He tried to be gentle but it required quite a bit of force to work this metal out of shape. Whoever made these knew how to keep a dragon restrained. He needed the breaks as much as she did but not for the same reasons as her- there was a ache in his fingers from the effort but more than that he was stressed by how little progress he was managing to make with this. He was far from giving up though and continued the slow work each time she allowed him to and after what seemed like much too long the lock gave and he pried the latch up and just like that her mouth was free. A great burst of fire shooting skyward from it and he instinctively ducked at the sound before smiling sheepishly at her and straightening.

It was obvious she wanted him to do something about the remaining complications so with a small exhale that deflated him slightly he moved onto the saddle which was a bit easier despite the sores that surely formed beneath the pad. “Didn’t they ever take this off…” He grumbled to himself, momentarily unaware of the dragoness taunting the nightfury. At least until Toothless drew back his gums with a growl, teeth extended and exposed. Hiccup slowed to glance over at him. “Toothless.” The dragon ignored him and he halted in his task to say with more force. “Toothless, stop.” But still the night fury only shot him a look before flicking his tail and anger.

With that Hiccup got up “what’s gotten into you?” Moving towards his dragon who pulled away from his reach with a snarl and fixed steely eyes upon the dragoness- Hiccup followed his gaze and rose a brow before bringing his sights back to Toothless. “Toothless.” He said, scorning him for his behavior. “Be civil, she’s going to be staying with us until she’s healed so… I want you two to try and be friendly to one another. Come on.” He grabbed Toothless’ saddle and pulled him towards the female. “Go ahead. Give her your best smile Toothless.” Hiccup encouraged and Toothless cast him an exasperated look.