chapter 4

Once Snotlout was inside the hut and the door was closed, Hiccup had him sit down at the table facing us.

"So, this whole time you've been able to become human?" Snotlout asked as he looked me up and down in disbelief.

I messed with a strand of my hair nervously.

"Yes. Hiccup and I chose to keep it secret to keep the village from killing me. It's bad enough that I am known as the unholy offspring of lightning and death itself in my dragon form. Everyone would think I'm a demon that came to kill you all." I explained, trying to not look straight at him.

"Is that why you made everyone think you were a guy dragon named Toothless?" He asked and Hiccup and I nodded.

"That was my idea. Didn't really want anyone to find out I'm courting my dragon." Hiccup said with crossed arms.

Snotlout nodded in understanding, which was surprising. I didn't think he would be so calm and understanding about this.

"Makes sense. You two do seem way closer than most would think you are." Snotlout said then his eyes widened. "Wait. So that's why you're always grossed out when Astrid makes moves on you!"

Hiccup and I blushed in embarrassment.

"Y-yeah, that's why I'm always grossed out. Ever since I met Kala, I lost all interest in getting with Astrid. Um..how are you so calm about this? I thought you would be freaking out by now."

"I'm trying to be supportive here, alright? I mean, yeah it's shocking as all Hel, but it's not like I'm gonna freak out and run off scared. I know what she's capable of. I don't have a death wish." Snotlout said with crossed arms as he leaned back slightly.

I covered my face in embarrassment as my blush deepened.

"But seriously. The reason all the dragons left is because of mating season?" Snotlout asked.

I uncovered my face and nodded as the blush died down.

"Yes. Around this time every year, all matured dragons get the urge to reproduce. It's kind of the dragon version of Snoggletog I guess." I explained while rubbing the back of my neck.

"Wait. So does that mean Hookfang's gonna be a dad?" Snotlout asked with wide eyes.

"Yeah, it seems like it." Hiccup said. "When mating season is over, Berk is going to have a lot of hatchlings running around."

"Do you know where all the other dragons went for it, Kala?" Snotlout asked, a bit worried.

"Sadly, I don't know the exact location. I always hid away on the island that I resided on each time mating season came around. From what I can remember, I had to my whole life to keep from being forced upon by males that were in rut. That's the cruel part about mating season. Any female, hatchling or mature, can be forced upon by any male and impregnated against their will." I explained as I looked down.

"Thor almighty..that sounds horrible.." Snotlout said sadly.

I nodded in agreement. "It is. I was just lucky enough to never be found."

"Anyways! You have to promise not to tell anyone about Kala's ability. If the village finds out, they might kill us for keeping it a secret." Hiccup stated pointing at his cousin with a stern look on his face.

"Take it easy. I promise I won't tell anyone about your secret. Have a little faith in me cuz." Snotlout said with raised hands.

"Good. So why were you outside my hut in the first place?" Hiccup asked with a raised brow.

I looked at Snotlout in curiosity. Why was he outside the hut?

"I wanted to check on you, dude. You looked super worried earlier, and now I know why but still. You sure you'll be okay?" Snotlout asked with a genuinely worried look.

I looked at Hiccup and gripped his hand gently. He smiled slightly and squeezed my hand slightly.

"I'll be okay. I'm not as worried anymore now that I know what was bothering her. But that doesn't mean I won't be when she's off the island." Hiccup explained.

Snotlout nodded as he stood from the table. "Good. Well, Imma head out. It was nice to meet you properly, Kala. I'll keep my mouth shut about your ability."

I smiled softly at him. "Thank you, Snotlout."

As Snotlout went to leave though, I got up and grabbed his arm. "Snotlout, wait."

Snotlout looked at me with a raised brow of confusion. "What?"

"When I leave, promise me you'll be here for Hiccup and keep him from going crazy from worry. Because I know he will."

"Hey! I will not!" Hiccup whined with crossed arms and a small pout.

I looked back at him with a slight smirk. "Oh I know you will, because if it were you I would do the same and you know it."

Hiccup sighed and dropped his arms. "Point taken."

Snotlout stifled a laugh and nodded. "I promise. But, if you tell anyone I went soft and checked on you, Hiccup, I'll deny it. G'night."

And with that, Snotlout left.

~~~HTLANF~~~