Chapter 40

"You know, I still don't know how he doesn't know we're just messing around," Young Macintosh good-heartedly complained to Wee Dingwall. "I mean, we all heard her say she loves him."

"Yeah, I know," Wee Dingwall agreed while passing Young Macintosh a cube of ice to help with his developing black eye.

"But you know, flirting with Hiccup is still fun," Young Macintosh grinned. Wee Dingwall sat next to his fellow prince while starting to wrap up his bloodied leg.

"I do like riling up Maraud. No matter how cool he tries to act in front of Hiccup, he's still the same hot-headed prince who dumped an entire platter of Haggis on top of you!" Wee Dingwall chortled.

Young Macintosh forced a smile before swinging his arm around the blonde's neck and squeezing just a little too tightly to be friendly.

"Well, as hilarious as an angry Maraud is, a blushing Hiccup is too cute!"

"Oh, absolutely!"

"I just wish he wouldn't hit quite so hard!"

"Well, I guess you'd better stop getting him mad, then, huh?"

Both princes spun around to the new voice. Hiccup.

"Ah. Sorry, Hiccup," Wee Dingwall said bashfully.

"I just want you two to feel your best at my wedding," Hiccup said. "I forbid you from having any bruises at my wedding," she joked.

"Sort of impossible, that," Wee Dingwall griped. "Your fiancé has quite a punch."

Hiccup laughed. "You might want to stop teasing him, then, hmm?"

"We're not teasing him!" Young Macintosh protested. "We're teasing you!"

"Yeah, well quit that, too," Maraud entered the infirmary. "Honestly, you two are so bothersome. Do we have to have them at the wedding?" Maraud turned to Hiccup. She just rolled her eyes playfully and shoved him in the chest.

"Oh, come on, now!" Wee Dingwall protested. "We're all friends here!"

"Besides, you won the challenge," Young Macintosh pointed out. "And even if you hadn't, we kind of gave up on that whole 'romance with Hiccup' the day after…"

"The day after I turned back into a human?"

"How are you so calm about that?" Wee Dingwall questioned.

"If my fiancée had turned me into a bear, I would've been freaking out about it," Young Macintosh agreed. Maraud shifted uncomfortably on his feet.

Hiccup just laughed again.

"I'm a Viking, you know. Practically everything in our lives are occupational hazards. Believe me when I say that weirder and more dangerous things have happened to me,"

All the men in the room stared at Hiccup. Wee Dingwall shook his head and said,

"I'm so glad we're friends."

"Not just friends," Young Macintosh added. "Good friends."

"Me, too." Hiccup smiled.

"I'm not." Maraud grumbled.

Hiccup helped bandage Wee Dingwall's leg. The four of them sat in a comfortable silence for a minute before Hiccup's mum came in to pull Maraud and Hiccup out.

"Oh, come now, you two," she scolded lightly when the two of them seemed reluctant to get up. "The wedding's in five days! So much work to be done and you two are just lazing about!"

"But Mum, I still need to finish my prosthetic!" Hiccup smiled up at the older woman. The queen immediately softened at Hiccup's plight.

"Oh, how silly of me, Dear. Of course, go finish that. Whenever you have the time, come up to my room and we'll finish planning!"

"Thanks, Mum!" Hiccup stood up with the help of the crutches she'd been using since she'd discovered that Toothless had practically destroyed her old prosthetic. She gave the queen a kiss on the cheek and then left towards the forge.

"I'll go help Hiccup!" Maraud tried to maneuver his way out of planning as elegantly as Hiccup had, but it was no use.

"No, Young Macintosh and Wee Dingwall can do that. Come, Maraud, we have things to discuss,"

"But Mum!" Maraud scowled.

"'But Mum' nothing. Maraud, this is your wedding just as much as it is Hiccup's! Now come, we need to decide which flowers to put up around the pit!"

Maraud groaned as he followed his mum out, glaring at the princes when they laughed at his back.

"I can't believe I'm getting married!" Hiccup squealed as Ruffnut and Astrid attempted to help her braid her hair.

"I can't believe Astrid's this bad at braiding," Ruffnut scoffed, pushing Astrid's hands out of the way. Astrid moved to get Hiccup's clothes ready. Toothless sat next to Hiccup, head in her lap. He had gotten a lot more clingy since she had been turned into a bear, but even he knew not to follow her and Maraud the night after their wedding. Hiccup blushed at the thought.

