Saturday morning (8 days to Snoggletog):
It was a typical morning on Berk. People had just started coming out of their houses, heading to their shops, stables and fields. Nothing too exciting was going on in the village those days; nothing except Snoggletog, Vikings' favorite annual Holiday. And let's not forget the second annual dragon race that was coming up too. As every Saturday, Hiccup was getting ready to go to Gobber's shop. That Saturday, he woke up earlier; his had had gone haunting with some other men for a week and Hiccup was acting Chief; again… Thank Gods, Stoick would be back before Snoggletog. If not, Hiccup wouldn't know what to do. That morning, he needed to go and check the production of milk and eggs of every stable. After a detailed checking, Hiccup took the way to the plaza. He stopped took a deep breath and continued walking to the shop. It was going to be a long a tiring day... All of a sudden, his pessimistic thoughts got interrupted by a voice, calling his name. It was Astrid who was wearing her backpack while weaving at him. The boy smiled and his green eyes widened up from joy. He walked to her place while greeting her back.
H: Hey, good morning! What are you doing here so early?
A: I know right? My dad wanted me to give you this.
She said and gave him a well-tied letter.
H: Oh, let me guess: another chiefly-thing that my dad should do but I have to, instead?
A: I wouldn't say so…
Hiccup untied the small leather string and started reading the letter
"Hiccup,
My wife and I will spend the weekend away from the village and since we don't want to leave the kids alone we asked Gobber's help. Unfortunately, he can only take care of Astrid's brother as his house doesn't have enough space for all three of them. In conclusion we needed someone to take care of Astrid this couple of days and we were hoping that you could help us. If not, she is going to stay with Gothi.
Thank you,
Mr. Hofferson"
H: So you're going to stay at my house, huh?
A: I guess. Since my dad wouldn't trust his seventeen-year-old daughter to stay alone for a couple of days… Maybe I should just look at the bright side of this whole moving-out situation.
H: Which is?
A: A two-day vacation away from my annoying brother…
H: Fair point. Don't worry, there's no problem with this…only- oh wait. There's only a small problem.
A: What?
H: We've been recently using the back room of the house as a storage and we moved the guest room's bed in my bedroom.
A: I can't see where the problem is. If the bed is upstairs, I guess we'll have to share room for two nights…Except if this bothers you.
H: Nah don't worry. But I have to warn you; you'll be sharing the room with two boys.
A: I think I can handle it.
H: Great. Then let's take you back home. I have some work to do at the shop.
A: Mind if I come with you?
H: Not at all but, what about your backpack?
A: I'll carry it with me…It's not so heavy after all.
The two teens started walking to the shop. They were a few steps away, when they heard Gobber's intense yet stressed voice coming from inside.
G: Oh come on boy! Leave that thing back in its place and don't touch the finished weapons!
H: Who is he talking to?
A: Ugh! Probably my brother…This boy's such a trouble maker.
G: NO! No don't play with Grump's tail while he sleeps, he might-
Hiccup and Astrid were almost inside when Grump woke up socked and accidentally shot them. They made some steps back and started looking around for any human presence.
H: Uhh, what is going on in here?
G: 'Morning there, lad.
Gobber said while putting off the fire.
G: Whatcha doing here?
H: I came to work. It's Saturday remember?
G: It is, huh? Astrid's brother is driving me crazy. All I've been doing since he arrived is chasing him around. I think I'll close the shop for today.
H: And what about-
G: Go home lad; don't you see I've got other things going on?
…He said, while gesturing to the 12-year-old boy who wouldn't Leave Grump alone.
H: Are you sure you won't need any help?
G: Yes, yes. But I think I'll need your help on Tuesday.
H: Ok, no problem.
G: Good. Now go so I can deal with my problems.
Hiccup walked to Astrid's place relieved and gestured the way back home with his arm.
A: But what abou-
H: It seems like I took the day off. Now let's go, before he changes his mind.
The young Vikings took the way back to the chief's house. They were silent during most of the way. Then, when they started approaching the cliff, on the top of which, the house was located, Hiccup stopped waking and looked thoughtful for a second. The blonde girl stopped too and looked at him curiously.
