Hello!

This story was requested by Nightfurylover1112 a couple of weeks ago (sorry for the wait!) and I was planning on waiting to do this story until I finished my other FanFiction called Of Training and Captures… but I just couldn't wait any longer! I had to start because I loved this idea SO much. Thank you for the request Nightfurylover1112!

(Side-note here… there should only be like 2 chapters I'm thinking. Just in case you were curious. :D)

Okay, so without further ado… Chapter 1!

"Astrid. We need to talk."

Astrid whirled around in surprise, eyeing her mother who stood in the doorway. "Ooookay Mom. What is it?" she set her saddlebags down on the bed, watching as her mother walked closer.

Matty smiled softly at her daughter, looking her up and down with a careful eye. "Well, since you're now eighteen, I think it's time that your father and I… well we start eyeing the options."

Astrid quirked an eyebrow at her mother, not sure what she meant exactly. "Eyeing options? What do you mean?"

Matty sat down on the edge of the bed, patting the blanket next to her. Astrid sat down beside her mother, still looking at her in confusion.

"What I mean is, it's time for us to start waging our options. You're father and I kind of went down the list, and we came to the conclusion of two. So we'll have Snotlout over for supper tonight and-"

"WHAT!?" Astrid exploded.

Matty hurried to calm her stammering daughter. "It's okay, Astrid! I knew you wouldn't like this idea you've always been so independent-"

"What are you talking about Mom!?" Astrid went on, totally ignoring what her mother was trying to say. "NOW!"

Matty cleared her throat, "Uh- oh alright. Well, you've come of age- actually you're past the age but all in your own time dear. Anyways." She cleared her throat again, "Your father and I want to just get an idea of who we want to… well become your future… husband perhaps. Or at the least suitor. Or just an option really…"

Astrid looked at her in disbelief. "So you're going to just make… whoever waltz over here, sit them down and talk to them!?" Astrid looked away, her face filled with disbelief. "Mom… I won't have to sit through it, will I? Oh, how embarrassing…" she moaned, flopping back onto her bed. She knew well enough not to argue her parents. They were Vikings. Stubbornness issues.

But still! This idea seemed a little ridiculous. Almost like a contest. The "Who's the best for Astrid Hofferson" contest. It just seemed… wrong.

Astrid sat up, remembering what her mother had said earlier. She turned back and said loudly, "And you chose SNOTLOUT!?"

Matty smiled and nodded. "Yes. He is related to Stoick- so he will become a great warrior-"

Astrid snorted and crossed her arms. "I wouldn't count on that."

Matty ignored her, "-and will be a man in a position to support you. Although his job may be a bit dangerous-"

Astrid interrupted once more, "Mom. There is NO way I'm ever going to court-or even think about courting- SNOTLOUT. He's annoying, stuck up, sloppy, rude, doesn't listen-"

"Well, set all that aside, he can't be all bad." Matty insisted. "He's on the list anyways-"

"LIST?" Astrid said, absolutely stunned. How many guys did her parents think they needed to "interview"?

Matty nodded again, the bright smile never leaving her face. "Yes. There's Snotlout, and then there's Hiccup. We narrowed it down to just those two."

Astrid's eyes widened, amazed that her parents thought that this was necessary. I mean, in all honesty, she didn't mind that Hiccup made it on the list. She did like him… was quite fond of him actually. Not that she'd ever say that out loud- in front of her parents no less.

But still, this didn't seem right. This wasn't right! Were her parents doing this to pick out her "future husband"? Or was this more of a precaution to just see the two boy's personality and to see if they were "fitting" to date Astrid? Was that it? Was it more of a getting to know supper?

"Mom… you aren't going to get me betrothed, are you? Because even though that may be tradition in some tribes… please I don't want that to happen or me. I want to choose who I'll marry myself." Astrid said firmly, standing up and pacing back and forth before her mother. She stopped, looking down at her, waiting for an answer.

Matty leapt to her feet, giving a shaky laugh, "No, no, dear! We don't believe in doing that… no. You can choose who you want to marry in due time." Matty patted the girl's shoulder. "We're doing this more so we can just get to know the young men better- just in case. To just… find out what they're like."

Astrid sighed in relief. As embarrassing as this was going to be, she might as well go along with it and just get it over with. "Fine, but Mom, please don't do or make me do anything embarrassing." Astrid pleaded.

Matty smiled before hugging her daughter. "I promise." She said softly before pulling away and walking towards the door. "I'm going to go tell your father, then I'm going to start cooking! Snotlout and his father are coming tonight." Then she closed the door, leaving Astrid alone.

Astrid groaned, falling back on her bed. "Why Snotlout?" she groaned. "It could've been anyone else… but Snotlout? Seriously?" she flung her arm over her eyes. "I guess nightmares really can come true." She mumbled to herself

…

Astrid desperately wanted to disappear. She wanted to just run off, jump onto Stormfly and fly off until her parents tired of this crazy scheme.