"What's with the red cheeks?" Ruff asked. Then a wicked glint entered the tall blonde's eyes. "Why you naughty little girl!"

"No! It's not that! I'm not thinking about that! I-I'm not thinking about anything!" Hiccup protested. Ruff hummed, clearly not believing her. "So…" Hiccup tried to think of any other path for the conversation to go. "Oh! How's Lardfest?"

Ruff's hands temporarily stilled, but that was enough for Hiccup. She exchanged a sly smile with Toothless before asking,

"Has anything happened, Ruff?"

"No!" her voice was high and squeaky.

"Oh. He was a handsome guy, right? Has he found a wife yet?"

"No!" this time Ruff was defensive.

"Hmm… didn't he like brunettes? Do you think Vallerie has a chance with him?"

"If she goes after my man I swear I will rip all her stupid brown hair out myself!" Ruff all but snarled. Hiccup laughed.

"'Your man'? Since when?"

"Oh, uh…"

Ruff was saved by Astrid walking in with a beautiful white gown, embroidered with flowers and flames, bears and sunsets. It was beautiful.

"Wow," Hiccup breathed.

"Maraud's going to have some real trouble keeping his hands off you when he sees you in this," Astrid laughed, gesturing towards the straps in place of sleeves.

"Well, any guy would. Look at her!" Ruff showed Astrid her finished work.

"Oh, Hiccup," Astrid smiled. "You look beautiful!"

"Thanks," Hiccup said. She looked at the dress. It showed a lot of skin. Maraud would see a lot of her skin. What if he saw some of her scars? What if he decided he didn't like her anymore? What if he didn't notice how repulsive her body actually was until the wedding night? He'd see her burn marks and scars from dragon baby claws. He's see the places where blades had nicked her or just run her straight through. But worse, he'd see her stump.

It wasn't a pretty scar. It was wrinkly and sagged. There were ugly marks on her skin from where the skin had bled the first few weeks of being in the prosthetic. Hiccup wouldn't lie. As much as she seemed at ease with her leg (or lack thereof) she was very much not confident in the way it looked.

Toothless, sensing the sudden change in her mood, nudged her left leg. He licked it and smiled up at her. She smiled sadly back down at him.

"Hiccup?" Astrid asked. "What's wrong?"

"What if Maraud sees me…" she gestured towards her nude body. Vikings were not very concerned with nudity. "And he decides he doesn't like me anymore?"

"Then I'd tell Ruff and Snot and we'd all go after him and beat him to a bloody pulp," Ruff said, very matter-of-factly.

"But that won't happen," Astrid said, glaring at Ruffnut. "Because he loves you. He always knew about you not having both legs. Remember, he saw you when you were just a bear, and he still loved you!"

"Besides, there's almost nothing not to love!" Ruff said cheerily.

"Almost?" Astrid asked, confused.

"Well, she's a bit of a pacifist," Ruff wrinkled her nose. "Not a lot of Viking guys like that, but this big hunk of man isn't very Viking, is he?"

Hiccup laughed.

"No, he's not. Doesn't even call the forge a forge. He calls it a smithy or something,"

"Well, we're getting off topic," Astrid said. "Main point is, he'll love you, scars and all."

"And just remember to tell me if he doesn't. We'll come up with a plausible reason why he showed up dead in a ditch in the forest."

Hiccup laughed. She loved her friends. So, so much. She didn't even know what she would have done without them right then.

"Alright, let's see you in the dress!" Astrid piped up. Hiccup did, and then she faced the mirror. She couldn't even believe that was her. The dress was form-fitting enough to show off all her assets, but not so tight that it emphasized all the points on her body Hiccup was self-conscience about. It looked beautiful on her.

"Hiccup, you look beautiful," Ruff smiled in a rare moment of seriousness.

"Alright, girls. My turn to be alone with the bride! Go get ready, we'll see you out there in a few moments!" Hiccup's mum said from by the door.

As Astrid and Ruffnut left, Eleanor made her way to Hiccup. She smiled at the girl and Hiccup smiled back. But, Eleanor could tell something was wrong.

"What's wrong, Dear?" Eleanor asked. Was Hiccup just now realizing how much better she could do? Was she thinking about how many awful things her son had done to her? Was she re-thinking spending the rest of her life with her son?

