#minlout

Snotlout: You?

Minden, surprised, then grins: But you already have me?

Snotlout: I'm fine with you being my gift every Yuletide.

Minden: Pfft, flatterer!

Snotlout, smirks: I'd like to think of myself as a compliment booster.

Minden, leans close: Well, then, if I'm your gift, you should give me mine, too.

Minden: *Kisses Snotlout*

---------

Hiccup ducked just in time; the mug half full of mead flung towards his head clanged against the stone wall behind him. He took this in stride, eyes rolling in mild annoyance as he straightened back up; fifteen minutes into this one-sided argument, and he was growing tired of it. Toothless was apparently growing tired of it as well because he lifted his head up from his napping spot ner the fire and growled half-heartedly.

"Was that really necessary?" he asked in his usual dull tone.

"Yeah, it was!" Snotlout, the thrower of the mug, snapped harshly. "What? Did you expect me to throw flowers instead? You tell me you're assigning my DAD as your se–third in command instead of me, and you expect me to just go skipping through the oleander like it's fine that you're giving my rightful position to..."

Hiccup rolled his eyes once more and cut his friend off, his own voice raised slightly to try and speak over Snotlout's boisterous complaints.

"I think, if you let me explain the reason, you'll be glad I'm making this choice. I keep telling you, I have a special job for you."

It was easy to understand the resentment. Astrid was Chieftess so there was no 'second in command' spot, really. The two of them ran things as a team, but it had always been an unspoken understanding that Snotlout was the logical choice to be the next in the line of command. But if he would just listen...

Snotlout's crossed arms fell to his sides and his fists clenched tightly, clearly not glad about it at all, and clearly not interested in hearing what Hiccup had to say.

"I should be glad you're ditching me after all these years I've been loyal to you?! What's the job? Probably carrying all of Berk's trash to the dump to burn or something." His tone was growing pouty, bottom lip beginning to stick out slightly. Some things just never change, Hiccup noted.

"Of course not! And I'm not ditching you, Snotlout! If you would just..."

"No way! I'm outta here! Good luck without me, Hiccup, you won't last two weeks!"

Snotlout turned on his heels, prepared to make a very huffy exit from the Great Hall, only to stop in his tracks at the sight of the figure that had only just entered the building. His fists unclenched and his jaw went slack in surprise.

"Minden?"

A brief moment passed where the newcomer hesitated and squinted in the low light before a bright smile broke out on her face.

"Snotlout!" And then she was running full force across the wood floor and pulling him into a hug that was so tight it nearly took the breath out of his lungs.

"What are you doing here?" He managed to squeak out through her grip and she immediately released him, her smile fading into a much more serious expression. She looked a bit sheepish, like she wasn't sure quite what she wanted to say, and the lack of a small Razorwhip on her back made Snotlout squint with suspicion. "Where's your dragon?"

"Perfect timing, Minden." Hiccup sounded very tired as he came around the large table that had been between the two men as they argued. Toothless was now fully awake and lept over the table to greet their guest with sniffles and purrs. "Maybe you can get through that thick skull of his better than I can."

Minden laughed, patting Toothless gently and then poking Snotlout in the temple, not gently.

"I'll try, but that's quite a task."

Snotlout just sneered, but grudgingly made his way back to the table and took a seat heavily while Hiccup and Minden took seat across from him.

"This isn't Wingmaiden business," Minden spoke up, wiggling her shoulders in an odd way and Snotlout could tell it was because she wasn't used to the lack of a dragon there. "It's...a personal request. Hiccup said you would be able to help me."

She fiddled with her fingertips, following the wood grain of the table. Snotlout's anger was beginning to fade, replaced by curiosity and a bit of concern at how unsteady Minden seemed. It was as if she was lost.

"You see..." she hesitated for a moment and then sadly continued, "I'm no longer a Wingmaiden."

Snotlout rolled his eyes. "Not this again, Minden. I thought we got through that little..."

"It's not that, Snotlout," she quickly assured him, holding her hands up defensively. "It's...well, it wasn't a decision I made quickly or took lightly. It's been a long time coming."

Snotlout's eyes flicked from Minden to Hiccup and back again, clearly not comprehending the situation.

"You see..." Minden began slowly, searching for the right words. "For some time now, I've been thinking about the world outside of my island. Meeting you," she quickly looked over to Hiccup and gave him a smile, "All of you. Well...ever since then, I've been thinking of what the world has to offer someone like me."

Hiccup's wise eyes fixed on Snoutlout, trying to convey an important message, but, as usual, Snoutlout remained oblivious and Hiccup gave up with yet another roll of his eyes.

"Yeah? So you just handed off your dragon again and checked out?" Snotlout cocked an eyebrow and scoffed, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. "Pretty irresponsible."

Minden's eyes squinted in annoyance and her tone sharpened as she snapped back at him.

"If you must know, none of the new hatchlings chose me, alright?!"

To his credit, Snotlout was sufficiently hushed, his usual expression of arrogance faded into something much more genuine and his eyes dropped to a knot in the wood on the table.

"Oh..."

"They must have sensed my hesitation," Minden continued without missing a beat, "Atalia said that the dragons are the first to know when a Wingmaiden is ready to leave. Apparently, I'm not the first, nor will I be the last."

"So then what are you planning to do?"

Minden shot another glance at Hiccup and Hiccup shrugged helplessly.

"Don't look at me, I was trying to tell him and he wouldn't listen!"

Snotlout huffed and looked like he was about to snap back with Thor knows what, but Minden held up a hand for silence.

