Hiccup smiled but after a moment it seemed to falter because he knew this meant she would be leaving now. Three months was plenty of time to get to know a person and he came to value her as a close friend- in both forms and more than that, he felt Toothless had gotten even closer than he had. But the nightfury was returning the happy clicks and bouncing back with a broad gummy smile. No doubt Toothless was happy for her because flight had to be a horrible thing to lose. It was so free… Now she was free again. 

He cleared his throat and found the strength for a small smile once more, he really was happy for her, even if he was sad at the same time. “I guess this is it Aurora.” His hand came to rest against Toothless’ neck who cooed in response and became subdued. “You can go look for your family now. There’s nothing holding you back.”

Rather than say it he went on instead in lighter spirits “you’re always welcome in Berk so don’t think you can’t come back and you know… visit.” His smile had become toothy with embarrassment, lopsided and genuine as he rubbed the back of his head and Toothless chuckled before bounding up to Aurora and rubbing down her side. 

Then the nightfury turned around, flicking her in the face with his tail as he strolled back to stand behind his rider. Hiccup shook his head at the dragon’s antics and then reached out to Aurora in the space between her eyes. “Be safe out there.” Toothless gave him a look which he returned with a scoff and a gentle whack at his snout “I know she’s a dragon.” Which obviously in Toothless’ eyes was a reason not to be concerned. “I’m just… wishing her well on her journey.”

Toothless shoved Hiccup over and sat down on his hind quarters, clicking at Aurora in encouragement. He wasn’t one for sappy goodbyes, she was a dragon and as such their was no boundaries that could stop her from returning if she wished to do so one day. They would just see how things turned out.