A: What's wrong?
H: Nothing I- I remembered that I've promised Toothless to go fishing with him. You know, for his breakfast and stuff… You think you'll be ok if you stay at home alone for a while?
A: Don't worry about that. I was thinking to go for a flight with Stormfly anyway. After all, it's been a while since we spent some quality time together.
H: Great. I'll catch up with you again at noon.
A: Alright. See you!
After a long while of flying, Astrid decided to land near her house. She fed Stormfly and gave her a little scratch under her chin.
A: That was a nice flight, wasn't it girl… Now eat; It's time for me to go back and eat something too.
Astrid walked to Hiccup's house and knocked the door. She walked inside were she found Hiccup cooking.
A: What are you doing here?
H: I returned home faster than I expected and I thought that I could start cooking lunch to kill some time.
A: That's not fair, you should've waited for me to come back. Anyway, what are you cooking? It smells good.
H: I hope it tastes good too; I'm not some kind of a cooking expert. It's salmon and it has just been fished.
A: Really? Oh, I love salmon!
H: You do?
A: Yeah! But- I thought you were going fishing to catch breakfast for Toothless…
H: I did, but I remembered that we needed to eat something too; and what's better than some fresh fish…
A: …That actually happens to be my favorite kind of fish…
H: Yeah. So, will you help me make it eatable?
A: I guess I can give it a try…
After eating and washing the dishes Astrid takes her backpack and Hiccup leads her upstairs. When the staircase finish, the first thing someone can see in Hiccup's bedroom, is his bed which is located right under the roof-window. In the other side of the bedroom lies a huge rock that Toothless uses as a bed. Next to that stone-in the corner of the room- is the boy's desk. The wall which was parallel to the staircase was almost empty. There was only a small self-unit near the desk and lots of his drawings. The other back corner of the room was usually empty; it wasn't now though. According to Hiccup's dad, this void corner is the perfect place for the guestroom's bed. And there it was, right next to Hiccup's, with only a night stand separating them. Astrid let her sac next to the bed and stretched her body. In the meanwhile, Hiccup brought a pillow and a thick cover, from the wardrobe downstairs and placed them on a wooden chair.
H: Here you go.
A: Thanks.
H: Don't mention it. Okay so, this is your bed, that's Toothless's and this over here is mine. Bathroom is downstairs and-
A: I already know your house.
H: Yes, but now you're my guest, which means you'll be staying here and that's why you need to know some things.
A: Why don't you start by telling me what those little things are? I never got the chance to ask you.
…She said by pointing to the small toy-like weapons and tools, that were in the self-unit, next to his desk.
H: Oh these! Haha… just some things I was working on before I met Toothless.
A: But they're all so tiny!
H: Well, before you start doing anything, you first need to make a small, crappy model of it, to see if it's really going to work.
A: And they didn't…
H: No, most of them did.
A: Then why didn't you just start making them more -you know- big?
H: Mostly because they all were too modern and complicated to be appreciated from the village. Also I never found the time. There's only one of them that I actually managed to construct…errr…there it is!
Hiccup carefully stretched his arm and pulled out a miniature of the net-throwing machine, with which he captured Toothless. He put it on the desk and invited Astrid to take a look at it.
H: It's a net-throwing machine… It's the one which helped me capture…you know who… I think there still might be a tiny net in here…
The auburn boy, pulled the small, wooden lever of his construction and a small piece of net launched from it and landed on the floor.
A: Wow! That's pretty cool!
H: And pretty dangerous for dragons too…I only kept those to remind me of the days I was younger… I used to spend so many hours alone and I just had to do something to keep myself occupied…
A: Yea, that's true…I'm sorry you had to go through this…
H: Nah, it's ok. Toothless was all I needed; and now that he's here to guide me, everything is fine…
They talked, they laughed… then at around four o' clock they went outside and took their dragons for a flight. While flying Hiccup seemed a little lost for a minute. After returning to reality he approached Astrid and Stormfly.
H: Hey, could you remind me what day is it?