Her parents had been kind enough to not make Astrid dress up for the occasion- which made Astrid a bit happier about her situation. But still, this was going to be so embarrassing.

She wasn't really worried that Snotlout would actually win her parents favor- actually. She didn't think he stood a chance. This evening would really be nothing but a waste of time. Oh, why did her parents think this was necessary!?

"Astrid, look a bit perkier. You look like you just went to a funeral."

Astrid groaned, "You might actually be going to a funeral tomorrow if you let Snotlout in that door."

Matty shook her head. "You're not going to die, Astrid."

"I wasn't talking about me."

Matty whirled around from the stove, shaking a spoon threatingly. "And you will NOT hurt that Jorgenson boy… got it?"

Astrid fingered her axe longingly. "Mom…." She groaned. "This is ridiculous!"

Matty ignored her and just continued mixing the contents of a pot. "You're acting foolish." She said softly. "It's only a couple of hours."

Astrid went silent, not saying another word for several minutes.

The door in the back of the room creaked open, and Astrid's father stepped out. Tomadach (more commonly known as Tom) stepped out, dressed in a cloth with a bear skin vest. He turned around and smiled Astrid. "There's my gorgeous girl!"

Astrid sighed, then let her head fall on her arms that leaned against the table. "Dad, I think I'm going to die tonight…"

"Not this again." Tom said with a shake of his head. "Better brighten up, they'll be here any second."

As though Spitelout and Snotlout heard him say that, there came a knock at the door. Tom paused, then smiled again. "Oh! Sounds like they're here."

"Astrid, help me get the food on the table." Matty said, handing various bowls to her daughter. Astrid walked over and sat them down on the already set table, grimacing when she heard Snotlout's voice come from outside.

"Oh, yeah I'm ready to woo your daughter and win her heart! I mean, really how can she not be won over? Just look at me!"

Astrid nearly gagged, slapping her hand over her mouth to contain the sound. Oh, she was going to be so sick by the end of tonight! Especially since her parents had forbidden her to hurt Snotlout…

"Son, manners." Came Spitelout's voice. Astrid sighed in relief. Maybe Spitelout would be able to make Snotlout behave somewhat.

"Come on in! Matty just finished supper preparations."

Astrid plopped into her chair, not looking up as Snotlout and Spitelout walked in the room. Matty smiled at them, then carried the last of the bowls to the table. "Please, sit! Lots of food so don't be shy to take seconds."

Snotlout dashed towards the table, sitting down beside Astrid without so much as greeting her. He grabbed a bowl filled with baked fish, tossing a bunch of them onto his plate before grabbing the chicken, adding that to his plate as well. He grabbed a few more things, then began scoffing the food down. Astrid looked away in disgust, her appetite gone. Her parents were sitting down now, and both were looking at Snotlout oddly. Astrid didn't blame them, and wasn't a bit surprised either. She knew that Snotlout's table manners were atrocious.

Spitelout didn't seem disturbed by his son's behavior at all. He actually wasn't much better. HE grabbed a bunch of food with his hands, not bothering to use the utensils at hand. He began knowing on a chicken leg, tearing the meat off the bone.

Astrid caught her mother's eye, giving her a "I tried to warn you" look. Matty glanced away, reaching forward to grab some food for herself.

"So, Snotlout, tell us a bit more about yourself."

Snotlout wiped his mouth with his sleeve, leaving a streak of Greece on the cloth. Astrid shook her head in disgust, edging away from him as far as she could.

"Not much to tell. Besides that, I'm an awesome dragon rider, can fight with just about any weapon, and have loved your daughter for just about forever." Snotlout looked Astrid, batting his eyes. "Isn't that right, Astrid?"

Oh, she wanted to punch him so badly. To land a punch right in his smug face. Instead, she pulled back her leg, and gave him a sideways kick in his knee.

"Yeowch!" Snotlout yelped, jerked back from the table so he could rub his knee.

"Astrid!" Tom scolded.

Astrid smiled besides herself, feeling quite satisfied that she'd shut Snotlout up. "Oh- sorry, Dad."

Snotlout grabbed some more food, beginning to eat again. Matty sat across the table, just watching him with a pinch of horror on her face. There was silence- besides the crunch crunch as Snotlout and Spitelout noisily chewed their food.

Tom cleared his throat, turning to Snotlout once more, "Do you intend to become part of the council one day?"

Snotlout nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yeah! And I mean, why wouldn't they accept me? I'd be a terrific help!"

Astrid highly doubted that, but said nothing as she picked at her food. Her appetite had long disappeared after Snotlout had begun to eat. He was almost as bad as the twins.

"Uh… yes… of course." Tom stuttered, a bit surprised by Snotlout's self-confidence. "What do you plan to do for a profession?"

Snotlout shrugged. "I dunno. Do I need one?"

Tom's look turned to serious. "It's good to have a backup profession if it should be needed."