"Just listen." She demanded, although her tone was amused, her eyes glinted merrily in the firelight. "Atalia told me something very important after the ceremony when no dragon picked me to be it's Wingmaiden..."

She glanced at Hiccup, suddenly unsure, and then she continued a bit more hesitantly.

"I was brought to Wingmaiden Island as a baby, by my mother. She was..." she cleared her throat lightly, pink coloring her cheeks, "She earned money to survive by selling her body, and I was an unwelcome result of that. She wanted to give me a good life...Atalia said she was so young, maybe around sixteen, and she knew she couldn't care for me."

Snotlout, Hiccup, and even Toothless remained silent in their surprise and Minden was grateful for that, because she needed to take a breath.

"I was raised on the island...kept separated from this world. I understand that the task we do is of utmost importance and a great honor, but..."

She looked straight into Snotlout's eyes, her own gaze pleading.

"I want to try to find my mother. Will you please come with me and be my guide, Snotlout?"

Hiccup leaned back, giving the utterly shocked brunette across the table a smirk of self satisfaction.

Romantic:

Fishlegs X Ruffnut

Dagur X Mala

Snotlout X Minden

Platonic/friendships:

Snotlout & Tuffnut

Ruffnut & Hiccup

Fishlegs & Dagur

Mala & Throk

Tuffnut & Hiccup

Heather & Ruffnut

NOTE: Be respectful of my choices; the OTPs are not ranked, just of who I thought when making this list.

1. Dreamworks’ The Bad Guys (2022): Mr. Wolf + Diane Foxington = Wolfington

2. Dreamworks’ HTTYD franchise (RTTE): Minden + Snotlout Jorgenson = Minlout

3. Dreamworks’ Shrek franchise: Shrek + Princess Fiona = Shrekona

4. Disney’s American Dragon Jake Long: Jake Long + Rose = Jakerose

5. Disney’s Lilo and Stitch franchise: David Kawena + Nani Pelekai = Dani

6. Hunter x Hunter (HxH): Meruem + Komugi = Merukomu

7. Star Wars franchise: Anakin Skywalker + Padme Amidala = Anidala

8.  Star Wars franchise: Han Solo + Leia Organa = Hanleia

9.  Star Wars franchise: Finn + Poe Dameron = Finnpoe

10.  Star Wars franchise: Finn + Rey = Finnrey

Tumblr’s been all weird since the update. You’re perfectly fine! @minlout3heathlegs3ruffthrokfan

---

“Wait, you like me?” Snotlout asked incredulously.

Minden rolled her eyes. They were together in her hut, talking. “Snotlout, why do you think I kissed you, you big dummy?”

“Yeah, but-but people don’t usually like me.”

Minden stood from her bed, went over to Snotlout, took his hands in hers. “Well, I do.” 

“Oh.” Snotlout was just hit with the realization of what that meant. She liked him in that way. Snotlout stood on his tiptoes and kissed her very gently. He’d never really kissed anyone before. Minden kissed back just as gently, took his face in her hands. Snotlout held her by the waist. 

“So, now what?” Snotlout asked. “You’re a Wingmaiden, I’m a Dragon Rider. We both have our own duties.”

“I don’t… I don’t know.” Minden looked like she hadn’t considered that. 

“I guess we can visit each other,” Snotlout said. “Since we’re allies.” 

Minden nodded. “That sounds good to me.” She kissed him again, much more firmly. “But let’s make this night count.”

[During “Ruff Transition” Dragons: Race To The Edge Season 6 Episode 7]

[The camera fades from Atali and Ruffnut in Atali’s bedroom to a lookout post, focusing on a familiar wingmaiden, sitting on the edge of the wooden platform, looking mildly bored. Minden sighs, and rests her chin in her palm, then, someone walks into frame behind her.]

Snotlout [Sitting down]: Hey Mindo.

Minden [Perks up and the sound of his voice, turns to him]: Snotlout!

Snotlout: Atali gave you another boring job?

Minden [shakes head]: Look-out duty is important…

Snotlout: But boring.

Minden: You’re not… incorrect.

[She sets her hand down on the wooden platform. Snotlout glances at her face, then back at her hand, and then, hesitantly, sets his own hand atop hers.]

Snotlout: Maybe you just need the right company.

[Both are blushing now, not making eye contact. They sit in silence for a few moments. The air is tense.]

Minden: I’ve lived on this island my whole life… I love being a Wingmaiden, but sometimes I wonder…

[They turn to face each other, join hands properly]

Minden cont’d: What else is out there, Snotlout?

[A beat]

Snotlout: You know… the great beyond isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Me and the other Dragon Riders have nearly died, like, a thousand times.

Minden: But you get to travel! Leave your island in the name of discovery and adventure! Protecting dragons, with the people you love…

Snotlout [Defensively]: Pssh, you think I love Ruffnut? Fishface?

[Minden’s Razorwhip decides now is the time to make its presence known, and BITES Snotlout’s ear.]

Snotlout cont’d: Ow! Okay, okay! I love them all, even Fishface… sheesh.

[Minden chuckles in amusement. There’s another beat.]

Minden: You’re more heartfelt than you let on, Snotlout Jorgensen

Snotlout [blushing]: Yeah, well, don’t go telling everyone. I have a reputation to uphold. Strong Viking Warrior.

[Another beat, then Minden leans over and presses a KISS to Snotlout’s cheek. He looks flustered for a moment. He has no idea what to do when a girl actually LIKES him.]

Snotlout cont’d: You know… you’re uh, you’re welcome to do that… whenever you feel like it… I don’t mind…

[The Razorwhip BITES him AGAIN]

Snotlout cont’d: OW! This thing hates me, I swear!