Hey guys! Really, really, really sorry for the inactivity. But the exams are over! I'm supposed to complete my previous story, Semicircles of a Family, but I've been lacking inspiration for it. It'll come to me, eventually, just bear with me.

But allow me to present to you my newest creation-a series of drabbles/short stories inspired by the songs in HTTYD. Not the OST, but songs with lyrics. I'll have the 'classics', of course-Stick & Stones, Where No One Goes, Into the Fantasy and For the Dancing and the Dreaming. But I'll also include lesser known ones like the various songs sung in 'Tone Death', Ruffnut's Lullaby (as sang in 'Free Scauldy'), the Fireworm Song (as sung in 'Crash Course'), the Viking Ballad (aka 'I've Got my Axe') etc. Some stories may not be directly related to the song, eg. this one, but instead, relevant to a single line in the lyrics.

So please, R&R, keep suggesting, keep requesting and keep reading! Hope you enjoy this!

The Look in Your Eyes

Inspired by the lyric of 'Sticks and Stones' performed by Jónsi in HTTYD (2010)

"The eyes are the windows to the soul, Astrid!"

That's what he always said and though she tried to feign indifference, he could tell that she was more than amused with his statement.

To be frank, Astrid didn't care less about your eyes. Warriors don't use their eyes to search for your emotions. That was useless in battle. Eyes were soft, delicate, vulnerable. No helmet could protect them, for the eye slits were made them more susceptible than they already were.

Still, she tries it as it never seems to fail him.

Fishlegs' eyes were small and beady on his face. They weren't quick, which explains his reflexes, but they always seemed so teary. So teary they looked like they glistened. She always thought it made him look weak. But then she realised, his eyes were always wide open. Wide open and glistening with wonder. When she looked into it, it was so deep, as if the entire landscapes before him just bored into his eyes. And they were always hungry. Hungry for knowledge, she supposed. He would always stop when he sees a special rock or new flower, his hopeful eyes scanning it for every bit of detail. But when he looks up, his eyes are so full of compassion and wonder, and Astrid can't help but smile back.

Snotlout's eyes gives out this cocky aura, that sometimes made her want to slap him. This eyes seemed to be perpetually crinkled at the sides, just like his lips when he smirked. But it was bold, strong and tenacious. And whenever he was around the rest of the gang, his piercing gaze grew brighter and fierier, making itself known to everyone in the room. It was comforting, she had to admit. He gave her that little bit of confidence that he would protect them all, be it down the mouth of a Screaming Death or on the deck of a sinking boat. And when their eyes meet, and his roll to a side in pure chivalrous arrogance, Astrid can't help but punch him lightly at his side.

The twins were tricky. Extremely tricky. Their eyes were constantly darting around, skipping from item to the other. Their attention span was shorter than a Speed Stinger on a sugar rush for it was quick and unpredictable. Theirs, for some reason, always seemed to be dilated with mischief. But theirs was also the easiest. They always seemed to be bright and attentive, even during the most downcast of moments. Shining with emotion, those eyes were so distinct and easily dissected. Furthermore, what perplexed her the most, was that they always moved in synchrony. Their attention would always be fixed on the same object, gaze pointed in the same direction, eyes as wide in emotion. But when their identical eyes meet, the atmosphere seems to drop rapidly. The playful vibe dissipates, and their stares soften, yet grow intense, a reminder of their twenty years together. No one, not even Astrid's family, has looked at her the same way. Yet theirs brim with so much love. But when all three blue eyes meet, they stare at Astrid in the same way, reminding her that she is more than a friend. More than a teammate. She was family too. Astrid can't help but chuckle and return the smile.

He. He was the hardest. They were always elusive and shy. Constantly fixated on his newest invention or the Dragon Manual. Sometimes, it seems like they were avoiding everyone. They like to wander off, and sometimes, look completely blank and hollow. And she knows that he's mind has already flown off to the far reaches of the Archipelago. A dreamer, she called him. It made her a bit worried, she had to admit. But in that split second, his eyes could snap back to reality. And he would instantly radiate a protective, alert aura around himself. Keen, like a Night Fury, he spies every movement, every detail, then slowly relaxes.

It was during these moments, where she can fully capture his eyes. His eyes were different from the rests. Theirs were all beautiful, but his was unique. A million shades of green, with specks of gold and strands of brown. They were big, but not too big. There was so much going on in his deep irises, and she wondered if that's what goes through his mind. They were innovative, kind, protective, cynical, charismatic, adorable, quick, too much to list. She can't even tell who he was,

One aspect, however, is clear as crystal. Whenever his attention is on her, his eyes shimmer. They are focused intently on her, though he says nothing. He stares hard and long as he takes her image in. And he never seems to look away, like most would. He continues to gaze at her, until she has to look away first, blushing madly. And she sees herself reflected in his eyes and realises that's what goes through his mind.

She understands that look. Forged by years of tumultuous, but unbreakable friendship. Established by numerous trials of their team spirit. Shaped by series of conflicts, reminding her that they were different, but matched each other like a puzzle. Set ablaze by their undying passion for each other. When she looks back, he glows brighter. And the best thing? He makes her glow too.

And when he does, Astrid can't help but pull him close and kiss him on the lips.

But to her surprise, he always leans forward to kiss her first.

"How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"That I was going to kiss you."

"The look in your eyes."

"What?"

"Your eyes are the windows to your soul, Astrid."

And... It's a wrap! Hope you guys liked it cos I had a heck ton of fun writing this! I'll be sure to keep updating this collection. Some stories may not be as long as others, but hopefully you guys will love it as much as I do.