A: It's Saturday of course? Why? Did you forget?
H: It's not the day that I forgot; Tomorrow is the last Sunday before Snoggletog, isn't it.
A: Uhh yeah…
H: Tomorrow is the second annual dragon race! My dad must've forgotten it.
A: Wow! I can't believe it's been a year. It seems like it was yesterday.
H: And as long as my dad isn't here, I have to take care of everything…again! Thanks dad!
A: Don't be cranky! At least you get to participate…in comparison with me…
H: Who says that?
A: Last year I didn't participate…Also I'm not prepared for tomorrow's game, so I'll probably loose.
H: Oh right, I remember; your arm was broken…Which means that this is your first race!
A: I told you I'm not going to participate. I have zero experience!
H: And what if I trained you?
A: When?
H: Right now.
A: That's actually a good idea! Do you think it'll work?
H: Why not? It's going to be great. Also it's something that'll keep us occupied for the rest of the day.
A: But it's only one afternoon.
H: Pff, come on! How difficult is it going to be? You already know the basics.
A: Alright then, let's get started!
Astrid kept training and training while Hiccup continued guiding her. They spent a long time training and obviously returned home exhausted, when the sun went down. They entered the house with heavy steps and went straight to the kitchen. Hiccup took the leftovers from lunch and put it in two plates while Astrid set the table.
H: I personally believe that you're completely ready for tomorrow's race.
A: I hope so. I trained too hard.
H: Don't worry. With a teacher like me, there's nothing that could possibly go wrong.
A: It better be true…
After finishing dinner and washing the dishes it was time for them to go to bed. But…
A: Hey, can I ask something?
H: Sure!
A: Where should I change clothes?
H: Aaaand that's what I was forgetting about visitors…Ummm…Oh! You can go and change upstairs, while I'm feeding Toothless. I keep some fish for him in the old guestroom-which now is a storage- so…
A: Ok-kay…Where are you changing clothes?
H: I was actually going to ask you to give me my pajamas, so I can change down here…you know…
A: Yea…I'll umm bring 'em to you…Wait a sec.
Astrid ran upstairs and in less than ten seconds, she was back down.
H: Thanks. I-I'll go feed Toothless now…you can go upstairs.
A: Basically I-
H: Don't worry! I'll wait down here, until you're finished, okay?
A: Okay.
A few minutes later, Hiccup went upstairs where he found Astrid getting ready to go to bed. She was wearing a white nightgown and her hair was let down. He'd never seen her with her hair down before; he looked at her and smiled. Astrid turned around and saw him looking at her with that stupid, yet supper cute smile of his. She giggled.
A: What are you looking at?
H: Me? Nothing! I just noticed I've never seen you with your hair down before. You look different; B-but it's a good different.
A: That's good to know. Anyway, goodnight.
H: Right…goodnight…
Sunday Morning (7 days to Snoggletog)
The sun rose over Berk showing the beginning of the big day. It was only a few moments later, that Astrid woke up excited to get ready for the annual dragon race; her first annual dragon race. The blonde girl, opened her eyes lazily. When she realized what day it was, she gasped and jumped off her bed. She went to Hiccup's bed and started shaking him and calling his name, excited but also sort of panicked. The poor boy opened his eyes and as he believed that something was wrong, he tried to stand up and…protect her? Panicked as he was, he totally forgot to put on his prosthetic, causing himself to trip over his own feet (well, foot) and violently fall on the wooden floor…
H: Wha-what's going on?! Are you ok? Are you hurt?
A: I'm fine, just too excited about the race!
H: So there's no danger?
A: Obviously not…
H: Oh my Thor Astrid! You scared me to death, you know that?
A: I'm sorry...But I can't wait! We have so much to do!
H: What else except from dressing up and having breakfast?
A: You forgot the face-painting part…
H: Well yea, but this is something that can be done at the arena.
A: …and the gathering announcement to the village…
H: Also done from the arena.
A: The point is that all these require time, and right now we're wasting it by talking!
