of pizza, commenting offhandedly,] People used to call my ideas boring to the point where if I even so much as had a plan, they'd groan. [Hiccup bites into his new slice, nodding for Dave to go on.]
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He chuckles along, taking a sip of his own soda can before speaking.]
My experiments... they are a little bit dangerous, so my teacher gave me a special permission to use that place you see in the pics. It's underground but huge, I have fully free range in there. A secret lab of my own... [Using the arrow keys, he shows Hiccup some more pictures of his lab, with full shots of the Tesla coils and the cage, finally ending with a shot of the floor.] ...whiiiich means my master took the chance to make it our training grounds too.
[He rolls his eyes, but it's obvious that he is complaining for the sake of it and is fonder of Balthazar that he lets on.]
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He chuckles a little at Dave's complaining around his mouthful, holding the back of his hand against his mouth to keep any food from falling out as he does so.]
I had a similar reaction when my dad found out I was planning on putting the ring where we used to kill dragons to good use by using it to train them, and again when he found out we'd been sneaking out at night behind his back when he put a No Flying ban into effect due to an enemy threat.
[Hiccup lowers his gaze to his food, feeling a little melancholy at the thought of his father. He...actually hadn't gotten over Stoick's death by the time he became a Guardian, and he'd never forgiven himself for the whole thing with Drago. He shakes his head to snap himself out of it, rubbing the back of his neck a little sheepishly.]
This is really cool though. How long have you been working on it?
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Your dad... the chief, right? He sounds... strict. But I know what's like - being told to stay inside because danger is out there to get you. And it only gets worse when they're proven right.
[He takes a sip of his soda, a bit lost in thought himself, remembering how Becky got dragged into his mess... so much for that story. It's Hiccup's question that makes him snap out of it - he offers a little smile, still a bit distracted.]
Almost three years now. Those coils... they're my life. Or were? I don't even know anymore. I used to have a plan for post-graduation life and now... [He sighs and rubs his face.] Sorry, I'm rambling.
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[Wow, this was...embarrassing to talk about, but Dave deserved a little insight into who he used to be. Who he still was in some ways. At the very least, Jack still saw him as his Boy, but his husband had known him since he was small, so that didn't count much. North too, for that matter, since he met the older Guardian when he'd been a lad. Hiccup takes a sip of his own soda, letting the fizz slide down his suddenly dry throat. He hadn't thought about his father or mother in a long time.
He blinks a little when Dave mentions how long he's been working on the coils, pulling the can away from his mouth with an impressed look on his face before he shakes his head at the apology.]
Don't apologize, I ramble myself. [He smiles softly.] There is a bit of that 'what now?' feeling after you complete something, isn't there?
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[Logic is the way to go when he doesn't know what else to say. Should he try for comforting? But how ridiculous it is to pat a thousand year old man on the back and tell him it's ok? There is some stuff here that goes beyond common reason. Still, Dave appreciates being told the story. If Hiccup can trust him with this, then they definitely can work things up.
The question has him shaking his head, hands leaving his can so they can gesture along. This is one topic that gets all his messy thoughts out.]
Ah, no, see... I used to know the answer to that. I knew what came after 'what now?'. But now... I'm not sure anymore, not after... magic happened.
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I went from being the Hope and Heir to the Pride of Berk, you tell me. My mom tried to do the same thing fifteen years earlier but people just rebuffed her ideals. Nobody believed dragons could be anything more than coldblooded creatures who raided our village for their own sake. Then I shot down Toothless and learned differently and used what I learned from him in the arena where we were learning to kill them. I'd intended on showing the whole village what they were really like during my graduation 'killing', but...it went wrong.
[Hiccup gives a small sigh, remembering the clang that had sounded in the arena due to his father hitting the barrier with his hammer and the way Hookfang's eyes had dilated with the noise. Still, that had been a thousand years ago. There was really no use feeling guilt for it, or so he kept telling himself.]
Well, when dad started pressuring me to become chief and succeed the family, I started to travel and add to the map. Which...I guess you can't do that now, but it kind of drove the feeling away for a bit. I didn't know what to do. I wasn't really ready to settle down with Astrid or anyone, much less have kids. [His smile turns a bit sad.] I guess that's why I took Jack's offer to become a Guardian. Then the battle with Drago happened and I became chief and I didn't have a lot of time to get the village back on its feet before I...stopped being visible to them.
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And what is he supposed to say to that? All his words feel insignificant.]
Hiccup... I'm sorry you lost all that. I wish... I wish any sorcerer would've known about you to help you wake up. [He rubs the back of his neck.] I know it's not much but... we can try tracking down your family line. It's gonna be difficult after all these years but... [A shrug. He really feels like he has nothing, ugh.]
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So much for taking things one step at a time.
Hiccup bites his bottom lip, about to blurt out an apology before Dave speaks, making him blink at the sorcerer. He smiles, the twinge of his lips a little sad.]
I was kind of hidden away from the world...I'm not surprised no one found me, especially after J...the cave entrance fell in on itself.
[The offer makes him blink again, surprised. They could do that kind of thing now?]
That's...that's a thing?