Snotlout scratched the side of his head as he thought. "Uh… guess I never really thought about it. Never really figured I'd need one."

Tom said nothing more, just continued to eat. Spitelout had watched the exchange carefully, and decided to add a few words.

"I plan to teach him how to farm- a nice something to know should there be an emergency or a time when-"

"FARMING!?" Snotlout exclaimed. "Really, Dad? Why not something like… weaponry or weapon tester… something a bit more Vikingy!"

"Son." Spitelout warned. The tension hung in the air, and Astrid sat rigid in her seat. Tom continued to pick at his food, while Matty sat stick straight, staring at the opposite wall intently.

Finally, Snotlout sighed. "Whatever." He replied, going back to his eating.

Tom picked up a conversation with Spitelout for a while, until everyone was done eating. Astrid sighed in relief, hoping Snotlout and his dad would leave now.

"So, how about a little combat practice?"

Astrid brightened up, eager to participate. Now that sounded like fun!

"Oh, I'm in!" she exclaimed, raising a hand.

Tom looked hesitant, but then nodded. "Alright, Astrid against Snotlout."

Snotlout, who'd been picking at his teeth with a dagger, sat straight up. "WHAT!? Me against Astrid? That's not fare!"

Everyone stared at him, and he slowly began shrinking back into his chair. "I mean… perfect."

Astrid stood up and went to grab her axe. "This is going to be fun!" She said, giving Snotlout an almost wicked smile. "Tehe… ready Snotlout?"

Snotlout stood up, shaking a bit. "Uh-uh… yeah?"

Spitelout handed his son an axe, which Snotlout held onto shakily. He stepped out into the middle of the room across from Astrid, his knees quaking obviously. He was terrified.

Astrid charged with a loud roar, banging right into Snotlout. She swiped his axe easily out of his hand before kicking him to the ground, her blade at his throat.

"Please don't kill me." Snotlout groaned.

Tom stood up, clapping his hands enthusiastically. "Well done Astrid!"

Astrid stepped back, releasing her hold on Snotlout. The boy stood up, his face stained red as he blushed in embarrassment. He'd been beaten by a girl!

Tom slapped Snotlout on the back boisterously. "Ah, don't worry 'bout it Snotlout! Astrid does happen to be one of the best axe wielders in Berk. Nothin' to be ashamed of."

Spitelout stood up from his seat, "Well, I think it'd be best if we'd start a headin' home. Come along Snotlout."

Snotlout went over to the wall where his axe had flown, and quickly jerked it out. He followed his father towards the door, "Bye, babe! I'll see you tomorrow at the training- oof." He was stopped short when Astrid tossed a wooden bowl at him, knocking him right in the stomach.

He gave a little wave before turning and disappearing out the door. Matty hastily closed it, giving a little sigh of relief.

"Oh- oh my goodness!" she said, her face still filled with a bit of shock.

Tom shook his head, resting a hand on his wife's shoulder. "They didn't even thank you for the meal. Which was wonderful by the way."

"Thank you. But- my goodness! I've never seen such a messy eater- and so rude too! No respect for his elders that's for sure."

Astrid listened carefully, already knowing that Snotlout didn't stand even the slightest chance anymore. Astrid had never even tried to tolerate him, and now her parents were most likely against him as well.

Tom turned to his daughter, giving a little shake of his head, "Well, Astrid. Looks like Snotlout is not the man for you-"

"YES!" Astrid shouted excitedly. "I don't even know why you had him come over. I could've told you how he behaved!"

Matty gave a little laugh- "Well, you see the real reason we asked him over here in the first place was because he had a little talk with your father."

Astrid looked at Tom in puzzlement.

Tom shuffled nervously. "Yeah… he asked if he could court you. Which is why we're doing this-"

Astrid stopped him, holding up a hand, "Wait- so, what about Hiccup..?"

Matty laughed easily. "Oh, he hasn't asked. But we do want to get to know him a little bit better because you two seem rather fond of each other."

Astrid blushed, and she hastily ducked her head so her parents wouldn't see it. "We're just friends, Mom."

"No. You're more than that, lass!" Tom said, laughing heartily. Astrid's face went even redder in her deep embarrassment.

"Well… could- could I go for a flight on Stormfly really quick before it gets too late?"

"Sure. Just only for a couple of minutes. It's too dark out there to be flying for long."

Astrid nodded, then dashed out the door. Stormfly was waiting for her in her stall, and squawked happily when her owner came into sight. Astrid hastily strapped on the saddle before she and Stormfly leapt into the air, soaring high above over Berk.

"Oh, Stormfly." Astrid whispered. "I-I just don't know what to think anymore."

Well, tomorrow would come soon enough, and Astrid had a feeling she already knew how it was going to go. She was certain Hiccup would win the favor of her parents.

I just feel like this isn't as good as it could be… but oh well.

See you in the next and final chapter! ;)