"W-what if he doesn't like me?" Hiccup asked, her eyes showing such true concern. Eleanor was so surprised she didn't respond for a few moments. Hiccup elaborated. "I mean, I'm not like the girls from around here. I don't have the softest skin, and I have freckles! And… scars… I'm a Viking. We have a lot of fights and, um… accidents. I have scars, and…" Hiccup trailed off, looking out the window. "I don't have my whole left leg. And my stump is so ugly,"

Toothless growled from his spot by Hiccup's legs. Eleanor just sighed.

"Well, I'm not sure whether or not to be glad that the topic of your bodies hasn't come up between you and Maraud. But let me tell you, Hiccup. Maraud doesn't like the girls from around here. He pushed them all away. You're the only one who's been strong enough to deal with the boy he used to be and turn him into the man he is right now.

"He likes his women strong. Your scars, your faults, they make you you. And he loves you. He'll love you with one and a half legs just as he would've loved you with three eyes. So, no need to be nervous, Dear. Just be confident, and you'll have the pleasure of seeing him be nervous in front of you,"

"Gods know that doesn't happen nearly often enough," Hiccup scoffed teasingly. Eleanor saw the smile on her face, and even though it was small, it was genuine. Eleanor stood up.

"Alright. Are you ready now, Dear? Because it's time."

"Ready." Hiccup said. The two women linked arms and walked out, Toothless just an inch to Hiccup's left. They all walked out, towards the beginning of the rest of Hiccup's life.

Hiccup walked through the narrow strip of space between the two crowds of people. She was nervous and her hands were sweating. She just hoped that she didn't stink. Maraud was there, by the king, looking calm and composed.

He was wearing a new kilt, very dark, and very blue. It brought out the color in his eyes. Hiccup found she liked the blue kilt very much. His hair was combed back and twisted in a very manly, very Viking-like braid. Hiccup swallowed. He looked so handsome.

His eyes were staring quite intensely into hers, and Hiccup hoped he liked the way she looked. Hiccup almost tripped on a stone in her momentary spike of worry, but Toothless caught her. She smiled at him, and he flashed his gums back at her.

After what felt like an eternity, Hiccup finally stood across from Maraud, in front of everyone. The entire plaza and village, as well as the clans Macintosh and Dingall. They were all going to see her get married.

Hiccup's hear just about burst out of her chest as Toothless skipped to the edge of the pit she and Maraud were in. She needed him here! But… only she was getting married. Toothless wasn't.

Maraud squeezed her hands, and gave her a reassuring smile. Hiccup squeezed back. She loved this man. So much. Like a wave, a feeling of calmness washed over her.

Hiccup didn't really remember the rest of the wedding. There were lots of congratulations, she was sure. And lots of food. And lots of gifts.

The main thing Hiccup remembered was being surrounded by Maraud and Toothless all night, and having so much fun with them! She had cake smashed into her face by Toothless, and Maraud had come to her aid, throwing some Haggis at Toothless's head. Well, Hiccup couldn't leave Toothless like that, so she had tossed some sweets at Maraud. And thus, a traditional Viking food-fight had started. Hiccup could vaguely remember how shocked all the Scottish had been at the intensity all the Berkians had shown during the battle. Because to a Viking, there was no such thing as a casual battle.

Halfway through the battle, Toothless had gently nudged her and Maraud back towards the castle. It was nighttime now. If they stayed any longer, they would have to help clean up. Hiccup kissed Toothless's snout in thanks, careful to avoid the Haggis, before tugging Maraud into the castle with her.

And now they were alone in his—their room, cleaning up.

"I'll take a bath first, if that's alright?" Maraud asked. Hiccup nodded, beginning to unravel the elaborate and now sticky braid Ruff had fashioned into her hair. It took such a long time that Maraud had actually finished his bath by the time Hiccup had completely finished opening it up and combing her hair out.

"My turn?" she asked, vaguely surprised by how normal it all seemed. She would have thought at least one of them would be more nervous. But, it all seemed horribly…mundane.

Maraud hummed in response and started brushing his own hair while Hiccup picked up her night clothes and quickly filled the tub, wanted the gunk off of her body as quickly as possible.

When Hiccup walked out of the bathroom, prosthetic back in place, it was to an odd sight. Maraud was sitting on the edge of the bed, his hands pressed together. His lips were pressed against his long fingers, and Hiccup remembered the tingling feeling those lips had given her before.

Hiccup sat next to him, wrapping her arms around Maraud's broad shoulders.

