Hello everyone. I have a lot of work to do on my fourth story and so I thought it might be fun to do some short stories and one shots to fill in the time between Hiccup defeating the Red Death and 'How to deal with a Seasick Dragon (Story the 2nd) and this is the start. I can't say how much there will be or how much time will pass between posts but I do hope that it brings you a little joy. (Moon says hi =^..^=)
1 First Date
Part 1
There was a time when Hiccup could not even look at her and smile without risking his life or at least some kind of serious injury but now all that had changed; he had stood up to Astrid and half demanded and half begged to be given the opportunity to show her why she should not tell the whole village about his dragon and she had reluctantly agreed to his request. Looking back, Hiccup thought of how well that first flight had gone, even though it did have many ups and downs (both figurative and literal) but it had ended with Astrid agreeing to give him some time to work out a solution to his problem as well as the most wonderful kiss on the cheek; the memory of which still made his heart rate increase.
So much had changed in Berk since that incredible night; the island was now free from all dragon attacks (although it was full of dragons), Hiccups friends and neighbours now saw him as a hero instead of a failure, he had decreased his limb count by 25% and Astrid now smiled at him every time their eyes met instead of looking nauseated. For the most part then, life was much better for Hiccup these days, but one very important thing still remained undone and today was the day that he was determined to have that last remaining oversight taken care of.
"Hey Hiccup" Astrid called out as he half limped down the steps that lead from his home to the forge with his dragon close by his side "still having a little leg trouble?"
"It's taking a bit of getting used to" he replied "but it's only been a few days so... give it time and I'll get used to it."
"Of course you will" she smiled that smile that turned Hiccups legs into jelly – even the metal one; how did she do that?
"I was wondering if you could help me today to make a saddle like yours for Stormfly" Astrid asked.
"I am sorry Astrid but I've got other plans for today."
"Oh... fair enough" she was slightly taken aback.
"Yes... you see... there's this... girl and I really like her so... as you can see here, I've packed this basket with some food in it" he opened the basket for Astrid to see inside "and I'm going to ask her to come with me on a date... a picnic."
"Ah" Astrid smirked "so if this girl... is she pretty?"
"Pretty? Nah... she is stunningly beautiful."
"Right... so if this 'Stunningly Beautiful' girl agrees to go on this date with you, then you can't help me with my saddle today."
"That about sums it up" Hiccup nodded.
"But if she refuses you... then perhaps..."
"Oh no" Hiccup frowned and shook his head "if she refuses me then I'll be far too upset to do any work today... or this week... month perhaps."
"Well in that case" she sighed "I suppose I'll just have to wish you luck."
"Thank you" he smiled and put down his basket.
Hiccup stepped forward and stood in front of Astrid taking her hands in his.
"Astrid... I have packed this small basket with food and I am hoping that you will please come on a picnic with me today."
"Oh... what?" she feigned "It's me? What a surprise; I never realised..."
"Come on Astrid" Hiccup pretended to get mad.
"Yes" she smirked "I would love to go on a picnic date with you."
"Wonderful; I've picked out a lovely little island close by and..."
"That will have to wait" she smiled and began to walk off "I have to go and get ready; put on some nice clothes... and armour, saddle my dragon... oh wait... I don't have a saddle yet do I? I wonder who's fault that is?"
Hiccup grinned like a Cheshire Dragon as he watched her go.
"YESSS" he declared to the world and began to dance around in a tight circle much to the surprise of Toothless and several Vikings passing by.