H: Will you just calm down? I'm telling you, everything's under cont-
Before finishing his sentence, Astrid pulled him downstairs and they quickly prepared breakfast, something that Hiccup didn't manage to have properly as they kept rushing the whole time. Then, while Hiccup was washing the dishes, Astrid ran upstairs, changed into her everyday clothes, sloppily made her hair and after that went back to the kitchen. Again, by pulling his hand, the blonde girl leaded him to the stairs and told him to go upstairs and dress up quickly. After finishing, they went outside the house, where Hiccup remembered to feed both their dragons, before taking the way to the arena. When they arrived, no one was there, not even Sven who was supposed to bring his sheep before the beginning of the race.
H: Now you get what I meant when I said "it's too early"?
A: I still don't regret it. Now let's see…umm…oh! Where are the jars with the face paint?
H: Second terrible terror cage.
A: See? There's always something that needs to be done.
H: Y-yes, but- forget it. What color do you use?
A: I have no idea.
H: Let me correct the question; which color suits you better?
A: Also no idea.
H: That's easy to discover…let's see… I think that both blue and orange look nice on you. It's up to you to choose.
A: Why not both?
H: Both? Actually yea, why not? You should try it. In the meanwhile, I'll stick on my last year's choice: red.
After a long while, full of planning and face painting, the arena was full and the race ready to begin. The referee was chosen to be Gobber. After Snotlout's suggestion, to compete each one on their own, five baskets were placed in the middle of the old kill ring, each one with their dragons' names written on them. The race was long and joyful, mostly because of the competency between 5 dragons, that turned out to be better and much more fun, than the last year's two-teamed game. The second official dragon race ended with Astrid's first ever victory (which eventually came out to be the first in a series of many, many others). Her score wasn't making a huge difference, since all the riders were very well-trained that year.
F: Heh, better luck next year, right Snotlout?
S: I don't know about you, but I call this beginner's luck. We'll see who the real winner is next year.
T: Dude, I hate to break it to you, but these were your exact words after last year's failure too…You really need to find something new…
After a while, when everybody had left, Hiccup and Astrid made a stop at Stormfly's stable to pick up a couple of brushes before taking the way to the lake to wash out the face paint, as they both agreed that they didn't need to take a bath for such small amount of paint. Some minutes later the water near the lake's shore had turned from ice blue to colorful. Because it may be a small amount of face paint, but either way it's hard to get rid of and even more so, when your only mirror is the lake's water.
A: Ok, I think I finally got cleaned; right?
H: Wha- oh, you've-you've got a little-hehe…
A: How dare you to laugh?
…Astrid said teasingly, yet a bit anxious. Hiccup kept giggling, but then he stopped-at least, he tried…The paint was all gathered around he eyes and her whole face was red due to the way she violently pressed her fingertips on her skin to erase all the paint marks; something she didn't achieve. Astrid lowered her eyes for a second and looked away. Then she leaned her head near the water surface and kept trying to clean herself.
A: What about now? Is it better?
Hiccup looked at her and gasped as he was trying too hard not to laugh. It wasn't better; it was the opposite of better…paint running down her cheeks, reaching her jaw line. The way Hiccup's cheeks were all puffy, his mouth full of air that was pathetically trying to escape in the form of a huge laughter, made Astrid feel uncomfortable-for some reason, even SHE couldn't explain. The blonde, annoyed girl, gave a quite intense punch to the boy next to her, before he let a whiny laughter escape his mouth and rubbed his shoulder.
A: You're not any better, you know…
H: Oh don't pout, I didn't mean it this way…Here, let me help.
Hiccup started cleaning her cheeks, his green eyes focused on the girl's face. At a moment their eyes accidentally met. They looked at each other for one or two seconds but then Hiccup glanced away with his cheeks getting more and more pink. Sure Astrid's cheeks were red too, but none of them would notice.
H: There you go. No reason for you to pout now.
A: Quit saying that…but thanks…
…she whispered. Astrid put her hands in the water and without a second thought, started cleaning him from the annoying face paint. Hiccup opened his mouth, but before he managed to speak, she put her one hand over it and said:
A: Don't you even think of saying a word about this.