"Careful," Hiccup teasingly warned. "If you think any harder, you might turn me into an even more horrible animal this time. A yak, maybe,"

Maraud rolled his eyes.

"Oh, ha ha," he smirked, and Hiccup smiled up at him. Maraud stared into her eyes, and suddenly all the nervousness Hiccup had been having a curious lack of crashed down on her.

"U-uh…" Hiccup stammered before Maraud leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. Hiccup melted against his warmth. His scent was clear and clean from his bath, and his hair was still wet.

Maraud pushed against her, and they lay down against the bed, Maraud using his strength to keep him hovering over her. They kissed for a while longer. And then Hiccup remembered her mum's advice. Be confident. Alright.

Hiccup boldly licked the seam of Maraud's lips with her tongue. He gladly opened his mouth and Hiccup licked all she could reach in his mouth before his own tongue pushed hers out of the way. Hiccup moaned as he explored her mouth. Her hands traveled up and down his chest, trying to memorize every single bit of the hard muscle covered by soft skin.

Hiccup took a chance and flipped the two of them over so that she was on top. Maraud seemed to appreciate the rest for his arms.

Hiccup let herself get lost in Maraud. His taste, his skin, the feelings he stirred up inside of her. She wasn't sure exactly what he was giving to her right then, but she wanted more. Maraud bit her bottom lip and Hiccup moaned.

And then Maraud's hands wandered slowly up her night shirt. Hiccup stiffened and pulled away. They both stared at each other, panting. Maraud kept his hands under her clothes, but questioned,

"Hiccup?" his voice was deep and rough, and Hiccup loved it. But she had to let him know. If he was going to be disgusted, she would rather he tell her now than when she would be exposed in front of him.

"I'm not pretty!" she blurted out. Maraud blinked, stiffening minutely. But, months of riding Toothless made it second-nature for Hiccup to feel the tightening of Maraud's muscle. "I-I just mean… I have… scars. A-and my leg…"

"Oh, Hiccup," Maraud breathed. "You're beautiful."

Before Hiccup could really figure out what he was doing, Maraud had her prosthetic off. Her stump was out in the open for both of them to see. It was dark and wrinkled and Hiccup looked away, embarrassed.

"Hey," Maraud said. "Look at me." Hiccup looked up, afraid to see rejection in Maraud's eyes. "You—all of you—are beautiful. This leg," Maraud paused and pressed his lips against the very tip of it. Hiccup tried to jerk her leg away, but Maraud kept a firm yet gentle grip on her. "Beautiful. Where are your other scars?"

So Hiccup showed him, slowly. And with each new scar or burn mark, Maraud would do the same thing. He would kiss it, kiss her, and tell her she was beautiful. And the crazy thing was, Hiccup believed him.

That entire night the two newlyweds showed each other how much they loved and trusted each other, and the next morning, even thought Hiccup's body was sore, she was happy. She turned her bare body over to her side, facing Maraud.

He was lightly snoring, but Hiccup found it endearing. She traced her hand on the jaw and neck she had peppered with kisses just hours ago.

"Hey, Maraud," she said softly.

"Hmm?" he hummed sleepily back.

"I love you."

"I love you more," he grumbled before pulling her closer to his own body. "Now go back to sleep."

So I wrote the chapter I had planned and realized how lame it was to end it without the wedding, so here it is, lol. Also, there hadn't been a lot of dialogue in the story so far, and I wanted more of that.Anyway… this is it! I hope y'all like the ending! I was practically dying while writing this! I was trying not to go over my T rating or whatever, but I'm no prude, so it was hard trying to find a balance. I wanted to show how easy their relationship is now, and I really hope I did that. The past couple of chapters have been mainly serious, and I just wanted to finish this story on a light, happy note. Let me know how I did? So,I was going to upload this chapter tomorrow, but then I realized this year was a leap year, so today is 365 days, but tomorrow just has the same date... And I was anxious to finish this anyway.

ALL DONE! MAN! THAT WAS DIFFICULT! Like, my fingers are hurting now because I actually wrote a lot today. Well friends, we're leaving this story with 259 favorites, 304 followers, we're in 4 communities, and as of this moment, we have 270 reviews! It's not the three hundred I had as a goal, but I can't believe this story even got THAT many! This journey has been a little irritating and painstaking at times, but thanks to all of y'all who've actually read and requested for more updates, it's finished! Thanks for helping me finish this, it's been great :)