"How about Hiccup?"

"What about him?"

"Astrid, life is too short. You need to express your feelings. Stop wasting time. You two are perfect."

Heather is right. I have to do something. Sure, maybe I could've hidden it from her months ago. But now, there's no way. There's no doubt about it. But I refuse to admit it to myself.

All my life, I've been training to become the best warrior Berk will ever see for years to come. I could never see myself falling in love. Ever. It just didn't seem like something that could happen to someone like me. Most girls have the lifelong dream that they'll fall in love with "the one", and have an amazing life alongside him. Me? I've always told myself there was no one out there who understood my desire to fight, and just be, well, me.

To be honest, I've always felt something towards Hiccup. But I never did anything about it because he was what his name implied; a hiccup. I was a warrior in training. I had a reputation to uphold as a Hofferson. It would never have looked good if I had opened up about my feelings. In fact, he was a thorn in everyone's side for years. While the other teens teased and picked on him, I did nothing. Firstly because it wasn't right, and secondly, because I didn't want him to be in any more pain than he already was.

After he saved the village from the Red Death, I spent the few weeks he was out either by his side, or somewhere I could be found easily if he were to wake up. Stoick didn't mind, in fact, he appreciated that I was there to watch over his son. Toothless was there, but it was understandable that he didn't fully trust the dragon yet. Me being there made him feel better about leaving his son alone to carry out his chiefly duties. So I stayed there with Toothless, constantly telling him and myself that he would wake up soon.

I spent a lot of that time thinking about what I wanted to happen. I was sure of one thing; I would never leave Hiccup without a friend ever again. He had never done anything to deserve what he had for all those years. I was going to make it up to him by being a friend.

When he woke up, reflexively I punched him. Then I did something that surprised me. I kissed him. I regretted it after, but when he didn't look repulsed, I smiled back. But nothing much happened after that. In fact, that was just the beginning of our friendship.

So together, we led the Dragon Academy, went searching for new dragons, and battled Outcasts and Berserkers. By then, we were best friends. Completely inseparable. If I ever got in trouble, he pulled me out, and if the roles were reversed, I did the same, although I'd punch him after for even getting into trouble in the first place. He took it all with a smile and a sarcastic quip, knowing that he deserved it. Which he did, mind you.

Now, we live on Dragons Edge. We do a lot of exploring and flying out here, charting new lands and working on his map together. I enjoy every second of my time with him.

When Heather visited, and she asked if we were an item, it caught me by surprise. I didn't say so. After all, we were just best friends right? So I told Heather that. I don't think she believed me, but whatever floats her boat, right?

She made it sound like she was already sure it was going to happen, but I wasn't so sure. Hiccup and I were just friends. Nothing more.

A few weeks ago, I fell ill with the Scourge of Odin. Hiccup was the only person who noticed something was wrong and saw through my facade.

When Snotlout brought me to the island where they found the Buffalord, I was barely awake. Though I distinctly remember falling off Stormfly, right into Hiccup's waiting arms.

"Just rest. We're going to beat this," he said. "I promise you, Astrid. You just have to keep fighting and hold on."

"You need to stay with us. I can't imagine a world without you in it."

Even in my weakened state, my heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words. He really cared.

"Hang in there, Astrid. Just a little longer. Please. For me."

So I did. For him. Because he told me to.

And after he found the cure, I told him I couldn't imagine a world without him in it either.

After that Viggo fiasco, as Hiccup called it, and Heather came back, she sprang this on me. Really? I'm so confused.

Does she really see something that I don't? I've never been one for romance or love stories, so why is she implying that I'm a part of one? I lie on my bed staring up at the ceiling as Heather sleeps soundly in the corner on the bed we set up for her while she stays here on the Edge. I glance at her. What if she's right? What if there is something that I don't see? Have I really been denying everything for the past four years? What if...

What if I'm in love?

The thought of it does not makes me feel disgusted and angry as I would have expected a few years ago. It makes me feel warm and comfortable inside, like it is right. It is a welcome feeling.

I sigh loudly, more conflicted than ever. I decide I need some fresh air, so I stand up and head for the door, picking up my axe along the way, just in case. I make sure to stay quiet so I don't wake Heather. As I walk to the beach, I sneak quick glances at Hiccup's hut. He's probably fast asleep, just as I should be. But my thoughts are flying around in my head too fast for me to be able to get any rest at all.

I arrive on the soft sand of the beach and sit down, placing my axe beside me. I bring my knees up to my chest and wrap my arms around them. I stare out at the sea, and the moon, and am instantly reminded of the first night we spent away from Berk.

Should I say something? What if he doesn't feel the same way? Will it change anything between us? If I don't say anything, I will lose him. He's the Chief's son. He would never go for a girl like me. What if I'm not good enough for him. What if I-

"Astrid? You okay?" I jump at the sound of his voice. It is only then I realize silent tears are rolling down my cheeks. I quickly wipe them away before he can see.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I lie. "I didn't hear you coming."

"I'm sorry. May I?" He asks, gesturing to the ground beside me. I nod and move my axe to the other side so he can sit. I rest my chin on my arms.

"Are you sure everything's okay?" He asks, placing a hand on my shoulder. I turn away from him.

It's now or never, I tell myself. Say it, and get it over with.

"Astrid?"

I make up my mind. I turn back around and look into his forest green eyes.

"Hiccup, I need to talk to you."

A/N: Hi! I actually started writing this a while ago and posted it first on Wattpad under my story Life on Berk. After seeing the response I got from it, I decided to start uploading my writing here. I actually have the first three chapters up already, so I will upload them here as well. I do have a lot planned for this story and I really hope you guys enjoy it. :)