Hiccup grinned but listened to her order. A little while later when they were both cleaned, they took the way back to the village and of course, Hiccup's house. The two teens walked inside; Hiccup took off his vest and hang it behind the door. He then walked to the staircase and headed to his bedroom while saying:
H: Could you do me a favor and light up the fireplace for me?
A: Sure!
H: There's wood in the old guestroom.
A: Ok.
Astrid followed Hiccup's orders and picked up some wood from the back room. She then returned in the main room and lit up a small, weak fire. She blew gently the afire piece of wood and the flame raised quickly. She took two chairs and placed them near the fireplace; she then sat on one of the two and put her hands near the fire. In the meanwhile, Hiccup came down and Astrid turned around to look at him.
A: Aren't you going to come and sit here?
H: Yes; why do you think I told you to light up the fire? I just need to do something else first. I'm coming in a few minutes.
Astrid turned her head around again and locked her eyes on the flame, going up and down. She got lost in her thoughts and for a moment, it seemed like she was sleeping with her eyes open. It was so quiet. Then Hiccup's voice broke the silence.
H: Here I am.
Astrid shook her head and looked at him in response to the combination of his voice and that big, full-filled tray he had just put on her lap.
A: Wha-?! What is this?
H: It's our lunch.
A: Lunch? ...Wait, that's the thing you needed to do before you come and sit here? Why didn't you call me to help you?
H: Today's your day m' lady!
A: What did you say?
H: I said that today is your day. You won the race, so-
A: No, I mean the other thing…The way you called me… I think you've done this again in the past, haven't you?
H: Oh I-umm…I'm sorry about that…I didn't mean to-
A: No it's ok. I don't have a problem with it… And besides, only someone truly brave, has enough courage to call me names.
H: Hehe…yeah…
While having lunch they talked about many random stuff. Then they took the tray with the empty plates to the kitchen and cleaned all of them, before rushing back to the fireplace to warm their frozen hands. They stayed there quietly for a little while, enjoying the peace and quiet of that casual Sunday afternoon. Those moments felt so precious; It was one of those times you sit near a good friend or close family member and you don't need to speak with them to feel happy; only their presence is enough to generously let all those happy feelings flow into your whole body. All of a sudden, Hiccup stood up and started quenching the already weak flame. Astrid opened her eyes disturbed and spoke first.
A: Wait! Why are you doing this?
H: We can't leave the fire burning while we're out of the house.
A: Why? Where are we going?
H: I want to show you something…
A: What something?
H: It's a surprise.
A: How long will it take?
H: Let's say that you should probably cancel your plans for tonight.
A: Well, I guess there are no plans for tonight so, no problem.
H: That's what I was expecting…
A: That's all good and great, but what's with that basket next to the door?
H: Oh that? I packed some things up while preparing lunch; it's all part of the surprise.
A: Why do we even need those? And what are those?
H: My Gods Astrid, just follow me and stop asking so many questions. Ok, first things first. You go to your stable and take Stormfly. Meanwhile, I'll take the basket to Toothless and we'll take off. We'll meet you over the border line between the village and the pine forest, ok?
A: What kind of-
H: No questions!
A: Fine…
After some time, they landed at the cove where Toothless and Hiccup first met. Hiccup jumped off his dragon's back and scratched his oversized head and Astrid followed him. The blonde girl was so confused that, you could almost see a huge question mark drown on her face. At first she took a look around her, like she was looking for something unusual-maybe the thing Hiccup wanted to show her-then she walked to his place and tapped his shoulder.
A: Why did you bring me here?
H: Because…I think it's a nice place to spend the afternoon.
A: I thought you wanted to show me something…
H: Oh yea, and that thing too. Follow me.
