"... Really?" Astrid exclaimed, eye-brows curving upward in surprise as she uttered this - quietly as not to disturb a sleeping Toothless, who was currently sprawled out along the floor of Hiccup's bedroom. The creature sounded as though he were demolishing entire forests - the bedposts shook with his snores.
"... Yes, really ..." answered the boy, "... it helps him sleep better ..."
"... bedtime stories? ..." she'd responded, examining with great speculation, eyes focused on the beaten copy of 'Boron the Destroyer' that rested on the bedside table. "... about what, exactly ... torture and sacrifice ...?"
"... No, nothing like that!" Hiccup replied, following her gaze. "... it's my Dad's copy anyway ..."
he muttered "... no, he prefers stories - like ... you know, classic fairytales - you know? .. like ... guy defeats witch - or ogre ... wins girl ... and becomes big hero ... lots of cheers ..."
His half smile faded beneath her cold gaze, "... 'Wins'? ..." she cried, as her glare thickened, "... did you just say, 'wins the girl'?"
" ... No - uh, well ... yes ...!" he stuttered, running his hand nervously through his hair in an attempt to free himself from this discomfort, "... bu-but I mean ... you .. you're different - not a prize to be won ... nope ..." he chuckled, nervously "... You, Astrid Hofferson, are definitely NO prize!" he finished in truimph, bright grin once again fading beneath the crushing weight of her stare, as the reality of what he had said began to dawn on him.
"... Oh, Thor-almighty ..." he squeaked, fear and shame creeping slowly into his gut, as he attempted to reach out to her. "... Astrid, I-I didn't mean that the way it ... it had a double meaning - I mean you're so - but ... I mean -" his apology wilted beneath her deep growl.
A sharp punch to the forearm followed.
"... Why are you always doing that?" she demanded, huffing in annoyance at his confused gaze.
"... doing what? ..." he squeaked, afraid for what would come.
"... ya know? Makin' a total fool of yourself around me - tripping on your words!"
"... Well, Astrid ... it's kinda hard - I mean ... your just so ... and I just ... you're ... great - and ... and I really - mmph?"
The last of his words were cut short by the feel of her mouth against his. As the kiss was broken, Astrid was greeted with a soft, dazed expression - so stupid - so unlike himself ... well, for the most part anyway ...
"... Astrid ... I have to tell you - I- I never felt - so ... I think I might be ..."
A finger to his lips this time.
"... Save it." she whispered, a soft smile painting it's way across her face. "... whatever you're about to say - I think I got it - and ... I don't think I can handle anymore ... 'double meanings' ..."
"... Astrid, I -"
He is, once again, silenced - and happily so ...