Chapter Text

Winter's Waltz

Violins soared through the grand ballroom, weaving together with the deep hum of cellos and the delicate plucking of harps. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings of ice, scattering golden light across the polished floor below.

The Midwinter Ball was always one of the North Pole's most anticipated celebrations.

Spirits, sprites, and magical beings from every corner of the world filled the hall. Leprechauns toasted one another from crowded tables. Centaurs danced near the orchestra. Tiny winter wisps darted overhead like living stars.

It was loud.

Warm.

Alive.

Hiccup Haddock leaned against one of the upper balconies, watching the festivities unfold below.

Beside him, Toothless lounged comfortably with his head resting on the railing, green eyes half-lidded as he observed the crowd.

A year ago, Hiccup never would have imagined himself here.

Once, he had been little more than an autumn sprite wandering the world with only his dragon for company. Then the Man in the Moon had chosen him.

Guardian of Imagination.

North, Tooth, Sandy, and Aster had practically dragged him into their strange family.

Now he couldn't imagine life without them.

A small smile touched his lips.

Then he saw him.

The world seemed to narrow.

At the center of the ballroom danced a winter sprite.

Long white hair shimmered beneath the lights, braided back from his face before falling freely down his back. Layers of pale blue fabric flowed around him with every movement, as light and graceful as drifting snow.

Bare feet skimmed effortlessly across the floor.

Snowbell flowers bloomed wherever he stepped.

Tiny white blossoms emerged from the ice before dissolving into sparkling frost seconds later.

Beautiful.

Hiccup forgot to breathe.

The sprite spun with the music, laughter bright and genuine as winter sunlight reflected in his eyes.

He looked like a living snowfall.

"See somethin' ya like there, mate?"

Hiccup nearly jumped over the railing.

"Aster!"

The Pooka laughed loudly.

"Sorry, sorry." He leaned against the balcony beside him. "Didn't mean ta startle ya."

"You absolutely did."

"Maybe a little."

Hiccup rolled his eyes.

Aster followed his gaze toward the ballroom floor.

His grin widened immediately. "Ah."

Heat flooded Hiccup's face. "Aster—"

"Jackie, huh?"

Hiccup froze. "...You know him?"

"O'course Ah know him." Aster folded his arms across his chest. "All of us do," he gestured with his head to the other Guardians. His expression softened. "Good kid. Kind."

The simple words carried years of affection behind them.

Hiccup looked down again.

The winter sprite had slowed near the edge of the dance floor now, bending to scoop up a small child who immediately wrapped her arms around his neck.

A little girl.

Brown curls.

Bright blue eyes.

She couldn't have looked more pleased to be in his arms.

The winter sprite pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Something warm twisted unexpectedly in Hiccup's chest.

"Her name's Lumi," Aster said quietly.

The little girl giggled as her mother bounced her gently in his arms.

"Lumi," Hiccup repeated.

"Yeh. Lil sheila's a good girl, and Jackie's a good dam."

For a few moments they simply watched.

"Wait," Hiccup paused as the words settled in. "Dam? Like, mother?" Hiccup asked.

Aster nodded curtly. "Yup."

"He's a Winter Womb, then?" Hiccup stared on in awe.

He had heard stories about Winter Wombs throughout the centuries, but he'd never actually met one.

It felt strangely magical.

"Yeh."

Below, Jackie laughed at something Sandy signed nearby. Lumi immediately reached for the glowing dream-sand animals floating around them.

The sight was so domestic it almost hurt.

There was a pause.

"So he has a mate, then," Hiccup said, deflating a little.

Then Aster sighed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Ah, no. Not really. E's... e's had a rough go of it these last few years."

Hiccup glanced at him.

The teasing expression had disappeared entirely.

"If you're thinkin' about courtin' him," Aster continued, "just take it slow. And be gentle."

The seriousness in his voice made Hiccup's stomach tighten. Something happened to him.

"What happened?"

Aster was quiet for several moments, mulling the question over as though trying to think how to answer.

Finally he shook his head. "...'s not my story ta tell."

The answer somehow said more than any explanation could have.

Hiccup looked back toward Jackie.

Toward the tiredness hidden beneath his smile.

Toward the way he held Lumi just a little closer whenever she fussed.

Toward the way every Guardian seemed to keep one eye on him even while enjoying the celebration.

Cherished.

Loved.

Protected.

For reasons Hiccup didn't yet understand.

Aster nudged his shoulder. "Just don't break his heart, alright?"

Hiccup snorted softly. "That assumes he'd even look twice at me."

The Pooka stared.

Then barked out a laugh.

"Mate."

"What?"

"You've been starin' at him fer ten minutes straight."

"...Have I?"

"Like a lovestruck puppy." Aster smirked. "Trust me, mate. Yer not nearly as subtle as ya think."

"...it's that bad?" He asked sheepishly.

"Yeh."

Before Hiccup could die from embarrassment, the orchestra shifted into a slower melody.

Down below, Jackie carefully passed Lumi into Sandy's waiting arms.

The Sandman immediately produced a tiny dream-sand rabbit, earning delighted squeals.

Jackie's smile softened.

Then he turned—

And looked directly at Hiccup.

Blue eyes met green.

For one brief moment, neither looked away.

Hiccup's heart skipped.

Jackie's cheeks pinkened.

Then he smiled.

Small.

Shy.

Beautiful.

And Hiccup knew he was completely doomed.