They walked half the way around the lake. Then Hiccup turned left and headed to that big tree with the weird, complicated roots. The tree was standing lofty on the small cliff, above the two kids, letting half of its huge roots fall off the cliff forming an opening in the middle of them. The space under the tree and between its roots was as big as a small room, wide enough for a dragon to fit under it. For Astrid this has always been a casual tree, but for Hiccup it was something more than that. This is where Hiccup used to go to escape from his everyday life. Resting, drawing or even studying under those roots, was one of his favorite and most pleasant things, especially during a sunny and beautiful day such as that specific Sunday afternoon. After all, everyone loves those nice "weather breaks" during winter. The two of them walked between the roots and stood right under the tree. Hiccup let down the basket, sighed loudly and he proudly said…
H: Here we are!
A: That's what you wanted to show me?
H: Yup!
A: But that's only a small area prevailed by a tree's roots.
H: Not any small area…Take a look at this…
…He said my gesturing the carvings on one of the roots. Astrid squished her eyes and tried to read it. It was simple: "Hiccup and Toothless are best friends". Then Astrid started getting it.
H: This is where I come whenever I want to stay alone. It's not something great, just my little hideaway.
A: That's nice…
…Astrid said and smiled. They sat there and talked for some time, while watching their dragons playing and running around the lake. Then at one moment they stayed silent. It was then that Astrid found the chance speak.
A: So why did you bring me here? Sure your little hideaway is very nice, but that's not the reason you brought me here, is it?
H: Well, to be honest it's not. The actual reason is that- wait; first promise me that you won't laugh.
A: I won't.
H: Two years ago today, was the day I woke up from my coma and…I sort of celebrate the fact that I'm still alive.
A: You do?
H: Yea…Of course no one knows about this…No one but Toothless, you and Stormfly.
A: Why you thought I'd laugh at it?
H: Probably because it's not the most usual think celebrating the anniversary of the day you woke up after you almost died.
A: Ok, but that's not the only great thing that happened that day…First of all you woke up in a peaceful village, you realized that dragons and Vikings had befriended because of you, and on the top of all this, your dragon was accepted by the whole village including your dad. And also that other thing that made that day seem different; a very…umm…awkward thing… y-you know…
H: Yeah I know…
…Hiccup said while letting out a giggle…
A: One of the best things that happened that day…
…Astrid whispered under her breath…
H: I know…
…Hiccup repeated, this time barely being heard. They both looked away from each other for one or two seconds, with their cheeks slightly pink. Hiccup gave the situation a thought, then looked at her and spoke up.
H: Ok, you know what, I have an idea. Let's try to be a bit more laid back for today, so things won't be so awkward, ok?
A: What do you mean?
H: Come on…don't tell me you don't understand…
A: Oh, you talk about the whole kissing thing, right?
The auburn young man nodded positively with his eyes locked on Astrid's.
A: Yeah I suppose you have a point; plan approved!
They both smiled awkwardly. The hours passed as they were talking about all those interesting things including the ones they didn't even know about each other. From their experiences as little kids, to the day of their first kiss and their early teen years… The talk was a compilation of dragons, stories of the past and of course much, much laughter. The first hour was the most uncomfortable one. It was the promise they gave to one another that helped them keep talking, even about those really awkward moments of the near past. As the time passed the ice between them, started breaking. The more they learned about each other's life, the most they didn't need to pretend they weren't bothered by the -until then- uncomfortable subjects of their long conversation. Hiccup was playing with his pencil the whole time; then at one moment the pencil slipped from his fingers and landed between the two of them. They both stretched their hands to catch it. Astrid's fingertips touched the pencil first and the rest of her palm followed. In less than one second, Hiccup's hand crashed on hers. They both looked at each other, their widened pupils locked at one another's eyes; Hiccup pulled his hand back, but then he decided to rest it on hers. The distinctive smile on their faces slowly disappeared as they leaned closer. Finally, their lips collided and their eyes shut. The kiss was just like Hiccup's hideaway: "not something great", but oh, so beautiful and priceless for them. After three or four seconds, the two of them pulled back, letting their eyes open slowly and the sweet distinctive smiles return to their faces, accompanied by the slight pink color, that was covering their cheeks. Hiccup nervously looked away and tried to calm down his inner self, by changing the subject. A few minutes later most of their anxiety was gone. The sun set and their random, yet joyful and interesting talk kept going. At a moment everything went silent; Astrid found themselves staring at the lake's water which was reflecting the pink-orange color of the sky. After some seconds, Astrid broke the silence…
A: So, are we going to do this next year too?
