Opinion on Gobber x Stoik

kingofthewilderwest:

There’s something cute about Stobber. I’m of the opinion that, canonically, it’s an unrequited dynamic: Gobber has had some here-and-there romantic feelings for Stoick, but Stoick has not reciprocated. The two live as friends and accept that they are always friends and Gobber never pushes for them to be anything other than friends… In truth, I don’t think Gobber has even suggested to Stoick aloud that he’s had some feelings for the chief. But both of them know that the feelings are sort of there.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Gobber had a larger crush on Stoick when they were much younger. As they grew to be incredible friends, I imagine that Gobber easily thought of Stoick as a friend and friend alone, and the crush feelings subsided. Gobber is completely and utterly happy with this arrangement and doesn’t really consciously think about Stoick in a romantic fashion. Not in the present day. However, I would say what we see now is a little historic residue that unconsciously pops up – now and then – in the form of Gobber’s endearing foot-in-mouth disease.

Within especially Riders and Defenders of Berk, I think we see Gobber’s old, unexpressed not-so-platonic feelings rise to the surface. For instance, when Gobber gets deliriously sick in The Eel Effect, he starts to try to kiss Stoick. Stoick semi-calmly diffuses the situation. Another time, Gobber begins to recount a dream he had where Stoick was involved, but Stoick quickly halts the conversation before the other Viking can say exactly what he and Stoick were doing together in that dream. In yet another episode, Gobber accidentally ropes Stoick close to him with Hiccup’s shield… something that makes both men feel very uncomfortable. Gobber never intentionally tries to hit on Stoick, but Gobber can be an awkward individual to be around, and some of his awkward interactions have led his best friend to figure out the not-platonic aspects that have been in Gobber’s head. Stoick knows. Gobber knows. It’s why they can get uncomfortable and why Stoick sometimes tells Gobber to stop talking about the two of them.

I believe Stoick has zero problems with Gobber’s sexuality. I’m sure that if Gobber found a man to enter a relationship with, Stoick would be the first to give hearty congratulations and a strong pat on the back or hug. Stoick and Gobber just both know that Stoick was a married man with a wife, and that these two men are set in life to be friends.

I love the fact that, regardless, Gobber has entered the Haddocks as essentially family, and everyone knows and recognizes this. Hiccup in Viking for Hire mentions to his father that Gobber is practically family. We see Gobber interceding between Stoick and Hiccup in HTTYD deleted scenes. He’s integrally connected in the family dynamics. When the Haddocks reunite in HTTYD 2, Gobber enters the family hug and announces he’ll do the cooking. Gobber has basically become family for the Haddocks – he’s been with Stoick through it all, raising Hiccup, supporting the family, and caring for them deeply.

As far as fanon and headcanon is concerned, I do think there is a cute appeal to Stobber. Stoick x Gobber can be cute! Canonically, I think that it’s a one-way street, but pairing them together in fandom imagination can be cute, too. I personally prefer to imagine Gobber as the adopted “uncle” of the family, but regardless, I’m just happy he’s basically family!