Happy New Year, Hiccup
"Come on," Astrid said with a huge smile. "Everybody's going to be so surprised!"
"I still don't think this is a good idea," Tuffnut muttered. Ruffnut rolled her eyes, clearly agreeing with her brother. The others ignored them.
"You know what?" Fishlegs asked, rubbing Meatlug. "I think they're going to like this!"
"Okay, get started with the plan," Astrid said, looking eagerly at them. "I expect it to start just a few minutes after nightfall." Then she ran off towards the Great Hall. Behind her, the others exchanged glances, but then went to do their job.
Astrid was in the Great Hall. There were Vikings all over the place. They were laughing, talking, drinking and some of them were even eating. But all of them were happy. She spotted her uncle talking to Gobber, and then both of them started laughing whole-heartedly.
And there Stoick was, talking to Hiccup. Astrid smiled at the sight of them – for the first time she was pretty sure they seemed truly comfortable in each others presence, like father and son should be. Astrid was nearly sad that she had to break them up.
She grabbed a cup and a plate from the table and made a jump up at the table. Then she banged the cup and plate together. In a few moments the hall was quiet. "Everybody outside!" she told the crowd. "Come on!" She descented the table and led towards the doors which she threw open. The last rays of the sun disappeared. Darkness covered Berk.
"Astrid, what is it? What's going on?" Hiccup came rushing towards her. "Has something happened? Should I go fetch Toothless?"
"No, what – no! Just... come on. I want you to get a good view." Astrid said. She grabbed his hand and pulled him with up in the hillside. When they were above the last rooftop, she stopped and let go of him.
"What is it?" Hiccup asked again. Astrid could see she hadn't convinced him yet.
"I promise you, you're going to – there!" She pointed out towards the outskirts of the town where fire exploded in a billion starts at the night sky, and then faded away. "Happy New Year," she then whispered and glanced at Hiccup with a smile which grew into a grin. He was staring towards the explosions with his mouth slightly agape, his eyes wide open.
"You-you pulled this off? How... When..." He came to an dead end and Astrid threw her arms around his neck.
"Does it matter? Just enjoy it!"
Just as the sky was enlightened once more, she gave him a kiss which lasted for many minutes. When they let go of each other, Hiccup smiled at her.
"Happy New Year," he whispered.