H: You mean the anniversary thing? Yea…why not?
A: Then I think we should find a name for it… We can't keep calling it "the day Hiccup woke up from his comma and many other multiple good things happened too" forever.
H: Yeah I suppose you're right…errr…what about "k" day?
A: "k" day? What's that even supposed to mea- oh! Oh, I-I got it…
H: Well, it may doesn't include all the good things that happened that day, but it is referred to one of the most important ones, so…
A: Okay then, "k" day it is; as long as I can't find anything better…
H: Wow…It's almost dark. I wonder for how long we've been talking…
A: Yes…I think we should head back too…
H: I didn't say that. We can stay here as much as we want.
A: That would be great but, in some time it's going to be too dark for us to return.
H: We don't need to return. The weather is good enough to spend the night outside.
A: Well this all sounds nice but we have neither blankets for the night, nor dinner with us.
H: Think again…
…Hiccup said and pulled the big basket he had brought, near…
H: …We have sheets, two thick blankets, two sandwiches with meat, cheese and lettuce and two fulfilled waterskins.
A: I can't believe you! You had planned all this from the beginning!
H: Not exactly…I was actually hopping for something like this to happen… However, I never saw it coming…
Astrid smiled and punched his shoulder teasingly. They ate while continuing their talk and after finishing their dinner, they put the tablecloth they used, back in the basket. Astrid stretched her right arm to take the waterskin she had left next to her and since she couldn't find it she started looking around for it.
A: Hey have you seen that waterskin you gave me? I can't find it…
H: Umm…no, no I haven't…Where did you leave it?
A: It was right next to me…
H: Hmmm…Are there any chances you mean this waterskin?
Astrid looked to his place, to see a rather amused Hiccup, holding the thing she's been searching for in his hand.
A: Oh you! Give it back, I'm thirsty!
Astrid tried to take it back without results. These extra inches Hiccup had gained didn't help at all. She tried several times to take it from him and every time she'd try, Hiccup raised his hand higher. In the end, Hiccup stood on his feet and came out of the small opening between the roots, where they were sitting; Astrid chased him around for a while and when she finally managed to hold a tight grip on his waist, she drugged him down and they both fell on the grass. They kept laughing for a little while before Hiccup managed to spell some words…
H: Here, you obtained it.
A: I can't believe you made me chase you to drink some water…
H: It was worth it, though…
The auburn boy lied back and looked at the night sky. He was always amazed by the view of the stars. Astrid followed his example and lied down, next to him. They stayed there quietly, enjoying each other's company. No words could be compared to what they were feeling. Some minutes later, the blonde girl had fallen asleep. Hiccup's green eyes were stuck on her. He considered taking her in his arms and carry her in his little hideaway, but then he felt that it was too early for this. He brushed her hair with his fingertips and whispered her name. She opened her eyes and looked at him…
H: Hey…I'm sorry to wake you up, but I think it would be better if we slept under a warm blanket…
A: Yeah…You're right…
H: Come on…
He helped her up, by gently pulling her arm and they walked back under the roots of the big tree, that generously offered Hiccup protection all those times he wanted to spend some time alone. They lied down two of the sheets and used the other two to cover themselves. The dragons followed their riders and spent the night next to them. Hiccup lied down first, to his side and used his hands as a pillow. In two seconds time, Astrid had approached him and crawled her body right next to him. Hiccup looked at her questionably.
A: What?
H: I didn't know you're so much like Toothless…
A: What do you mean?
H: Rough from the outside, but such a kitty cat inside
A: You can say whatever you want, but if you tell anyone about this, say goodbye to your other leg.
H: Come on, you know I won't tell it…
A: Promise?
H: Promise.
After one or two minutes of silence, Astrid raised her head and quickly pecked his cheek; Then she lied back down and wrapped her one arm around him. Hiccup smiled. He then held her into a warm hug and softly said…
H: Goodnight m' lady.
A: Goodnight.